Tidal Gallery: Simon Dobbs

Tidal Gallery logoSimon 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.

Tidal Gallery logo

Tidal Gallery: Ani Buckland

Ani Buckland

Ani Buckland

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

 

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 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.

Tidal Gallery logo

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 GalleryIn 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 VenturaAnna 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?

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?

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.

Tidal Gallery logo

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

    Anna Ventura: Bumblebee

The collection continues with 3D works of art.

    • Works by renown glassworker Steve RobinsonSteve 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.

Gilly Cotter Tidal Road Egret

CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS PREVIEW: GILLY COTTER

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.

Gilly Cotter Raku Egret

Raku Egret

Gilly Cotter Raku Vase

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.

Gilly Cotter Slapton Ley

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.

 

Gilly Cotter Silver Birches

Silver Birches – Limited Edition Woodcut 29 x 20 cm

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Admission is free!

 

CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS EXHIBITION PREVIEW: Hope Cove

Hope Cove Fishing Gear Contemporary PassionsHope 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 passionsThe 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!

Nick Cotter's digisurrealism

Contemporary Passions Preview: Nick Cotter’s digisurrealism

Nick CotterNick Cotter has coined the term digisurrealism to describe the dreamlike qualities and the inclusion of the unexpected in his work.

Nick 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 images that Nick will have on show. It’s called ‘Salcombe Boatyard Dreams – If a building could dream’.

 

Nick Cotter’s digisurrealism
Dreaming of Seasons

Dreaming of Seasons

Nick says: I am interested in how our mental filters, both conscious and unconscious, influence our perceptions of ‘reality’. What any of us see and feel from a view in the landscape, a journey, or past events, is processed by these filters, of which we are often unaware.

I am inspired by the dream-like scenes that are typical of the surrealist movement.

‘Dreaming of Seasons’ was inspired by four weeks in isolation in hospital, which made the memories of the seasons past and the desires of the seasons Nick was hoping to experience, all too vivid.

 

How does Nick create his digital images?

Nick’s digital images are built up and layered in a process that is similar to painting on a canvas, using elements from his photographic images as his palette.

Weathered Wood

Weathered Wood

His limited edition digital prints are archival quality, professionally printed on canvas.

Regarding ‘Weathered Wood’, Nick says: The grain of a weathered piece of wood helps to define a landscape into which it will return to nurture the new woodlands.

In ‘Warm Sky Cold Ground’ (below), the simplification and unnatural colours serve to highlight the complex reality of what is a tree

In ‘Burgh Island SUPing’ (far below), Nick asks: What if one of the most sublime local scenes was corrupted by man’s environmental destruction?

You can see more of his work on Nick’s website.

 

WHERE/WHEN IS THE CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS EXHIBITION?
Nick Cotter's Warm Sky Cold Ground

Warm Sky Cold Ground

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 Nick or I are stewarding.

Nick will be stewarding all day on Thursday 8 June. I will be stewarding all day on Saturday 10 June and on the morning of Saturday 17 June.

 

Burgh Island SUPing

Burgh Island SUPing

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Admission is free!

Contemporary Passions Elaine Sibley

Contemporary Passions Exhibition Preview: Elaine Sibley

Contemporary Passions Elaine SibleyElaine Sibley 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 pieces of hand forged silver jewellery that Elaine will have on show.

 

Elaine Sibley, jewellery designer

Elaine lives and works on the edge of Dartmoor and has been selling jewellery in the West Country since 2006. Her designs are textured and sometimes include recycled gold and the occasional semi-precious bead.

Inspired by geometric shapes and objects and forms seen in everyday life – as illustrated in the featured image above – the ranges include necklaces, bangles, earrings and cuff links.

Contemporary Passions Elaine SibleyElaine is particularly interested in extending the life of her pieces and has recently created a range of necklaces that can be adapted; increasing versatility and introducing a multi-purpose element.

The wearer can bring creativity and personality to the piece by using an extra sprung link to shorten, lengthen, bunch and totally change the look of the piece. The additional link comes in a number of finishes so it can blend in or stand out.

You can see more of Elaine’s work on her Facebook page.

 

WHEN IS THE CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS EXHIBITION?

Contemporary Passions Elaine Sibley

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

Elaine will be stewarding on the morning of Sunday 11 June and the afternoon of Wednesday 14 June, and 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!

Contemporary passions 2017 Burgh Island

Contemporary Passions Exhibition Preview: Burgh Island

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.

Contemporary passions 2017 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.

131 Burgh Island from Hope Cove

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!

CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS EXHIBITION PREVIEW: Sue Farrow-Jones

Sue Farrow-JonesSue 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.

Contemporary Passions Gold Hare, Rising Moon

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?
Contemporary Passions

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

Contemporary Passions Sue Farrow-Jones

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!