News
David Starley & Bingley Gallery April 2019
All Change, well not quite all
Welcome to both the followers of David Starley, Artist and The Bingley Gallery for my first combined newsletter.
As an artist, I’d been looking for my own outlet for some time and Jane Fielder’s invitation to take on her gallery was too good an opportunity to miss. From now on that will be my main outlet and studio – for me it’s a dream come true. For fans of Jane’s work, don’t worry, the gallery will continue to run on similar lines and a significant amount of space will be dedicated to her work, whilst she and Rob escape the chores of running the business. Many other aspects will be familiar; Amy Charlesworth will still be helping out (and has made a huge contribution to the gallery’s makeover) and it will still stock the work of a wide range of talented local artists, including a changing monthly exhibition.
Most of the other changes are minor tweaks. The frontage has had a makeover and the big basement room, which I always thought never truly fulfilled its potential, has become a dedicated display space and is perhaps my favourite part of the building. Perhaps most significantly, the central ground floor room has become a studio where visitors can see creative work in progress and allow some small group tuition.
It’s been a great joy to be able to select some of my favourite artists to exhibit on a longer-term basis, alongside myself, Jane and Amy. These will include Kate Stewart (watercolour/textiles); Kath Bonson (ceramics); Jan Whittock (monoprints); Mick Kirkby-Geddes (welded steel); Darrell Evanes; (steel and other found materials); Mary North and Brian Evans of the Old brewery pottery, Keighley (Raku ceramics) Lis Holt (ceramics and jewellery). Clare Caulfield (prints) and finally, Richard Davies of Stator Art (recycled metalwork).
Alongside these exhibitors, the front room of the gallery will feature more focussed exhibitions which will change on a monthly basis, generally introducing new artists to the gallery. Incoming solo shows include Eldwick’s own abstract artist, Leyla Murr (5 June to 7 July) and Judith Levin’s oils, (18 September to 20th October) and Clark Avery (23 Oct to 24 Nov). Between these will be a mixed summer show, followed by one featuring my new oils. The opening exhibition, however, will be my current main theme: ‘For the Love of Trees’ which aims, with paintings and words, to highlight these amazing organisms.
Sales of my work from this first exhibition will benefit the charity, Tree Aid, which does important work globally. This follows my attempts to take a sustainable approach to the business. I’m in the process of changing to high-efficiency LED lamps and powering them with 100% renewable electricity as well as moving to bio-degradable paper-based packaging. It’s been a pleasant surprise how many goods I’ve been able to source locally. Shipley Print are producing my calendars and Dandy Art House of Saltaire will be customising a range of mugs, coasters and other items using my designs. My own cards will continue to be hand assembled using locally-sourced cardstock. On the transport side I’ve even found a pleasant cycle route from my home to the gallery along the canal and visitors to the gallery will find that it’s well served by public transport.
Inevitably, with all the preparations, I’ve painted less in the last couple of months and the new gallery will restrict the number of other shows and events I take part in. Favourites such as Just Makers at Harlow Carr and St James’ Hospital will continue. However, do note that, this year, I shall not be opening my family’s house in Saltaire for the Art Trail.
For those who directly receive these newsletters, I promise not to overload you – no more than four a year and not to pass on addresses to anyone else. If anyone would like more frequent updates then do follow me on Facebook (Instagram and Twitter to follow). The Bingley gallery website is also in the process of being transferred and should soon viewable in its new form. Better still, do come and visit the gallery. The official hours, initially at least, will continue to be 12 to 6pm Thursday & Friday and 10am to 5pm on Saturday & Sunday.
Finally, I can’t sign off without once more thanking Jane and Rob Fielder for their help, advice support and enthusiasm during the transition.
Cheers, David
For those who don’t know it the gallery is 29b Park Rd., Bingley, BD16 4BQ
www.thebingleygallery.com (currently being updated)
01274 552143 07742 242143
March 2018: My BIG NEWS is that I shall be taking over the running of the Bingley Gallery (29B Park Rd, Bingley, W. Yorks), from Jane Fielder who originally set up the business 12 years ago. I shall let everyone know when I'm up and operating there (hopefully from early May 2019). The plan to move my studio to the building and use the extensive displace space as a selling gallery featuring mine and Jane's work, together with longer term and periodic exhibitions on some of my favourite works of some of the many talented artists of this region. Wish me luck!
November 2018:
Wow, quite a summer of exhibiting and (public) painting. The events at the RHS gardens at Harlow Carr were as enjoyable as ever, although the 7 day run of painting demos was surprisingly energy sapping, not least because I had to keep dodging in and out of shelter to avoid rain and thunder flies which too often came to a sticky end. Throughout my three-month exhibition in the Bexley Wing of St. James’ hospital Leeds, I tried to put in a demo once a week, which meant (there’s as much chatting as painting) that I got to know many staff and patients quite well. It was brilliant to hear how the health of some of these folks improved over that period, under the fantastic care of the unit. A particularly touching instance was the young woman whose second, this time successful, liver transplant was undertaken by a surgeon who cancelled his holiday to undertake the op himself. Unsurprisingly for a cancer unit, others were facing the reality of terminal conditions with dignity and an interest in the world beyond themselves, that was truly humbling. I hope my work provided a little light relief from the serious health issues – not least the chance to give those who claimed not to be able to paint the opportunity to prove they could. For me I came away with a renewed faith in the inner strength and goodwill of people and the realisation of the preciousness of life.
