Artists of the Month 2021
Artist of the Month for June is: Colin West
This is what Colin told us.
As a teenager,l attended Saturday Art classes and Sutton Art school Surrey which was great fun.I actually sold my first picture there of Dorking watermill though sadly l didn’t photograph it!
I then worked in London for Sanderson Fabrics in the design studio as assistant to the head designer preparing “colourways” for the designs.
Whilst working in London,l studied at St Martins to finish A level Art.
Some time after l took life drawing classes with Mick Rooney RA. Back at Sutton.
He suggested l went to Wimbledon Art School.l didn’t but l studied for an Honours Degree in Social Psychology with the Open University, with an emphasis on Art History.
( Doesn’t help with the picture quiz much!).
After moving to Bexhill in the 80’s l of course joined B.A.S. and enjoy the company and stimulus of like minded Artists.
I’m mostly a landscape painter in watercolour but have revisited pastels again
The Artist of the Month for May
Is Susan Ames
This is what Susan told us about herself:
My first real encounter with art was at my Army boarding school. Boarders who never went home during the term were allowed access to the Art and Craft studio. The art teacher was very keen that we should explore black and white first before we tried any colours. After studying to A level I would have liked to attend Art College but my mother had other ideas and I started nursing in London.
After marrying young we lived abroad for a number of years in the Middle East. On returning to the UK with a young family I turned my attention to cookery and interior decoration but always kept up my interest in art , although it was mostly exhibitions etc. Over the years I have run a restaurant and a cafe bookshop where we also sold paintings etc. Latterly I worked as a Medical Secretary. My husband owned a freight company and later became an antiquarian book dealer. We moved many times renovating property. We retired to southern Spain for a while.
After my husband’s death from cancer I did not cope very well and decided to return to art and took a couple of classes. I mostly like to use pen and ink and watercolour but I have experimented with other mediums. I have a lot of health problems but I find drawing helps me deal with them and the emptiness without my husband. I have also been greatly encouraged by the fact that I can sell some of them as well.
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The Artist of the Month for April is Jane Masters
Jane Masters a long time member of Bexhill Art Society having previously served as a Committee member, and has even provided us with demonstrations of her considerable talent.
On leaving school Jane had hoped to attend Art College but following the separation of her parents the reality of the world forced her to find paid employment and Art was forgotten about.
During her 30’s Jane took a 6 week watercolour course with Eric Kay and the fire was re-kindled.
Unfortunately shortly after this she lost her Mum and struggling to cope with the bereavement painting again took a back seat.
About 3 years later she took an adult Art Course at Eastbourne College covering Pottery, Sculpture, and various painting mediums, but not watercolour which by now Jane knew was her preferred medium.
She did however pass the course with distinction.
Lots of practice over the years has refined Jane’s techniques and she now teaches watercolour, does a few demonstrations and is involved with several Art Groups having run one herself.
Acrylic paint happened along and Jane embraced its vibrancy to full effect adding another string to her bow.
Into the Lockdown and Jane fell very ill with suspected Covid and also unfortunately lost another close relative, all during a house move.
This lead to a discovery of Digital Art using a Tablet and App, less mess when you are unwell and all the Art equipment is packed away.
Lots of practice and watching “Youtube” videos has resulted in some remarkable images and several Digital commissions.
Watercolour is, however, still the overriding passion.
Now living in the heart of the Downs Jane is looking forward to inspiration from the surroundings.
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The Artist of the Month for MARCH is Jenny Hughes.
This is what Jenny sent in:
I’ve been making art since I was small then studied graphic design at college in Brighton; I stayed there, mainly because of the sea, for most of my adult life; whilst working as a graphic designer and bringing up my son I joined various art courses and did drawing, painting, photography and silkscreen printing as hobbies.
I had a traumatic close shave with death in 2005 which changed my life and left me with various difficulties including a brain injury and fluctuating emotions. I moved to France permanently (I thought!) in 2014, and lived near Toulon for over 5 years; I enjoyed experimenting at home with different materials and techniques, attended art therapy and other classes and exhibited in several group shows.
Unfortunately I was forced to return to the UK and have now lived in Bexhill for a year; I joined BAS and Bexhill Artists Workshop so I could get to meet people here; I had never visited Bexhill and knew nobody; I have had to adapt to so much and often feel very lost and confused.
Where I’m living isn’t suitable for creating big and messy art (as my old place was) so here I mostly make small works on paper using a variety of media and techniques.
I have wide interests and am inspired by countless people, creatures, patterns/motifs and stories from every era and culture; everyone and everything influence me.
You can see more of my work on my website: https://www.jennyhughesart.com
And here :https://www.instagram.com/jennyhughes_art/
(Note; we can not vouch for third party content)
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Our February Artist of the Month for 2021 is Pat Howland with an intriguing range of subjects
This is what Pat told us about herself.
I have always loved painting & drawing. I considered going to art school, but as my parents were not well off, I opted to study orthopaedic & general nursing, which was free.
We had to work 10 hour shifts and then attend lectures, but I still managed to pass exams.
Including an award for material medica which came with a prize. I chose a box of paints!
Later after 3 years in midwifery I married and travelled with my husband for the next 20years.
I lived for 18 years in France 30miles from the Pyrenees, the Mediterranean & Spain in a mixed community of Catalan, French, British & Dutch.
There I attended an Art group who had occasional visiting artist including Sorya French.
I have also attended a life drawing course in Little Common.
My best wishes to everyone. Keep safe. Patricia
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