Dianne Flynn: A Life Well Lived

It is with tremendous sadness that we share the news of figurative artist Dianne Flynn’s recent passing. Teacher, published author and celebrated artist for nearly fifty years, Dianne and her contributions to British figurative art leave behind a lasting legacy nothing short of inspirational.

Dianne established a lifelong career in the arts from her earliest years as a student and budding artist. After partaking in local art classes in her formative years, she graduated from the Manchester School of Art in 1973 with a Diploma in Art & Design before going on to obtain an Art Teachers Certificate from Leeds Polytechnic Institute in 1974. Following her studies, she left for France, living and painting in the Languedoc with fellow artist and husband to be, Paul Hedley, with whom she would paint alongside for the rest of her life.

Upon their return to the UK, Dianne’s career continued to flourish. She established a studio and divided her time between painting, exhibiting and teaching. Her skills brought her to the attention of George Rowney & Co. who employed her for several years as a demonstrator of oil, watercolour, acrylic and pastel techniques. She first achieved success as a portrait painter, and by 1976, had become a full-time, well respected figurative artist, accruing a faithful and ever-increasing body of collectors. Over the course of her highly successful career, she exhibited her work around the world and at various prestigious institutes, including The Royal Society of Portrait Painters and The Pastel Society, London.

Dianne’s legacy will continue to flourish through those who knew and loved her, and through the depth and span of her wonderful body of work. A uniquely sensitive painter, Dianne’s scenes of children at play are both timeless and achingly nostalgic. Imbued with romance, impressionistic verve and an uncommon eye for the effects and fluidity of natural light, Dianne’s paintings will undoubtedly continue to delight and inspire for many years to come.

To view Dianne Flynn's remaining collection of original paintings, visit her artist page.