Basildon Trail Artists Part 3

Our virtual Art Trail continues with Basildon Library and The Place in Pitsea.

In Basildon Library we have four very different artists for you to experience, Pam Harrington, Christine Lynam, Leroy Benn and Tony Tricker

Installation view at The Basildon Library

Pam Harrington – Contact: pamharrington8@gmail.com

Works on wallpaper in gallery 2

 Pam work in collage drawing and painting on top of found papers such as wall paper and wrapping. In Gallery 2, you can view one of Pam's stunning works on wall paper. 

Pam discusses one of the pieces in the Basildon Library saying “This collage painting was inspired by a view of Leigh-on-Sea cockle sheds and is made up entirely from waste”

Stunning dockland mixed media work in Basildon Library

Christine Lynam – Contact: Christine_lynam@hotmail.co.uk

Creates delicate works using watercolour and acrylic. Christine mentions in her Art Bio: “I took up painting and drawing 6 years ago when I left full time work. I went to Watercolour classes for a short time and left deciding to find my own style of painting. I have experimented with the medium, finding out what works for me. I hope you like the results. For the past 5 years  I having been painting and drawing from photographs on a commission basis and am fortunate enough to currently have works in other countries including Australia,  France and America. The Works currently displayed are a new move forward for me, I hope you like them. “

I think you'll all agree that this mighty beast looks pretty impressive, come and view him in Basildon Library and make your own mind up

Masai Warrior in Gallery 2

Leroy Benn – Contact: leroybenn@ymail.com

works in a range of mediums, with a range of different themes. His relaxed personality and love of meeting new people, experiencing new things and generally enjoying life comes across loud and clear in his work. Leroy mentions “I enjoy painting art that appeals to people e.g landscapes, portraits, spiritual works and abstracts. I have been involved in many commissioned works”

London 2012 in Basildon Library

The Kiss in Gallery 2

Tony Tricker – Contact: brefox@sky.com

Tony’s work tends to be intricate and detailed, almost photo-realism. Tony paints about what he knows and what he loves stating “ I've always admired the beauty of Leed's castle and am a lifelong fan of racing in my work for the art trail I have used personal photos to capture the beauty of the castle and the excitement of the racing”

This beautiful painting of the girls at the track can be viewed in Basildon Library

Leed's Castle in Gallery 2

Sue Hodgson – Contact: susan.hodgson51@hotmail.com

The Place opposite Pitsea Swimming pool is where you can view exquisite canvases by artist Sue Hodgson. Sue Hodgson is a self taught artist who has had a passion for art since childhood. Sue works quickly with a very sure eye for colours and composition, using oils, acrylics, watercolours or pastels and choosing every possible subject from landscapes to flowers, portraits to local scenes.

Funky Chickens in Gallery 2, great movement in this piece

Visit the Place to view this beautiful Cow portrait

Don't forget to check in for the final installment of our virtual tour tomorrow. If you require any further information about any of the artists mentioned in this blog please contact basildonarttrail@hotmail.co.uk

Basildon Trail Artists part 2

Today’s blog takes you on part 2 of the Basildon Art Trail virtual blog. Artists in this blog can be found at Build a Bear, HobbyCraft, The Towngate Theatre and MSB. Don’t forget you can also see a piece of work by all artists at Gallery 2 in the Eastgate Shopping Centre opposite New Look.

Liz O'Brien – contact www.bertzworld.co.uk

Albots Happy Ending by Liz O'Brien can be seen in Build a Bear

65 Million by Liz O'Brien can be viewed in Gallery 2

Liz’s stunning acrylic canvas’s can be seen in Gallery 2 and Build a Bear. Liz tells us the story of Albot through her art. In Liz’s words “In 2016 the population of Britain will be 65 million. Imagine if one person threw away one toy for every year of their life!”. Come and have  a look at Liz’s work to find out more!

Charlotte Priest – contact charley@studiocharley.co.uk

We're all made here - paper cut

Intricate work in progress

Charlotte in Hobbycraft demonstrating her papercutting skill

In Hobbycraft your will find the very talented Charlotte Priest. Charlotte works with paper creating fine and intricate pieces of artwork. Charlotte tells us “This original papercut has been painstakingly cut from a single piece of black paper using a scalpel. It depicts Cinderella's carriage on the way to the castle, with quote " A dream is a wish your heart makes when you're fast asleep" at the bottom”

We have three very different artists to offer you at The Towngate Theatre Venue this year.

 Steve Judd – contact stevejudd@sky.com

Kennedy bust in Gallery 2

Inspector Morse and Wax Cameo at The Towngate Theatre

Steve is our only sculptor in this years art trail. You will find his bust of Kennedy’s head in Gallery 2 and some of his more refined and detailed work in The Towngate Theatre. Steve discusses his sculpture saying “ I sculpt in wax and make moulds of completed work which then have a mould made of them in RTV silicone rubber from which casts are made in either plaster of paris or polyurethane resin.”

