A Busy Time For Sarah!!

Our resident artist Sarah Bayliss has not stopped!  All through 2011 Sarah has been staging her own exhibitions and attending shows littered all over the country! 

Things have taken off in a big way for Sarah and West Country Galleries are proud to announce that Sarah is now selling her range of printed cotton aprons and canvas bags and Jersey Pottery are printing her initial order of mugs. Sarah told us "My merchandise is proving very popular and I am so excited about my Christmas shows! We have changed the name of the business to "Sarah Bayliss Fine Art" as I don't have time to breath nowadays let alone design an interior room scheme!!!"

Sarah then went on to tell us "Benjamin, my son, has now left school and is working for me organising our Facebook site and Twittering (he doesn't know how to Tweet yet but I guess he'll learn)!

Sarah is now busy working on her lastest creation which will be called Simon...... a reindeer for her 2011 Christmas cards.  Sarah has promised us a peek at her Christmas range of cards and creations very soon!

Vincent Blackwell - An Artist To Watch Out For!

Since the recent sale of his artwork Lugubrious Pains our busy and popular resident artist Vincent Blackwell has two pieces under consideration from two separate parties; one in the UK and the other in the USA! The two pieces in question are Tempest of The Hornets and Creative Rage.  The first is a 50 x 40 inch canvas work painted using eco-friendly acrylic art paint. It is a complex, multi layered depiction of a quantum storm, a tempest relating to certain noetical science notions, utilising an abstract representation of hornets to express force and vigour present within this piece.  The second work, Creative Rage, is a surealistic self portrait utilising mixed media to present a notion of complexity, shade and colour, thus emphasising the intricate and elaborate designs that are paramount to his contemporary style.  Vincent recently finished a new piece using a range of different kinds of paint as well as ink. His latest endeavour is to start working on a new surealistic portrait, this time painted on canvas.

Vincent is currently exhibiting at the Grapevine Wine Bar in Exmouth, Devon.

Creative Rage by artist Vincent Blackwell

Tempest Of The Hornets  by artist Vincent Blackwell

`Out Of The Blue` Exhibition Begins October 2011

Our ever popular and renowned artist John Ashton will be staging an exhibition of his work in Harbour House Gallery, The Promenade, Kingsbridge from 4^th-16^th October 2011. Open every day from 10am to 5pm.  The exhibition will be featuring other well know artists such as:

Jeannine Allen

Henrietta Farleigh

Richard Glass

Ian Heard.

To view more of John Ashton’s beautiful paintings please log on to www.artashton.co.uk or visit  Gallery 5, Brewery Quay, Island Street, Salcombe, Devon, TQ8 8DP www.gallery5.org where you will receive a warm welcome! 

Ahrabella Heabe Lewis – “Art to Inspire”

One Day Creative Event: Saturday 8th October 2011 · 10:00am - 5:00pm

Unlock Your Creative Spirit, A one-day creativity workshop.

“Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.” quotation by Mary Lou Cook

Do you ever feel that your innate creativity has become blocked or ignored? Do you yearn to create something of beauty and express your self more freely?

This one-day workshop will help you connect with your essential inner creativity and embrace life in a joyous fuller way.

Combining meditation, play, movement, stillness and using different mediums, Ahrabella Heabe helps you be inspired to free your creativity.

Held in Ahrabella Heabe’s home and studio, the workshop gives a mix of playfulness and reflection with supportive coaching for self-development.

A delicious vegetarian/ raw vegan lunch is included in the workshop.

Cost: £45

For further details, information, and booking please contact

Ahrabella Heabe Lewis – “Art to Inspire”

Telephone: 01453882939

Mobile: 07779 988 210

Email: art.ahrabellaheabelewis@gmail.com

Website: www.ahrabellaheabelewis.co.uk

Location:

Kelmscott, Church End,Hampton Green,Box , Stroud,GL6 9AD

Experienced and popular pastel artist - Favell Bevan-Arti

Our popular resident artist Favell Bevan-Arti has just sold two of her gorgeous giclee prints entitled Sidmouth Boats and Sidmouth. 

