ART GALLERY SW NEWSLETTER
Welcome to Art Gallery SW April newsletter. Each month we plan short interesting art based topics illustrated with a works from our gallery artists. This month we are featuring Colourist and Wildlife art. There will also be virtual exhibitions running throughout April based on the work of F.G Davis and the wild beauty of the West Country moorlands.
“Simply the Best” by F.G.Davis
Colour
Marc Chagall said that ‘…colour is all. When colour is right, form is right. Colour is everything, colour is vibration like music; everything is vibration’. For many artists like Chagall colour is central to their work. This is also true for Devonshire artist Claire Kinsey for whom colour takes centre stage as apparent in her abstract painting ‘The Bay/Shelter’. Claire says that ‘colour is the most important aspect…as it has the power to affect energy and emotion’
“The Bay/Shelter Abstract” by Claire Kinsey
Other artists such as Chris Wilmshurst also places colour as central to her practice. Her bold acrylic paintings with collage reflect the fact that ‘colour is by far the most important element’ for her. The artist communicates through colour and the colour evokes emotions, enabling the viewer to look deeper into the painting and ourselves.
“Path Through the Long Grass” by Chris Wilmshurst
Throughout history there have been many artists for whom colour was all important. From Picasso and his ‘blue period’ to Scottish artists Francis Cadell and John Duncan Fergusson. This form of painting is known as colourist painting. It is characterised by intense colour which is the dominant feature of the painting.
This prominent use of colour is apparent in the work of the Fauvists in the early 20th century. Whose work emphasised strong colour above realism. Until this point the importance of colour had been overshadowed in the late 19th century by Impressionism. Since then colourist painting has been a key aspect of a number of individual styles and art movements, the most prominent having been the work of the Scottish Colourists.
Wildlife Art
Artists have been inspired by the animal world for thousands of years. It’s a strong relationship that has changed emphasis throughout the centuries.
Prehistoric man first recorded the importance of animals through simplified forms upon cave walls. Later, 15th century artists recorded discoveries made by scientists from travels to distant lands.
Today contemporary wildlife artists and photographers often seek to capture an animal’s character and it’s unique behaviour. Art can be inspired by the abstract patterns of a group or even a memorable encounter with a unique species.
Art Gallery South West works with a number of talented artists from across the region whose art is inspired by wildlife.
“Fox” by Tamsin Dearing
Tamsin Dearing specialises in pencil and pastel portraiture. She is inspired by the natural world and ‘loves drawing animals’. She enjoys ‘creating realistic art, and is fascinated by details as much as by character.
“Golden Eyes” by Peter Goodall
Peter Goodhall has been working as an artist for over 40 years, although best known for his paintings of the sea and boats. His work has also depicted wildlife and water. This striking oil painting captures the effect of the tiger’s mass upon the water. It’s strong and lithe body moves creating ripples and reflections.
‘I love me to the moon and back’ by Anna Fitzgerald
Anna primarily paints wildlife, using a strong layering technique. The subject matters she is drawn to in her work are childhood memories, mythology and folklore.
This carefree work was created using acrylics, charcoal, ink, specialist fluorescent paint, black paint, glitter and art resin.