Gareth depicts land and people of Wales Gareth Parry
THIS week we talk to artist Gareth Parry whose work is currently on diplay at Ffin y Parc, Llanrwst.
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Tell us about your family
I am married to Heulwen and I have three daughters and four lovely grandchildren.
Q A
What are you best known for?
I’m probably best known for painting landscapes, sea scapes, streets and characters. Painting in the open air was the best training I could have ever had.
My work now consists of sketches and memory and is a companion of observations
It is mostly about ‘Cymru’ and ‘Y Cymry’ (the land and the people) reflecting living in a changing Wales, whilst the land and seascapes are more about the weather and natural elements.
How old are you? 69
Where are you from? Blaenau Ffestiniog Tell us a little known fact about yourself: can’t touch a Brillo pad! I worked in a local slate quarry myself for a couple of years after art school before starting to paint for a living.
Q
Tell us about your exhibition
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This is my first show at Ffin y Parc Gallery after years of exhibiting at the Thackeray Gallery in London and throughout Wales.
This is my biggest collection of new works to date and is one that I am looking forward to.
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When is it running from/to?
A
On now until Wednesday, February 26. Q
What can people expect?
AIPeople can expect paintings of Wales as a kind of journey from the hills to the sea through the seasons and incorporating all kinds of weather. There are also a number of charcoal sketches available in this show.
Q ATell us five things which make your exhibition great? Well firstly the fact that it is at Ffin y Parc Gallery. There is a wide variety of my work on offer from land and seascapes to portraits and street scenes. Although I do not work so much en plein air, these days, while I still make preparatory sketches outdoors, the paintings are mainly completed in the comfort of my studio. This is my biggest exhibition of new works to date. I’m exhibiting while the Gallery is celebrating its tenth anniversary.
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Tell us what’s good about the venue Ffin y Parc Gallery is such a beautiful place with a relaxing atmosphere, always friendly, professional, and wonderful staff.
The coffee is great too! The perfect balance of all things.
Q A
Who is your favourite artist and why?
I like all great painters. I never get tired of looking at their works. We owe them so much. Exhibiting at the Thackeray Gallery in London I was of course following in the late great footsteps of Sir Kyffin
Sun: Open mic, 8pm.
Williams, whose work I greatly admire.
Q
What piece of work are you most proud of and why?
I have no particular favorite. If it is framed it has passed the test!
AQWhat are your best and worst habits? A negative side could be that I can be impatient. I don’t know what is best about me- in my opinion that would be for others to decide.
AQWhat’s next for you? What are you working on, or what do you plan to work on? Next will be my exhibition at the Thackeray Gallery, Kensington next October.
ATues: Poker. Sat: Live music. Sun: Quiz. 01407 238 181.
Mon, 8.30pm: Pub Quiz.
Friday: Karaoke. Weds & Sun: Carvery. 01407 762 015.
Live ent, 01286 872 027
Quiz 2nd Tues 7.30. 01248 600 219.
Weds: Quiz 9pm. Sun: Music Quiz 9.30pm. 01248 712 453.
Food 12-9, Sun Carvery 12-4. Bingo, 3rd Weds, 7.15. 01407 740203.
Thurs 9pm: Charity Quiz. 01248 852 308.
Fri: karaoke/band. Sat: DJ. 1st Sun: poker.
Thurs: open Mic. Sat: Live music. 01286 672 158.
Tues, Fish & chips. Fri, curry. £5pp, 5-8. 01248 810 710.
Tues, free
Gareth Parry is exhibiting at Ffin y Parc, Llanrwst. Left and below, his works Corner Shop and See You Tomorrow prize quiz 9.30. Monthly open mic. T: 01248 370 835.
T. 01248 362 462, French Conversation, Thursdays 7-9pm jannieu@ tiscali.co.uk
Weds 9pm, Jam Session. 01248 600 438.
Tues, 9pm, Bingo. 01248 600 057 Sun & Mon, karaoke. 01248 353 062.
Sun carvery. Curry - Weds from 5pm. 01286 678666.