I’ve created or finished fourteen paintings this year so far. Ten of these are being shown for the first time at “Light”, an open call selling exhibition for members of Herefordshire Art & Craft Society. It takes place from the middle of June to the middle of July 2017 at the Apple Store Gallery, Hereford. An independent gallery (not publishing house connected) that supports local artists. In particular the owners like to support community events and the local art college students.
“Light” is an interesting word. It can relate to the electronic radiation that enables us to see objects [noun] or to explain a mood [verb] or by adding white to colours to give tone [adjective].
I usually create ‘noise for your walls’ which reflects the visits I make to sporting events. Capturing people in motion in expressive colourful paintings in acrylics and oils. Due to ‘carenting’ needs for my elderly mother it has not been possible to get to as many events in the last eighteen months, so the inspirations have been closer to home (horse-racing) and from last years Tour.
After seeing this quote by Arthur Ashe (tennis legend) I have approached my art practice this year with the following in mind: –
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
I have spent a lot of time on the A417 and the M4. The roads appear to me to be in corridors. The walls are created by the grass and rock banking. There are natural stone walls snaking along the edge of farmers’ fields with native trees and flowers creating hedging.
The amount of journeys has meant that I’ve been able to repeatedly observe the change in seasonal light and the difference in the planting in the counties travelled through.
Conversations with my mother
As the ideas and paintings have evolved some have become entwined with conversations with my mother, my family and supportive friends as we all journey through the varying shades of light and darkness that come with our own and others illness and old age. There have been some illuminating moments.
I’m aiming to create two blogs for each painting. One will concentrate on the ideas and emotions behind the work and the other the techniques involved.
So if you are sitting comfortably here’s where the stories begin with the painting of Ringwald.
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