"Studio In The Attic" Exhibition 2011 - Bridport.

West Country Galleries paid a visit to the "Studio In The Attic" Exhibition which was held at St Michael's Studios, Bridport from 21st-30th May.

The exhibition was held by our resident artists Sally Davies and Marion Taylor. It was a complete success with nearly 800 visitors passing through the doors!

Bridport has now become known as the "Art and Vintage Quarter". Bridport harbours a rabbit warren of artists together with the backdrop of funky shops acting as a beacon to visitors and tourists alike with delights and treats on offer to all.  Many artists have often said how lucky they are to have such an interesting place to exhibit their creations.

Marion's work exudes happiness and colour. Her detailed studies of butterflies which was one of her chosen pieces to show at the exhibition, demonstrates pristine detail with an accurate eye for detail. Marion also paints on canvas, wood panel and paper depicting Dorset's varied landscapes.

Sally is a visionary artist. Her gorgeous digital art - photography, filters out the intrinsic beauty of nature. Very observant in her observation of the quirky elements and her potential to mould her talent into the creation of great art through the proficient tweaks of shape and adjustments of colour.

The attached Exhibition video on this blog is to give our website visitors a taste of the abundant talent and professionalism our resident artists convey when showing their work.

See their Facebook page "Studio In The Attic"

James Milroy - `Crowding About` and other paintings.

Commencing Saturday 18th June through to 2nd October 2011

Summer Exhibition at the Salford Museum & Art Gallery, Peel Park, Salford, M5 4WU. Telephone: 0161-778-0800.  Artist James Milroy's major retrospective of work from the last three years - fifty paintings packed with people having fun. See more of James Milroy's wonderful creations on his website http://www.jamesmilroy.co.uk/                               

His work is unique and ingenious in many ways. I have never seen such originality when it comes to his `Painters Painting Series` in which this chosen line of work depicts crowds of artists. This ongoing series is proving extremely popular with art lovers everywhere. It has been said that his paintings and prints packed with crowds of people are a cross between Lowry and Where's Wally. Comparisons have also been made between Bruegel, Hogarth and Daumier.

Vincent Painting Van Goghs by James Milroy

You can find many of James Milroy's paintings, prints and cards selling in shops and galleries throughout the UK.

James Milroy is always part of the Oxfordshire Artweeks. This year's event ran from 21st-28th May 2011. For more information on the Oxford Artweeks, you can contact them at the following address:

Oxford Artweeks,
PO Box 559,
Abingdon,
Oxon,
OX14 9EF

Tel: 01865-865596

Summertown (City) by James Milroy

Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Honiton - Exhibitions from 9th July - 12th November 2011

Thelma Hulbert Gallery
Elmfield House, Dowell Street, Honiton, Devon, EX14 1LX
Tele: 01404-45006
E:info@thelmahulbert.com
W:www.thelmahulbert.com

Evolver Prize 2011- 9th July to 10th September

`Evolver` Magazine

Artists, photographers and graphic designers compete annually for the prize of having their work published on the front cover of the July / August edition of Evolver, the Wessex Arts and Culture Guide. The Thelma Hulbert Gallery is hosting the Evolver Prize 2011 which will comprise of the winning Evolver cover and the 49 runners-up. The Evolver Prize is the ideal way to discover the diverse talents of Wessex based artists.

Running parallel to this exhibition will be a display of mini-Evolver covers designed by young people. The artworks produced by the young people will be sold for £10 each, with the proceeds funding artists to work with the THG youth group, Masterpieces, and enabling the group to continue through to 2012.

Deadline for this competition was Friday 27th May, 2011 

Cleo Mussi in her studio

24 September 2011 - 12 November 2011

Cleo Mussi: Pharma's Market

Cleo Mussi is an established Mosaic Artist and respected within the Applied Arts both Nationally and Internationally. Originally training at Goldsmiths in the late 80’s.

