December Newsletter

Welcome to December’s newsletter. Are you starting to feel Christmasy yet? It has got colder and we have had a bit of snow.

Here, at Art Gallery SW we would like to thank you for your continuing support over the last year and wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Watch out for our coming exhibitions this coming year.  The first one coming is in February is “Landscapes and Cityscapes Art” and then we are having one on “Abstract Art” both in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.

This December newsletter presents an inspirational mix of artworks. Featuring the sublime atmospheric oil painting of Donna Francesca, Anita Saunder’s joyful screen prints inspired by the natural world and the semi abstract floral paintings of Merle Slid amongst others.

Anita Saunder’s “Christmas Rose” 

Anita Saunders is inspired by the beauty of the British countryside.  She works mainly in oil paint and practices traditional print making technique’s of: linocut, drypoint, screen print and mezzotint. 

Her screen-print ‘Christmas Rose’, was inspired by a blackbird hunting for food set against the backdrop of hellebores, snowdrops and melting snow. 

This limited edition work will be one of a series of four blackbird screen prints.  The edition comprises of just 14 impressions.  The print was created using the drawing fluid method. 20 hand drawn screens were used to create this image. One screen for every colour used in the print.

Donna Francesca “Ocean Light”

Donna Francesca

Paintings are inspired by the breathtaking Devon coastline.  Her dynamic atmospheric paintings capture the movement of the sea and skies.  Donna is drawn to the ‘emotionality of the raw and wild elements and the continually changing light’.

Interesting moments are sketched, then used later in the studio as a starting point. Her style of painting is exploratory and intuitive. She builds layers and texture gradually allowing the painting to grow organically

Merle Slid ‘Peonies’ 

Merle Slid 

Merle Slid works mainly in oils and cold wax painting medium.  She enjoys exploring unexpected events that occur during the painting process.  In 2021 she completed her MA in Painting, drawing and print making at the University of Plymouth. 

Her semi abstract oil painting ‘Peonies’ was inspired by joyful feelings for the coming Spring and the exuberant blooming of these pink peonies that accompanies the season. 

She reflects that Spring ‘is a beautiful time full of flowers, sweetness of pink petals, associated with exotic flamingos, cotton candy, pink bubble gum, little girls in pink and fluffy dresses, childhood and youth. Pink is an extravagance and a wish to be noticed. Pink is exotic and innocent. Pink is a colour of universal love, sweet side of colour red’.

Charles T. Maher ‘Nocture White Nothe Cliffs’

Charles T. Maher

Charles T. Meher’s work is a direct response to the natural world. Inspiration comes from atmospheric conditions, the ever changing Dorset light and the essence of the landscape around him.  

‘Nocturne White Nothe II’ is a semi abstract monochromatic work that explores Weymouth’s white Nothe Cliffs. This striking mixed media work effectively combines collage, ink and acrylic ink

Peter Goodhall ‘A Fish Sale on Sidmouth Beach’ 

Peter Goodhall

Devonshire artist Peter Goodhall has a passion for depicting the sea in all her moods.  

His oil painting ‘A Fish Sale on Sidmouth Beach’ is described by the artist as a homage to Stanhope Forbes (1857-1947).  Here the main characters are transported to his local beach, recreating the scene as it would have appeared in the 1880’s.  

Peter is an artist of great versatility and exceptional skill who works in both traditional and contemporary styles.  His career has spanned the last 40 years, with many solo exhibitions and international awards.

Psst! Still looking for that unique gift?  Then look no further, head across to the gallery website for a vast array of works to suit all tastes and pockets.  Gift cards are also available.