TWO exhibitions celebrating the wildlife and natural beauty of the North York Moors National Park are open at the Inspired by… gallery, Danby.
A Fascination with Fauna features new work by artist Emerson Mayes while Nature and the Environment showcases the talent of artists James McGairy, Emerson Mayes and Peter Reynolds, along with sculptor Darrell Evanes.
Sculpture by Darrell Evanes
James has been working as an artist in Guisborough, on the northern edge of the North York Moors, since 1991.
Inspired by the splendour of his local landscape, he often returns to familiar subjects, invariably finding a fresh view and changing the feel of his paintings with the season and time of day.
He said: “I search for subjects that inspire and I often look for a ‘light’. In fact, for me, light is the key. I use photographs as reference point, though I need to spend time at the location.
“The painting process involves layering paint, in an effort to achieve depth, and thus I feel my way into my paintings. I am continually thrilled by the magical quality of paint.”
James will be painting at the Inspired by… gallery and talking about his work on March 22 and April 6, from 11am to 3pm. Admission is free and booking is not necessary.
He will also be holding a one-day workshop on June 7 focusing on acrylic paint, a forgiving medium for beginners and more experienced artists alike.
James will share his methods to help attendees paint their own picture. Tickets for the workshop are £45, including all materials, lunch and refreshments.
Peter moved to the North York Moors after retiring from West Yorkshire Police. He now pursues a love of painting that he has had since an early age, combined with an endless fascination with the natural world.
From his home on the edge of Newtondale, Peter takes his inspiration from the wildlife and landscapes seen on his walks. He is always on the lookout for a good prop for a painting and can often be seen returning with a fallen tree branch or other find to add to his studio collection.
Painting by Peter Reynolds
Peter paints mainly in acrylics, enjoying the medium’s ability to allow fine detail, but he also works in watercolour, relying on simple brush strokes and tone to convey mood and atmosphere.
People can join Peter for an evening talk about his work and inspiration at the Inspired by… gallery on April 9, at 6.30pm. Tickets are £5.
Darrell is a Leeds-born artist and sculptor who currently works from his studio in Oldham. In 2013, Darrell was short-listed for Royal Academy of Arts summer show. He uses recycled metals to create unique sculptures of boats, planes, trains, birds, insects, animals and human forms. Chains are often found within the sculptures, symbolising the link between the present and the past.
Yorkshire-born landscape painter Emerson enjoys a growing reputation for a fresh, honest and uncontrived approach to his work. Whenever possible, Emerson works outside, directly from the landscape.
He said: “It’s the emotional reaction and sense of place that’s most important in a finished piece, not whether a tree is in exactly the right place.”
Emerson’s work can be found in many public, private and corporate collections worldwide, including the House of Lords and National Trust.
Leaping Fox by Emerson Mayes
The Inspired by… gallery is at The Moors National Park Centre, Danby, which is open daily from 10.30am to 4pm (10am to 5pm in April) with free entry. Information on forthcoming exhibitions can be found at northyorkmoors.org.uk/inspiredby
To book tickets for the James McGairy and Peter Reynolds, phone 01439 772738.
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