Jason Merle – contact jasonmerle@hotmail.co.uk

Tree of confusion by Jason  Merle

Fireworks by Jason Merle

Installation view of Jason's work in the Townagate

Jason creates visual powerful canvases with mixed media materials. Jason says “ My artwork is spontaneous, and comes from years of living the rock and roll lifestyle”

Stephen Burdett- contact s.burdett@blueyonder.co.uk

Fallen Angel by Stephen Burdett

Installation view of Stephen's work in the Towngate

Stephen Burdett has an eye for detail and produces meticulous canvases often with a fantasy theme to the. Steve says “I am a self taught artist and enjoy using acrylics, watercolour and oils. I have sold as far as Canada, Devon and Suffolk and have exhibited locally”

Paul Magner – Contact magnerpaul@yahoo.co.uk

MSB Accountants can be found adjacent to the Abbey National near Toys R Us. In MSB you will find the glorious photography taken by Paul Magner.

Paul Magner states “ I take photographs of everyday objects and situations as I see them. Some times finding different angles and light. I love challenging myself and my camera”

The Eastgate Hub Artists

Over the next few days we are going to take you on a virtual tour of the Basildon Art Trail - today we are going to start at the Eastgate Hub.

In the Eastgate Hub (opposite Debenhams in the Eastgate Shopping Centre) you will find six of our fabulous artists that are taking part in this years art trail, Paul Rix-Clancy, Sue Barnfield, Jo Ramkissoon, Victor Cooke and Dorothy Pestell.

Paul Rix-Clancy contact: paulclancyart@googlemail.com

Paul states "My portraits and fantasy art give an impression of action and life, with a freestyle dance of supple twists and natural infinity loops"

Russell Brand portrait by Paul

Paul Rix-Clancy Chairman of this years Basildon Art Trail

Paul's stunning portrait of Billy Ocean. Paul even had the opportunity to meet Billy Ocean and have his painting signed by the man himself - This can be seen in Gallery 2, level 1 of the Eastgate Shopping Centre

 Sue Barnfield contact: susanbarnfield@hotmail.co.uk

When asked about her fabulous range of portraits Sue states "My passion is portraits, I really enjoy exploring new styles". Sue works in acrylic, watercolour and Ipad art to create her beautiful portraits.

Portrait of Jessie J by Sue

 

Sue standing proudly by her amazing collection of  portraits from Beckham to Monroe

 Jo Ramkissoon contact: jo.ramkissoon@gmail.com

Jo historically works in textiles but has experimented and explored transferring her styles onto canvas over the past few years. Jo Says " With a background in textile design my work is partly influenced by fashion trends. I love to work on a large scale producing bespoke pieces of artwork often embellished with metallic paints or gold leaf."

Jo Versace scarf inspired canvas

 

Jo Ramkissoon with her glorious "Love Canvas" opposite Build a Bear

Venue sign based at The Hub

 Victor Cooke, contact: cookevjc@yahoo.co.uk

Victor primarily works in watercolour and creates beautiful landscape scenes. Victor talks about his artwork, saying "I have drawn for most of my life and started attending art courses in the late 1980's. My main interest is still life and landscapes in watercolour but I have recently started using acrylic paint and exploring seascapes"

Two of Victors beautiful Watercolour paintings exhibited in The Hub

 Dorothy Pestell, contact: dotpestell@hotmail.com

Dorothy explores a range of styles with a range of mediums, Dorothy explains "I became interested in art while pursuing a hobby after my retirement. My inspiration comes from the good and lovely things around us." Dorothy also has an interest in painting fantasy and spiritual inspired work

Dorothy eclectic collection of artwork exhibited at The Hub

Dorothy's stunning still life piece can be seen in Gallery 2 throughout the month of October

 Nanae Miller, contact: nanaemiller@yahoo.co.uk

Nanae creates captivating precise pencil and watercolour drawings inspired by fantasy images. Recently Nanae has been exploring the use of a glue-gun over the top of her painted images. Nanae States " I'm Japanese but have lived in this area for around 20 years. My recent trend of artwork is based on angels, fairies and dragons ethereal images with watercolour pencil."

Nanae's new style of overlaying work with a glue-gun

Nanae's beautiful spiritual and fantasy drawings need to be seen up close to appreciate the detail and skill Nanae has with a pencil

All these works can be seen in the Eastgate Hub up until the 15th October, works in Gallery 2 will be on display until the end of the month. If you would like any further information on any of the artist's please contact basildonarttrail@hotmail.co.uk

Press Release- Basildon Art Trail

For 10 days in October (5^th October – 15^th October) the eclectic borough of Basildon will be home to this year’s Basildon Art Trail, a collection of temporary exhibitions by local artists and art groups who will use shops, businesses and public spaces to exhibit work. The aim of the Art Trail is to provide the public with the opportunity to walk around the town of Basildon to not only view the diverse range of artwork on display, but to explore the town, it’s history, landmarks and many shops, businesses and establishments.

