Artist in residence ...

When Emma Holliday suggested spending a day painting in the gallery I jumped at the idea.  I thought it would be a great opportunity for visitors to the gallery to see the process of creating a painting alongside the current exhibition which is a group show of North East artists, including several of Emma's paintings.

Emma asked whether I could set up a still life for her and because it was a Farmer's Market Day in Stokesley (http://www.ndfm.co.uk/ ) I thought it would be nice to get a selection of produce from the market.  So on Saturday morning I set off early to the Farmer's Market to find interesting things to paint.  I had an idea that I would get a chilli plant as there is usually a lovely stall selling all sizes and shapes of chilli plants and chilli-related produce so was extremely dismayed to discover that the stall wasn't there!  At the exhibition preview the previous evening I had jokingly told Emma that I would get her some sausages to paint (Emma is a vegetarian so was not terribly keen) and for a moment I thought I might have to go with the sausage option afterall. 

However, a short stroll round the market revealed a wonderful stall selling a fantastic array of wild mushrooms.  I got a selection of particularly visually appealing mushrooms (though when I told the stallholder that I needed pretty specimens as they were going to be painted not eaten, I think he thought I was mad!).  I also got some lovely crusty bread and some smelly cheeses (which proved slightly unfortunate as they warmed up during the day in the gallery!).

Emma had a great day painting and met and chatted to lots of people.  I think her painting is a great success and will soon be on show in the gallery alongside her other works. 

"Wood Blewitts, Boletes and a Pink Oyster!"

North East Artists

The first exhibition of 2013 is about to open in the gallery.  This year our exhibitions are group exhibitions of regional artists and the first one features the work of artists from the North East.  It's a diverse selection of artists with the work of two painters, three printmakers and a glass artist.

Anthony Marshall is a Northumbrian artist who paints wonderfully vivid landscapes and cityscapes.  Probably best known for his scenes of Newcastle, in this show Tony's work is predominantly of North Yorkshire scenes, including Whitby, Robin Hood's Bay and Skipton.  The paintings are already attracting a great deal of attention and certainly brighten even the dullest January day!

"Whitby Harbour" Anthony Marshall

Printmaker Anja Percival's etchings are subtley atmospheric and create calm, thought provoking images.  Anja, who is based in Durham, was one of the artists whose work was selected for inclusion in the permanent collection of the House of Lords last February (http://bianconerogallery.blogspot.co.uk/2012_03_01_archive.html). 

"Station Light XI" Anja Percival

The work of two other printmakers from Northumberland, Janet Dickson and Carol Nunan, are also included in the show.  Janet's exquisite monotypes, linocuts and lithographs are often inspired by gardens and plant forms and her use of muted colour combinations contrast with strongly linear plant forms. 

"Autumn Gold - Birch Trees series" Janet Dickson

Carol also produces monotypes and collagraphs of plant forms but her works are much more textural, creating bold designs which are also featured on her range of hand made lamps, tea light holders and coasters.

"Echinacea Lamp" Carol Nunan

The sculptural glass of Joanne Mitchell is stunning for the simplicity of its elegant forms and beautiful jewel-like colours.  Her work was featured in this month's "Galleries" magazine and is increasingly sought after by glass collectors nationwide.

"Void" Joanne Mitchell

Finally, painter Emma Holliday's lively paintings add a touch of vibrancy to the show.  Emma likes to work "on the spot", frequently enduring the worst the British weather can throw at her.  On one painting trip to Stokesley, while painting by the river Leven on a snowy winter day, a local resident took pity on her and popped out to ask whether she would like a cup of tea.  Emma has had a soft spot for Stokesley ever since! 

"Tulips, Map and Fruit" Emma Holliday

Emma will be painting in the gallery on Saturday 2nd February so why not come along and see a work in progress?