As the first Summer Exhibition at Yardley Arts draws ever closer, we thought you might like a quick preview of some of the artworks you will see if you come along. The theme for this year is ‘Garden and Landscapes’. There will be many more artworks from each artist and those represented by Primrose Gallery in Thrapston, so don’t miss out on this inaugural event.

Claire Denny

For award-winning artist Claire Denny, the garden has always been a cherished place, bought under control, suppressed and then cultivated in an ordered fashion. Spending time in her own garden, whilst her children have been growing up has meant that she has planted and designed the borders in the garden to inspire her sense of colour, shape and texture. She often stands in amongst the plants painting them from life. She loves creating atmosphere through light, colour and texture along with the feeling of solace and tranquility that the garden and wider landscape present. Her finished work is produced mainly in watercolour and occasionally mixed media, working from sketchbooks and working drawings to create a spirit of place. Claire is an associate member of the Royal Watercolour Society. She has exhibited in London and at the Chelsea Flower Show, as well as in galleries both locally and further afield.

Chris Richbell

Chris Richbell is one of the regular tutors at the art centre, running both watercolour and landscape workshops for beginners and improvers. Chris enjoys working outside whenever possible. She loves the battle of ever changing light and weather, and aims to show the energy and atmosphere of the surrounding landscape in her work. Chris' work has been exhibited both in London and nationally, and she has had work accepted by the Royal Academy. She is also a member and regular exhibitor with the Northampton Town and County Art Society and serves on their council.

Nicky Hunter

Nicky refers to herself as a ‘watercolour floralist’. Her paintings focus on the colour and vibrance of blooms out in the landscape. You will recognise Blue Poppy as being the wonderful image we have used on all the exhibition’s marketing materials. We think it is an exquisite rendering of this magnificent flower. Like Chris, Nicky is another tutor at Yardley Arts, running watercolour floral workshops over the last few months.

Charlotte Cornish

For Charlotte Cornish, making prints has always excited, engaged and intrigued her. She says it’s the mastery of techniques and the handling of materials; the exploration of the infinite and varied forms of mark making; building images layer upon layer; the satisfaction of process; the potential for multiples; and the thrilling element of the unexpected. She feels that printmaking has deeply informed her practice as an artist, not only through creating editions of prints and making monoprints but also by influencing and shaping her approach to painting. Charlotte studied Fine Art with a focus on printmaking at the University of Brighton, Slade School of Art and Central St Martins School of Art. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, and sells to both private and corporate customers. She also receives regular commissions.

Johan

Johan tells us that landscapes are remembered for their colour, place and the feelings they inspire. Her approach is not to start with a specific plan or design, but to allow the combination of coloured inks, paper and water (no brushes) to take her on a journey to discover possible landscapes and seascapes that speak to her feelings and possibly her memories. Johan studied Fine Art at Central St Martins where she went on to sell work in the Highlands. As a tutor, her passion is creating safe spaces to 'Explore our Creative Spirit'.

The Summer Exhibition is open to the public from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 June, from 11am to 5.30pm. Entry is free. If you come on the Sunday and visit Yardley Hastings Open Gardens, you’ll get to view the exhibition en route. We’ll have artists working in the art centre garden, as well as round the village. Two fabulous events in one day. Let’s hope the sun shines on us all!

Remember most works are for sale too. So if you want to pick up a wonderful painting, print or sculpture to adorn your home or workplace, make sure you get your tickets for the Exhibition Preview and Fundraiser on the Thursday or you might miss out on your favourite piece.

A sneak preview of some of the works in the forthcoming Summer Exhibition

Claire Denny

Chris Richbell

Nicky Hunter

Charlotte Cornish

Johan

For more information on our courses, events or how you can get involved with Yardley Arts, please call us on 07802 888 642 or email us today.

Yardley Arts is kindly sponsored by