Welcome to November’s newsletter! As the last month of Autumn fast approaches and there is suddenly a chill in the air, take some time to find a cosy chair and discover this month’s new selection of semi-abstract works.
Kirsten Elswood ‘Earth Scented Breeze’
Kirsten Elswood
Full of earthy undertones Kirsten’s work has a deep connection to the landscape. Her work is a celebration of wild and rugged environments and a deep affinity with nature. She skillfully strikes a balance between the beauty and darkness of the natural world. Her paintings are full of tonal extremes creating a tension and real unease that bubbles beneath the beauty of these paintings of wild spaces.
‘Feel the Wave’ is a powerful work that captures the beauty and raw energy of a top-breaking wave offshore. So real is this scene the viewer almost feels the power of the churning waves and the chill wind catching the spray. The depiction of the water is enhanced by the skilful use of thin paint that has left long drip marks on the canvas creating the illusion of wetness.
‘Autumn Mystery’ is a digitally created semi-abstract artwork. Alexandra has based this work on a photograph of Autumn foliage. Vibrant reds and oranges have been placed against a dark contrasting background for impact.
Alexandra is a Somerset artist, writer and photographer. She is drawn to the natural world. Favourite subjects include animals and birds. Her art takes many forms from: paintings, pet portraits, to collages and tiles. She has a passion for travel and is especially drawn to India, Muslim countries and deserts.
‘Ombrellone 1’, is part of a series of 10 paintings that are inspired by Italy and its exceptional quality of light.
Michael’s work elevates everyday subjects, taking an unusual perspective that is often transformative. This oil painting with its small patch of blue sky continues a recent exploration of views glimpsed in passing.
His interest in pattern is evident here, as is his use of strong tonal contrast between light and dark. Other typical characteristics are the painting’s geometric nature and strong structure.
Rosemary is passionate about Dartmoor, its wild areas full of drama and its rivers and walled features that denote a softer beauty.
‘River Reflections’ is a gentle semi abstract acrylic work. It is a calm reflective piece that captures the reflection of sunlight and clouds upon the water.
Both representational and abstract styles are used in Rosemary’s practice. She uses a wide range of media including: acrylics, mixed media and oils. Sometimes she includes found materials such as sand and grass in her work.
You recently won Devon Life’s Landscape artist of the year with Before the Start of Day. Can you tell us a bit more about this work, its influences and techniques? I actually won Devon Life’s Landscape artist of the Year with a couple of paintings. Before the Start of the Day was inspired by a very…
What are the influences upon your work? Colour is the main influence in my work, I get inspired by beautiful colours and they make me want to paint, I adore the beauty of flowers naturally in the landscape or a beautiful bouquet. Also other artists have always been a big influence since a young age,…
Peter Goodhall is a Devon based artist living in Sidmouth. He is well known for his paintings of the sea . “Surf, Sun & Sand X11“ “What draws you to the sea as a subject matter?“ I’m sure that the sheer scope of opportunities to paint the sea will keep me going for the rest…
“Punch and Judy” “What inspires you to paint and how do you develop your ideas?“ My paintings are figurative explorations of the world around me. Having trained at Art College in a traditional ethos I came to appreciate the process of looking intently and recording accurately. I am inspired by making drawings to inform…
This week our artist of the week is Somerset-based artist Mary Vanderplank. “Paintings such as ‘To the Slopes (Wellington Monument, Somerset)’ and ‘Floods X (North Curry Moor Somerset)’ depict the rural beauty of Somerset. Do you have a particular favourite Somerset place to paint?” Living above North Curry Moor means that most journeys from home…
This week our artist of the week is Dorset based artist Sue Smith Your landscape painting ‘Moonlit Stour’ was produced using pastel. Can you explain more about what drew you to this scene and why did you choose pastel for this work?‘ Moonlit Stour is a pastel painting and won me a place in the…
