By the time you read this there will only be today Friday 15 and tomorrow Saturday, August 16 left for a chance to visit the Tuesday Painters exhibition and sale of art at St Mary’s Centre but at the time of writing it had been open to the public for just two days.
Thus far, sales had been excellent, the preview setting an all-time record. An out-of-town buyer will want to take their purchase away. Not wanting to leave empty gaps for visitors to wonder at – What have they missed?
Have the best pieces gone? Sold pieces are quickly replaced: good for the club’s coffers, good for the artist and good for a consistently attractive exhibition. In fact, it kind of renews on a daily basis, well worth a couple of visits to see what’s new.
We are so grateful to the powers-that-be that the weather so far has been idyllic, proper Goldilocks’ weather: just right! Rye has been buzzing with visitors and, for the art aficionado, a lot of art to see whether at exhibitions or in the various galleries dotted around the town: all healthy competition and all out to coax credit cards out of wallets.
The exhibition run by the Tuesday Painters offer beautiful pieces in a range of prices as varied as the sort of work on show. Many of our artists are mindful that in August there are masses of tourists about, many on the hunt for a memento of their stay, so local scenes, especially of the ubiquitous Red Hut – why is it called that when it’s only the roof that’s red? – will grace the walls. Its proper name is Norton’s Hut, far less evocative.
Most of our artists, as well as thinking commercially, paint to please themselves or like to experiment with new mediums or genres. Having been a member for getting on a quarter of a century, I have witnessed the changes, both individually, and collectively as a club.
Tuesday Painters Club chair Felicity Pike says Friday’s private view was a great start to the exhibition. “It was absolutely buzzing! A huge success and absolute credit to our members. Lots of sales of framed paintings, executed in a wide variety of styles and media, and our browser items which include prints and unframed pieces.”
Paul Goring kindly advertised the exhibition by giving one of his special cries and our MP Helena Dollimore attended the preview evening.
Thanks to Janet for the exhibition review. Rye News asked her about her work which was also on display – and for sale.
How has your painting progressed over the years?
I have progressed from still life watercolours, through life drawing and portraiture and now am really keen on abstracts. It is this last genre which is so satisfying – when it works!
Do you have a fixed outcome in your mind when you start?
At the outset, I can never be sure how the finished article will be. Seldom are there points of reference or something to copy, so shape, colour and medium have to come together to form what I can only trust will be a harmonious whole.
How do you know when is it finished?
When it feels right.
The ArtWrite award
The Tuesday Painters Club of Rye is grateful to Helen Brown of ArtWrite for taking the time to come in on Friday afternoon prior to the preview to pick just one out of all 139 entries meriting ArtWrite sponsor’s award.
The prize was a very generous £50 gift voucher to spend on art materials at ArtWrite’s shop, 13a Tower Street.
Felicity Pike presented the award to Ann Hubbard to resounding applause at Friday evening’s preview.
Image Credits: Kt bruce , Mandy SKINNER , Tuesday Painters Private View , JANET HAKEN , Ann Hubbard , ADRIENNE. NORBURY , ELIZABETH KIMBER , DAVID. HENSELY , Mike FUNNELL. , JUNE DYER , ROSEMARY. CROUCH , Anthony KImber , MICK WILLIAMSON , STELLA BRABANTS , KERRY. BENNETT , ANNE ADNAMS .