Adebanji Alade ROI, 1972 | Figurative / Cityscape painter

Adebanji Alade - ROI (Member of The Royal Institute Of Oil Painters) was born in Nigeria, and trained at Yaba College of Technology (a renowned art college in Nigeria). He extended his studies at Heatherly’s School of Fine Art in Chelsea in the UK.

Adebanji is a professional artist working in Chelsea, London. He is primarily a figurative and portrait artist with a fascination for painting and sketching people and draws inspiration from the people he sees travelling on public transport.  Adebanji, along with five other acrylic painters, was one of the first to try our new Artists’ Acrylic colours.

Artist’s statement

My work is all about people and places.

I strive to bring the force and power of the sketch into every piece I embark on. I am a strong believer in sketching and I believe everything in art starts with a sketch, so, in my works you’ll always feel the power and sense of a captured moment. I work from life and from photo references but the mission is the same-to bring a lively sketchy feel to the completed piece.

I like to focus on people because I love the play of light, moods, emotions, beauty and the variety that each face brings. I also love places because I get inspired by the atmosphere, historical importance, mood and the play of light that a particular place can offer at any point in time.

Society memberships

• 2012 Elected an Associate Member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters.
• 2014 Elected a full member of The Guild of Fine Art, Nigeria.
• 2014 Elected to the council of the Chelsea Art Society.
• 2015 Started teaching at Heatherley’s School of Fine Art, Chelsea.
• 2015 Elected to Full Membership of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters.

Awards and prizes

• 2014 - Buxton Spa Sketchbook Award.
• 2013 - Winner of Pinta Rapido, Plein Air Event at the Chelsea Town Hall.
• 2010 - Winner of the Best Painting of a London Scene, Chelsea Art Society.
• 2010 - Winner of the Chelsea Riverside Competition organized by Cheyne Walk Trust in aid of Heatherley’s School of Fine Art Bursary Fund.
• 2009 - Winner of the Plein Air Category at the Bath Prize.
• 2009 - Winner of the Artist Magazine Cover Competition on Summer Scenes.
• 2009 - Winner of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters Competition in the Artist Magazine.
• 2008 - Daler Rowney Award, Patching Art Competition, by The Artist Magazine.
• 2007 - Winner of the Under 35 Category (Winsor and Newton Prize) Royal Institute of Oil Painters.
• 2005 - ITV Series of Brush with Fame, Winner of the London Wild Card.