Tom Hughes, Peter Kettle FRSA RCA, Chris Prout

About

Bristol-based Tom Hughes surrounds himself in nature, light and weather in order to document an authentic human experience.

He says: “I have a deep affection for the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains. I have been mountain biking in the area for 20 years and my parents live there, so it seemed a natural place to start painting.

“I love how low the clouds sit to the hills, creating an intimate connection to the weather and casting wonderful light effects. I aim to capture this in my work and communicate my love for the area.”

His collection also has images of famous London landmarks including Harrods, Trafalgar Square and Tower Bridge.

He adds: “I have been painting London on and off for 10 years and feel there is nowhere better to craft a street scene. Imposing, ornate architecture looms over busy streets and the traffic lights and car headlamps throw up all sorts of interesting contrasts that I love to render in oils.”

In his newest collection, British contemporary artist Peter Kettle FRSA RCA revisits and discovers the outstanding natural beauty of Wales and the Greek island of Kefalonia. A keen rambler, Peter brings together dramatic scenes from scaling Mt. Cadair Idris in Wales, chasing waterfalls across Powys and the Four Falls of Ystradfellte and afternoon walks in the olive groves of Kefalonia. Working primarily in oils and mixed media, these stunning landscapes and vistas are celebrated by Peter Kettle’s abstract/documentarian approach, visceral textures and evocative use of light on land and water.

He says: “There are numerous legends about Cadair Idris. Some nearby lakes are supposed to be bottomless, and anyone who sleeps on its slopes alone will supposedly awaken either a madman or a poet. This tradition (of sleeping on the summit of the mountain) apparently stems from bardic traditions, where bards would sleep on the mountain in hope of inspiration. I have visited the top many times. It’s a tough hike to the top and I must have had a light afternoon doze at the summit as I took away a mountain of inspiration towards starting this new collection, and perhaps touch of madness to finish it. 

“Growing up reading Captain Correlli's Mandolin by Louis Bernieres (the historical romance novel set in 1930's Kefalonia (Cephalonia) back-dropped by the Italian invasion of Kefalonia ) I’ve always wanted to experience the island that Bernieres waxed lyrically for its beauty. Today’s Kefalonia is more wanderlust travellers, sun-worshippers and a smattering of super yachts docked at a distance. It's quiet and slow, but perhaps it is a happiness shared that makes it a near perfect island to my wife and I, the countless exotic beaches each with their own identity, the passionate locals, or the dappled light in the olive groves along meandering coastal walks. This is also the home to Odysseus, the legendary but flawed king hailed in Homer's classic book 'The Odyssesy'. Having been lucky enough to visit Kefalonia twice now, the seed has taken root to come back again and again.”

Welsh-born Chris Prout, who now lives in Northamptonshire, is an established artist and well known for his dynamic interpretation of land, sea and architecture. His paintings are rich in colour and texture, and are impressionistic or semi-abstract in style.  Inspired by nature, the countryside of Norfolk and Wales have formed a backdrop to his work.