Meet The French Artist Finding Inspiration in Yorkshire
French mixed media artist Richard Burel shares how he's found real inspiration in our county
‘From an early stage, I felt a strong pull to translate atmosphere, memory, and emotion into something tangible – something that could hold presence in a room. Over time, that instinct evolved into a disciplined practice, shaped by observation, travel, and a deep sensitivity to light, space and mood. What continues to drive me is the idea that a painting should do more than decorate – it should anchor a space, create a feeling, and quietly reveal itself over time. Each piece I create is built with that intention: to be lived with, to resonate, and to become part of someone’s personal story.’
Richard paints vivid, textured cityscapes that blur the line between reality and imagination. ‘My work explores the character of urban environments, their architecture, energy and layered stories,’ he explains. ‘Sitting at the intersection of landscape and emotion, my paintings feel both familiar and dreamlike. Rather than documenting a scene, I am interested in capturing the essence of a place.’
Since settling in the UK in 2000, Richard has exhibited with a number of leading galleries across the country and has been an elected member of the prestigious Bath Society of Artists for more than 20 years. ‘I’ve also exhibited at Mall Galleries in London, which was an important milestone for me,’ he adds. ‘On the international level, I have exhibited my work in my home country of France, as well as in Rome where I have spent many years and which has greatly influenced my practice.’
Richard now works from a studio near Ilkley, but also has a studio near Palermo in Sicily, where he spends part of the year. He says he finds that contrast between two very different environments a fuel to his creative energy.
Richard was drawn to Yorkshire through a mix of family ties and something deeper that he felt almost immediately. ‘There’s a genuine warmth here,’ he says. ‘People are generous with their time, their stories and their spirit. It’s a grounded place, where life feels honest and unpretentious, and that really resonates with me. Over time, those family connections became something more rooted. I found myself inspired not just by the landscapes, but by the character of the people and the rhythm of daily life. There’s a quiet strength and authenticity in Yorkshire that I’ve come to love, and it naturally feeds into my work.’
Today Richard’s inspiration is rooted in the urban landscape, particularly the towns and cities of Yorkshire, but just as importantly, in the human presence within them. ‘What interests me is the dialogue between architecture and the figures that move through it,’ he explains. Like some of the greatest artists, he’s drawn to what is close and familiar. ‘Walking through places like Leeds or York, I observe not just the structure of the city, but the presence of people within it,’ he says. ‘The solitary figure crossing a street, a couple paused in conversation, the anonymity of a crowd. These figures are never the focus in a literal sense, but they are essential. They bring scale and a sense of narrative. I’m interested in their universality – they are not portraits, but echoes of human presence, allowing the viewer to project their own story into the scene.’
If you visited Living North LIVE at York Racecourse in March, you will have spotted Richard painting next to his stand. ‘The response in Yorkshire has been incredibly encouraging, and often very personal,’ he says. People recognise something familiar in my work – the architecture, the rhythm of the streets, the atmosphere of places they know – yet they’re equally drawn to the way it’s been reinterpreted.
‘There’s a strong reaction to the colour in particular. Yorkshire can be quite muted in reality, so when those familiar scenes are infused with a slightly more expressive, almost French sensibility – richer tones, warmer contrasts – it creates a sense of both recognition and escape. Collectors often tell me it feels like seeing their own surroundings through a different lens. Texture also plays a big part. The surface of the paintings brings a tactile quality that people respond to instinctively. It adds depth and energy, something that shifts with the light and keeps the work alive in a space. And then there’s a certain quirkiness that people seem to connect with. Whether it’s in the composition, the subtle exaggeration of perspective, or the presence of figures, there’s a lightness to the work that invites curiosity without losing its sense of refinement. Overall, people seem to respond to that balance: recognisable places, but reworked through colour, texture, and collage into something more tactile, vibrant and distinctive.’
Currently Richard is working on a new, more focused body of work centred on Yorkshire, particularly its industrial heritage and the enduring character of the people connected to it. ‘I’ve been exploring places where that history is still visible in the architecture and atmosphere – old mills, terraced streets, and the structural rhythm of former industrial towns,’ he reveals. ‘These environments carry a quiet weight, and I’m interested in translating that into paintings that feel both grounded and refined.
‘Alongside this, I’m developing a stronger figurative element, with subtle references to what I think of as the “Yorkshire man” – not as a portrait, but as a presence. Figures appear more deliberately within the compositions, suggesting resilience, routine, and a certain understated strength that feels intrinsic to the region.’
Richard hopes to continue refining his work to the highest level, creating paintings that feel timeless, considered and distinctive. ‘I’m interested in building a cohesive body of work that sits confidently within both private collections and more curated exhibition spaces,’ he says. Richard is open to commissions and is looking to expand into selected galleries and art fairs. ‘Ultimately, my ambition is quite simple: to continue evolving as a painter, while creating work that holds its value over time – both emotionally and as an investment and becomes something that collectors choose to live with for years, even generations.’
Browse Richard’s paintings at richardburelart.com and keep up to date with his work on Instagram @richardburelart.
Where’s your happy place in Yorkshire?
A Yorkshire market on a busy day – there’s something honest and full of character about it that really speaks to me.
Is there an artist who inspires you?
I’ve always admired LS Lowry for the way he captured everyday life with such honesty and rhythm, and David Hockney for his bold use of colour and fresh perspective. I think I sit somewhere between the two – storytelling with a vibrant, expressive twist.
Is there an item you couldn’t live without?
My music playlist. I paint with music all the time – it puts me in the right state of mind, where everything flows more naturally.
