Anne, Author at Salcombe Art

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?

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.

16 July 2018 In Art

Postcard from Grange-over-Sands: The Fishing Hut

Photo: Roger Emmott

Anne and I had occasion recently to drive north to Grange-over-Sands to attend the annual dinner of my Old Boys’ Association.

The event should have happened in March – when we were snowed in and couldn’t have attended – but, luckily, it was postponed and the weather, and therefore driving conditions, couldn’t have been better.

Positively palatial …

We stayed at the Netherwood Hotel, a magnificent building set in beautiful grounds, only minutes walk from the Promenade.

Our room was the one just above the main entrance, to the right. It was positively palatial …

This annual event is held in various parts of the UK, according to the wishes of the incoming President. When it was my turn, we chose Leamington Spa, hoping its position would attract OMs from all parts of the UK.

Photo: Roger Emmott

It’s quite a trek from Devon to Grange-over-Sands; over 7 hours driving, but worth it to meet up with old friends and to welcome the new President of the Association.

This is us, surrounded by friends at the dinner on Saturday evening.

And as the photo shows, the hotel was the perfect setting for a dinner for so many of us. The men would normally have been wearing their suit jackets but, in the heat, the President suggested we removed them. The ladies just glowed …

In search of art

Because we arrived mid-afternoon on Friday and ventured out with little time to spare, we only managed to discover an amazing tea shop – Hazelmere – where we indulged ourselves with a posh afternoon tea.

If you are ever passing, make a point of dropping in. They serve wonderful sausage rolls and their millionaire’s shortbread is delicious.

But what about the art?

Art on the Promenade

On Saturday morning, we set off, determined to see the sights and find out what happens art-wise in Grange-over-Sands.

We walked the length of the Promenade, enjoyed the views and took lots of photos. And, we found the Fishing Hut …

What is the Fishing Hut?

The Fishing Hut is a handcrafted travelling gallery shed, created by artists Hannah Fox and John Fox, and inspired by Morecambe Bay Partnership’s oral history project collecting memories of the Bay’s fishing industry for future generations.

By luck, it was at the Grange Promenade on that day and when we walked past, Hannah was in attendance.

Hannah invited us to step inside to enjoy a kaleidoscope of short animated films, small illustrated stories, and artifacts that explore and celebrate the culture and heritage of the Fishing communities around the Bay. On that very hot summer’s day, it was also a delight to retreat into the cool shaded interior!

Hannah explained the history of the Fishing Hut, and its purpose and we came away – cooler and wiser – with some treasures:

Three beautifully designed newspapers created by Morecambe artist Kate Drummond. They bring together stories and quotes from the archive with illustrations and fishing imagery.
Sets One and Two of John Fox’s illustrated stories.

The inspiration and source of material for these emanate from interviews conducted as part of Morecambe Bay Partnership’s oral history project 2015-18 collecting memories of the Bay’s fishing communities for future generations.

My favourite John Fox story is Salmon in the Pram.

Having just recently scattered the ashes of Anne’s Dad out to sea, the tale of Mrs Butterworth and the salmon as big as a submarine made us smile.

The Fishing Hut will appear at various coastal locations around Morecambe Bay.

Sunday 5 August at Make My Day Festival, Morecambe
Monday 6 August at Heysham Head

For more information about the Morecambe Bay Partnership, and the Fishing Hut, visit Hannah’s website www.hannahonthehill.co.uk.

This post is one of my POSTCARD series, sharing all things ART with you when I go travelling.

9 July 2018 In Art

Merlin Rocket Week: Artist in residence at SYC

Merlin Rocket Week: 8-13 July

Of all the craft I paint, my favourite, second to the lifeboat, is the Merlin. To date, I have three finished paintings:

Merlins

Merlins (original sold but available as a fine art greetings card)

Merlins Crossing the Bar

Watching the Merlins Race

The Merlins race in Salcombe every year. It’s a spectacular event. I’m usually there, with my camera, hoping to catch the action. Then, back home, I choose a few photos from which I’ll compose my next Merlin painting.