Sidmouth by artist Favell Bevan-Arti

Sidmouth Boats by artist Favell Bevan-Arti

Her views of the local coast and children at play on the beach inspire childhood and holiday memories in everyone that sees her wonder creations.

Born in Kenya, Favell has travelled and lived in a variety of places - Italy, where she gained  her Fine Arts Diploma at the Florence Academy of Fine Arts, Cyprus, Sweden, Finland, and the USA. She moved to England in 1998 from Northern Cyprus and now lives in Sidmouth, Devon.

Her medium is mainly pastel, as it is one of the most direct methods of catching the fast moving light in nature that she manages to incorporate into all her pictures.

Favell spent some years teaching art at Adult & Community Learning centres in East Devon specialising in drawing and working with pastels. Favell now concentrates solely on her painting, and although she also paints with acrylics she has recently returned to her much loved pastels and has once again been drawn back to the sea and coastal scenes that have always inspired her.

Kennaway House, Sidmouth - Devon 

Forthcoming Art Exhibition for 2011

Art exhibition: Favell Bevan Arti

Date: 9th December 2011 to 16th December 2011 

In the Hatton Wood Room.

Kennaway House

Sidmouth, Devon

EX10 8NG

Open daily 11am - 4pm.  Free entry.

Phone 01395 515551

mail@kennawayhouse.org.uk

www.kennawayhouse.org.uk

Contemporary Excellence of Renowned Artist Vincent Blackwell

In our recent blog West Country Galleries gave mention to our popular resident artist Vincent Blackwell. His recent show of work at the Exmouth Contemporary Exhibition 2011, at the East Devon Art Academy, Sidmouth, drew in many visitors and positive reviews of Vincent's work. A follow on exhibition at the Grapevine Wine Bar, Exmouth and his acceptance to the various exhibitions in Paris and New York is a testimony to his contemporary and sought after style of excellence.

We are proud to give mention of a promising future for Vincent and to announce the sale of one of his latest stunning creations which can be see in the picture below.  

`Lugubrious Pains`by artist Vincent Blackwell

ARTIST JEREMY ROSSITER - EXHIBITION IN TAUNTON.

Glen Coe by artist Jeremy Rossiter

West Country Galleries recently paid a visit to the CrescentGallery in Taunton which featured an exhibition by artist Jeremy Rossiter.  This was the first time that Jeremy brought his landscape paintings to Taunton for his Somerset exhibition.

Inspired by the natural beauty of the landscape, Jeremy travels the UK and Ireland, walking and mountain hiking, to look for subject material. He works out in the field and in his studio in Holford and this exhibition features some brand new pieces.

From epic, brooding landscapes to the chaotic radiance of wild flowers and meadows Jeremy is drawn to the drama of the natural landscape and the effect of changing light and weather. He is particularly fond of the relationship between the sky and the earth, where the two meet and when, through mist, haze or cloud, the two elements merge.

Don't miss this chance to catch his work which is available as original artworks and as high quality Giclee mounted prints.

Jeremy’s latest venue is at the A303 Open Exhibition 2011, during Somerset Art Weeks which runs from 17th September  to 2 October 2011.  Artists 303 has existed for over 40 years to promote and encourage practising artists in the South West.  It is a thriving group of contemporary painters, sculptors, printmakers and photographers.

The Art Pavilion at The Royal Bath & West Showground is well known to West Country artists and will be clearly signposted with Somerset Art Weeks signs.

Artists 303

3 Bloomfield Place

Tunley Road

Bath BA2 8BD

Contact: Anna Fraenkel

Tele: 07779 951691

David Stanier In The Bid For His Chosen Charity 2011

Our popular and very busy resident artist David Stanier has asked me to give him a quick mention regarding an auction of his stunning work `You're Not Alone`. The money raised in the auction will be donated to a well deserved charity called Fat Fluffs.

You're Not Alone by artist David Stanier

About this charity:

Fat Fluffs is a rabbit rescue and sanctuary based in Solihull in the West Midlands. They take in all sorts of rabbits from abused and neglected, to stray, to just unwanted and give them the vet treatment and love they need. When they are fit and well, as far as possible, they find them loving homes. For those with more challenging personalities or continuing health problems, they provide sanctuary for them and they stay as part of the family.

