“ Ruth has an innate sense of how to create balance of colour or of atmosphere… she has the enviable ability to both create a sense of place and a satisfying collection of brush strokes which work hand in hand.”
Ruth’s work can also be seen on Cornwall Open Studios and Little Van Gogh
A review of Contemporary British Painting Prize 2024 featuring Ruth’s work can be seen here in Corridor 8
Ruth Bateman (b. 1982, Weymouth, UK) is a contemporary painter and visual artist based in North Devon and Cornwall. Her practice explores the sublime, the concept of place, and the intricate relationship between humanity and the environment. Inspired by her physical engagement with the landscape—through climbing, mountaineering, and cycling—Ruth captures the visceral energy of her experiences in her kinetic, instinctive approach to painting.
Her work bridges internal and external landscapes, blending intuitive mark-making with layers of refinement. Using both conventional materials such as acrylics, oils, and inks, alongside unconventional ones like tea, mud, and found textiles, her paintings reflect the complexity and tension between human presence and the natural world. Each piece becomes an expression of movement, emotion, and environmental awareness, engaging viewers in a dialogue about our connection to nature and our responsibility to protect it.
As a neurodivergent artist, Ruth views art as a universal language that transcends barriers. For her, visual expression is a means to empower, communicate, and foster inclusivity. Her community work — spanning projects with dementia patients, schools, and local initiatives — focuses on themes of wellbeing, identity, and ecological change. Collaborating with organisations such as North Devon Council and Visual Arts South West, she integrates creativity with activism, ensuring art remains accessible to all.
Ruth’s work has been widely exhibited, including at Chelsea College of Art, Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, and The Burton at Bideford Art Gallery and Museum. Recently, she was shortlisted for the 2024 Contemporary British Painting Prize and Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year. These accolades underscore her ability to create art that resonates deeply, offering a celebration of difference and a powerful reflection on humanity’s place within an ever-changing environment.
Please see instagram @RUTHBATEMANARTIST for current and developing work.