Ronnie Copas (British, b.1936)

Lunchtime on the Lake, 1986

egg tempera on panel

signed and dated ‘Copas 86’ (lower left)

26.3 x 31.3 cm.

Born in London, Copas is one of three brothers who all became painters. He studied drawing at Epsom School of Art and etching at the Royal West of England Academy. Adopting his mother's maiden name with the intention of avoiding confusion with his brothers (Holt by surname), he departed London for Cornwall and worked for many years as a boatman for the St Levan family of St Michael's Mount. He exhibited regularly both in Newlyn and St Ives. His subject matter is immensely varied, some from his experience with the sea and boats, and also from sketching visits to Spain, Greece and from literature. He has been commissioned to produce large mural - paintings for such as the headquarters of the Wildfowl Trust at Arundel, and a large Shakespearian painting to travel with the Shakespeare Company Art Collection.