Pharma’s Market is a mosaic installation by internationally renowned mosaic artist Cleo Mussi. A culmination of two years research exploring the contrasting imagery of historical and contemporary farming, this exhibition connects traditional ideas about food, agriculture and animal husbandry with modern developments in stem cell research and genetic modification. Although the setting of the exhibition is a traditional agricultural fair, visitors will experience an exhibition with a distinctly contemporary twist.

Cleo has an engaging story to tell, and her characters, from life-sized ‘robo-rabbits’ to ‘space scientists’ and ‘bucolic’ farmers, all jostle for their part in the plot. Her stories are derived from the real world of science and medicine, albeit reconstructed through the process of her own particular visual imagination. Using recycled china to make her extraordinary figures, her surreal sense of humour is where she has made her mark. It’s as if the pieces of china become fragments of DNA in her own genetic rearrangements of nature.

Pharma's Market from Cleo Mussi on Vimeo.

Sarah Bayliss at the Yeovilton Air Day - Saturday 9th July 2011

Many traders return every year to the Yeovilton Air Day.  Our resident artist Sarah Bayliss has been accepted to stage an exhibition at this year's event.......well done Sarah!   It is said that an estimated 35,000 people visit each year!

To find out more about the Yeovilton Air Day 2011 Event, please click on the following link: Brochure of Events

Counterchange Exhibition - Lyme Regis

Our resident artist Barbara Green at the Exhibition

http://www.westcountrygalleries.co.uk/artist/public/view.html?id=57369

West Country Galleries paid a visit to the `Counterchange Exhibition` which was held at the Town Mill, Lyme Regis. The exhibition was a complete success with a steady stream of art lovers flocking to savour the creative talents of artists Barbara Green, Sue Warren, Jan Calow and Elizabeth Fortescue. Four local artists exploring new perspectives in paint and printmaking.

Barbara Green's paintings are exhibited in a wide range of English galleries and in London exhibitions, Affordable Art Show and Art Works on Paper.

The inspiration that feeds Barbara's imagination emanetes from the wild and romantic hues of the beautiful Dorest landscape and the splendour of her traditional cottage hillside garden.

Barbara's work is well sought after because of the colour and vibrancy which is the basic ingredient sourcing vibrancy in to her work.  Her work  embraces a wide variety of media; oil, watercolour, collagraph, mono printing and batik.

Barbara has been exhibiting at the Dorset Art Week for 18 years.

The Upstair Gallery - `Counterchange Exhibition`

Coast to Coast Exhibition

The ArtRoom Galleries in Taunton, is to host its `Coast to Coast Exhibition`. Renowned contemporary artist Ben Payne will be at the start of this exhibition on Saturday 4th June from 1pm - 3pm. Come and meet him! The exhibition continues until Sunday 19th June.

I love Ben Payne's work! His ability to inject excapism and a freshness in to his work holds no bounds. What amazes me is Ben is almost completely self-taught and he is able to respond to challenges and create artwork that is technically accomplished.

For more information on this exhibition telephone: 01823-351222 or e-mail: info@artroomgalleries.co.uk





Art In The Park 2011

London Embankment comes to Romsey, Hampshire with over three hundred local artists exhibiting and selling their work in the beautiful setting of Romsey War Memorial Park.  This event is supported by the Test Valley Borough Council Leisure Department.  Dates: 9th and 16th July.  Time: 11am-4pm. Admission: FREE 

Ronald Swanwick Fine Artist.

West Country Galleries are pleased to announce that Ronald Swanwick has been appointed `Artist in Residence` at the Wildlife and Wetlands  Trust, Slimbridge.  Ronald says that he is specializing these days in wildlife and landscapes  although he will take commissions for almost any subject. His particular  interest is in birds.His association with Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands  Trust Centre gives him the opportunity he needs to observe birds at  close quarters and in the wild.  Ronald Swanwick can be found at the following Exhibitions  throughout 2011.  Dolphin Hall, Church Street, Tetbury 10am until 5pm each day.   Admission is FREE and car parking is available. Profits from the show  are going to support the Charity `Friends of Tetbury Hospital`.  Next, Ronald will be having a summer sale at the Gloucester Quays  Retail Outlet; which will run from 11th-19th June, and will also be painting. He needs to clear some space in his studio and will have on sale some of his older work, all priced at under £100.  Antithesis Exhibition at the Pound Barn Gallery, West End, Wickwar,  South Gloucestershire, GL12 8LB, 26th June to 21st August  -  Tele: 01453-546317. Mobile: 07855-966-564. Thornbury Carnival - Saturday 2nd July 1pm-6pm, The Carnival Field,  Munday Field, BS35 1NA Marwell International Wildlife Art Exhibition 25th - 29th August,  Marwell Zoo, Hampshire. Blue Door Gallery from 1st-15th October - Details to follow soon.

