Kingsbridge Archives - Salcombe Art

29 October 2018 In Art

SHAF Arts Trail Visitor Comments

As I write this, Anne and I are reflecting on a busy fortnight – the past two weeks – and the SHAF Arts Trail.

Highest footfall to date

This is my fourth year as an exhibitor for the SHAF Arts Trail and I was delighted to welcome more than 100 people.

It was great to see friends from the Kingsbridge Walk & Talk group, the Modbury Art Club and the Kingsbridge and District Camera Club (KDCC), and many others who had visited us in previous years and came back for more.

I had 37 original paintings on display, plus examples of the new affordable art range:

fine art wall plaques
table mats and coasters

plus my fine art greetings cards.

Visitor comments

We ask everyone to sign the Visitor’s sheet and it’s heart-warming now to read their comments. Here’s a selection.

Absolutely beautiful artwork
Amazing!
Beautiful
Brilliant
Entranced
Fab
Fascinating exhibition and stories
Great paintings – fantastic views
Interesting and fun
Lovely venue for display – very good
Spendid display and such a warm welcome
Stunning paintings and hospitality
Superb!
The best yet!
Very inspiring – the light is fantastic – very talented
Very talented in several mediums
We love it! Very impressive
Wonderful range of paintings
Wow!

(I am now blushing!)

Guest exhibitor at Beacon House Gallery

I shared my gallery space with my tutor Michael Hill and he had 26 original paintings on show, plus a few items in the browser.

I am sure the higher footfall this year is down to him.

So, thank you to Michael for joining me this year.

And, I’m also delighted that Michael will be joining me again next year.

Missed the Arts Trail?

If you didn’t find time to come in the past fortnight but would like to view my work, the Beacon House Gallery is not open to the public again until the same time next year, but you may contact me to arrange a private viewing at a time to suit us both.

1 October 2018 In Art

Tidal Gallery: Simon Dobbs

Tidal Gallery logo Simon Dobbs is one of many artists featured at the Tidal Gallery, Kingsbridge. I admire his vibrant image. They sing!

WHERE IS THE TIDAL GALLERY?

The new Tidal Gallery is situated at 1 Victoria Place, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, Devon.
Its central location, the bottom floor of a Victorian building, near the Kingsbridge town square and in the Estuary Promenade, makes the visit most inviting, with great views over the water.

MORE ABOUT Simon Dobbs

He studied at St Martins School of Art before training as an Architect and Town Planner. He took up painting full time in the 1990s, exhibiting paintings of the urban landscape in London. Then, for five years, he ran the ‘Seagull Gallery’ in Salcombe showing mainly his own work. Now he paints from his home studio, occasionally organising solo exhibitions in local galleries. He has exhibited in London and Japan, as well as locally in South Devon.

Simon’s paintings are abstracts and semi-abstracts with some figurative hinted shapes. His inspiration is nature and wildlife. He paints in acrylic on large canvases with bright colours and bold brush strokes.

Tulips is an original acrylic on canvas (framed). It costs £925 and is 1000mm x 750mm

Berry Head from Start is an original dyptich acrylic on canvas (framed). It costs £725and 1300mm x 580 mm.

WHEN IS THE TIDAL GALLERY OPEN?

Anna says: A warm welcome on arrival and great attention to detail is what you will encounter when setting foot in our Kingsbridge premises. We strive to provide great customer service both in house and through our online gallery. Offering advice on works, suitability, care, framing and offering the right provenance to ensure your work retains its value.

Closed Mondays

Tuesday to Saturday: 10am to 5pm

During August, as part of the Kingsbridge Traders’ Open Sunday initiative, open on Sunday: 11am – 3pm

More information – and an online catalogue – can be found online at the Tidal Gallery website: www.tidalgallery.co.uk.

27 August 2018 In Art

Tidal Gallery: Ani Buckland

Ani Buckland

Ani Buckland is one of many artists featured at the Tidal Gallery, Kingsbridge.

