About
A closer look new paintings in Tenby
Choose a rock on a beach: examine its colour, shape and weight, contemplating how much is hidden in the sand. Note the surface erosion, the larger cracks and the smaller crevices, the areas covered by algae or seaweed or molluscs. This minute scrutiny, by a fascinated observer, is second nature to the two artists exhibiting their paintings in Tenby in July.
âShared Vision' is the work of Graham Brace and Clive Gould, both absorbed with the fine detail of natural forms and with the exact rendering of these in larger landscapes and smaller studies.
A year apart, Clive and Graham both studied Graphic Design at Cardiff College of Art and continued in that line in their subsequent professions for the next 25 30 years. Clive was the BBC's Wales Head of Graphic Design and Graham was partner in a Graphic Design business. After no contact during that time, Graham and Clive met by chance at a gallery, and resuming their old friendship discovered the similarities and differences in their past lives and in their current interests. Their painting styles are based in the same obsession with detail but diverge in subject matter, medium and method.
The sea, the coastline, natural rocks and pebble groups seen in different times of day, season and weather these are what inspires Clive's work. He has a photo-realist approach, achieved through a combination of multiple and sustained observations, recording on camera, outline drawing and numerous acrylic washes and glazes.
As a founder member of the UK Coloured Pencil Society Graham is an expert exponent of that medium but now also increasingly mixes in pastel, acrylic and goache. From early landscapes a wide view which highlighted an individual tree, rock formation or a trick of the light on water Graham's recent work looks even more closely at the diverse textures, subtle colours and intricate forms of smaller and less obvious natural features. From ultra-realism comes unusual semi-abstract work, arrangements in nature that form complex and colourful pieces.
In the exhibition are coastal scenes and seascapes from Pembrokeshire, including Marloes, Druidston, Traeth Llyfn and Abereiddy, landscapes from various corners of Pembrokeshire, and close-up studies of rock faces.
The exhibition opens 1stJuly, with an opportunity to meet the two artists on Saturday 5th July between 2 and 4 pm. Everyone is welcome. The White Lion Street Gallery in Tenby is open from 10am until 5pm every day except Wednesday. For further information telephone 01834-843375 and view the whole exhibition on the website www.artmatters.org.uk.