My work is concerned with the observation of colour 

 

A few years ago I went to university and there I studied observational colour harmonies in the life studio working with a variety of models. Here I worked using only the primary colours learning how to mix and blend to make all the colours I needed to truly represent the model. 

In my final year my work naturally developed towards a reductive practice where I was concerned with the exploration of the contrast in colour. 

I adopted the vehicle of the square motif in a gridded setting, selecting a small range of colours/tones to explore soft and bold contrasts.

 

I am interested in the colours created by primary and secondary harmonies with a particular interest in greys, reconsidering colour in its purest form and the gap between representation and abstraction. My later work has bolder and braver colour, but still based on colour observed in the environment around me.

My teaching is grounded in the values of observational drawing and painting, thereby teaching students to see. I believe this gives the students the skills to then develop their own style and creative voice. Working part time as a teacher based in the centre of Ramsgate, I also continue to develop my personal work as a painter and print maker.

The gallery re-opens with the brand new New Kent Art Collective. 10 Thanet artists are joining forces to create a collective of creatives that will bring a fabulous variety of art to Broadstairs in 2021. An artist collective is an initiative that is the result of a group of artists working together, usually under their own management, towards shared aims. By sharing equipment, space or materials, following shared ideologies, aesthetic and artistic views and working together as an extended family of creative like minded people, the New Kent Art Collective will bring together a unique, inspirational and enjoyable gallery space.

Karen H-King work ranges from oil and acrylic landscapes to resin pieces and illustrative ink and digital prints as well as large scale murals on local landmarks.

Sarah Stokes brings colour and vibrancy to her wonderful abstract paintings on canvas or wood and are collected by a number of clients around the world.

Christine Jeffryes work in glass combines wonderful glass fusing techniques and skilful colour use to create three dimensional work as well as beautiful painted glass panels.

Sian Morgan was born and raised in Margate and produces intricate ink and watercolour pieces based upon local architecture and landmarks. Molly Pickle is a self taught illustrator and printmaker inspired by the natural world who aims to create all of her artwork as environmentally friendly as possible.

Jessica Newby is the founder of Sea Worn Jewellery and creates handcrafted silver jewellery moulded from real shells and uses seaglass in bespoke pieces.

Brian Hodgson works in oils, exquisitely capturing light and shade and has exhibited at both the RA Summer Show and the Royal Society of British Artists.

Cath Deeson is a much loved local printmaker whose work often has a whimsical quality and uses linocut to produce limited edition prints. Eleanor Marriott is a professional photographer whose work is timeless and beautiful, capturing the beauty and iconic scenes of our local coast and towns.

Laura Hollis is a multi-disciplined artist who works in ceramics producing sculptural pieces that use the patterns and textures found in nature.

Heather Defferary returns to the gallery for her second solo show. 

Bringing her usual wealth of colour and form, Heather will be exhibiting some new pieces created during lockdown alongside some older work inspired by her time in France. Landscapes and trees always feature in her work and it promises to be a powerful show filled with autumnal tones.

New Kent Art Gallery & Studio would like to announce their Fire & Frost exhibition opens on December 8th - an annual pre-Christmas celebration of art, with all our favourite artists and makers.

 

Artists from across Kent join together to bring some festive cheer to the gallery at the end of what has been a very difficult year. It is a well known fact that art is extremely beneficial to peoples' well-being and mental health. This year, the gallery will be showing virtual tours of the exhibition on their website and social media pages. Following previous lockdowns, it is now part of our regular exhibition schedule to feature videos, tours and updates online for anyone who is isolating or having to quarantine. 

 

You can also buy work direct from their website or message the gallery to arrange delivery or a click and collect service. There will be stunning pieces by Anthony Giles, Carl Scarlett, Sue Fields, Darren Lewis, Emily Tull, Karen H-King, Sarah Stokes, Julie Tucker-Williams and many more. 

 

''It is so important for us to continue to support and champion local artists and makers who have found 2020 to be exceptionally challenging, with many of the normal art fairs and exhibitions having to close. We would like to thank all the wonderful people who have continued to enjoy our shows and embrace the virtual world of art, as well as buy direct and commission pieces. Supporting your local businesses and creative talent is absolutely vital during these times.

 

Fire & Frost is the perfect exhibition to find something unique and beautiful and hand crafted for Christmas, bringing together work in glass, ceramic, paintings, prints, sculpture, photography and jewellery. Kent made work by Kent based artists from all creative fields is what we love to exhibit and feel blessed to be surrounded by such amazing talent.''

GILDED HORIZONS & RESPONSE TO LOCKDOWN

This is an exhibition further exploring my love of metal leaf but it is also a reflection of how my artistic response changed during lockdown.

 

At the beginning of the year I was creating paintings of beautiful gilded horizons above multi coloured seas.  However as Covid approached, the gilded horizons became emotionally obscured and panic superseded my creativity.  

A few months into lockdown my creative energy returned and I had a vision of my artistic response to lockdown - my seas minus the gilded skies, but with gilded images of freedom, the freedom we were so badly missing.  The ‘Flights of Freedom’ series was born.

 

It was only later that I realised that nearly all my symbols of freedom were animals.  A testament to how the natural world began so miraculously to recover whilst all us unhelpful humans were locked away.

 

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Francesca has been painting for over thirty years.  She is passionate about colour, its symbolism and our emotional response to it.  She lives in Deal, has a degree in art history and is a trained metaphysical counsellor.  She has taught courses in art history and is the creator of The Colour Potential Oracle Card Deck.

A collaborative exhibition on the run up to Xmas will bring together a variety of new  work that would be perfect for that special gift for someone special or for yourself!

Featuring Carl Scarlett, Eve Stickler, Paul Gadenne and many more