This week, Cosimo Studio Tours visits artist Lucian’s (@lucianthepainter)’s studio near Primrose Hill. Lucian is a graduate from University of the Arts London, Camberwell College. With a professional background in advertising, Lucian works as an oil painter. His work alters (and often subverts) the traditions of figurative painting. Lucian’s artistic influences range from Egon Schiele to (even) Damien Hirst for his commercial mind-set. 

In this interview, our discussion covers a range of topics from art school, the necessities of art school, art world gatekeeping and ‘art world snobberies,’ the conflicting opinions on Damien Hirst (and his ‘art-selling genius’), art marketing, as well as how artists can begin to adopt a more entrepreneurial approach when it comes to making a living and a career as an artist. 

Lucian exhibited a solo show on Kings Road in Chelsea last fall in 2022. This upcoming Spring and Summer 2023, he will exhibit a series of photography, figurative paintings and works in a second solo show in London.