The winning painting from South West Art’s 2023 Summer School Competition is the latest artwork exhibited on the Sidmouth Wallspace.
Artist Ann Nolan won the prize for her work ‘Quiet Morning On The River Axe', depicting the tranquillity of the river looking towards the wetlands.
The painting captures the peacefulness of nature that characterises so many scenes along the East Devon coast. But, inspired by the artist’s awareness of rapid development and the threats to the natural environment, it also aims to remind us of what is on our doorstep.
Ann, who lives locally, said: “I’m still learning and exploring oil painting. This was painted following a Matt Culmer workshop on the use of colour in oil painting during the ’23 Sumer School. I love paintings which capture the mood or story in landscapes. Like many artists I have been hugely influenced by Richard Schmid - his work and approach to painting - and the stories and mood created by Joseph Zbukvic.”
Sidmouth School of Art is constantly evolving new partnerships and collaborations aimed at engaging more people in creative art projects that are locally relevant and nurture creative talent, and said it was 'delighted' to work with South West Art.
Lynsey Pickwell of South West Art said: “Having run South West Art in Sidmouth for nearly 20 years, we wanted to celebrate and bring together the wealth of artistic talent and enthusiasm that we know is in the area.
“We set up the South West Art Summer School last August. The event hosted a variety of workshops providing an opportunity for like-minded people to get together and expand their skills.
“Every student who took part was invited to enter a piece of work created during their workshop into a competition. The winning entry was selected by artist and trustee of Sidmouth School of Art, David Shrigley, and it’s exciting and timely that the work is now showcased on the Wallspace billboard project run by Sidmouth School of Art.”
South West Art’s August ’24 Summer School offers courses, tutors and subjects suitable for people at all stages of their art journeys. Spaces are available to book at https://buytickets.at/southwestart
More details about the Wallspace project can be found here.
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