Where is the Tidal Gallery?

More about Ani Buckland

A member of the South West Sculptors Association and the Devon Artists Network, Ani, like myself and the owner of the Tidal Gallery, Anna Ventura, is a member of the South Hams Arts Forum (SHAF).

Ani’s professional life as an artist started as a full-time art psychotherapist, 1984-2005, in NHS children’s mental health services and then continued as a part-time freelancer. She began intensive study of clay figure sculpture with Lucianne Lassalle (2005-2010), followed by Rebecca Doe from Art Academy, London 2010-present.

Also, she has studied portrait master classes with International portrait artist Luke Shepherd and workshops with Clare Trenchard. She continues to develop through engaging in several streams of practice and study in solitude and with others: keeping a drawing journal, life classes, intensive master classes, visiting exhibitions and public art, exploring art history and cultures through reading, film, and travel.

Ani now lives and works in The South Hams in South Devon and specialises in figurative clay sculpture.

A guest for summer 2018, Ani’s work on show in the gallery are sculptures of hens, cockerels and guinea fowl (tall and short and in pairs).

Ani says: ‘It has been an enormous pleasure to pursue my passion for figure sculpture in the last decade. Working in the round, with clay or wax or plaster & scrim, I find that sculpture is infinitely complex & challenging. The beauty of human and natural forms are deeply inspiring, offering a limitless and gratifying means for self-expression, communication, and celebration.’

WHEN IS THE TIDAL GALLERY OPEN?

Closed Mondays

Tuesday to Saturday: 10am to 5pm

During August, as part of the Kingsbridge Traders’ Open Sunday initiative, open on Sunday: 11am – 3pm

More information – and an online catalogue – can be found online at the Tidal Gallery website: www.tidalgallery.co.uk.

23 July 2018 In Art

Anna Ventura at the Tidal Gallery, one month on

The Tidal Gallery preview evening on Friday 22 June 2018 was so well attended it was hard to take in all the wonderful material gallery owner, Anna Ventura, had assembled.

Anna Ventura Tidal Gallery In the days that followed, though, it was great to pop back and study the impressive range of artists’ work on display.

It is a beautiful space, full of beautiful art!

And a long list of featured artists:

Leanne Ball
Susan Brown
Ani Buckland
Simon Dobbs
Graham Fish
Penny Hardy
Steve Kenna
Shirley Kirkcaldy
Louella Moore
Steve Robinson
Susan Steele
Vera Stride
Mark Weston Lewis

More about gallery owner, Anna Ventura

Anna Ventura originates from Barcelona but her love for Devon brought her to Kingsbridge over a decade ago. She studied Fine Arts at the University of Barcelona where she also specialised in graphic design.

Anna then carried out her final project in Illustration at The University of Plymouth.

She has exhibited in the Devon scene since 2013, with works in several galleries and now works from her studio at the Tidal Gallery where she produces exclusive work in a variety of media.

More about Anna’s artwork

Inspired by the Devon landscape, fauna and flora, Anna has applied her artistic flare to ink work, charcoal, acrylic and oil.

Her subjects are often of the flying variety – the birds and the bees – demonstrating her fine pen work and attention to detail.

Anna Ventura

Anna also produces landscapes of local scenes: Dartmouth, Kingsbridge, Totnes, Torcross, …

Here is Inner Hope and Outer Hope, Hope Cove. Anna puts an interesting slant on these well-known vistas!

Anna Ventura

WHERE IS THE TIDAL GALLERY?

WHEN IS THE TIDAL GALLERY OPEN?

Closed Mondays

Tuesday to Saturday: 10am to 5pm

During August, as part of the Kingsbridge Traders’ Open Sunday initiative, open on Sunday: 11am – 3pm

More information – and an online catalogue – can be found online at the Tidal Gallery website: www.tidalgallery.co.uk.