Fat Fluffs official website: http://www.fatfluffs.com/

David has donated this piece to Fat Fluffs a charity organization for rabbits. 

As David is a animal lover (mainly rabbits) he hopes to raise lots of money for a charity that he holds close to his heart. He chose this piece 'You're Not Alone' to donate because of the story behind it, that there is someone always there for you and will love you forever, in this case the wonderful staff at Fat Fluffs.

So this is you chance to own a original Stanier and help a good clause.

Starting bid at £20!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

David would like to thank everyone in advance who is participating.

Please click on this link to go to bidding page

David Stanier an Emerging Talent and a definite investment for the future.

Title: ©2011 'You're Not Alone'

Medium: Oil on Canvas board (unframed).

Size: 20x30"

Paintings come unframed unless stated otherwise. Some images may show the painting framed for example purposes.

This piece comes with certificate of authenticity and cellophane wrapped. Due to the high cost of the painting it will be delivered special delivery.

Delivery: As David is a very busy person please allow 5 WORKING DAYS for postage. Thank you for understanding.

David says "Thank you for looking and happy bidding!"

More about David Stanier

Setting out on his art career Liverpool born artist David Stanier began by talking to one of his favourite artists Peter Smith. David, who now lives in Shropshire says that Peter advised him to change over to oils and helped him with some painting techniques which he now uses in his work. Having these frequent chats made painting even more exciting to David and gave him the confidence to experiment more without the fear of spoiling his work and that if something did go wrong it could be fixed. 

As an admirer of watercolour paintings, David sought advice from his favourite watercolourist, Mike Jackson who also gave him some excellent tips on style and technique. David says ‘It was theses two artists that inspired me to start painting. They are true gentlemen and hold my deepest respect. I would personally like to thank you both for everything you have done for me; I appreciate it very much’.

David completed a course back in 2010 at Walford and North Shropshire College where he obtained a Foundation Diploma in Art & Design. He is now putting all efforts into his paintings and will be exhibiting his work around the country for all to enjoy. David is now becoming more recognised for his work and the demand for his paintings has increased so much he has now started to reproduce his work as limited edition prints. 

David was recently invited to Peter Smith’s house for a painting session you can read the Blog by by clicking on the link below:

http://petersmithartist.blogspot.com/2011/07/visitor.html

Qigong and Chinese Calligraphy workshop

South Brent Village Hall

The Village Hall serves the community of the large village of South Brent.

It is on the corner of Station Approach, which runs parallel to the main line from Plymouth to Exeter and Bristol, but does not, sadly,lead to a station. This was closed in the mid sixties when the branch to Kingsbridge was closed.

Our resident artist Lisa Class says "I am delighted that my teacher, Xaio Bai Li, is going to be teaching Calligraphy at the Qigong and Chinese Calligraphy workshop on October 15th at South Brent Village Hall".

Xaio Bai Li is know as one of the country’s leading Chinese Brush Painters.

The day will help unlock your creative expression of Qi through both Qigong and the Calligraphy will be inspiring, fun and informative.

If you would like to come, take a look at the details below and make that booking...you wont be disappointed!

Lisa says "Hope to see you in October".


Details of the QiGong and Chinese Calligraphy Workshop - October 2011


Featuring Artists:

Brad Richecoeur

Xaio Bai Li

Lisa Class

Saturday October 15th

South Brent Village Hall

Station Approach

South Brent

TQ10 9PJ 

10am-5pm

£40 includes all materials

Tele: 0845 3305086  Web address: www.qigong-southwest.co.uk

QIGONG

Qigong practice helps us connect to a more dynamic,

alive and free state of artistic expression.

Brad Richecoeur has been practising Qigong for over 20 years and

brings a wealth of understanding of the human energetics.

CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY

Using movement, rhythm and meditation, create beautiful calligraphy using Chinese ink.

This workshop is about clearing your mind and producing wonderful Chinese words

with special brushes, ink and rice paper. This workshop is not about learning to write in Chinese.

Xiao Bai Li is the country's leading Chinese Brush Painters.