On a slightly different note, I’ve had a few enquiries recently about teaching my painting technique, beyond my usual art group demos. The Community Art Centre in Leyburn is hoping to include me as one of the tutors for a series of one day classes at their premises during the next Swaledale Festival in May / June 2019. If this is of interest to anyone it would be helpful to hear from you at an early stage; to get some grasp of the likely uptake, preferences for subject matter, need to supply equipment etc.
On a slightly different note, I’ve had a few enquiries recently about teaching my painting technique, beyond my usual art group demos. The Community Art Centre in Leyburn is hoping to include me as one of the tutors for a series of one day classes at their premises during the next Swaledale Festival in May / June 2019. If this is of interest to anyone it would be helpful to hear from you at an early stage; to get some grasp of the likely uptake, preferences for subject matter, need to supply equipment etc.
Looking forward, I, like most artists, hope that the Christmas season will tempt art-lovers to make that purchase of an original work that seemed extravagant during the year and there’s a host of mixed shows around the region for potential buyers to compare the output of different artists.
Already up and running is the Legacy Art Gallery and Studio in Todmorden. A little outside my usual showing range, but it’s a town with a strong creative element and appreciation for art and the gallery under the direction of Stella Hill seems to be buzzing. I’m part of their Christmas show and have one of the longer walls exclusively for my work. Perhaps not as ‘edgy’ as Stella’s own painting and some of my fellow exhibitors - I have, a good scattering of tree’s and landscapes, not least a freshy painted one of the Calder Valley showing Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall from the hill above Pecket Well. A view a friend once described as the finest in Yorkshire! They have a launch at 2-4pm on Nov. 11th, which sadly I can’t make, but it would be a good opportunity to drop by and see what’s on offer. The show runs until 2nd Jan 2019.
Closer to home, The Bingley art Gallery will be launching its Christmas show this coming Wednesday (7 Nov, 7-9pm), featuring Jane Fielder’s engaging views of the town and surrounds plus hyper-realistic oils from Amy Charlesworth (including a selection of her famous robins!), together with Gemma Hobbs and Kath Bonson. I’m busily putting the finishing touches to a view of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal by the Fisherman’s pub, but until that dries I’ll have a couple of tree views on show. Their launch is on Weds7 Nov from 7 to 9pm.
Already up and running is the Legacy Art Gallery and Studio in Todmorden. A little outside my usual showing range, but it’s a town with a strong creative element and appreciation for art and the gallery under the direction of Stella Hill seems to be buzzing. I’m part of their Christmas show and have one of the longer walls exclusively for my work. Perhaps not as ‘edgy’ as Stella’s own painting and some of my fellow exhibitors - I have, a good scattering of tree’s and landscapes, not least a freshy painted one of the Calder Valley showing Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall from the hill above Pecket Well. A view a friend once described as the finest in Yorkshire! They have a launch at 2-4pm on Nov. 11th, which sadly I can’t make, but it would be a good opportunity to drop by and see what’s on offer. The show runs until 2nd Jan 2019.
Closer to home, The Bingley art Gallery will be launching its Christmas show this coming Wednesday (7 Nov, 7-9pm), featuring Jane Fielder’s engaging views of the town and surrounds plus hyper-realistic oils from Amy Charlesworth (including a selection of her famous robins!), together with Gemma Hobbs and Kath Bonson. I’m busily putting the finishing touches to a view of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal by the Fisherman’s pub, but until that dries I’ll have a couple of tree views on show. Their launch is on Weds7 Nov from 7 to 9pm.
I recently joined the Craven Arts group, based in Skipton, which is an increasingly large and active organisation, so I was very pleased to have one of my views of the Spanish Sierra Almijara Mountain scenes accepted for their Christmas exhibition (Skipton Town Hall 1-22 Dec).
Looking further ahead I have my regular slot at Shipley Library between the 3rd and 15th of December and another show at The Blue Light Gallery (you’ve guessed it – a former police station) in Masham, N. Yorks between the 19th Jan and 15th Feb 2019. Alongside these, The MASA-UK gallery in Bury continues to show my work as does Ashbourne Upholstery in Shipley and Peter Randall has kindly allowed me to exhibit in his Gents barbers shop window on Bingley Road, Saltaire. As ever I’m happy for people to contact me directly to see what I have in stock, or to discuss the possibilities of future paintings.
Hoping you’ve all taken the chance to enjoy this year’s particularly spectacular autumn leaf colour changes.