18 June 2018 In Art

The Tidal Gallery: Grand Opening Friday 22 June

I’m delighted to publicise the opening of a new gallery in Kingsbridge – The Tidal Gallery – and I wish Anna Ventura, and her fellow artists, every success in this new and exciting development.

Come to the Grand Opening!

Visit the Tidal Gallery on 22 June between 6pm and 8pm to meet the gallery owner, Anna Ventura, and to see works by over a dozen artists.

What’s on display?

Graham fish: Study II for water

Selected to combine and create an impressive display, this uniquely curated collection of Art works has been carefully tailored in conjunction with the artists involved to become a modern outlet with special focus in original and unique Art pieces for the contemporary home.

Beneath the Victorian coving in the gallery, 2D works in a variety of styles that have become each artist’s trademark are on display.

Graham Fish, with his contemporary sea depictions
Steve Kenna’s marine scenes with an architectural view
Sue Steele with her intimate portraits
Sue Steel
Shirley Kirkcaldy with her expressive views of the local landscapes
Shirley Kirkcaldy: Warm Winter Tide (Oil)
Plus the works of intricate ink work artist Anna Ventura.
Anna Ventura: Bumblebee

The collection continues with 3D works of art.

- Works by renown glassworker Steve Robinson
- Bronze pieces of local sculptor Penny Hardy

- Smooth
- Ceramics by both Vera Stride and Leanne Ball

Leanne Ball: Tea light holders
Wood vases by Mark Weston Lewis
A sea and moor inspired jewellery collection by Louella Moore.

Louella Moore: Cast shell and cubic zirconia

Where is the Tidal Gallery?

The new Tidal Gallery is situated at 1 Victoria Place, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, Devon.

Its central location, the bottom floor of a Victorian building, near the Kingsbridge town square and in the Estuary Promenade, makes the visit most inviting, with great views over the water.

When is the Tidal Gallery open?

Starting 26 June 2018
Tuesday to Saturday: 10am to 5pm

(Closed Sundays and Mondays)

More information – and an online catalogue – can be found online at the Tidal Gallery website: www.tidalgallery.co.uk.

23 April 2018 In Art

JANETTE JAGGER – ARTIST DOWN UNDER

In the Bush

Janette Jagger and I are members of SHAF (South Hams Art Forum). We both take part in the annual SHAF Arts Trail. This year, that’s 13-28 October. Put those dates in your diary!

She uses oils, acrylic, pen and wash, and water colour to suit the particular place. Her paintings range from the empty landscapes of the Red Centre of Australia to the crowded beach at Bantham full of holidaymakers enjoying themselves.

What is special about Janette Jagger’s work?

Janette’s style is larger-than-life super-colourful and fun.

Janette has travelled widely in France, Spain, the United Kingdom and Brazil, where the brilliant tropical colours changed her paintings.

She now lives and paints in Devon, a complete contrast to the desert and the tropics, and loves the coastal landscapes of the South Hams.

Near Cober Pedy

Janette also loves Cornwall and Scotland.

Janette says: My aim is to capture the feeling of different places and to convey their joy and beauty in whatever medium suits them.

Why ‘artist down under’?

Janette was born in the mining town of Broken Hill in the Australian desert. The hot earth colours and brilliant blue, cloudless skies of her birthplace in Australia still influence her colour palette.

Janette says: I was born in the Australian desert and I just love the hot colours in Australia and the vast spaces with no sign of humans. It was a real adventure traveling for five months in a small camper van. We did break down 70 kms from mobile reception and few cars on the road. But the sense of vast, empty space is wonderful.

The JANETTE JAGGER – ARTIST DOWN UNDER exhibition

Ulutu

This colourful exhibition is at Harbour House, Kingsbridge: 15-20 Ma

The gallery space is open daily: 10am to 5pm.

Janette says: It’s not all about Australia. I will have local paintings as well as other places.

Free talk at 2.30pm on on Saturday 19 May

There is a free talk on ‘Traveling with the grey nomads’.

