Brian Sinfield Art Gallery
'A Place Called Home' by Christopher Thompson
A Place Called Home by Christopher Thompson 16 November - 30 November 2024
We would like to introduce to you ‘A Place called Home’ by Christopher Thompson.
Christopher is an English artist born in Grimsby in 1969. He studied at The Royal Academy and since graduating he has exhibited extensively at home and abroad. His work can be found in private collections and, most notably, in The National Portrait Gallery in London.
His paintings are a celebration of the everyday, the half noticed and the overlooked. From an isolated building next to a silent canal, an unremarkable row of houses to hidden passageways. They are places full of subdued dramas, brought to life by patterns of shadows, lights and shapes. Moments that are repeated day after day, the flickering reflections of water, a lamp post basking in the morning sun, buildings revealed as sunlight draws across them and the tranquillity of the towpath as night draws in.
People appear sometimes, in supporting roles, but the places never appear empty as they have their own personalities and their own stories to tell. The cat `features in some cases and playfully acts out the role of the occupant. For example, in The Night Manager’s House, the cat is on watch.
The artist explains:
“I find that painting houses is very similar to painting people. House, like faces, all have their own characteristics, their own personalities and idiosyncrasies. Houses are shaped by the dramas played out within and around their walls. Endless stories unfolding, stories of every kind, some are remembered for a while, others are never heard at all. The houses however bear witness to these events, and as they pervade its fabric, the bricks and stone turn into monuments, becoming a home for them all.”
Image illustrated: Afternoon in Camden Town, oil on canvas, 50 x 40 cm
To view the full exhibition please click here
The exhibition opens on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th November and will continue to run until 30th November.
We look forward to seeing you.
Mixed work featuring gallery artists
Recent new works to the Gallery
We are delighted to bring to your attention new works received by the following artists:-
All available work can be viewed and purchased online. Please click on the artist's link above. Alternatively, please call the gallery for further information.
Painting shown here: Fifi Charrington, Cretan Vase, oil on canvas, 40 x 60 cm
'A Closer Look' by Vanessa Cooper
Vanessa Cooper
Renowned for her imaginative artworks featuring flowers and animals, Vanessa Cooper has built a reputation as an audacious artist with a deep love of texture and colour and an unwavering passion for humour. There is a natural rawness and naivety to her paintings which make them even more appealing.
In this exhibition ‘A Closer Look’ Vanessa continues to exhilarate us with what she loves the most, the natural world. Her flower paintings are full to the brim with vibrancy, and often with the addition of a bird or butterfly as seen in ‘August Abundance’. Her animal paintings, mostly featuring the family pets, cats and dogs, are full of a sense of humour which enhances their vitality. Sometimes a little cheeky as seen in ‘Scrabble’!
Vanessa explains: “Each painting in this show is inspired by everyday occurrences. Whether it be sitting round a table with family and friends, a novel, a film, a catchphrase, or a daily walk through the ancient landscape of west Dorset, an endless source of wonderment, with its bounty of flora and fauna that nature offers us. For example, ‘uppity cup-a-tea’ was a phrase I devised to placate a grumpy family member. Don’t be uppity, have a cap a tea! The absurd cup and teapot, the waspish looking cat (often the protagonist) and the slightly wary looking dog. Dogs, cats and many other animals make great human substitutes, their expressions and behaviour are often easier to read. Nature is our greatest truth.
I like to make people feel good when they look at my paintings. For me, it’s colour that does it every time; to make a painting resonate, you must understand colour. I have learnt that colour is a language with its own psychology and vibrations, and to observe the shades nature puts together when you are looking for inspiration. Nature is so powerful; it stills your centre and is very inspiring. Colour is very healing and energising."
Vanessa Cooper has been painting since her early teens. She was born and grew up in Hampshire and studied at Portsmouth University. Since 1987, when she first began exhibiting, she has built her reputation with her unique and recognisable style inspired by the wonders of nature and her own personal experiences. Today she lives and works from her studio based in the county of Dorset.
She has exhibited at the Royal College of Art and the Royal Western Academy, and her work can be found in private collections throughout the UK and overseas.
To view all available painitngs please click here