'Studies In Light' Art Exhibition at Red Rag Gallery, Stow on the Wold UK (from 08 May 2011)

The light of Cornwall has drawn artists for many years: this show presents an intimate insight into the continuing inspiration of place and light for three contemporary artists, based in St Ives; an inspiration at work wherever they seek to capture the play of light and atmosphere. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) May 05, 2011 - The light of Cornwall has drawn artists - including painters and sculptors - from varied backgrounds to its sparkling shores and rugged interior for many years. This show is an intimate reflection of that movement over the last thirty years, bringing together a trio of artists - Peter Beeson, Alan Kingsbury and Colin Orchard - who have settled in Cornwall, inspired by, and contributing to, this continuing artistic heritage.

Peter Beeson's paintings - in this show, mainly of Venetian scenes - are quiet, reflective and subtle, filled with light and texture and balanced in composition, depicting a deeply felt personal world. Peter's use of self-ground pigments, other organic substances and rare earths lend tonal subtlety and warmth to his work. Colin Orchard's impressionistic paintings (of Venice and St Ives) are often in soft, subdued colours, experimenting with the changing effects of light and shadow on sea, sky and landscape; and are held in contrast in this collection with the fresh, light colours and bold, optimistic, sometimes amusing, compositions of Alan Kingsbury's scenes of Cornish life.

Carole Teagle, Gallery Manager at Red Rag Gallery, said, "Cornwall - and St Ives and its surroundings in particular - has been an inspiration to artists for over 100 years, drawn by the breath-taking scenery, rich colours and crystal waters. This show presents an intimate insight into the continuing inspiration of place and light to three contemporary artists who have settled in St Ives in recent years; an inspiration at work wherever they seek to capture the play and atmosphere of light."

Peter Beeson (b. London) trained as a jeweller and silversmith at the Sir John Cass School of Art and then spent some time in the music business, before becoming a full time artist in 1999 and settling in Cornwall in 2002.
Alan Kingsbury (b. 1960, London) studied psychology and art history at the University of Wales, graduating in 1982; he was an intern at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice and later worked in the fine art department of Bonhams; a further year in Venice (1986) preceded a move to Dumfrieshire, Scotland; and he then moved again to Cornwall in 1991, which remains his base and home. He is an elected Academician of the Royal West of England Academy.

Colin Orchard (b. 1935 Ewell, Surrey), joined The Times in 1950 and trained as a typographer and layout artist; he was art director at Letraset International 1962-1972 and then a freelance graphic designer. He moved to St Ives in 1983 to pursue his painting; he was elected a member of the Royal Society of British Artists in 2007. He is co-author of 'Art about St Ives' (2006) and designer of 'Gasworks to Gallery: the Story of Tate St Ives'. He won 'The Artist' award in 2006 and the Davidson Award (RBA) in 2007.

The Studies in Light Exhibition will run from Sunday 08 May to Sunday 29 May 2011.

Red Rag Gallery is a leading UK art gallery and specialises in British and Irish contemporary art, sculpture and limited edition prints. Red Rag Gallery represents many leading contemporary artists and sculptors and ships artwork worldwide.
Red Rag has galleries in Stow on the Wold and Bath. The galleries are open every day. Opening hours are: 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday; 11am to 4pm, Sunday.

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