Art is in his nature, from a young age Alan’s talent for art was evident.
His schoolteacher said he “He has the touch of an artist, and that can never be taught.” After studying three years at the Stoke on Trent College of Art, Alan was accepted on scholarship to the Royal College of Art London for three years. Following a series of solo exhibitions and recognition from the Royal College, Alan returned to his native Cheshire. He taught at a secondary school before accepting a lectureship at South Cheshire Central College of Art, Crewe where he remained for six years. At the age of 29 he decided to retire from teaching to devote more time to painting as a professional artist.
Travel opened up and he left for California where he won three prizes for his paintings and started on his career as a professional artist. Following many successful exhibitions in and around California, Alan missed the greens and rolling hills of the United Kingdom so decided to return home.
In 1972 he moved to York opening the Alan Stuttle Gallery in Micklegate which was used as a base for travelling around the country painting new subjects for his portfolio. In 1988 he opened a second gallery in Scarborough opening access to the east coast. After painting the historic city of York, the Yorkshire Dales and many towns and villages the English coastline and fresh sea air brought new vibrancy to his art.
Both galleries were very successful. Alan decided to take up a new challenge and travelled again painting around Europe, naturally gravitating towards Italy where he fell in love with the colours, landscapes and culture.
“During the past fifty years I have always been inspired by the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales. There are still many views waiting to be painted. Italy is one of my favourite countries, but visiting Australia, New Zealand and Canada was where I found new inspiration.”
Caroline & Richard Stuttle Painting Bursary
Alan has had the pleasure of working with many charities over the years donating many paintings and much of his time. He founded his own charity, a painting bursary for young artists at Huntington Road School, York. In memory of his daughter, Caroline, whose life was prematurely ended in 2002 at the age of 19 whilst on a gap year in Australia. Each year Alan and his son Richard presents the top art students with a certificate and a cheque to spend on travel and art materials. Since starting the bursary, the students have travelled to New York, Italy, France, Spain, Canada & South Africa, each bring back a painting for the school’s art department.
After the tragedy of losing his daughter, Alan wrote an account of his experience in the format of a diary describing the first 100 days of a father’s mourning. Titled ‘The Bridge’ its proceeds benefit the Caroline and Richard Stuttle Painting Bursary.
