roger adamson
leading figurative line artist
drawing the line
In an era of deceptive artificiality, homogeneity, superficiality and endless identical repetition Roger Adamson embraces the power of the line and an unforgiving medium that leaves an artist nowhere to hide.
Roger Adamson (b.1968, Kent, UK) is a leading figurative line artist exploring the tension between transformation and timelessness, trade and nature, and transitional liminality between epochs.
In response to an era of deceptive artificiality, homogeneity, superficiality and endless identical repetition he has embraced the power of the line and the challenge of mastering an unforgiving medium that leaves an artist nowhere to hide.
His signature line drawings of the sea, landscapes, ships and people show the influence of Sumi-e, Ukiyo-e, and are inspired by the Utagawa School art of Hiroshige and Hokusai, and in particular the Sōsaku-hanga artists Yoshida Toshi, Kawase Hasui and the Yokohama-e pictures of Utagawa (Gountei) Sadahide which reflect and capture the Japanese country and its people experiencing epochal change.
Their focus on the quality of the line and its dynamic power to create complexity from simplicity, their egalitarian treatment of subjects and their palpable precision evoke a Japanese and Chinese aesthetic that makes them both high art and handicraft.
Demanding discipline, precision, courage and control his pen and ink works are the antithesis of the digital: embodying the tangible and temporal and seeking to distil the essence of universal truths.
from a studio by the sea
Working from a studio overlooking the sea in Kent, UK helped and hindered by Frank the studio cat, he travels extensively capturing a world on the brink of epochal change.
Exhibited regularly his work has been featured by The Royal Society of Marine Artists (2024, 2025), The Society of Graphic Fine Art (2025, 2026), and the 2025 VII London Art Biennale.
latest from instagram
If you’re in East Kent this weekend you should definitely spend an hour at the @eastkentartsociety 111th summer exhibition. You should come for two reasons: firstly, for the exceptionally high quality of the artworks by my fellow members and secondly, to enjoy the truly historic St Mary’s arts centre in grade I listed St Mary’s church Sandwich. #artexhibition #sandwich #thingstodo
Great evening with the folks at @chelseaartsociety for the private view. Honoured to be exhibiting Emergence - Megalopolis and enjoying the other fabulous artworks and sculpture. Well worth a visit this weekend if you’re in London @chelseaoldtownhall
#artexhibition #fineart #sculpture
Sweltering evening in Chelsea arriving for the private view at the @chelseaartsociety 77th annual exhibition at Chelsea Old Town Hall in the Kings Road. Looking forward to the official opening and perhaps a cheeky glass of champagne.
#artist #exhibitor #chelsea
Fascinating entries from the ship’s log of HMS Belfast on this day 82 years ago as she supported the British and Canadian assaults on Gold and Juno beaches. The log can still be viewed on the captain’s bridge of HMS Belfast. Looking forward to starting a series of six pictures to commemorate her 25 years of active service.
@imperialwarmuseums #navalhistory #DDay82 #OperationOverlord #Normandy1944
Low tide at Pin Mill – Suffolk
#pen&ink #art #maritime
Fantastic exhibition of Hiroshige works @thebritishmuseum. Well worth a visit if you`re in London between now and 7th September. Especially great to see my favourite Hiroshige woodblock `Sudden shower over Ohashi and Atake` from 100 famous views of Edo - 1857
@thebritishmuseum
Something very cool arrived in the post! Enjoying a leisurely leaf through all the selected artworks for the #londonartbiennale2025 Great catalogue and very proud to be exhibiting and highlighting the plight of the men who break ships around the world.
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#londonartbiennale2025 #chelseaoldtownhall #marineart #marineartist #shipbreaking #chittagong #exhibition
60 nations, 350 artists and one of those is me! Absolutely delighted to be selected to exhibit at this year`s #londonartbiennale2025 Looking forward to the Private View tomorrow.
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#london #marineart #marineartist #londonartbiennale2025 #chelseaoldtownhall
门 Mén. Sān lián huà
The Door Triptych.
roger adamson
Leading Figurative Line Artist.
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Original & limited edition works.