Looking further ahead I have my regular slot at Shipley Library between the 3rd and 15th of December and another show at The Blue Light Gallery (you’ve guessed it – a former police station) in Masham, N. Yorks between the 19th Jan and 15th Feb 2019. Alongside these, The MASA-UK gallery in Bury continues to show my work as does Ashbourne Upholstery in Shipley and Peter Randall has kindly allowed me to exhibit in his Gents barbers shop window on Bingley Road, Saltaire. As ever I’m happy for people to contact me directly to see what I have in stock, or to discuss the possibilities of future paintings.
Hoping you’ve all taken the chance to enjoy this year’s particularly spectacular autumn leaf colour changes.
September 2018:
First of all a big THANK YOU to all those who have supported me (financially) by buying my work and (emotionally) by offering kind words of support either at my events or through the internet and. It's now ten years since I decided to make painting my career (OK so I still do a little archaeology) and whilst it's been hard work at times, I've loved the opportunity to work in a creative field. Looking back I've come a long way, but still feel that I'm experimenting and adapting in a way that keeps the process exciting.
With a number of big 'Tree' events, lined up, I have been concentrating on painting those since my last newsletter. Not least, large works for my largest ever show at the Atrium of Bexley Wing, St James's Hospital, Leeds, which was moved forwards (Don't Panic Mr. Mainwaring!) and opened at the beginning of August. As on previous occasions, I've been awed by this amazing institution with the deeply caring staff and great facilities and at its heart an exhibition venue to match any municipal gallery. When time permits, I've been taking my paints and easel in to work alongside the exhibition. An a cancer unit, clearly the patients have serious issues to contend with, but are happy to come and discuss art - and more serious issues of life with a scruffy bloke daubing paint in the corner - sincerely humbling. The focus of the current show is again on trees - a subject that people seem able to draw strength from. The exhibition continues until the end of October.
Better than a gallery:The Atrium of The Bexley Wing, St. James' Hospital, Leeds
Also up and running is the first of two very special events in the Bathhouse Gallery within the RHS gardens at Harlow Carr near Harrogate. The first up is 'Meet the Maker'. A variation of the usual residency theme, in which I go in each day to work on a painting, and interact with the public. One of the rooms in the gallery it reserved for my completed paintings, but I tend to work outside, when the weather (and thunder flies) permit. The arrangements will change after next Sunday, when the gallery will return to its themed exhibitions, in that case 'Wood and Paper', which will also include a number of my pieces and will run until 14 Oct.
Much closer to home the Saltaire Festival is due to kick off at the end of this week. I'll be joining colleagues from the Aire Valley Arts Group for a show in the recently re-furbished basement of the fantastic (the Village's only Grade 1 listed) United Reformed Church in Saltaire. Hanging should take place on Thurs 6 Sept, allowing for a launch from 6.30pm on the Friday - DO JOIN US. We'll then open each day until Sunday 16th including demonstrations (I'm on 10th and 11th). It is, of course, just a small part of a very much larger event which concentrates on the weekends. Perhaps my favourite is the more intimate open gardens (which for Saltaire generally mean back yards) during the first week-end, which can often include art, food and music. By the second week-end the focus of events shifts down to the historic Roberts Park and things become a little bigger and louder, but there will be plenty for everyone
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New work at Saltaire Festival:
Early Morning on the Leeds Liverpool Canal at Saltaire 16x40" (ds548 ) .
Saltaire United Reformed Church from Canalside Allotments 24x30 (ds547)
Early Morning on the Leeds Liverpool Canal at Saltaire 16x40" (ds548 ) .
Saltaire United Reformed Church from Canalside Allotments 24x30 (ds547)
Finally, I should mention that there are two more shows before Christmas. In a new area for me I have a wall in the Legacy Gallery in Todmorden through November and December and my usual solo exhibition at Shipley Library between the third and 15th of December.
Cheers,
David
A new take on an established theme: Autumn Symphony IX 24x36" (ds532) currently showing at the Legacy Gallery, Todmorden
Cheers,
David
A new take on an established theme: Autumn Symphony IX 24x36" (ds532) currently showing at the Legacy Gallery, Todmorden
May 2018: New Peaks
On the eve of the Saltaire Art Trail, here's a little news of what I've been involved in.
I'd like to be able to say that I'd been focussing on a particular painting style, but in fact have been trying various different approaches fairly randomly - I'll just put it down to artistic whims and an enjoyment of experimentation. Mountain scenery has been a continuing theme, a further Swiss work, then a couple based on a walking trip in the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama of Southern Spain, one of Macedonia (more on this below) and am now choosing views from my photos and sketches of own Lake District.
On the experimentation side I've tried some smaller, more focussed views, particularly in woodland and again more tree portraits, including one of a fine oak which stands on land of Milner Field Farm - a historically important local site which has had to fight off developer's plans in recent months.
On the eve of the Saltaire Art Trail, here's a little news of what I've been involved in.
I'd like to be able to say that I'd been focussing on a particular painting style, but in fact have been trying various different approaches fairly randomly - I'll just put it down to artistic whims and an enjoyment of experimentation. Mountain scenery has been a continuing theme, a further Swiss work, then a couple based on a walking trip in the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama of Southern Spain, one of Macedonia (more on this below) and am now choosing views from my photos and sketches of own Lake District.
