Event focuses in on Lancashire artists
THE 2017 Open Focus is an exhibition showcasing the work of five East Lancashire artists selected from the 2016 Annual Open. The exhibition includes landscape artists Dennis Markus from Bury and Paddy Campbell from Haslingden, portrait artist George Pott from Bolton, Gothic fantasy artist Deadmansdust from Burnley and 3D felt artist Juliet Tomkins from Colne.
Each of the selected artists has their own style.
Dennis Markus is an artist and illustrator and he works mainly in oils or acrylics, often using a ‘dark-to-light’ technique whereby he adds highlights and shadows to ‘carve’ the subject out of a mid-toned background.
Paddy Campbell came to the beautiful landscape of the east Pennines in the spring of 2015.
Since then he has captured the rugged beauty of the Rossendale hills in his dynamic oil painting and watercolours with a good deal of success, his paintings attracting a good following in the area.
George Pott describes himself as ‘only a hobbyist’. He paints predominantly traditional portraits and people going about everyday tasks which have a very real, down-to-earth quality which nowadays is seldom seen.
His work was very popular with visitors to the 2016 Annual Open and this exhibition allows people to view a wider spectrum of his work.
Deadmansdust blends styles that could have created something disjointed whereas they unite to form a dense and sumptuous atmosphere. It is a fusion of photography and digital artistry which bears a most interesting influence of his illustration background.
Juliet Tomkins’ textile work is mostly inspired by the natural world; the things around us that make us ‘stop and stare’.
Her work includes fabric painting, the use of an embellishing machine, distorting using heat, appliqué, quilting and machine embroidery, using soluble fabric.
The exhibition will be opened by the Mayor and Mayoress of Hyndburn, Coun Tim O’Kane and Mrs Melanie Storey, on Saturday, February 25, and is on until April 16.
Don’t forget that the Gallery Kitchen is open for lunch and afternoon tea Wednesday to Sunday from noon to 4.30pm and every Friday and Saturday evening from 5.30pm to 8.30pm with a delicious bistro menu.
Phone 01254 491660 to book a table.