As a sea life painter, Giles finds inspiration in the colours and textures that the natural world offers up in abundance. From the stunning rainbow colours of a freshly landed mackerel shimmering greens, blues and purples, to the other-worldly textures and shapes of the many crustaceans shuffling on the seabed.
Disappointingly overlooked as a delicacy in Britain, the spider crab is not only a weirdly wonderful creature to study, but also a delicious alternative to the day-to-day shore crab. Native to the shores of Britain, spider crabs can be found scuttling across rocks and seabeds all summer long. With their long skeleton legs and and ridged spiny shell, they are a distinctive sight and fine example of Nature’s mysterious diversity.
Giles sources, then photographs all his subjects first. Preferring to work from his own images, the camera lets Giles spend time looking in detail. It also helps to find and establish the shapes and design he wants to focus on. The next stage is a series of preparatory sketches that again help form the shape of the final painting. This painting is built up in layers to create an almost three-dimensional image. In the case of the spider crab, myriad materials and paints were used to build up the crusty texture of the shell – including actual crab shell taken from the original photographed spider crab that inspired the image!
The results of Giles’ study of spider crabs are available both as a limited edition signed print:
Spider Crab – Limited Edition Signed Print
Or as a larger, poster size print:
Giles also works to commission for both private individuals, businesses or restaurants and hotels. Please contact for further details
