What’s On

A Brush with Light – Paintings by Anthony Gibbs

MEET ANTHONY GIBBS ON July 31st and August 1st, 21st and 22nd

Nature in Art has been very fortunate to have had an association with Anthony Gibbs since our very earliest days. His work was on show the very first day we opened our doors to the public. This special selection of some of his older and very latest original works, including many generously loaned from private collections, highlight Anthony’s skill of bringing light and life into the amazing detail that he achieves – a beguiling mixture of an eye for minutia and a sensitivity and alertness to the spirit of the scene and the essence of the subject.

Currently we have his renowned oil painting ‘Punchy’ which never fails to stop visitors in their tracks. (Pictured is Anthony half way through painting it). This painting was one of two that received the USA based Society of Animal Artists ‘Award for Excellence’, two of many awards and accolades that he has received. Typical of his style, it is paintings like this that have given him international recognition as one of the UK’s best known wildlife artists. His renowned painting ‘White Tigers ever Watchful’ also will be included in this exhibition.

It is no accident that Anthony paints nature – he is passionate about conservation. So, more often than not viewers of his work are not simply intrigued and inspired by his painting technique (he also uses pastels), but also get to see the subject or scene in a different way and have a re-invigored appreciation of our natural world. His empathy with the subjects that inspire him, lived out through an apparent ease to manipulate his chosen medium to produce work that is instantly recognisable as his own, is a memorable mix. So, don’t miss this rare opportunity to see a collection of work by a remarkable painter. (www.anthonygibbs-art.com)

PLEASE NOTE DATES ARE FOR ONLINE ACCESS. EXHIBITION CAN BE VIEWED THURSDAY – SUNDAY 10am – 4pm. Given that Nature in Art has no guaranteed or ongoing public or private funding, the Covid pandemic has been a particularly difficult period for the museum. So this is a selection of original paintings, drawings, original prints and some 3D items that have been donated to the Trust to raise funds during these challenging times. Each has a minimum reserve price and bids will be invited at or above that amount throughout the exhibition period. Bids can be made at the museum (all the items will be on show or available to view) or on line. The highest bids at the close of the exhibition, 4pm on 31st August, will be successful. The are also a number of books, including editions signed by the likes of HRH Prince Philip, Peter Scott and David Bellamy.

TO SEE THE ONLINE GALLERY AND AUCTION SITE CLICK HERE

Legacy of Love is a collection of original works – paintings, prints, photography and sculpture, almost all of which will be for sale – by artists that feature in a new coffee-table book, funded through Kickstarter, that is being launched on September 10th and 11th at Nature in Art. The exhibition includes art and photography by some of the best known wildlife artists and photographers. With 48 chapters written by famous actors, artists, photographers and charity founders, the words and images in the book are all about celebrating animals. It has a foreword by Virginia McKenna OBE. Get a glimpse of the book and some of the artwork here: www.legacyoflovebook.org

Almost all the artists and photographers will have work in the exhibition, including:

Nick Mackman, Robert Gillmor MBE, Chris Rose, Derek Robertson, Darren Rees, Richard Symonds, Karen Laurence-Rowe, Guy Combes, Gary Hodges, Jonathan and Angela Scott, Nick Dyer, George Logan, Julie Askew, Heather Irvine, Martin Avening, Suzie Marsh and Dave Currey

See Chris Rose creating one of the paintings in this exhibition on our video page.

Do join us for one of the book launch evenings (Limited numbers for covid safety)

REFLECTIONS ON NATURE

An exhibition by members of the Braid Society

Following fascinating exhibitions over the years focusing on textile techniques and crafts, from quilting to lace, crochet to embroidery, this display highlights another discipline, braiding. All the work on show is by members of The Braid Society which was founded in 1993 to promote the practice and education of making braids and narrow bands. Most exhibits have been made by UK members, but some have come from abroad, including Japan, Israel and the USA.