Join him in this workshop by exploring your inner artist through Chinese calligraphy

Artist Bella Gingell Has The West Country At Heart

I have been told being born and bred in the West Country (near Bath) shows through in my work. Like script, our personality can show in our hand so maybe this is true...... Bella Gingell

West Country Galleries are pleased to announce their new resident artist Bella Gingell. Having always loved art and living in Bradford-on-Avon and Bath, every piece created has part of the West Country woven into it; be it the wildlife, the garden or walks along the Limpley Stoke valley. Bella's work embraces different mediums which can be found in water colour, indian inks and oils. 

Bella's last exhibition was part of a local art group at the West Barn, Bradford-on-Avon.  With a preview evening, it ran for four days over the heritage weekend enjoying a heavy footfall due to fine weather and many visitors to the town.  Bella told us "I was glad to sell quite a few pictures; two of which were abstracts".  One was purchased by a new business for their new offices http://www.thefinecleaningcompany.co.uk/,  and another for a hospital waiting room in Bath.  The buyer wanted something calming and saw exactly what Bella had in mind when painting it. 

Bella also told us "It gives me great pleasure to meet the people who buy my pictures as I know where the picture have gone and what it was purchased for.  There is usually a story.  To know how much people get out of them constantly amazes me".

Bella currently has a space at the Pylle Emporium of Art and Antiques alongside other Somerset Art Weeks artists.  This is the first time Bella has exhibited at Pylle so she is waiting with interest to see how it goes!

Dandelion Green by artist Bella Gingell
Framed in black with mount ready to hand.

Bella told us "This is the second on a series of summer water colours and Indian Inks; a design take on the beautiful, yet often disliked dandelion.  They grow in the back field and put on a lovely show this year with the buttercups".

Breeze by artist Bella Gingell
Framed in black with mount ready to hang.

Bella told us that "This is the first in a series of dandelion water colour and Indian Ink compositions; which I class as one of my favourite pictures of 2011". 

December Sun by artist Bella Gingell
The December sun dipping orange as it leaves us to the frosty world
The painting has now SOLD 

Original water colour Moonlit Vase by artist Bella Gingell

Original oil on canvas How Life Is by artist Bella Gingell 

Paul Charnley - Stunning Contemporary Artist

Our resident contemporary artist Paul Charnley has just uploaded an array of stunning works entitled A Springer Spaniel, White Rose 01 and White Rose 02.

Paul has painted many things through his working life including seascapes, portraits and a full range of natural history subjects. His inspiration is drawn from his home in Devon and he is enticed by the surrounding shores that beckon him to translate the scenery to truly stunning creations on canvas.

Having experimented with various media in the past, Paul now works mainly in oils on canvas as he feels this allows him the greatest freedom to capture the true spirit and life of his subjects.

Paul was recently chosen to exhibit his work at  ‘The Great Create Festival of the Arts 2011’ (which ran from 3rd August - 4th Sept 2011) at Greenway,  Greenway Road, Galmpton, near Brixham, Devon TQ5 0ES. Greenway, is the house that was the holiday home of the author Agatha Christie and her family and is now owned by the National Trust.

Paul will be staging his next exhibition at the EVA Studios. For further details, please see below:-

Open Studio
Friday 4th - Sunday 6th November 2011

'Exeter Open Studio's' will take place at EVA Studio's where Paul works. His own studio 22, will be one of those open all day for you to come and visit.

A White Rose 02 by artist Paul Charnley
Botanical oil painting of a two white rose (2011)

Paul Charnley
Studio 22, EVA Studios

Alphinbrook RD

Marsh Barton

Exeter

Devon

EX2 8TH

A Springer Spaniel by artist Paul Charnley

Oil on canvas board framed (2011)

A White Rose 01 by artist Paul Charnley

Botanical oil painting of a white rose (2011)

Amy Cummins - A Talent To Look Out For!

Our resident artist Amy Cummins has a new face to her gallery page which features her latest work Beer Beach, Branscombe Beach and Budleigh Estuary.

Amy's inspiration for her artwork is drawn from capturing the essence of what is around her and depicting the people in her life. Her portfolio is vast, featuring portrait studies and oil paintings. Her work is very expressive portraying a variety of abstract and expressionist paintings which reflects an array of emotions exploring the human condition.

