Latest News and Progress

29 April 2019

SOLD! Tranquility

Tranquility was painted in 2012 and has been on display at Beacon House since the gallery was set up five years ago. It had become part of the furniture!

When I painted Tranquility, though, we were living at Great Gates and this was our view across the estuary.

Idyllic? Yes … with Mill Bay empty of visitors and the water calm and the sun shining …

For the purchasers, friends of ours, this view reminds them of visits to the other side of the estuary in their boat. They saw the painting for the first time at the preview evening on Friday 5 April and were struck how it captured many happy memories for them. Now, Tranquility hangs in their home in Salcombe and can be enjoyed by them every day and all who visit.

My paintings are mostly bought as souvenirs of holidays in Salcombe. To have one bought by ‘locals’ who enjoy these views daily – they are on our doorstep – is a real honour.

And, while we will miss this particular painting, we know we will see it again and again, gracing the walls of our friends’ home, whenever we visit them.

When can you visit Beacon House?

Beacon House Gallery is also our home and is not open to the public on a daily basis.

However, we do open our doors to the public during the SHAF (South Hams Art Forum) Arts Trail in October, daily apart from Tuesdays, from 10am until 5pm.

This year, the Arts Trail is 12-20 October and our Preview evening will be on Friday 11 October. The preview evening is by invitation, but, if you’d like an invitation, let me know.

Meanwhile, if you’d like to come to view my collection, contact me to arrange a time convenient for you and for us. You will be made very welcome.

15 April 2019

Tidal Gallery: Wild Spring exhibition

Today, this evening from 5.30 to 7.30pm, is the launch of the Wild Spring Exhibition at the Tidal Gallery, Kingsbridge.

Once again, Anna Ventura has brought together a fascinating group of artists:

Richard Thorn
Ayse Rifat
James Savage

I own a Richard Thorn watercolour and much admire his work. This painting hangs in my sunroom, and is always an inspiration to me when attempting watercolour. The intensity of colour he achieves is breathtaking.

Richard currently holds the title of South West Academician (SWAc) and has won awards by the Royal Institute for painters in Watercolour in 2016 and 2017. I am very much looking forward to meeting him and seeing more of his work at the Tidal Gallery.

Ayse Rifat is wildlife artist working in oils and acrylics. Her aim is to capture each detail and she produces final pieces with intense realism.

Ayse Rifat: work of art at Tidal Gallery

Ayse is a fellow member of the South Hams Art Forum (SHAF) and works as a freelance designer – her projects range from web design to brand creation. A very talented lady!

James Savage is a ceramics artist and his works are reminiscent of the colours of local stone. Beautiful!

James Savage: works of art at Tidal Gallery

Where is the Tidal Gallery?

1 Victoria Place, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, Devon TQ7 1JG

There is free parking on the opposite side of The Promenade and, at a cost, in a nearby carpark. More details, including directions, are available on the Tidal Gallery website.

When is the exhibition open?

The Wild Spring exhibition is on from tomorrow until 15 July, so you have plenty of time to pop in during the next couple of months if you are not able to attend this evening’s launch.

If you have an exhibition that you’d like me to promote via my blog, contact me and I’ll do my best to support your artistic endeavours.

8 April 2019

Postcard from Lukesland: Elaine Sibley

If you have never visited Lukesland, close to Ivybridge, it’s time to do so, soon. This beautiful location boasts the most wonderful gardens and a tea room. And, in the tea room, you will find an exhibition of works of art by Elaine Sibley.

Elaine’s approach to the moors is unique. She captures the depth of the wild landscape and its response to the ever-changing light as the weather crosses this area of extraordinary beauty. Her tones record the incredible mixture of shades that make these views so memorable.

Anne and I attended the preview – a well attended event – and witnessed many of Elaine’s paintings being sold that evening. I was too slow in taking photos … this small one was snapped up before I could get my camera out!

The location is delightful with hanging space for more than a dozen paintings. This is the view from the end nearest the entrance to the tea room.

This is the other end, just beside the entrance.

And these paintings are the other side of the entrance …

Notice the red dot?

Where is Lukesland?

The Lukesland website provides detailed directions, but it is essentially north of Ivybridge, in beautiful countryside.

The final stretch is along lanes and requires faith that you’ll find it. Once you do, you’ll be delighted. If you are relying on your SatNav, the postcode is PL21 OJF.

When is Lukesland open?

Be sure to pick your day/date carefully as the gardens (and tea room) are only open occasionally.

31 March – 16 June: Sundays, Wednesdays and Bank Holidays
6 October – 17 November: Sundays and Wednesdays
11am – 5pm

Easter Openings: Good Friday, Easter Day and Easter Monday
NOT Easter Saturday

More about Elaine Sibley

Elaine lives and works on the edge of Dartmoor.

Elaine studied at Plymouth College of Art and then the College of St Mark & St John where she gained a PGCE. She taught Design and Technology for 20 years while designing and making silver jewellery which she continues to sell through local galleries and open studios.

Since retiring from teaching in 2016, Elaine has found time to experiment and expand her work and has developed a passion for painting. To see more of Elaine’s images, visit her Facebook page.

You can contact Elaine by email at elainejsibley@gmail.com.

If you have an exhibition that you’d like me to promote via my blog, contact me and I’ll do my best to support your artistic endeavours.