In the southern states of Australia, when winter sets in, the retired folks jump in their camper vans or caravans and head north to the warmth of the tropics. Hence the name ‘grey nomads’.

More about Janette

Janette Jagger has painted all her life. She has been accepted by the Association of British Naïve Artists and will exhibit in St. Ives in October 2014.

If you have an exhibition which you’d like me to publicise, please let me know.

I’m very happy to promote fellow artists!

5 February 2018 In Art

Affordable art: In aid of Salcombe Town Regatta

I always support local charities and community activities and also like my art to be available at affordable prices.
Now, I can now kill two birds with one stone: providing affordable art in the form of my fine art greetings cards and financial support to Salcombe Town Regatta at the same time.

Salcombe Town Regatta

The hard working Salcombe Town Regatta team provide great fun and excitement each year for the local population, and encourage visitors to Salcombe to book their holiday in Regatta week.In 2018, that’s 11-18 August.

The Salcombe Town Regatta also makes donations to local charities from the profits made in what may seen like one frantic week of activity but, as we all know, is the result of many months of planning and preparation.

So, I am delighted to be a supporter of this excellent event. These individual cards, of my usual 350gsm quality, with a 100gsm envelope, are presented in a cellophane wrap and will soon be available at the usual stockists and also – NEW! – at the Cater Cove Hairdressers.

How does your purchase support Salcombe Town Regatta?

Wherever you see this card – your purchase will result in a donation to this very worthwhile cause. Please buy one. Or two!

The original oil painting (the featured image above) has sold, but another, larger, oil painting, Salcombe Dawn II with slightly different pink/purple tones is available for £475.

Where can you buy these charity cards?

My main fine art greetings card stockist is Malborough Post Office where all 59 designs can be found.

But my cards are also on sale at the Salcombe Information Centre, Bonningtons the newsagents in Salcombe, The Gallery @ Avon Mill, The Gallery Project at Noss Mayo, Bloomers the florists in Kingsbridge – and direct from me.

Will there be more designs sold as charity cards?

Yes!

Salcombe Town Regatta The Hope Cove Charity card is already on sale at the Cottage Hotel, Hope Cove and other outlets.

I am currently in discussion with other local charities and will post news as soon as designs are decided and texts agreed and I have an image of the new card to show you.

If you are working for a local charity and you think you might like to adopt one of my designs to raise funds for your charity, please contact me to discuss this further.

13 November 2017 In Art

Affordable art: In aid of Hope Cove Lifeboat

I always support local charities and also like my art to be available at affordable prices.

Now, I can now kill two birds with one stone: providing affordable art in the form of my fine art greetings cards and financial support to the Hope Cove Lifeboat at the same time.

You’ve already seen this image on charity cards?

Yes. You are correct!

A limited number of cards bearing my image of Hope Cove (as featured above) were printed and sold – in sets of 5 – to raise monies for the Hope Cove Lifeboat, particularly at the Hope Cove Lifeboat Fund-Raising Day, back in August of this year.

These cards are new?

Yes. We have now had this design printed …

These individual cards, of my usual 350gsm quality, with a 100gsm envelope, are presented in a cellophane wrap and will soon be available at the usual stockists and also – NEW! – at the Cottage Hotel.

How does your purchase support Hope Cove Lifeboat?

Wherever you see this card – your purchase will result in a donation to this very worthwhile charity. Please buy one. Or two!

And, if anyone would like to buy the original oil painting, costing £450, the Hope Cove Lifeboat will receive an extra donation from me of £50!

Where can you buy these charity cards?

My main fine art greetings card stockist is Malborough Post Office where all 59 designs can be found.

Will there be more designs sold as charity cards?

Yes!

I am currently in discussion with three other local charities and will post news as soon as designs are decided and texts agreed and I have an image of the new card to show you.

If you are working for a local charity and you think you might like to adopt one of my designs to raise funds for your charity, please contact me to discuss this further.

