Lympstone Artists – Devon Open Studios

LYMPSTONE ARTISTS TO PARTICIPATE IN DEVON OPEN STUDIOS 2011

Three Lympstone Artists will be taking part in this much anticipated county-wide, enormously informative arts event at BrookEnd Workshop Lympstone between 3-18 September. Nestled amongst the fish shed on the shore of the Exe Estuary, Sue Paterson, Sheila Stone and Debbie Mitchell will be inviting members of the public to view and see how they work, as well as have a chance to speak to them directly about their creative process or to just sit down and enjoy a cup of tea!

SUE PATERSON

Having completed a Fine Art degree in the 80’s i hadn’t picked up a paint brush until last year! Moving to the Exe estuary it didnt take long to become completely absorbed in the ever changing view on my doorstep – from sunsets, Moored Boats, the harbour, coastline and traditional Washing Lines. I took the plunge and joined up for Devon open Studios 2010 for the first time and that was it! My love of vibrant colours re-surfaced working with Acrylic, watercolours and pastels drawing inspiration from my surroundings featuring landmarks many will recognise. Friends asked why it had taken me this long – i guess it had just lay dormant! With over 400 people through my front door i am looking forward to taking part in this year’s Open Studio in September. You can visit sue at the above studio or see her website www.suepatersonart.com

SHEILA STONE

This is a new venture for me. I moved from North London to Lympstone just over two years ago, having spent all of my working life teaching in inner city schools. “What will you do with yourself?” people asked. No problem. Lympstone is not only beautiful, it has a vibrant, varied and busy community where it is easy to become involved and to be creative.

I enjoy photography and my photographs are those in this year’s village calendar. You will be able to compare the photograph for November with one of my etchings. My recent interest is in tonal qualities, and I’ve begun to photograph in black and white, something I hope to explore further. Alongside this I have been working in charcoal, often combining it with gouache.

Debbie Mitchell

Having spent my working life painting theatre scenery, and finally managing to settle in Lympstone (it took 30 years), I , at last, have the time to look around me and transfer the skills I have learnt to depict things that interest me, albeit on a somewhat smaller scale. The ever changing estuary and especially the redstone promontarys along the beach fascinate me;. Profiles, roots colors and especially the textures. I am also an inveteret beachcomber and have collected some wonderful driftwood , sculpted animals, elemets, storms and spirits created by the tides – you just have to see them. This is my first exhibition.

Devon Open Studios produces a comprehensive guide to help visitors plan their own art trail and free copies are available from tourist information centres, libraries and galleries plus some village outlets. Opening times can be found in the brochure.

Sue, Sheila, Debbie at Brookend

Driftwood sculpture, Debbie Mitchell

Soft ground etching, Sheila Stone

'Compass Rose' acrylic on canvas, Sue Paterson