Her work has been sold to many private collectors and exhibited in London at the Goethe Institute and locally in Exeter, Honiton, Seaton, Branscombe and Sidmouth.  Last July Amy held a solo exhibition at Kennaway House in Sidmouth where over 2000 visitors arrived to see her work.

Amy told us .  "I have recently been asked to be one of a group of artists who follow in the Footsteps of Peter Orlando Hutchinson who spent many hours walking, sketching and writing about East Devon. The work will be in progress over the next three years".

Wildlife and Waterways - Dick Twinney

West Country Galleries are proud to give mention to our most popular and renowned artist Dick Twinney who has been extremely busy creating his stunning original paintings exclusively for his Wildlife and Waterways Book project.

For the first time, featured on Dick Twinney's gallery page, are the following finished pieces now made available for purchase.

The ten works now featured on his gallery page are:

Artist Name: Dick Twinney

Artwork Name: Rabbits in the Sand Dunes
Code: ART21925-DTop2
Type: Painting Portrait
Description: An Original Chromacolour on Gessoed Masonite Portrait of Rabbits in the Sand Dunes at Crantock Beach, nr. Newquay, Cornwall.

Artist Name: Dick Twinney

Artwork Name: Dabchick on the Gannel
Code: ART21925-DTop3
Type: Painting Portrait
Description: An Original Chromacolour on Gessoed Masonite Panel portrait of a Little Grebe (Dabchick) on the River Gannel, Newquay, Cornwall.

Artist Name: Dick Twinney

Artwork Name: Mallard Family & Damselflies
Code: ART21925-DTop4
Type: PaintingPortrait
Description: An Original Chromacolour on Canvas Panel portrait of a Mallard Family on the River Axe, Axmouth, Devon.

Artist Name: Dick Twinney

Artwork Name: Moorhen Chick & Common Darter
Code: ART21925-DTop5
Type: PaintingPortrait
Description: An Original Chromacolour on Gessoed Masonite Panel portrait of a Moorhen Chick and Common Darter Dragonfly on Water Lilies.

Artist Name: Dick Twinney

Artwork Name: Autumn Colours - Wheatear
Code: ART21925-DTop7
Type: Painting Portrait
Description: An Original Chromacolour on Gessoed Masonite Panel potrait of a Wheatear in Autumn Plumage with Heather.

Artist Name: Dick Twinney

Artwork Name: Breaking Dawn - Shelduck
Code: ART21925-DTop8
Type: Painting Portrait
Description: An Original Chromacolour on Gessoed Masonite Panel portrait of Shelduck on the River Tiddy, Port Eliot, St. Germans. Cornwall.

Artist Name: Dick Twinney

Artwork Name: A Break in the Clouds - Merlin
Code: ART21925-DTop9
Type: PaintingPortrait
Description: An Original Chromacolour on Canvas Panel portrait of a male Merlin on a Bridge Parapit over the River Fal, Goss Moor, Cornwall.

Artist Name: Dick Twinney

Artwork Name: Corn Bunting in Winter
Code: ART21925-DTop10
Type: Painting Abstract
Description: An Original Chromacolour on Gessoed Masonite Panel portrait of a Corn Bunting.

Artist Name: Dick Twinney

Artwork Name: Willow Warbler Fledgling
Code: ART21925-DTop11
Type: Painting Portrait
Description: An Original Chromacolour on Gessoed Masonite Panel portrait of a Willow Warbler Fledgling &  Mosses, Lichens and Fungi.

Artist Name: Dick Twinney

Artwork Name: A - Wildlife & Waterways 2012 Calendar
Code: ART21925-Dtc1
Type: PaintingAbstract
Description: 2012 'The Art of Dick Twinney'  Collectors Calendar.
A Signed Limited Edition of 500

Dick Twinney was at the the Royal Cornwall Show this year which featured his `Wildlife and Waterways` Exhibition. Once again, he shared a stand with the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) a charity which supports farmers and something he is proud to be part of.  