This year it’s different!

Artist in residence!

I have set up camp in the Chart Room, with my easels, my paints and brushes, and some half-finished paintings.

It has the most amazing view. View from the Chart Room

Do pop in and say hello.

I’ll have a range of (finished!) paintings on sale, limited edition prints at reduced prices, plus my fine art greetings cards: £2 each or 3 for a fiver.

Where is Salcombe Yacht Club?

Map

Cliff House
Cliff Rd
Salcombe
Devon
TQ8 8JQ
UK

01548 842593

2 July 2018 In Art

Exhibition time: RNLI Salcombe fundraiser at Holy Trinity Church

Once again, the RNLI Salcombe Fundraisers have brought together a display of work by local artists, with a variety of styles to both view and purchase. It’s an honour for me to be invited to take part in this year’s exhibition at Holy Trinity Church, Salcombe.

RNLI Sale poster Why are the RNLI Salcombe Fundraisers having an exhibition?

The Salcombe RNLI depends on fundraising!

A donation from the artists will be made to RNLI Salcombe from the proceeds of works sold throughout the exhibition.

How can you support this worthwhile charity?

I’ll have five original paintings on sale – all at a discounted price, to encourage you to support this worthwhile charity.

There are also limited editions prints (at discounted prices) and one special (unlimited) print of Salcombe Yacht Club.

Plus a range of my fine art greetings cards: £2 each, 3 for a fiver.

Where is the RNLI exhibition?

Holy Trinity Church, Salcombe.

When is the exhibition open?

10am until 4pm daily, 2-6 July 2018

Anne and I will be stewarding on the Tuesday morning from 11am. Pop in and say hello?

25 June 2018 In Art

Redfern Exhibition: Ends on Thursday 28 June

That month flew past!

And one painting has sold … and, in its place, I’ve offered Deliah – for £150 instead of the usual £250.

REMEMBER: To encourage you to purchase a painting, this year, I have reduced the price of each painting by £100 for the duration of this exhibition. And the Friends of Redfern Centre retain a percentage of each sale for their funds.

This offer ends on Thursday.

Redfern poster

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.

11 June 2018 In Art

Exhibition time: SHAF Contemporary Passions 2018

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.

I took part last year, my first experience of such a collaborative event, but decided to have a rest this year.

So I am not one of ten SHAF members exhibiting their work.

However, you really should go and see their work!

One of the artists, I have featured before: Elaine Sibley

4 June 2018 In Art, Exhibition

SALE! Save £100

As a member of Salcombe Art Club, I exhibit for four weeks each year at the Redfern Centre – this is my eighth year!

The Friends of Redfern Centre retain a percentage of each sale for their funds.

To encourage you to purchase a painting, this year, I am also reducing the price of each painting by £100 for the duration of this exhibition.

28 May 2018 In Art

Exhibition time at the Redfern Centre: 31 May – 28 June

Members of Salcombe Art Club support the Friends of the Redfern by providing a display of artwork for sale in the waiting area.

If you purchase one, a proportion of the sale is donated to this worthwhile local charity.

Exhibition time at the Redfern Centre: 31 May – 28 June

This is my eighth exhibition at the Redfern Centre and I have chosen these five paintings to exhibit.

Provident

Provident is a retired Brixham trawler and has been a much-loved training ship for many generations of novice sailor.

Provident £175

Church of St Peter, Buckland-tout-saint

This pretty church stands high on the hill and commands excellent views across surrounding countryside. Church of St Peter is a rare painting in that there are no sailing craft and no sea to be seen. And, there’s a bit of multimedia going on too.

The Church of St Peter Buckland-tout-saints £225

North Hallsands

North Hallsands has some contemporary houses with spectacular views facing east towards Dartmouth. Its beach changes dramatically every winter.