On the experimentation side I've tried some smaller, more focussed views, particularly in woodland and again more tree portraits, including one of a fine oak which stands on land of Milner Field Farm - a historically important local site which has had to fight off developer's plans in recent months.
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Stairway to Heaven (ds486) and Autumn Fire (ds470) Harlow Carr views
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The line up of exhibitions over the next few months is going to be pretty hectic. It kicks off on home territory with the Saltaire Art Trail. This will be launched tomorrow, 4th May, with our house, 75 Albert Rd. open between 6.30 and 9.00pm for our own preview. I'll be joined by Caroline Hudson (ceramics), Pat Beard (Fused Glass), William J. Gall (oils and acrylics) and Andy Shaw (recycled metal sculpture). The main even runs 10am to 5pm on the 5th, 6th and 7th of May. As usual, Jonathan's Cafe will be open and I'm planning to work on a new alpine painting through the event. This year the trail includes 19 other Open Houses, the Makers Fair and Childrens and grown-ups events throughout the day. It's all within a couple of minutes walking of the centre of the World Heritage site, easily accessible by train, bus or car. We look set for glorious weather so do come along.
Further events follow in fairly rapid succession: A new venue for me is the Leyburn Arts and Community Centre http://www.leyburnartscentre.com/Other-Events where I'll have a solo show between 11 May and 11 June. I've also got my own show at the MASA-UK Gallery in Bury from 24 May https://www.masa-uk.co.uk/
Further events follow in fairly rapid succession: A new venue for me is the Leyburn Arts and Community Centre http://www.leyburnartscentre.com/Other-Events where I'll have a solo show between 11 May and 11 June. I've also got my own show at the MASA-UK Gallery in Bury from 24 May https://www.masa-uk.co.uk/
This is where the Macedonian mountainscape comes in. The launch is on the 24th of May, which turns out to be a public holiday in the Macedonian homeland of the gallery owner, Matija. It's the saints' days of St. Methodius and St Cyril. The latter is famous for devising an early form of the Cyrillic alphabet, which is an extra cause for celebration in Slavic countries. Learning this I thought it might be interesting to paint something related to Macedonia. An internet search brought up some spectacular photos of mountains, attached to the story of Lee Humphries, a Wolverhampton roofer who had set himself the challenge of climbing the highest point in 100 countries. It's a great story and Lee's enthusiasm shines through http://100countryhighpoints.com/ so do have a read. Thankfully he was very supportive of my quest and was happy to allow me to use one of his images of his ascent of Mount Koreb. Who knows, there may be scope for a series of paintings based on Lee's climbs.
December 2017: Wintery Scenes
Firstly, here's a slightly new direction, in the form of two new paintings featuring pine trees on Swiss mountains. My hope is to create works in a freer style, but maintaining my passion for trees. More than that, it was my attempt to capture a little of the magnificence of the Swiss alpine landscape, which I experienced at first hand this summer.
Firstly, here's a slightly new direction, in the form of two new paintings featuring pine trees on Swiss mountains. My hope is to create works in a freer style, but maintaining my passion for trees. More than that, it was my attempt to capture a little of the magnificence of the Swiss alpine landscape, which I experienced at first hand this summer.
Alpine Pines 2 &1 (ds497 & 496) Swiss Mountain views
It was great to meet up again with many of you at Harlow Carr gardens and at the Ilkley Art Trail. The latter event seems to be growing more popular, to the extent that there are suggestions next year to split it away from Ilkley's long established Literature Festival.
New showings include 6 pieces at the Bury Art Fair, which closes on Sat 18th Nov, A couple of works in Hebden Bridge Town Hall (to 19 Jan). Closer to home I have 3 new works in Aire Valley Art's "Looking in, Looking Out" show at Cliffe Castle Museum, Keighley, where the amazing restoration of the park in nearing completion.
New showings include 6 pieces at the Bury Art Fair, which closes on Sat 18th Nov, A couple of works in Hebden Bridge Town Hall (to 19 Jan). Closer to home I have 3 new works in Aire Valley Art's "Looking in, Looking Out" show at Cliffe Castle Museum, Keighley, where the amazing restoration of the park in nearing completion.
Finally, on our doorstop is a solo show at Shipley Library, which runs until the 25th of Nov. As usual this venue was humming with people on the day I installed. In fact there was a queue to get in when it opened at 9am! I've always worried that this facility's future given the current economic climate. However, back in the summer, when I was honoured by a visit to one of my showings by Bradford mayor, Abid Hussain, I was impressed by his forceful assurance that, Shipley Library was safe.
