Cheshire/Liverpool
Samuel Reeves is a Fine Art student at Liverpool Hope University whose practice centres on oil painting, merging realism with expressive, intuitive mark making. Their work explores themes of memory and connection, often drawing inspiration from everyday encounters and the subtle dynamics of human relationships. Through vibrant colour and intricate detail, Sam’s portraits aim to capture the essence of their sitters with honesty and warmth, inviting viewers into moments that feel both intimate and universally recognisable. A key element of Sam’s recent work is the use of a gridded structure to introduce controlled distortion. This visual device reflects the inherent restlessness of human nature, suggesting movement and transformation within otherwise grounded compositions. The result is a body of work that balances precision with spontaneity, offering a contemporary interpretation of figurative painting. Sam’s artistic development is supported by a strong academic foundation, having achieved top grades in Fine Art at both The Winsford Academy and Cheshire College South and West before progressing to their BA (Hons) degree. Their work has been exhibited across virtual and physical platforms, including CISTA ARTS, Circular Artspace, the Liverpool Art Collective, and a recent exhibition in London. They have received multiple awards, including the Juror’s Choice Award from the Circular Foundation for the Arts and finalist recognition in the Progressus Art Award. Alongside their studio practice, Sam contributes to community arts projects, most recently working as a prop painter and maker for a 2026 production of Cinderella for St Luke’s charity.
This portrait becomes a deeply personal response to the theme of Lineage, grounding the idea of heritage in the intimate act of remembering a loved one. Painted after the passing of the Sam’s nan, the work reflects the memories he has of her presence, capturing the stories, gestures, and quiet moments remembered. The gridded structure introduces a sense of fragmentation, echoing the way memory works - imperfect and pieced together over time. Each square functions almost like a preserved fragment of a life lived, suggesting that a portrait is not a single moment but a collection of experiences. By portraying a family member who played a formative role in their upbringing, the artist explores lineage not as an abstract concept but as something rooted in real relationships. The painting becomes a space where grief and love coexist. It acts as a way of honouring the warm personality of a person who helped shape who they are, while acknowledging the transformation that occurs when someone moves from presence into memory.
Samuel Reeves, Every Piece of You, 2025, Oil on MDF, 15" x 18"
Artwork is not for sale
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