Adam Ralston, ROI, is a leading contemporary oil painter and a central figure in the British plein air movement. Born in Lytham St Annes in 1970, and now based in Blackpool, his deep roots in the North of England are a central part of his artistic identity. A core member of the acclaimed 'Northern Boys' collective, his work is an evocative celebration of place, capturing the transient spirit of cityscapes and landscapes from London to the North of England, and beyond to Venice. Ralston's artistic practice is rooted in direct observation, with a primary focus on painting from life, braving the elements to capture a scene in a single session. He is renowned for his dynamic, expressive brushwork, which combines the light and atmosphere of Impressionism with a modern realist sensibility, turning everyday scenes into something "almost cinematic". His still life compositions, in contrast, offer a more contemplative and slow-paced process. Ralston’s career demonstrates a clear and sustained trajectory of critical acclaim and professional recognition. His work is consistently featured in prestigious exhibitions at London's Mall Galleries with the Royal Institute of Oil Painters (ROI) and the New English Art Club (NEAC). He has been honoured with numerous national awards, including first place at Pintar Rapido London in 2017 and the ROI Paintlive event in 2017, both of which are a testament to his exceptional skill in capturing a scene rapidly and accurately. His receipt of the 'Frank Herring Easel Award' in both 2016 and 2021, and the ‘Menena Joy Schwabe Award’ (2020) from the ROI, demonstrates his sustained excellence. His election to full membership of the ROI in 2022 is a key career milestone, confirming his status as one of the UK's most accomplished and respected oil painters, and a vital mark of provenance for collectors. His paintings, whether a bustling street in Manchester or a rugged landscape in the Lake District, are at once deeply personal and universally resonant. They offer collectors a tangible connection to a timeless sense of place and atmosphere, making them a compelling and lasting acquisition.