The Basildon Art Trail is a fantastic opportunity to see some of the more creative work that takes place, by talented local artists throughout the year. 26 artists are preparing to exhibit their work for the general public in an array of venues including Gallery 2 (in Eastgate), Wat Tyler Country Park, The Towngate Theatre, Hobby Craft, Summer Hills Garden Centre, Build-a-bear, MSB and many more.

As the name suggests, most of the venues are within walking distance of each other and the Basildon Art trail brochure contains a handy map detailing all the venues. The brochure is available free of charge from participating shops and outlets on the Art Trail, including the Library. The brochure is also available to be viewed and downloaded from the Art Trail blog  www.basildonartrail.blogspot.co.uk

For the duration of the trail there will be a central hub, situated in Gallery 2, (on Level 1 of the Eastgate Shopping Centre – opposite New Look) where visitors can pick up brochures, view a piece of work by all exhibiting artists and find out more about the trail. 

Central Hub at Gallery 2

Our laminating team, cutting and sorting at Gallery 2

Hanging the work

Welcome to the Basildon Art Trail central hub - Gallery 2

Steve Judd's "Kennedy" sculpture gazes at the works of art opposite

How fabulous do the children's Spin Painting look?

Gallery 2 is open, 10:00am-4:00pm Monday - Sunday. All other venues are open normal shop/business hours. For more information pick up a brochure from any of our Art Trail Venues:

Eastgate Hub, The Towhgate Theatre, MSB, Summerhill Garden Centre, Hobby craft, Build a Bear, Basildon Library, Gateway Radio Station 97.8FM, Wat Tyler Country Park, The Green Centre, Club Kingswood and The Place . If you require any further information please email basildonarttrail@hotmail.co.uk 

Children's Spin Paintings - Gallery 2

In this year's Basildon Art Trail we are pleased and proud to have work in two of our venues by local children. Gallery 2, one of the venues featuring art by local children, showcases 6 stunning spin paintings created as part of a fringe event organised by Tate Modern Gallery.

8 lucky pupils from schools in Basildon were given the opportunity to visit Covent Garden with artist Lisa Smith to see Damien Hirst create his famous Spin Painting art. At the event the talented group of 8 children met, spoke and worked alongside Hirst and his team from Science LTD. 

The children chose a template from a selection of six images that related to Hirst's catalogue of work. These included a sharks head, a rocket, a heart, a spot, a butterfly and a skull. The children then patiently waited their turn to create their unique piece of spin art with the assistance of Science LTD.

The paintings were made by first pinning the template to the turntable then applying a coat of water to the surface of the template. 

The template was then set spinning while brightly coloured paints were poured onto it by the children.

These are the amazing finished pictures

Please find time to stop by Gallery 2 to experience the beautiful artwork Basildon's creative and talented children have produced.

Dorothy Pestell

Dorothy Pestell's artwork will be displayed as part of this years Art Trail in The Eastgate Hub (just outside of Starbucks and Debenhams in the Eastgate Shopping Centre).

Dorothy was born in 1938 and took up painting as a "recycled teenager" in her retirement years. Dorothy Explains "I thought I would try my hand at art in my retirement years, and enjoy showing my works that display how I wield a paint brush in and out of the most fantastic colours, tickle a pencil, move an oil pastel and create sculpture using mod roc. I have been delighted to display my works in the BEA gallery and pleased with the supportive comments viewers have offered. I encourage all to visit the space. Like life, the art in the gallery is full surprises!

My work is inspired by the people I meet and all the wonderful things that I am proud to have and share on this earth today. My life in the art world has been touched by people like Dean Smith, Cheryl, Paul, Rob, Vin, Graham and Jim. Not to mention all my co-artists in the gallery".

You can view Dorothy's work in Gallery 2 from the 2nd October and the Eastgate Hub from the 5th October 2012.

One of Dorothy's beautiful watercolour and pencil drawings

This stunning mixed media still life can be seen in Gallery 2 as of the  2nd October

1 Week to go...

Only one week to go until the Basildon Art Trail launches!!! Over the next week make sure you check in on the blog to see sneaky peeks of some of the stunning art work that will be on display. To pick up your brochure pop into the BEA gallery in the Eastgate Shopping Centre or any of the following venues from Tuesday 2nd October:

Wat Tyler Country Park

The Green Centre

The Towngate Theatre

Hobbycraft

MSB

Club Kingswood

Gateway 97.8fm

Build a Bear

The Place

Eastgate Hub (outside Debenhams)

Basildon Library

Summerhill Garden Centre

Gallery 2

Plus you can also view a selection of local artist's work currently on display at The Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital.