Justin Hawkes

(b. 1955)

Justin Hawkes is a British painter and conservator whose work is characterised by richly coloured abstract compositions with underlying references to landscape. His practice centres on watercolour, where he has developed a distinctive approach based on immersion techniques, allowing colour to flow and settle in layered, translucent passages. He studied at Cambridge Anglia Polytechnic (1974–76) and at Byam Shaw School of Art (1976–80), where his tutors included Frank Bowling and Simon Willis. During his studies he was awarded the Graham Hamilton Drawing Award. Following art school, Hawkes trained as a painting conservator under Judy Blofeld, a former student of Helmut Ruhemann, and later worked as a visiting teacher at art schools. Hawkes’ paintings are informed by an interest in rhythm, harmony, and the passage of time, often drawing parallels with musical structure. His use of controlled fluidity and restrained surface allows colour relationships to develop gradually, creating compositions that appear both balanced and effortless. Alongside painting, he has worked in printmaking, including lithography associated with the Curwen Studio. His work has been exhibited internationally, with showings in the UK, Japan, and Canada, and has been selected for exhibitions at the Royal Watercolour Society and the Royal Society of British Artists.