PREVIEW Archives - Salcombe Art

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!

29 May 2017 In Art

CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS EXHIBITION PREVIEW: The Great Mew Stone, Wembury Bay

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.

The Great Mewstone is a triangular island that stands about half a mile out from Wembury Point. As a bird sanctuary, it is currently uninhabited and access is no longer permitted to visitors.

In the past, however, there was a privately owned Manor House, and a prison. It is also thought to have served as a refuge for local smugglers.

Sam Wakeman

The Mewstone prison’s most famous resident was Sam Wakeman. In 1744, instead of being transported to Australia, he was sent to The Mewstone for seven years. Once free, Sam stayed on the island, earning his living by catching rabbits destined for the Manor House table.

Sam is also credited with carving the rough stone steps to the summit of the Mewstone.

Turner’s paintings 0f The Mewstone

While sailing from Plymouth in 1813, Joseph Mallord William Turner sketched the island and then painted it many times. One of these paintings had been identified as the Bass Rock in the Firth of Forth, but was re-catalogued as The Mewstone when it was auctioned by Christie’s in 2008.

Turner’s image is available to purchase through the TATE.

The Great Mew Stone, Wembury Bay as featured above, is the version used for a fine art greetings card. The original is not square and includes more of the headland on the western side.

The Great Mewstone rising out of the sea while tide, wind and currents scar the sea surface with competing patterns. It is hard to take in the distant shores of Cornwall.

The Great Mew Stone Contemporary Passions

12 May 2017 In Art, Exhibition

Contemporary Passions Exhibition Preview: Burgh Island

The Burgh Island Hotel

Burgh Island is too far away to walk but has always been a favourite topic.

Which Burgh Island paintings will be in the Contemporary Passions exhibition?

I’ve chosen just two for this exhibition: The Burgh Island Hotel (oil) and Burgh Island from Hope Cove (acrylic).

The iconic Art Deco Hotel dominates Burgh Island. It was owned and managed for many years by Tony Porter and his wife Beatrice. Tony called it the Great White Palace and it has featured in many films and television dramas based on Agatha Christie novels.

Most artists prefer the view as seen from Bigbury but I have attempted to capture the subject as seen from Hope Cove. The massive cliffs of the mainland give a dramatic backdrop, while the rocks in the foreground underline its isolation. And, the late afternoon sun turns the Great White Palace into a glorious white beacon.

Burgh Island from Hope Cove

WHAT IS THE CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS EXHIBITION?

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

This is the first year I have taken part in this exhibition and am one of ten SHAF members exhibiting their work.

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!

9 May 2017 In Art, Exhibition

CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS EXHIBITION PREVIEW: Sue Farrow-Jones

Sue Farrow-Jones and I are both showing our work 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 artworks – all involving images of involving hares – that Sue will have on show.

Why hares?

The South West doesn’t have many hares, mainly owing to it being an agricultural area. Hares don’t have burrows, leaving leverets at risk of farm machinery as remaining still is their main protection.

Sue joined The Hare Preservation Trust and found out that there is no closed season for hunting hares. She found it very sad, that these beautiful, magical creatures are not protected by law in any way.

Gold Hare, Rising Moon

Having seen some in the lanes recently, she has been producing prints of hares.

‘Gold Hare, Rising Moon’ is a lino print with gold leaf accentuating the hare and the moon.

The featured image above is a lino print called ‘Melangell’s Hares’. Melangell is The Patron Saint of Hares. Being Welsh, Sue decided to visit the church in Powys at Pennant Melangell in May, where they celebrate Saint Melangell at her shrine there. The Daughter of an Irish Chieftan living in the 7th Century, Melangell ran away to avoid the marriage of convenience her Father had planned for her.

One day, whilst out walking in a valley in Powys, Melangell saw a hunter with his hounds, chasing a hare. The hare ran to her and hid in the gathered fabric of her cloak. She prevented the hounds from catching the hare.

The hunter was Prince Brochwel Ysgithrog and he was so impressed by her courage that he gave her the valley. Thus, Melangell became the Patron Saint of Hares, protecting all the wildlife in the valley and providing establishing a religious community, a sanctuary for women and animals for 37 years, until the end of her life.

How does Sue then use these prints?

Lampshade: ‘Gold Hare and Rising Moon’

Some of the prints have been placed on screens and printed on linen.

She’s used this fabric to make into lampshades, such as the one shown here, using the ‘Gold Hare and Rising Moon’ fabric.

Still on the theme of hares, ‘I Dreamed I Held a Hare’ is a watercolour.

To see more of Sue’s work, visit her website.

WHEN IS THE CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS EXHIBITION?

Tuesday 6 June until Sunday 18 June 2017

Watercolour: ‘I Dreamed I Held a Hare’

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 all the artists on Tuesday 6 June, 6-8 pm.

You might also call in when Sue or I are stewarding. Sue will be stewarding on the mornings of Thursday 15 June and Friday 16 June. I will be stewarding all day on Saturday 10 June and on the morning of Saturday 17 June.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Admission is free!

