Poppy Critchlow (b. 2001, London)  is a painter who has always been fascinated by people and their self-expression. Working from life where possible, she finds the finished portraits to reveal more than consciously realised about the people she studies; anxious hands, glassy stares and knees that want to bounce. She frequently returns to the theme of 'the other' within her work.

Using oil paints, Poppy builds from a Burnt Sienna sketch. She juxtaposes loose marks with precise line, ghostly impasto and watery underpainting. A general sense of unease is often heightened with uncomfortable colour combinations and clashing patterns. Poppy embraces spontaneity whilst painting, allowing her hands move faster than her thoughts to maintain a playful, instinctive process.

Poppy graduated from the University of Leeds in 2023 with a degree in Fine Art with History of Art. She has exhibited at several UK Galleries, including the Saatchi Gallery.