Sarah Bayliss at The Devon County Show - May 2011

Our resident artist Sarah Bayliss enjoyed a very fulfilling day at The Devon County Show.  Sarah says "It was fantastic! Terrific show with loads of entertainment and the weather was perfect the entire duration"

Sarah's work received a fantastic reaction, meeting some wonderful people and a constant stream of compliments about her current collection has now led to Sarah accepting commissions.

Sarah's son Benjamin took some wonderful photos of the animals at the Show which will be just the right material for Sarah to work from for her 2012 collection.

You can also see Sarah at the Sherborne Castle Country Fair on Monday 30th May. This is followed immediately by the Royal Bath & West Show which runs from 1st-4th June 2011.  

Well done Sarah!!
from the team at West Country Galleries!!

Sarah Bayliss collection featured at The Devon County Show 2011.

                                             

The Wildlife Art Society International

Annual Exhibition 2011

"NATURE IN ART"

West Country Galleries are pleased to announce our resident artist Jacqueline A Gaylard will be exhibiting her latest creations at "Nature In Art", Wallsworth Hall, Twigworth, Gloucester, GL2 9PA.

The Exhibition will run from Saturday 28th May until Sunday 5th June 2011. Open 10am-5pm every day. Admission is free. A donation of sales will be given to the `Saving wetlands for wildlife and people".

Jacqueline will be exhibiting original paintings and fine art prints together with a stand of wildlife limited editions at the TWASI "Art Market" held at the same venue on Sunday 29th May and Monday 30th May 2011.

Wallsworth Hall, Gloucs

We love Jacqueline's work for its exquisite detail; capturing individual personalities in her stunning wildlife paintings. Her work is widely collected by cat lovers and wildlife enthusiasts who are looking to purchase affordable high quality art.

`What's New" by Jacqueline A Gaylard

http://www.westcountrygalleries.co.uk/artist/public/view/496624

Landscapes & Figurative Paintings

Ray Hill and Friends

Tuesday 7 June to Sunday 12 June
10.00am-5.00pm (Sunday 10.00am-4.00pm)

West Country Galleries are pleased to announce that their resident artist Ray Hill will be exhibiting his work together with nine other artists at the Stroud Subscription Rooms (The George Room). 

As part of the Site 11 Stroud Valleys Open Studios this is a group exhibition organised by Ray Hill of selected local artists. Displaying a variety of styles and subject matter including landscapes, seascapes, figurative, abstract and semi abstract. The work is of a high standard by artists who exhibit widely and are passionate about creating art work. All are painters whose love of the medium is evident in their work. Something to suit all tastes and for everyone to enjoy.

There will be art prints, art cards and art books also available at the exhibition. 

Artists featured in this exhibition are, Jilly Cobbe, Ray Hill, Sophia Hughes, Tiggy Lesner, Ahrabella Heabe Lewis, Teresa Poole, Penny Prince, Yola Quinn, Patricia Saddington, Richard Straley. 

"Inner Joy" by Ray Hill

A selection of the above mentioned artists will also be exhibiting their work at Painswick Town Hall From 18th June to 19th June.  Open from 9.30am-6pm both days.

Painswick Town Hall

http://www.westcountrygalleries.co.uk/artist/public/view/682461

"Cities of Dreams" Exhibition at The Art Room Galleries - Taunton.