6 May 2017 In Art, Exhibition

Contemporary Passions exhibition preview: Michele Meyer, sculptor

Michele Meyer

Michele Meyer and I are both showing our work 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 called ‘Man’ and is one of several sculptures that Michele will have on show.

Michele Meyer, Sculptor

Girl with Goose

Michele was born in Austria and brought up and educated in Holland, Germany and Switzerland.

She worked and studied interior decoration in Cologne. Michele married and lived in Holland for 15 years bringing up a family and she enjoyed helping her husband assemble ideas and colours for his fashion collections.

The low light and the immense Dutch skies led her to study oil painting under Guus Melai and Olav Bijker.

Michele now has a small farm near Salcombe, Devon with a herd of South Devon cows – and keeps sheep – and enjoys country living to the full.

Her bold and earthy ceramic sculptures are born from Michele’s love for all living creatures and deeply felt optimism in life.

Michele works in highly fired clay to withstand outdoor temperatures, and uses the occasional touch of glaze and stone dust. She exhibits at her home in Salcombe – and her studio is open to visitors on demand – but her work can also be seen on her website.

Michele Meyer

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?

Throwing the Ball

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

Michele will be stewarding on the afternoons of Thursday 15 June and Friday 16 June.

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

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Admission is free!

1 May 2017 In Art, Exhibition

Contemporary Passions Exhibition Preview: Noss Mayo and Newton Ferrers

More recently, I decided to strike out and paint some other beautiful places, all within a short drive of Salcombe. High on the list for possible locations were Noss Mayo and Newton Ferrers.

Why Noss Mayo and Newton Ferrers?

It was probably in the late 1960s that I was first introduced to the two villages of Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo. My children were young, and we would rent Rose Cottage, next to The Dolphin.

Newton Ferrers from Noss Mayo

At low tide, there are causeways to help pedestrians cross the water between the two villages of Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo. So, if the tide was out, we’d cross the causeway on foot. We often ate at The Ship and enjoyed the views across to the Swan Inn. If the tide was in, we’d visit the Swan Inn by boat! I have very many happy memories of those times and still have friends living there.

The Ship Inn (and other venues) offer excellent food and are ideally sited from an artist’s point of view. Decades later, it’s a treat to venture away from Salcombe now and then and to enjoy such picturesque scenes. Last summer, Anne and I, on two separate occasions, took house guests in that direction.

Once I start taking photos, it’s not long before I’m compelled to start painting … and those two visits explain the recent crop of paintings of Noss Mayo and Newton Ferrers.

Which paintings will be on display in the exhibition?

I expect to hang maybe 7-10 paintings in all, including this selection depicting Noss Mayo and Newton Ferrers.

The featured image above is The Quay at Newton Ferrers, viewed from a footpath close to the Yealm Hotel, which might soon be redeveloped.

For Newton Ferrers from Noss Mayo, I was positioned by Point Cottage only a few paces from the Ship Inn and the sun shone for as long as I needed it.

Tides permitting, I prefer to walk from Newton Ferrers to Noss Mayo. These days, I don’t have the option to take to the water so, when the tide is in, we have to use the car, driving upstream to Bridge End – the most westerly part of this stretch of water – and trust we can find a parking spot when we arrive in Noss Mayo.

Bridge End, Newton Creek

Bridge End, Newton Creek shows the signboard, full of useful information, and the outstanding view of this part of the estuary. There are several character cottages at this delightful spot. The road crosses the stream but it’s worth stopping for a minute or two as this sheltered location shimmers with colour and fragrances from all the seasonal flowers. You might also see ducks, and hear them making their ‘busy’ noises. Add to this, the stream providing its gurgling babbling sound – and you have music to the ear!

contemporary passions 2017 Low Tide Newton Ferrers

Low Tide at Newton Ferrers

Low Tide at Newton Ferrers depicts a prominent luxury boathouse as viewed from Noss Mayo. Its setting is idyllic! Beyond the boathouse, we can see the tops of masts and sails of crafts finding their moorings in the river Yealm.

All of these images are also available as a fine art greetings card – what I call ‘affordable art’.

What is the Contemporary Passions exhibition?

This is the first year I have taken part in this exhibition and am one of ten SHAF members exhibiting their work.

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!

24 April 2017 In Art, Exhibition

Contemporary Passions Exhibition Preview: High Tide at Kingsbridge

The annual Contemporary Passions exhibition is 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, a snapshot of the artists’ current work, interests and creative passions.

This is the first year I have taken part in this exhibition and am one of ten SHAF members exhibiting their work.

During the next few weeks, I’ll showcase the many paintings I intend to display, and introduce the other artists too.

High Tide at Kingsbridge

It seems appropriate to start this series of posts with this image of Kingsbridge. It’s the first one I’ve done of this end of the Kingsbridge Estuary. A steep road – Fore Street – climbs upwards to the church of St Edmunds whose 13th century tower dominates the sky line.

I’ve tried to capture the summer evening light as it softens the jumble of buildings. I scheduled this study for a high tide in the late afternoon, because the water surface dances with the strengthening shadows and fading reflections, and the warm glow of sunset will soon give way to electric lights.

