David Kirkman

David’s art is all about celebrating life’s colourful moments through vivid, immersive mixed-media paintings. Each piece is infused with positivity, self-expression, and the joy of pursuing personal happiness.

 David’s work has been very well received by our clients,  resonating personally, making the viewer stop and take a moment.  We caught up with David to delve deeper into his process for creating art.

What made you decide to become a full-time artist?

The decision to become a full-time artist happened quite quickly. I had been creating abstract paintings for about three years, as a way to manage my mental health and ADHD, which is very important to me. Over time, I started receiving requests to create pieces for friends and family. In 2021, I held my first solo exhibition, and around that time, I was also looking for a new professional adventure. That’s when I decided to fully immerse myself in the art world—and the rest is history.

When did you start painting?

I’ve been painting since I was about six, spending a lot of time with my grandad, who taught me and shared his love for art. However, it wasn’t until around seven years ago that I began exploring abstract painting.

Do you plan what you are going to paint in a day, or do you have to see how the paint takes you that day?

I never plan my artwork, and I don’t even own a sketchbook. When something inspires me, I let that inspiration take root in my subconscious and guide the creative process. If I try to plan a piece, it never feels authentic to who I am or how I express myself.

What is your preferred medium?

I prefer using acrylics as my medium because they align perfectly with the way I create. I paint with emotion and focus intensely on one piece at a time. The quick-drying nature of acrylics allows me to stay in the same emotional flow, capturing the energy and feeling in the moment without interruption.

Did you study art?

I studied art up to A-level, but it didn’t feel like the right path for me at the time. My greatest teacher was my late grandad, who was an artist himself and inspired my love for creativity. I’ve since developed my abstract style through self-teaching, allowing me to explore and evolve my own unique approach to art.

What led you to produce this style of artwork?

I paint intuitively, guided by emotion rather than a structured plan. Other than selecting a colour palette, I let my creativity flow naturally. Having ADHD means my mind is often busy and sometimes chaotic, and I channel this energy into my art. By embracing my differences, I allow my subconscious to take over, creating pieces that feel authentic and deeply personal. My style is inspired by my own personal challenges to create work that I hope inspires and evokes joy.

Do you feel you style has evolved?

Absolutely, my style has evolved as I’ve explored different emotions and states of mind. Each emotion tends to inspire its own collection. For example, when I’m in an energized state, I create intricate graffiti-style pieces that invite the viewer to lose themselves in the details. These works celebrate our thoughts, individuality, and the beauty of self-expression, reflecting the diversity of emotions that drive my creative process.

Your style of artwork is very unique to you, how do you choose the colour palette for a piece?

The colour of the background is usually the only conscious decision I make, and it’s driven by instinct. Before I start painting, I reflect on the various colours I use and how they make me feel. Colour holds a lot of power for me, and when I feel a strong connection to one, I choose it for the background. This sets the mood for the entire piece. After that, all other decisions happen in the moment.

Who has inspired you?

My personal struggles with depression and ADHD have deeply influenced my creative journey. I’ve learned to channel the challenges and complexities of these experiences into my art, using them as a source of strength rather than something to be defeated by. Instead of focusing on the negativity, I transform those feelings into bold, colourful, and vivid pieces that aim to inspire positivity and spark self-reflection. I understand first hand how overwhelming it can feel to struggle, which is why I want my work to serve as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is room for light and growth. Through my art, I hope to create a space where others can feel seen, find hope, and celebrate the unique aspects that make us who we are. It’s about embracing our differences and finding beauty in the complexities of life.

What has been your proudest moment as an artist?

The last couple of years have been a whirlwind of highs and lows, and it’s been a huge learning experience adjusting to the pace of becoming a professional artist so quickly. I’ve had some amazing moments, like getting my work into galleries, being featured in publications, and holding my own exhibitions. But I think my proudest moment came when someone who was very low told me that my painting had made her smile, even though she was feeling awful. Knowing that something I created brought her joy was incredibly meaningful to me. The reason I paint is to find my happy place and it made my day to do the same for someone else, even if it was just for a moment.

I love working on large canvases, typically 90cm or bigger, because they give me the freedom to fully express myself. Smaller canvases feel limiting, restricting both my movements and my emotions. On a larger scale, I can immerse myself in the creative process, letting my gestures and energy flow freely. I also believe that abstract art is meant to make a bold statement, and the expansive space of a large canvas perfectly enhances that impact.

Do you have a time of day that you like to paint?

My other job is being a full-time dad, which means my studio hours are pretty much dictated by school drop-offs and after-school clubs. I can’t really dive into a piece unless I have a few solid hours to get lost in it. So, I tend to paint in the mornings and during the day, when I can escape the chaos of snack time and the never-ending “He’s got my toy” crisis.

What do you enjoy doing outside of the studio?

I love the natural world and feel most at peace when I’m immersed in nature. Whether it’s diving into the ocean as a scuba enthusiast, enjoying the peaceful rhythm of a round of golf, or hitting the slopes while skiing, I find these activities not only allow me to connect with the earth but also provide a sense of freedom and inspiration.

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