Artists capture the World in Landscape

The Artizan Gallery in Torquay has announced a series of captivating exhibitions now running until July 29, with thought-provoking shows bringing together the distinct artistic visions of Bea Brookes, Danielle Neill, and Ian Watson, offering a rich exploration of our diverse world through the medium of landscape art.
In the Front Gallery, Artizan welcomes South-West artist Bea Brookes with her new exhibition "Reflection Of Sky, Water, Land." Brookes draws inspiration from the panoramic landscapes that surround her Devon home, residing atop a hill with breathtaking vistas. Her artistic process involves meticulous development from initial sketches, photographs, and repeated visits to observe and capture the essence of a place.
Brookes employs a combination of imagination and careful consideration of layout, perspective, and colour palette, crafting her paintings with a deep connection to the landscapes she portrays.
Joining Brookes in the Front Gallery is Bristol-based artist Danielle Neill, presenting her exhibition titled "Reconnecting with Nature." This marks Neill's first showcase at Artizan Gallery, and she brings a fresh and invigorating perspective to the theme of the 'World in Landscape.' Following a period of recovery from Long Covid, Neill found solace in plein air sketches during her coastal walks. Translating these sketches into larger works back in the studio, she utilizes acrylics and a variety of tools, including her hands, to create dynamic textures and movements on the canvas. Her artworks reflect a departure from strict representation, focusing instead on capturing the energy and essence of the spaces that envelop her.
In the Rear Gallery, Artizan is delighted to present a solo exhibition of new works by Brixham-based artist Ian Watson, titled "Destination Postponed." Watson's artistic exploration stems from a desire to capture the essence of places he thought he would never visit again.
During lockdown, he delved into his old sketchbooks, carefully selecting and combining drawings to develop compositions that conjure memories. Watson consciously avoids creating glossy tourist imagery, instead opting for a painterly approach that mimics the tangible and imperfect surfaces of the real world. His compositions incorporate multiple viewpoints, layered impastos, and a restrained colour palette that pays homage to influential artists such as Bomberg, Auerbach, and Balthus.