Exhibitions, Exhibitions, Exhibitions September 2017:
The summer School Holidays have come to a close which is when my exhibition schedule starts to get busy. It's good to know that I have a new stock sufficiently dry paintings, ready to go out. One of the joys of the next month is that I'll be exhibiting in a range of amazing historic buildings. First up, during the first Weekend of the Saltaire Festival (9-10 Sept), I'll be joining with others in an exhibition called 'Arts Café: A Selection of Work from Aire Valley Arts'. This will be held in the Arris Canteen, near the entrance to the Mill - at impressive space which handily also provides a quiet oasis for tea, cakes and other snacks during a busy event. It's also opposite the entrance to one of the 'secret' tunnels of Saltaire, which will be opening for the same days, along with an impressive variety of other events from the open yards sculpture trail, a beer festival and lots of music. The list's too long to mention more than a fraction, so do visit their website https://saltairefestival.co.uk. I'll be there on Sunday, demonstrating oil painting.
The 9th of September, sees the launch of a new exhibition, in what is very new territory for me: The Harding Gallery in Steep Hill, Lincoln. Together with Dan Shiel (photo composites), Lis Holt and Ken Jaquiery (both coil-built ceramics), we've booked the upper floor of the amazing C16th century building until 13th Oct, to display a substantial selection of our work. Then from the 20th September until 22nd October, I return to The RHS Gardens at Harlow Carr, just outside Harrogate. The centrepieces will be some new views started during my stint as Artist in Residence, but, with the Bath House Gallery's theme of 'wood', I'll be slipping a few other tree-related scenes as well.
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Stairway to Heaven (ds486) and Autumn Fire (ds470) Harlow Carr views
Before that's over, I'll be heading off over the moor to the Ilkley Art Trail. I'm really pleased that they've found me some space in the fabulous old Ilkley Manor House. We've all been very concerned about the future use of this much-loved building, after the council decided it couldn't afford to run it as a public space. However, it looks as if we'll be one of the first events to take place there, since a largely voluntary group took over the running. We'll Launch on the evening of weds 4th Oct, and be open the following 4 days. Again I'll have paints and canvases to do some demonstrations during the event.
Next up is another group show with the Aire valley Arts Group. This time at Cliffe Castle, Keighley, the surrounding park of which has just been given a substantial make-over. The aim of the group was to use the museum's, frankly amazing, collection, the building and the surrounding area to inspire us in our work. The challenge forced me to rethink what how I paint and I've produced work which has surprised myself! Whether the change will result in a permanent new direction I don't know, but the three works will be on display for the first time when we preview on the 11th of Oct and the show runs right through until 14th Jan 2017.
Finally a new solo show at Otley Courthouse will run from the 3rd of december through to the 4th of Feb - probably the biggest display I've ever put together!
Next up is another group show with the Aire valley Arts Group. This time at Cliffe Castle, Keighley, the surrounding park of which has just been given a substantial make-over. The aim of the group was to use the museum's, frankly amazing, collection, the building and the surrounding area to inspire us in our work. The challenge forced me to rethink what how I paint and I've produced work which has surprised myself! Whether the change will result in a permanent new direction I don't know, but the three works will be on display for the first time when we preview on the 11th of Oct and the show runs right through until 14th Jan 2017.
Finally a new solo show at Otley Courthouse will run from the 3rd of december through to the 4th of Feb - probably the biggest display I've ever put together!
Three Views inspired by The ciffe Castle collection: Ozymandias (ds488), Ammonite (ds489) and Hub, Spokes and Felloes (ds490)
Painting and Showing May 2017:
Well the painting season is now well under way after the usual quiet start.
The first big event of the year is the Saltaire Art Trail from (Saturday 27 to Monday 29 May). This is the ninth year that we've opened our house (75 Albert Road, Saltaire) to visitors. As usual both the Trail organisers and our own house are trying to ring the changes with new exhibitors and events - as well as some favourites that have proved popular in the past.
The first big event of the year is the Saltaire Art Trail from (Saturday 27 to Monday 29 May). This is the ninth year that we've opened our house (75 Albert Road, Saltaire) to visitors. As usual both the Trail organisers and our own house are trying to ring the changes with new exhibitors and events - as well as some favourites that have proved popular in the past.
The line up in my house includes Felicia Charles http://feliciacharlesart.com/ with some stunning gold leaf enhanced acrylics, which I fell for at first sight, together with prints from her very clever black sheep collection. Darrell Evanes, http://www.smartgallery.co.uk/artist/darrell-evanes/ another of my favourite artists is joining us again with his skeletal welded constructions, though perhaps not the submarine that barely fitted into dining room in 2015. The larger pieces have been provided by an artist new to Saltaire and us: Brad Quarless http://bradquarless.co.uk/home. His driftwood bench looks set to be a centrepiece, whilst other works, from the purely sculptural to the practical (talk to him about his ideas of tying his work into Yorkshire craft food initiatives) demonstrate imaginative uses for new and recycled wood. Pat Beard will be travelling up from London with a selection of beautifully made, but underpriced, fused glass. Finally, there's me: http://davidstarleyartist.com/ with a selection of largely previously unshown work.