Artist Dick Twinney (left of picture) enjoying the Show and the sun 

The Duke of Gloucester and the artist (left)discussing the partridge painting

Radio Cornwalls latest double act; Martin Baillie and artist Dick Twinney (right)

Our Resident Artist Marion Taylor at The Artemisia Gallery Exhibition

Charlotte Miller's work on display at the Artemisia Gallery Exhibition

Marion Taylor's work on show at  the Artemisia Gallery Exhibition

Marion Taylor (left) with fellow artist Charlotte Miller at  the Artemisia Gallery Exhibition.

Marion Taylor's work on show at Artemisia Gallery Exhibition

Our popular and very busy resident artist Marion Taylor is currently exhibiting her work with fellow artist Charlotte Miller at the Artemisia Gallery, Dorset. The exhibition runs from 3rd September to 29th October 2011.

Artemisia Gallery

You can contact the gallery on: tel. 01305 871272. email: info@artemisiaonline.co.uk. or visit the gallery at: Artemisia Gallery. 33-34 West Street. Abbotsbury. Dorset, DT3 4JT

Open
Monday - Friday : 9:00 am - 5:00pm
Saturday : 10:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday : By appointment
Closed daily : 12:30pm - 1:30pm

The Artemisia Gallery is housed in a pair of converted thatched estate workers cottages at the West end of the village.

Regular exhibitions of original work in a variety of mediums by accomplished artists are held throughout the year.

Also exhibited is the stunning 'Vivarini ' collection of hand blown Murano glassware together with our own design of exquisite jewellery incorporating fabulous Murano glass beads sourced direct from Venice and furnished with stirling silver and gold findings.

Liz Shewan at Ten Parishes and Lyme Regis Arts Fest - 2011

Our busy and popular resident artist Liz Shewan will be exhibiting her work at two exhibitions - Ten Parishes and Lyme Regis Arts Festival 2011.

EXHIBITION VENUES:

Liz Shewan - Ten Parishes

Stawley Wood Farm

10/09/2011 to 18/09/2011

11am til 5.30pm

Welcome to the 10 Parishes Festival, a feast of arts and crafts focused on Wiveliscombe and the surrounding parishes in beautiful West Somerset.

Over 100 artists, craftspeople and performers take part in the nine Festival days, offering a huge range of work and events to enjoy.

Stawley
Wellington
SomersetTA21 0HP


For further information on this forthcoming exhibition, please click the following link 

Liz Shewan - Lyme Regis ArtFest 2011

The Town Mill Malthouse

17/09/2011 to 25/09/2011

9.30am til 5pm

It's a busy month for Liz. If you can't make it to Stawley, how about a trip to the SeaSide!

See Liz's Artwork: Sculptures and Paintings of animals, people and family scenes.

Malthouse
The Baptist Church Hall
Art Trail

Works will be on display at the following venues in the town:

Jurassic Seafood Bar
Aroma
Fish and Two Veg

There are many other artists also showing there work throughout the town. Please visit the website to see who is exhibiting and where.

Paul Liggins - A Brush With Talent!

It's been a real busy time for our popular resident artist Paul Liggins! He has been gaining considerable favour with our customers for his prints and now even selling an original! A big “WELL DONE” from everyone at West Country Galleries.

“Lazy Lulworth” one of Paul's best selling prints.

 Limited Edition Print by Paul Liggins. This print is limited to 100.

“The Cod Father” - Original.

Paul Liggins - The Cod Father 

Original: Acrylic on Canvas
Image size: 28" x 28"
Finish: Unframed Canvas Ready to Hang

We recently featured Paul's recent summer exhibition in Swanage which ran from 23^rd July to 31^st August 2011.

Paul Liggins trained a stones throw from Swanage - across Bournemouth Bay at the Bournemouth and Poole College of Art and Design. He's embraced a wide variety of roles, notably for English Nature and the Council for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE). Paul's many talents have weaved their magic as art director, producing scenery, murals and sculptures

Paul's work is based around the Dorset coastline and his creations are brought in from the enticing scenery of West Bay, Lulworth Cove and popular Jurassic Coast location, Durdle Door. His genious wit which is the main ingredient of his catchy titles to his work, is an accomplishment in itself.