North Hallsands £225

Dawn at New Bridge

The bridge at Bowcombe offers an enchanting mooring for boats of all kinds. In Dawn at New Bridge, an early morning pink mist signals a fine day.

Dawn at New Bridge £250

Harvest Reaper II

I have painted the Harvest Reaper AKA the South Sands ferry so many times. Here, it’s backdrop is Fishermans beach.

Harvest Reaper II £350

For more details of each painting, click on the image.

Other opportunities to see my work

I have five more paintings on display in the Salcombe Art Club Exhibition. Click here for more details.

And, by arrangement you are welcome to a private viewing of paintings in my home, at the Beacon House Gallery. To arrange a convenient time, contact me.

21 May 2018 In Art

Postcard from Madeira: The Botanical Garden

Anne and I first visited the Botanical Garden in Funchal on our honeymoon, nine years ago. It was March and very wet. I have photos, somewhere, of us: drenched, but still smiling.

Each time we return to Madeira, we make a point of taking the cable car and visiting either the Tropical Garden or, via a second cable car, the Botanical Garden.

This trip, in May, sunny and dry, it was the turn of the Botanical Garden again.

Travelling by cable car

You can take a taxi, or go by bus, but the best way to travel to the Botanical Garden is via the cable car.

The views from the cable car are spectacular, and I start taking photos straight away.

These are jacaranda mimosifolia trees – with the most beautiful purple flowers. They are to be seen a lot along the roadside in Funchal and elsewhere on the island.

In the Botanical Garden

Opened in 1960, the 20-acre site now known as Jardim Botânico da Madeira was previously part of an estate belonging to the family of William Reid, founder of the famous Reid’s hotel, where you can have afternoon tea in return for an arm and a leg!

Set on a steep hillside, the paths zigzag through various collections: Madeiran indigenous and endemic species, and arboretum, succulents, topiary, medicinal and aromatic plants, and palm trees of all shapes and sizes.

Frog Arriving by cable car, we made our first port of call about half way down, at the cafe. Set alongside ornamental ponds boasting hundreds of lily pads, we enjoyed a romantic snack, looking out across Funchal beneath us to the sea beyond, accompanied by the mating calls of frogs.

Suitably refreshed, we then set off to explore the gardens beneath us, starting with the indigenous and endemic species: a mass of brightly coloured flowers.

Slowly, we made our way down to the very bottom, taking photos of everything and anything we saw.

Madeiran indigenous and endemic species

Below the ornamental garden (the featured image above), there are these stunning ornamental grasses, swaying gently in the breeze. Grasses

Behind them you can see the greenhouses.

The cacti

Clearly the Madeira climate suits cacti. They grow to an enormous height.

The topiary

Who has the time for this artistry? Answer: the team of gardeners at the Botanical Garden!

The palms

In Madeira, we are staying at Pestana Palms, one of the group of Pestana hotels. The gardens are naturally full of palms … but, in the Botanical Garden, they are huge.

This photo includes me, seated on a hot stone bench, simply to demonstrate the size of the palm beside me.

Palms

We then trekked all the way up to the top of the gardens again. Caught the first cable car for our journey back home, walked uphill to the next cable car station … Hard work, but worth it …

PS The gardens also include a bird park (the Louro Bird Park) and a three-room Natural History Museum – neither of which we managed to visit this time.

Back at our apartment: painting

I’ve never painted a frog before, and probably never will again. but, it was fun to try!

Now, if you compare my sketch with the photo above, you’ll see that I’ve used artistic licence in my choice of greens. Indeed, one of the lily pads is more yellow than green.

Also, where there was shade, I’ve used violet. Why? Violet is the appropriate colour to use opposite yellow, according to the colour wheel.

And, I’ve used both yellow and violet on the frog’s back.

This post is one of my POSTCARD series, sharing all things ART with you when I go travelling.