Artwave West has been open now for two years and to celebrate the Summer Exhibition will include all of our top Gallery Artists as well as two invited guest artists; Mike Bell and Jeannette Hayes.
Mike Bell lives and works in Gloucestershire but as a passionate traveller his inspiration comes from trips right across England. His most recent work featuring in the Summer Exhibition follows his exploration of the South Coast of Devon and Dorset.
However, rather than simply focussing on the coast, Mike, on his mission of discovery has sought out the creeks and rivers that lead to the sea. Using this subject as a metaphor for the journey itself and by adding the motif of an empty rowing boat, his paintings invite the viewer into an imaginary voyage of their own. Finally, adding romantic titles such as ‘Stella Maris’ meaning guiding star, these enchanting miniature paintings utterly captivate you.
Jeannette Hayes is based in London and has been a member of the Pastel Society since 1998 when she was invited to join. She has had numerous exhibitions across London since 1985 and is one of the most popular visiting artists at Artwave West.
Born in Scandinavia then living in several different countries throughout her childhood has had a great influence on her work. As a child Jeannette was deaf and rarely spoke causing her to express herself through drawing.
Although initially working in oils, Jeannette has returned to the immediacy of pastels. Her starting point is nearly always based on a place and the horizon line although sometimes ambiguous is constantly present. The initial drawing can often be quite figurative but the further she progresses, the more abstract the work becomes. Jeannette describes her work as being like a diary – her personal record of a place conveyed by shapes and colours. Her latest piece ‘Retreat’ was completed following her trip to Greece, the warmth of the place or perhaps just her response to it simply radiates out.
Summer Exhibition 10th June to 6th August
Artwave West is open Tuesday to Sat, 10am – 5pm or by appointment.
For more information go to www.artwavewest.com or call 01297 489746