During the three days of the Trail, my son, Jonathan will, weather permitting, be running his Cafe, raising funds for a couple of charities and Brad and I will be demonstrating wood carving and painting on the driveway. As usual we'll be having a launch party for the house's display between 7.15 and 9.30 on the evening of Friday 26 May to which visitors are warmly welcome, for an early view of the works and a chance to talk to the artists involved in a relaxed atmosphere - The trail itself can be a busy affair with lots happening. http://www.saltaireinspired.org.uk/saltaire-arts-trail/
During the three days of the Trail, my son, Jonathan will, weather permitting, be running his Cafe, raising funds for a couple of charities and Brad and I will be demonstrating wood carving and painting on the driveway. As usual we'll be having a launch party for the house's display between 7.15 and 9.30 on the evening of Friday 26 May to which visitors are warmly welcome, for an early view of the works and a chance to talk to the artists involved in a relaxed atmosphere - The trail itself can be a busy affair with lots happening. http://www.saltaireinspired.org.uk/saltaire-arts-trail/
The weekend will also be the last showing of my work at The Art Form Framing Gallery in Shipley http://www.artformframing.co.uk/. Meanwhile new things are happening. I'm really happy to be back as Artist in Residence at The Royal Horticultural Society's Harlow Carr Gardens during their Summer Flower Show. I shall be paintings in the gardens (greenhouse if wet!) during the three days of the festival (23-25 June) and for a few days through the month. Throughout the month a small selection of the paintings that resulted from last year's residency will be on show (and for sale) in the Bath house there, although I still have further ones in my studio, which can wait until my next showing at the gardens in September.
It's been a productive start to the year in the studio, some of the new work will be on show at Saltaire Art Trail, others can wait until my next run of exhibitions, this autumn, although if you ever want a sneak preview, don't forget visitors are welcome to my studio at the Dockfield road Creative Arts Hub in Shipley, but do ring first (0772 242143) to check that I'm around to let you in.
It's been a productive start to the year in the studio, some of the new work will be on show at Saltaire Art Trail, others can wait until my next run of exhibitions, this autumn, although if you ever want a sneak preview, don't forget visitors are welcome to my studio at the Dockfield road Creative Arts Hub in Shipley, but do ring first (0772 242143) to check that I'm around to let you in.
November 2016 :
As the year draws to a close it's time to look back briefly at a particularly good year's painting, despite a bleak start with the flooding affecting several venues.
One highlight was my residency and two shows at Harlow Carr (Royal Horticultural Society Gardens), which combined the enjoyment of painting in the gardens, with opportunities to display and sell in the Bath House exhibition space. This venue is growing from strength to strength and it's more than pleasing to have my work alongside the arts and crafts of talented individuals. I also had my paintings splashed big on Bradford's Centennial Square screen and continued to exhibit widely. This included a solo show, and continued presence at the delightful Calder Gallery in Hebden Bridge. I had my first, taste of the Ilkley Art Trail which was a particularly well-run event with people coming from far and wide, a return to Horsforth Walk of Art and my, well I've lost count, nth Saltaire Art Trail when I opened my own home in the village. For variety, I also had the pleasure of visiting a number of extremely enthusiastic art groups to provide demonstrations, for what is becoming a regular part of my work, and one I hope to extend into workshops. Oh and I managed to paint some pictures!
As the year draws to a close it's time to look back briefly at a particularly good year's painting, despite a bleak start with the flooding affecting several venues.
One highlight was my residency and two shows at Harlow Carr (Royal Horticultural Society Gardens), which combined the enjoyment of painting in the gardens, with opportunities to display and sell in the Bath House exhibition space. This venue is growing from strength to strength and it's more than pleasing to have my work alongside the arts and crafts of talented individuals. I also had my paintings splashed big on Bradford's Centennial Square screen and continued to exhibit widely. This included a solo show, and continued presence at the delightful Calder Gallery in Hebden Bridge. I had my first, taste of the Ilkley Art Trail which was a particularly well-run event with people coming from far and wide, a return to Horsforth Walk of Art and my, well I've lost count, nth Saltaire Art Trail when I opened my own home in the village. For variety, I also had the pleasure of visiting a number of extremely enthusiastic art groups to provide demonstrations, for what is becoming a regular part of my work, and one I hope to extend into workshops. Oh and I managed to paint some pictures!
At The Forests Edge II 30x24"
However, with so many events, painting has largely been a matter of producing for forthcoming shows (I normally need to work 6 months ahead to allow drying time). So a fair number of Harlow Carr views and a few other landscapes in a similar manner, trying to provide a balance between stronger light and shade that was previously the case.
