Adrian Rigby's talent was recognised quite early by his teachers and they encouraged him to go through the usual exams. Luckily he achieved top grades at school and college and went to study Natural History Illustration at Blackpool College, which offered the only course of its kind in the country. Here for the first time two of his great passions were combined- art and wildlife. Adrian Rigby passed with top grades and was flattered to be asked to return the following year and teach part-time.
In 1996 Adrian Rigby swept the board at the annual show for 'The Wildlife Art Society' in London. It was through this that his work came to the Attention of Solomon & Whitehead Publishers. Though often labelled as a Wildlife Artist, his new Publishers quickly realised his scope was wider and they have since concentrated on his marine and aviation work. This work has one primary object, which is to transport the viewer to another time and place and feel that they are having a first hand experience of the view: a spitfire has to look 'used and abused' as it was: a working machine in combat. The Titanic must 'cut' through the water like the 'heavyweight' giant she was. The finished result should look like a piece of history, frozen in full colour for the viewer to examine in detail.
In 2001 one of Adrian Rigby's wildlife works was selected for exhibition in the prestigious 'Birds in Art' event at the Leigh Yawhee Woodson Art Museum in America. The works were produced as posters to promote the exhibition. It was at this time that Solomon & Whitehead were also achieving incredible success with 'Titanic's Last Sunset'. Proof if ever it was needed that two totally different subjects can run side by side from a singular Artist.
In recent years Adrian has turned his attention to the artist’s city, Venice. We can see his technique beautifully transfers to this breath taking city. He creates lighting and atmosphere with such majesty as to transport the viewer into the scene itself.
