Kim Whitby at Aspex Guildhall

About

The body of work formed part of Whitby's MA and will be accompanied by large ink drawings and smaller artworks, inspired by the artist’s relocation to Hampshire and its unique environments.

The artist said: "I am excited to have the opportunity to show this long painting in its entirety in Hampshire for the first time."

Discussing her inspiration, the artist said: “I was mid way through my MA when my serviceman husband was relocated to Portsmouth. This meant very long journeys back to Aberystwyth for my studies, but viewing Hampshire with outsiders eyes, was inspiring.

The site of former HMS Daedalus, HMS Victory, Burseldon windmill, to name but a few, helped consolidate my fascination with unique places and spaces. I am a figurative artist; making pictures of things that visually interest me in my environment and close geography. I was lucky to have had the experiences of rural Wales, coastal towns and major historical cities to inspire me, but my three years in Hampshire has been both fascinating artistically and unexpectedly successful”

Whitby graduated from Aberystwyth University's School of Art with a Fine Art MA in December 2014. Previously, she received a BEd Hons in Art from King Alfred's College Winchester, that saw her pursue a career in primary education.

In 2016 Whitby won the London Pintar Rapido plein air painting competition, and became a finalist on ‘Sky Art’s Landscape Artist of the Year’. She has also been identified as an 'Artist To Watch’ by Artists and Illustrators magazine. The artist is also currently completing a commission with Hampshire Cultural Trust and the Jane Austen House Museum.

Whitby is a member of Aspex’s Artist Associate programme, a scheme which helps artists build their network of contacts and develop their creative career. Whitby says “I have benefited greatly from having a professional artist's advice and support system so close to where I live."

The exhibition will be located in the cafe space of Portsmouth Guildhall. Since 2014, Aspex and the Portsmouth Cultural Trust have been partnering to showcase the very best in contemporary art from emerging artists based in the South of England.

‘HMS Daedalus’ will be on show from 13 March - 2 June 2017.

An Introduction to Painting

Sunday 4 June, 11am - 3pm

£40.00 per person

Kim Whitby will be leading an introduction to painting, which will set participants on the road to successful painting in all mediums!

The workshop will see participants using oil paint, a great favourite with painters through the ages and a good starting point for new artists, as it allows for revisions and changes, which is useful for both beginners and developing artists.

This is a fun, informative and active session for anyone who fancies the idea of painting but isn't sure where to begin -- and includes tea and cake!

To book, contact the gallery by email (info@aspex.org.uk) or by phone (023 9277 8080).