It looked as if my show at the Atrium Gallery (in the Bexley Wing of St. Jimmy's Hospital Leeds) would not be going ahead, but after re-scheduling, this is now up and in place. It's by some measure my largest show yet, and in my opinion, most effective. I knew the space from a previous joint exhibition with Aire Valley Arts, when I had a vision of lining the whole length of the gallery with tree and forest scenes to create in effect an indoor woodland walk. It required some logistical juggling to get the works there and my insurers refused to cover it, but I went ahead anyway
Aspens, Harlow Carr 16x24"
For those who don't know it, The Bexley Wing is the Oncology (Cancer) Unit for the region and has a reputation as one of the best in the world , the staff are amazingly helpful and caring, the facilities second to none and even the food (from what I've heard) is good! At the heart of it is the Atrium, a large open space where patients, visitors and staff pass through, linger and mingle. There's a coffee shop, a piano played by volunteers and the best display wall I've ever known. Obviously many of the visitors are there for the worst of reasons, and are receiving treatments for life threatening conditions, but know at least that they're having the best possible care. ..... and very many are keen to look at and talk about paintings. Thankfully, there a specialist to install the work, with me helping (mainly fielding questions); otherwise I'd have struggled to get them in place. Last Tuesday I went in with easel and paints to do a bit of a demo. Again, I think there was more chatting than painting, but with other painting days planned, I'll be back. Meanwhile, with 25% of sales going to the Yorkshire Cancer Centre, I'm pleased to say they will do very well out of the event financially. The exhibition will run to 27 January.
Swirl Howe in Mist and Snow, Lake District 30x24"
Harlow Carr Summerhouse 30x20"
As I write this I've just had an email from Phil and Sue at
the Calder Gallery to say that they are planning to close their gallery for
good on the 18th of December, which is sad news after a great year of
exhibiting there. I'll have my regular show in the, now re-furbished Shipley
Library, between the 28th November and 10th December. A couple of small local events also deserve a
mention, ideally a visit: The Peace Fair in Saltaire's Victoria Hall on 26 November
and The Baildon at Christmas in..... well all over, Baildon on the 4th of
December. Both are great places for stocking up with Christmas goodies and I'll
be there with a few paintings but mainly cards including the new Saltaire
Living Advent Window Christmas cards. The living Advent event itself kicks off
on the 1st of December...which in turn reminds me that I need to paint
something to use as the basis of my design....back to the studio...
Showtime 2016:
At the time of my last newsletter, I was worried that a few of my exhibiting spaces had, by flood, or longer term economic pressures been forced to close. Sadly this looks to be the case for one or two, but others have sprung back and new venues have been happy to take on my work.
I'm hugely pleased that the Calder Gallery in Hebden Bridge has now reopened, the first 'mixed' showing includes some of my work, but more exciting still, is a solo show there, previewing on 22nd of June and running until 17 July. The exhibition will include new works of the Calder Valley, with Stoodley Pike Monument making several appearances.
Between 28 & 30 May is a major highlight of the year, when I open up my house as part of the Saltaire Arts Trail. For those of you who don't know Saltaire, it's an industrial model village built by Sir Titus Salt in the mid nineteenth century with mill, churches, schools, social spaces, a park, shops and ornate terraced houses. The village is well worth a look at any time, but the trail gives the added opportunity to go into people's houses and view lots of art. As well as myself, and long-term friend and collaborator Daniel Shiel we'll be showing fused glass work from Pat Beard, ceramics by Caroline Hudson and steel sculptures by Mick Kirkby-Geddes (the artist behind the Aire Sculpture Trail). As usual, my son Jonathan is planning to open his regular cafe to raise funds for Water Aid (Not Child in Need!). There's a preview on the Thursday (27 June) night, starting at 6pm in The Saltaire Canteen, then the opportunity to visit a few of the houses including ours, we'll be open from 6.30.
June sees another new and exciting venture; as Artist in Residence at the Royal Horticultural Society's wonderful Harlow Carr gardens near Harrogate. I'm due to be painting en plein air during the Flower Show (10-12 Jun), which looks to be a big event. If the weather takes a turn for the worse I'll retreat to a greenhouse. A few of my works, including views of the Gardens will be on show in the Bath House Gallery throughout the month. On the weekend of 2/3 July I'll be returning to The Horsforth Walk of Art. This event only started last year, but in a sort of Leicester City way, managed to put other, longer established, better funded and more professional events to shame with huge, well organised programme of fresh and imaginative ideas. I'll be back at 9 Cragg Rd.
I'll have a similarly busy autumn, of which more later, but will just mention that I've a big solo show coming up at the Atrium Gallery of the Bexley Wing of St. James Hospital, Leeds, which will run throughout August, September and October. This is a very large space indeed, but having experienced a joint show with The Aire Valley Arts Group some years ago. I was totally bowled over by the response of the public - that is to say largely patients, visitors and staff of the oncology unit - people who might be expected to have more serious matters on their minds clearly found much pleasure in looking at, and talking about the paintings. My intention is to present a series of trees arranged forest-like on the walls.
I'm hugely pleased that the Calder Gallery in Hebden Bridge has now reopened, the first 'mixed' showing includes some of my work, but more exciting still, is a solo show there, previewing on 22nd of June and running until 17 July. The exhibition will include new works of the Calder Valley, with Stoodley Pike Monument making several appearances.