At other states of the tides and at other times of the day, the view is completely different and provides a challenge – and the inspiration – to conjure more compositions of this scene.

High Tide at Kingsbridge is also available as a fine art greetings card.

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!

27 March 2017 In Art

Salcombe Art Club Exhibition preview: Provident

Provident – the featured painting above – is one of five that I plan to submit for consideration of the Hanging Committee of Salcombe Art Club, hoping they will be accepted for the 2017 Salcombe Art Club Exhibition which opens on Thursday 13 April.

On this blog, I’ll post a preview of each of the five paintings, over the next few weeks. If you decide you want to purchase one of them, be quick. The prices go up in April!

What inspired me to paint Provident?

For decades, ‘Provie’ was part of the Island Cruising Club’s fleet aimed at teaching children and adults how to sail in the traditional manner. That is: under a ‘tall rig’.

Provie was part of the scenery!

Where is Provident now?

Provident is now with Trinity Sailing Foundation, who operate a small fleet of historically important sailing vessels such as: Leader, Provident, Golden Vanity and Heritage.

What is the history of Provident?

I am grateful to the Trinity Sailing Foundation for providing full information on all their vessels. This is my potted version regarding Provie.

Provident is a medium-sized ‘Mule’ class of sailing trawler. Built in 1924, Provident was a replacement for an earlier vessel of the same name, which had been sunk during WW1 by a German U-boat. She fished out of Brixham for ten years, was then sold and converted to a private yacht. Provident was laid up in Cornwall during WW2.

Provident arrived in Salcombe, in 1951, as the founding vessel of the Island Cruising Club. She was given a major refit in the late 1980s, and re-launched in 1991. Eight years later, having sailed our waters to everyone’s delight, in 1999, she started working from Brixham as part of the newly-formed Trinity Sailing Foundation.

14 October 2016 In Art

SHAF preview: The Quay at Newton Ferrers

The Quay at Newton Ferrers is one a number of studies that I have recently completed, of Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo, many of which will be on display during the SHAF Trail. Beyond the quay, stands what was the lifeboat station.

THE SHAF TRAIL STARTS Tomorrow

The SHAF Trail is an annual event and this year it runs from tomorrow, Saturday 15 October until Sunday 23 October.

WHEN ARE WE OPEN FOR VISITORS?

My paintings will be on display in Beacon House Gallery and we will be open for visitors as follows:

Saturday 15 October: 10am-5pm
Sunday 16 October: 10am-5pm
Monday 17 October: 11am-3pm
Tuesday 18 October: CLOSED
Wednesday 19 October: 11am-3pm
Thursday 20 October: 11am-3pm
Friday 21 October: 11am-3pm
Saturday 22 October: 10am-5pm
Sunday 23 October: 10am-5pm

WHERE IS BEACON HOUSE GALLERY?

Beacon House Gallery is not normally open to the public, except by prior arrangement. However, for the SHAF Trail, we welcome visitors during ‘opening hours’ as listed above. You don’t need to book ahead. Just turn up and you will be made very welcome.

DIRECTIONS TO BEACON HOUSE GALLERY

As you approach Salcombe, there will be yellow posters with arrows pointing the way to Beacon House Gallery.

You could park in the park’n’walk at the top of Bonfire Hill and walk down. There might be parking spaces in Bonfire Hill alongside the allotments, or you could park on our private drive at the end of the shared drive. (Please do not park on the shared drive.)

We do not currently have access for disabled visitors – but we are having alterations made to the house over this winter so for next year’s SHAF Trail we will be able to welcome wheelchair users.

We look forward to your visit!

10 October 2016 In Art

SHAF preview: Newton Ferrers from Noss Mayo

Newton Ferrers from Noss Mayo is one of my favourite views. What’s better than to sit in the sunshine and sip a cool beer in the garden of The Ship Inn?

This painting joins a number of studies that I have recently completed, of Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo, many of which will be on display during the SHAF Trail.

THE SHAF TRAIL STARTS ON SATURDAY

The SHAF Trail is an annual event and this year it runs from Saturday 15 October until Sunday 23 October.

WHEN ARE WE OPEN FOR VISITORS?

My paintings will be on display in and we will be open for visitors as follows:

Saturday 15 October: 10am-5pm
Sunday 16 October: 10am-5pm
Monday 17 October: 11am-3pm
Tuesday 18 October: CLOSED
Wednesday 19 October: 11am-3pm
Thursday 20 October: 11am-3pm
Friday 21 October: 11am-3pm
Saturday 22 October: 10am-5pm
Sunday 23 October: 10am-5pm

WHERE IS BEACON HOUSE GALLERY?

DIRECTIONS TO BEACON HOUSE GALLERY

As you approach Salcombe, there will be yellow posters with arrows pointing the way to Beacon House Gallery.

We do not currently have access for disabled visitors – but we are having alterations made to the house over this winter so for next year’s SHAF Trail we will be able to welcome wheelchair users.

We look forward to your visit!