30 May 2017 In Art, Exhibition

CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS PREVIEW: GILLY COTTER

Gilly Cotter and I are both showing at the annual Contemporary Passions exhibition, an opportunity for members of SHAF (South Hams Art Forum) to stage a major summer show of new works in a wide range of mediums and styles.

The exhibition provides a snapshot of the artists’ current work, interests and creative passions.

The featured image above is one of several pieces that Gilly will have on show. It’s called ‘Tidal Road Egret’ and is a Limited Edition Etching 20 x 25 cm.

Here are two more pieces, this time: raku.

Raku Egret

Raku Vase

Gilly Cotter

Gilly is a member of the South Hams Arts Forum, the Pressgang Printers, Salcombe Art Club, and the West Country Potters Association.

Gilly says: I like to represent the world around me by interpreting the shapes, the spaces in between, and the textures. My inspiration comes from the natural world, including wildlife and its relationship with the natural environment. I work in various media including; print-making, oils, and ceramics.

Slapton Ley – Limited Edition Woodcut 38 x 28 cm

Gilly’s work is on sale at Fowey River Gallery, Fowey; The Gallery Project, Avon Mill, Loddiswell; and at Hope Cove Gallery, Hope Cove.

WHERE/WHEN IS THE CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS EXHIBITION?

The Contemporary Passions exhibition will be at Harbour House, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 1JD.

It’s open daily 10 am – 5 pm (closing at 4 pm on the last day): Tuesday 6 June until Sunday 18 June 2017

WANT TO MEET THE ARTISTS?

There will be an opportunity to meet all the artists on Tuesday 6 June, 6-8 pm.

You might also call in when Gilly or I are stewarding.

Gilly will be stewarding all day on Wednesday 7 June and in the afternoon on Saturday 17 June. I will be stewarding all day on Saturday 10 June and on the morning of Saturday 17 June.

Silver Birches – Limited Edition Woodcut 29 x 20 cm

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Admission is free!

26 May 2017 In Art, Exhibition

CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS EXHIBITION PREVIEW: Hope Cove

Hope Cove Fishing Gear Contemporary Passions Hope Cove is one of several paintings I’ll be showing at the the annual Contemporary Passions exhibition.

It’s only the second study of Hope Cove. The first was Hope Cove Fishing Gear, which is currently on display at Salcombe Art Club.
The second study of Hope Cove, is of the beach – with both modern and traditional crab pots being featured in the foreground.

HOPE COVE IS A PERFECT SUBJECT FOR AN ARTIST?

Yes! The village of Hope Cove and its beaches are protected by a line of dramatic rocks and sea walls, and the local fishing boats are moored to a series of chains which lead the eye to the sea. The cove is always busy with holidaymakers and fishermen.

But, fishermen and sailors are quick to notice detail. If I get something wrong, then, in their opinion, my painting loses credibility. So, before I start any new painting, I gather lots of photographic images to help me to meet with their expectations. To see how I make sure I don’t make any mistakes, read my Sketchbook notes for Hope Cove.

Contemporary passions The image was so popular, it was used as the backdrop for a Treasure Hunt at the 2016 Fund Raising Day for Hope Cove Lifeboat. (The date for the 2017 Fund-Raising Day is 10 August.)

What is the Contemporary Passions exhibition?

My ‘contemporary passion’ for the 2017 Contemporary Passions exhibition is ‘places other than Salcombe’. For the past decade or so, I’ve focused on scenes within easy walking distance of my home in Salcombe, and I’ve painted over 100 of them.

WHEN IS THE CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS EXHIBITION?

Tuesday 6 June until Sunday 18 June 2017
Open daily 10 am – 5 pm (closing at 4 pm on the last day)

WHERE IS THE CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS EXHIBITION?

The Contemporary Passions exhibition will be at Harbour House, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 1JD

WANT TO MEET THE ARTISTS?

There will be an opportunity to meet the artists on Tuesday 6 June, 6-8 pm.

I will also be stewarding all day on Saturday 10 June and on the morning of Saturday 17 June.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Admission is free!