Landscape lover’s introduction to h.Art
A guide to Herefordshire Art Week, 3 - 11 September
h.Art runs across the county from 3 - 11 September, creating a nine day art trail which is open to all. Meet artists, craftmakers and creative businesses; visit art studios; enjoy special events at galleries as well as one-off group exhibitions, in a wonderful mix of interesting venues.
Mel Potter who runs this celebration of Herefordshire's arts and crafts shares a few recommendations for landscape lovers.
At the heart of h.Art is Herefordshire’s land and bordering landscape. Many artists wouldn’t be here creating without its continual seasonal inspiration. Rolling hills, streams, river plains, woodland valleys and the distant peaks of Wales and Shropshire as well the surrounding Malvern Hills. The landscape is the focus for many. Whether you’re in search of a depicted view of somewhere special to you or something more freely drawn and intangible you’re sure to find the artist who resonates with you during h.Art.
Traditional Landscapes
If you’ll looking for traditional landscapes these are just a few of the many artists and venues you may want to visit:
Chris Williams, venue 3: Chris primarily paints landscapes but she also has an interest in portraits and the figure. Drawing is key to her practice.
The Tree of Life, venue 26: Members of the nationally acclaimed Arborealists focus on the ‘Tree’ showing a diverse range of work.
Crispin Thornton-Jones, venue 49 : This well-established landscape painter opens his studio to show his latest oil paintings and limited-edition prints.
Richard Gilbert, venue 88 : Richard’s open studio with his Marches landscapes, hills, ancient trees and a cycle of paintings from a year in a Hereford Orchard.
Abstract & semi Abstract Landscapes
If your taste is more abstract or semi abstract with its roots in landscape, you’re spoilt for choice but you might want to check out:
Alison Grimley, venue 19: Texture, northern light and the winter and spring colours of mountain landscapes inform Alison’s landscapes of the imagination. “As a colourist, I like to build up layers of thin washes before adding deeper shades. A white ground of gesso or paper enables the light to show, creating an impression of “looking through”.
Peter Horrocks, venue 27: Peter sources earth pigments and natural materials to create his pieces inspired by landscape fragments.
Helen Arthur, venue 47: Wild Brecon land and skyscapes showing in her studio and gallery.
Stuart Roper, venue 58: Stuart’s paintings are built of bold bright marks, he’s “absorbed by the glorious light and rugged scenery of the area”.
Ann Johnson, venue 75: Ann’s ephemeral paintings and drawings are atmospheric and beautiful “I draw and paint the natural world finding marks and colours to express the subject. The painting/drawing develops in its own way, potentially leading to an exciting image that, although several times removed from the original subject, retains its spirit “
More venues to explore
Beyond landscapes, explore aboriginal art, contemporary abstracts, through to mosaic and metalwork across a host of fabulous venues, including:
Tinsmiths, venue 118: Set in Ledbury's Old Grammar School, ‘Silva’ is an exhibition of pottery, wood and print, curated by Tinsmiths. With ceramics by Jessica Turrell, Carole Glover & Sophie MacCarthy. Kitchenwood by Ben and Lyn Casson. Print by Isla Middleton.
The Hop Pocket: Home to many creative ventures, head to the Hop Pocket for a retrospective of Sue Maud's work at Greenstage Gallery, venue 130, and to enjoy contemporary abstracts at A & S Studios, venue 102, meanwhile there's a group show featuring Megan Evans, Marie-Therese King, Annabelle Oppenheimer and Shelly Perkins at Mi-Frame Gallery, venue 103.
The Rodd, Sidney Nolan Trust, venue 24: In partnership with Aboriginal Art UK, 'To Give With Love' is a major exhibition of Australian Indigenous artworks featuring artworks by some of Australia’s most established artists and communities as well as up and coming indigenous artists, including Gadigal artist Kate Constantine and Wiradjuri-British artist Jasmine Coe.
The Nest, venue 112: Discover local three counties artists who are putting the 'Art in Artisan', a mixed media exhibition at spaces across the site.
Grange Court, venue 129: A chance to see work from sixteen artists and makers, ranging from ceramics and sculpture to mosaic and metalwork, in a beautifully carved timber-framed building.
Eastnor Pottery, venue 121: Peruse and purchase contemporary ceramics made by the founders and individual studio potters, Sarah Monk and Jon Williams.
Find out more
Read more about the artists who will open their creative sanctuaries from workshops to studios, sheds to galleries, including lots of interesting and exciting venues where you’d never expect to see artwork.
Many of the artists only do this once a year, giving you the rare opportunity to talk to them about their creative practice and what makes them tick and, of course, buy or commission direct, so you get a real connection to the artwork.