Throughout history people have needed ‘narrow wares’ for practical purposes such as ties for clothing and straps for possessions. This expanded into them being used as decorations, embellishments and, latterly, for art pieces. Various techniques developed in different parts of the world (sometimes using specific pieces of equipment) and include Japanese Braiding (Kumihimo), Ply Split Braiding, Peruvian Braiding, Inkle and Tablet Weaving, Cord Making, Loop Braiding, Luceting, Sprang and other finger manipulated weaving.

This, the Society’s biennial exhibition (delayed by Covid), showcases recent members’ work made using diverse methods and yarns as they have ‘reflected on nature’. On some days, makers will demonstrate amongst their exhibits.

Plus see makers at work on Oct 8th and 13th (11am-3pm), Saturday 16th (11am-1pm), Wednesday 20th (11am-2.30pm) and Thursday 21st (2pm – 4pm).

On October 24th there will be an opportunity to try different braiding techniques. See art courses

We are very pleased to have long-established links with a number of art groups in the county, including GSA who use Nature in Art’s Education Centre as the venue for their meetings. This is their first exhibition for two years due to Covid. With over 60 members who are proud to show their talents in various techniques, media and subjects this display will be varied with both 2D and 3D works included. Amongst their award winning members is Jackie Cox who appeared on BBC TV’s Countryfile programme in June when they were filming at Nature in Art. Members will be at work every day and most items will be for sale. For more information about the Society, please contact Rosemary Gowland visit www.gloucestershiresocietyartists.co.uk

This year we are pleased to be able re-introduce a crafts display by some renowned British makers. Rather than having a particular media focus or narrow theme, this show embraces work in a variety of media by acknowledged experts in their field. Amongst the makers included are Katie Morgan (ceramics), Robert Cox (woodwork), Jill Fanshawe Kato (ceramics), Amanda Lawrence (glass), Tony White (ceramics), Stella Campion (silver), Patricia Northcroft (sculpture), Sharon Foley (glass), Paul Hannaby (wood turning), Sue Brown (collagraphs), Liz Brooke-Ward (textiles), Michael Lythgoe (wood sculpture), Carole Bury (mixed media), Jane Spray (ceramics), Michael Fairbairn (glass) and Linda Heaton-Harris and Suzie Marsh (both ceramic sculpture).

See Carole Bury at work December 8th, 9th and 10th.

Almost all the work in the exhibition is for sale.

This exhibition is on display in our Education Centre. It was due to end on 21st November, but has been extended by popular demand (NB: There may be restricted access at times during the extra week.)

This is an exhibition of banners on the theme of our responsibility and care for the world, timed to coincide with COP26 in Glasgow.

All are made by people from the community, from WI’s, craft groups, churches and the like wanting to explore the theme creatively. Liz Robertson who coordinated the project says ‘the environmental and global climate emergency afflicting our world has been well-documented. Indeed, even in our own gardens or favourite green spaces there have been changes in recent years: habitats have shrunk and affected the numbers of our precious wildlife; Summer seems to arrive earlier each year, often to peter out when it should be in full swing; and pollinators often seem scarce.’

Covid’s global impact has given further food for thought. Liz says ‘All the banners contain messages of warning and hope. Hope seemed to be a key criteria for the banners; it’s easy to become disillusioned about how we, as individuals, can affect the global environmental and climate issues. What can one person do? Well, many of our banner-makers have considered this, which gives us hope. What can one nation do? With the upcoming UN COP 26 Climate Conference, nations will come together to take a serious stock of the situation, make resolutions and, hopefully, follow through. Hope in the face of crisis. You will notice a repetition of four words, as you view the banners: destruction, restoration, care and beauty. Something for us all to think about?’

A Dare to Dabble workshop, inspired by the banners is being held on 17th November.

© Majed Ali

Stunning images unveiled as Wildlife Photographer of the Year arrives at Nature in Art

This world-renowned exhibition, on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, features exceptional images which capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breath-taking diversity of the natural world. Using photography’s unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images shine a light on stories and species around the world and encourage a future of advocating for the planet.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the most prestigious photography event of its kind, providing a global platform that showcases the natural world’s most astonishing and challenging sights for over 55 years. Launching in 1965 and attracting 361 entries, today the competition receives over 50,000 entries from all over the world, highlighting its enduring appeal.