Roger Marks, from Sidmouth Society of Artists writes about the forthcoming SSA Exhibition ‘Festival of Art.'

The English Riviera (Torbay and its environs), Dartmoor National Park and the South Hams, all in Devon and all well-known for their breathtaking scenery but perhaps the ‘Best in Show’ is, in my view, East Devon and its jewel, sedate Sidmouth.

With its unusually high average age of 50.7 years (the national average is 40.1) many folk in East Devon are retired and fill their time with painting and crafts joining organisations such as the Sidmouth Society of Artists. It is rewarding to socialize with and work alongside like-minded members many of whom are professional artists of a very high standard.

Basing their workshops and galleries in East Devon is a smart move because you are surrounded by wonderful countryside of every kind. What better seascapes than nearby Lyme Regis (yes, I know it’s in West Dorset). Beer, Sidmouth itself (with Jacob’s Ladder and Connaught Gardens). Branscombe, the Exe Estuary and Topsham.

If landscapes are the speciality there is an area defined as being ‘of outstanding natural beauty’ surrounding Honiton and stretching away over the Black Down hills. Architecture? - well try Exeter Cathedral, Powderham Castle, or Sidmouth promenade with its authentic Regency facades.

What about a bit of action – animation, emotional content, excitement even? Well may I suggest Ottery St. Mary Carnival with its flaming tar barrels, Sidmouth Folk Festival, the Devon County Show, Charter Day, or Hot Pennies Day in Honiton?

So East Devon is blessed with every kind of subject matter to paint and artists can bring their individual talents to bear on those shapes, colours, moods, nuances, beauty that light up their senses. Not only that but, on the horizon, there lies the promise of an opportunity to show their work to the world at large.

Why so? Well, because the Sidmouth Society of Artists’ annual ‘Festival of Art’ is due to commence on Friday 28th June and thereafter daily until Thursday 11th July. The venue, Kennaway House, is a fresh and airy space that will feature upwards of 200 pictures on the walls and a good number of 3D craft items. It is always well attended by visitors being situated next to the bus triangle and a short walk from the promenade or from the shops.

Before exhibiting any new individual members face a number of dilemmas of a kind outside of their normal experience. Are my paintings any good? Will other artists think that I am a waste of space? What will my family and friends think? Will I sell anything? And then there are the practicalities – which are my best four paintings? How much should I price them at? How will I feel if I don’t sell any? Then again, if I do sell some, wouldn’t that be great? At the end of the day most members will pluck up enough courage to come forth and take their chances. Some will be uplifted by their success and others will hit the brick wall of rejection.

Perhaps the thing to remember is that some of the most revered artists of all time hardly ever sold a picture in their lifetime and lived and died in poverty.

Come along and see if we have a Van Gogh among us