

About Adie Parker
I am passionate about colour and movement.
My style is expressive, energetic and spontaneous.
Drawing and painting was, and is, a lifesaver for someone who cannot sit still. My pencil saved many an endless wait in a bird hide in the depths of the bushveld, then always reluctant to leave, having got absorbed in a drawing of an acacia tree! Growing up in South Africa, I was spoilt for choice: landscapes saturated in colour and texture, wildlife to observe and diverse portraits to study. A fascination for mark making was born.
I studied Graphic Art in Natal for three years. It was an intense practical diploma covering a wide range of techniques and approaches, which I incorporate in my artwork today.
After graduating I worked as a designer for seven years, both in SA and the UK. My studies and experience in the design industry added tremendous value to the years that followed. Yearning to go back to my pencils and paintbrushes, I took a bold step to leave my London Design job in 2000 and move into teaching adult art classes and building a professional painting career in Surrey and surrounds.
My late thirties represented a turning point; a single life with new opportunities and adventures. A leap of faith to Italy where I completed two oil painting courses at the Florence Academy was the perfect start. It renewed my interest in still life, having been inspired by a wonderful, talented tutor. I also fell in love with the timeless and elegant architecture in Italy.
I am a very active person. Through teaching art and sport, I have developed rich and fulfilling relationships with people from all walks of life and it has helped me to evolve as an artist where empathy and atmosphere are as important as technique.
I like my painting process to evolve, to be a little unpredictable: it keeps me on my toes. I am passionate about colour and movement. My style is expressive, energetic and spontaneous.
I love working with my hands, so glue, gesso, collage, dribbles, textures and big brushes contribute to that happy studio headspace. I particularly enjoy working with mixed media. Acrylic inks and pastel pencils allow the brushstrokes and illustration to flow. Paper collage patterns weave themselves in and out enhancing the texture and complexity of the subject. Stories within stories encourage the viewer to take a closer look; draw the viewer into a positive and uplifted world.

Her art career began as a designer in a Medical Advertising Agency, having qualified as a Graphic Artist in Natal in 1993, SA. After moving to the UK in 1997 she continued to work in a London Design Studio before choosing to become a professional artist, tutor and demonstrator in 2000.
Seven years working in the design industry created a rich foundation. Subsequently, she completed two oil painting courses at the Florence Academy in 2008, which renewed her interest in still life. Commuting to France introduced her to another European architectural landscape and other favourites: chickens.
Besides her love of art, she also enjoys many sporting activities. These pursuits have established strong networks and have helped Adie to inject more personality, empathy and vitality into the creative process.
Her favourite subjects are crowded spaces with old architectural backdrops, atmospheric interiors, quirky still life, portraits and wildlife.
Even though Adie has instructed in all painting and drawing mediums for 24 years, she particularly enjoys working with mixed media (acrylics, acrylic inks, pastels and collage papers). It is challenging and gives her the flexibility to vary the combinations and push her boundaries. She is passionate about colour and movement, which is evident in her expressive, energetic and spontaneous style.
Adie is still teaching art and she demonstrates for art groups in and around Surrey and Kent. Solo exhibitions, commissions and private sales have allowed her to develop and evolve as an artist.
Art Group and Society Demonstrations
Tatsfield Art Group (tutor)
Jackson’s Art Group (Whyteleafe)
Epsom Art Group
Tandridge Art Society
Kingswood Art Group
Knockholt Art Group
Oxted Art Group
Battle & District Art Group
Arundel Art Group
Old Coulsdon Art Group
East Horsley & Clandon Art Society
East Grinstead Art Group
Chipstead Art Group
Bexley Heath Art Group
Croydon Art Society
Farleigh Art Group
Sevenoaks Art Group
West Wickham Art Group
Spectrum Art Group (Reigate)
Orpington Art Group
Westerham Art Group
Arun Art Group
North Weald Art Group
Jubilee Art Group
Leatherhead Art Society
Sidcup Art Group
Henfield Art Group
Solo Exhibitions
2018 – Oxted
2015 – Crowborough
2012 – Soper Halls
2004 – Fairfield Hall
Other Accolades
Society of Women Artists Exhibition 2024
“Peoples Choice Award”
Mall Galleries
Society of Women Artists Exhibition 2023
“Peoples Choice Award”
Mall Galleries
One of 50 selected for
“Artist of the year 2014”
Mall Galleries
One of 50 selected for
“Artist of the Year 2013”
Mall Galleries
Best in Show:
Tandridge Art Society 2012