West Country Galleries recently paid a visit to The Art Room Galleries in Taunton, Somerset. During our visit, we were told about the up and coming  Exhibition “Cities of Dreams”. The Exhibition is to feature highly acclaimed city artist Csilla Orban.   This is a one day only exhibition which will commence on Saturday 21^st May from 1-3pm, at The Art Room Galleries.  You will also be able to meet and chat with the artist too!

I love Csilla Orbans’s work and I‘m always enchanted by her cityscapes. They feature many recognisable locations. The colours blossom forth in abundance of atmosphere which pushes aside the need for accuracy of detail in her work.  I’m particularly drawn by her ability to merge her colours in a rain soaked street which brings together perfectly, the fast-moving pace of her chosen subject, the hustle and bustle, the commotion all intertwined in the stroke of a brush.

For further information, visit their website: www.artroomgalleries.co.uk , telephone number: 01823-351-222. E-mail:info@artroomgalleries.co.uk. 

Been to the exhibition? Let me know what you thought. I would love to hear from you!

http://www.westcountrygalleries.co.uk/artist/public/view.html?id=183318

West Country Galleries are pleased to announce that our resident artist Sally Davies will be exhibiting her latest creations at an exhibition in Bridport and West Dorset Open Studios.  The exhibition "Studio In The Attic" runs from Saturday 21st May to Monday 30th May.  Doors open from 10am -5pm.  There will be refreshments of Coffee and biscuits and you will get the opportunity to chat with the artist.

To see what's on at this gallery, please log on to the following link. Bridport and West Dorset Open Studios. There is plenty going on for 2011!

Julian Beever - Virtual Street Reality!

Julian Beever is an English artist who is famous for his art on the pavements of England, France, Germany, USA, Australia and Belgium. Its peculiarity?  Beever gives his drawings an anamorphosis view, his images are drawn in such a way which gives them three dimensionality when viewing from the correct angle. It's amazing !!! He is truly the Michelangelo of pavement art! None has been before him who can do this.......and none will come after him.

What's Happening At Under The Edge Arts - Gloucestershire

'Under the Edge Arts' (UTEA) provide a programme of classes, events and other arts activities for people in the locality.  The project is managed by a board of directors that meets regularly to oversee the project and provide direction to the volunteers, tutors and others who carry out day to day activities in the centre.  The board is supported by a Project Administrator, Programme Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator.

http://www.utea.org.uk/events?t=EXHIBITION

To upload their latest brochure for 2011, please go to the following link: http://www.utea.org.uk/gfx/2011_spring_summer.pdf

PREMA IN ULEY, GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Prema in Uley are currently hosting an exhibition by Stroud-based photographer Nikki Simpson.

Nikki trained in photography at Central St Martin's School of Art and her photography provides a medium through which she explores how the environment and the body can mirror one another to prompt the viewer to reflect on his or her place in the landscape they inhabit.

Also exhibiting in Uley is Gail Trezise, a ceramic artist based in Brixham, Devon.

Gail takes inspiration for her work from nature - the tiny creatures found in rock pools and the shells which they inhabit, as well as newly opened flower buds or seed pods.

For more information on these exhibitions, visit http://www.prema.demon.co.uk/exhibition.html or telephone: 01453-860703

New Art TV Series on BB2

‘Show Me The Monet:’ - New Art TV Series on BBC Two

May 10, 2011 on 7:43 pm 

‘Show Me The Monet’ is a brand new 10-part art series that aired for the first time yesterday evening at 17:15 on BBC Two in the UK. The series follows the competitive journey of both professional and amateur artists from every corner of the UK, as they battle to secure a spot in the ‘Show Me The Monet’ grand exhibition and sale held at the Royal College of Art, London.

Our resident artist David Robinson is soon to be featured on `Show Me The Monet` and we are very proud to promote this for him and we wish him all the best on this nerve-racking and very brave venture.

David will be facing three judges. The first judge is art historian, critic, and broadcaster: Charlotte Mullins, the second: David Lee is an art critic, historian, and editor of art magazine ‘The Jackdaw,’ and the third judge is art dealer and historian: Roy Bolton.

Useful links:
Watch the show here http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b011db9g