Between 28 & 30 May is a major highlight of the year, when I open up my house as part of the Saltaire Arts Trail. For those of you who don't know Saltaire, it's an industrial model village built by Sir Titus Salt in the mid nineteenth century with mill, churches, schools, social spaces, a park, shops and ornate terraced houses. The village is well worth a look at any time, but the trail gives the added opportunity to go into people's houses and view lots of art. As well as myself, and long-term friend and collaborator Daniel Shiel we'll be showing fused glass work from Pat Beard, ceramics by Caroline Hudson and steel sculptures by Mick Kirkby-Geddes (the artist behind the Aire Sculpture Trail). As usual, my son Jonathan is planning to open his regular cafe to raise funds for Water Aid (Not Child in Need!). There's a preview on the Thursday (27 June) night, starting at 6pm in The Saltaire Canteen, then the opportunity to visit a few of the houses including ours, we'll be open from 6.30.
June sees another new and exciting venture; as Artist in Residence at the Royal Horticultural Society's wonderful Harlow Carr gardens near Harrogate. I'm due to be painting en plein air during the Flower Show (10-12 Jun), which looks to be a big event. If the weather takes a turn for the worse I'll retreat to a greenhouse. A few of my works, including views of the Gardens will be on show in the Bath House Gallery throughout the month. On the weekend of 2/3 July I'll be returning to The Horsforth Walk of Art. This event only started last year, but in a sort of Leicester City way, managed to put other, longer established, better funded and more professional events to shame with huge, well organised programme of fresh and imaginative ideas. I'll be back at 9 Cragg Rd.
I'll have a similarly busy autumn, of which more later, but will just mention that I've a big solo show coming up at the Atrium Gallery of the Bexley Wing of St. James Hospital, Leeds, which will run throughout August, September and October. This is a very large space indeed, but having experienced a joint show with The Aire Valley Arts Group some years ago. I was totally bowled over by the response of the public - that is to say largely patients, visitors and staff of the oncology unit - people who might be expected to have more serious matters on their minds clearly found much pleasure in looking at, and talking about the paintings. My intention is to present a series of trees arranged forest-like on the walls.
As well as painting I've been experimenting with framing. My paintings are, with rare exceptions, on deep canvases with the subject matter continuing on the vertical edges, so that they can be displayed without framing. However, I'm occasionally asked about frames and not feeling that readily available mouldings suited my work, have been experimenting with hand-built and painted box frames. Hopefully I've provided an option that enhances the work without distracting from the painting. I shall have a few on display at the art trail so do let me know.
Autumn Showings 2015:
An artist's life is not quite as idyllic, or as some suspect idle, as many consider it to be. Recently I've been away from the painting for a while, re-organising my records, and doing my accounts (boo hiss) but, more enjoyably, preparing for a busy Autumn season of events. I had great fun at the two new art trails; Horsforth and Kirkstall. Less busy than the more established events, but notable for the number of local folk who took part or came to see what the events were about, and by general consent enjoyed themselves greatly. I've also been pleased with comments on my solo show in the Half Moon Cafe, Roberts Park, Saltaire which will close in early September.
An artist's life is not quite as idyllic, or as some suspect idle, as many consider it to be. Recently I've been away from the painting for a while, re-organising my records, and doing my accounts (boo hiss) but, more enjoyably, preparing for a busy Autumn season of events. I had great fun at the two new art trails; Horsforth and Kirkstall. Less busy than the more established events, but notable for the number of local folk who took part or came to see what the events were about, and by general consent enjoyed themselves greatly. I've also been pleased with comments on my solo show in the Half Moon Cafe, Roberts Park, Saltaire which will close in early September.
Autumn Symphony I 30x30" (ds392)
Discussions at recent trails, has led to some new, less focussed, but perhaps more harmonious works which leave more to the imagination. The feedback on these, Such as Autumn Symphony (pictured) has been amazingly positive. The first should be ready for my biggest, show of autumn a return visit to The Station Gallery, Richmond, (the N.Yorks one!).
I exhibited there early in 2014 and was so impressed I booked it up again immediately. It's largely the same formula: myself, Dan Shiel (photo composites), Lis Holt (ceramic jewellery and pots) together with Chris Rymey, (artist in turned wood) who you may recall from past Saltaire Art Trails. It's a glorious venue - all Victorian Cast Iron and glass with arty cinema, cafe/restaurant micro brewery, cheese maker, award winning patisserie, ice-cream maker, a sports centre and lovely walks along the river to Easby Abbey. The plan is to have as many artists as possible there at the weekends - talking about their work, and in my case doing some painting. The advertised dates of the show are 5 to 30 September although it should be up and running for a half day before and after that. The preview is open to all on the evening of 4 September - the aim is 6pm-ish.
I exhibited there early in 2014 and was so impressed I booked it up again immediately. It's largely the same formula: myself, Dan Shiel (photo composites), Lis Holt (ceramic jewellery and pots) together with Chris Rymey, (artist in turned wood) who you may recall from past Saltaire Art Trails. It's a glorious venue - all Victorian Cast Iron and glass with arty cinema, cafe/restaurant micro brewery, cheese maker, award winning patisserie, ice-cream maker, a sports centre and lovely walks along the river to Easby Abbey. The plan is to have as many artists as possible there at the weekends - talking about their work, and in my case doing some painting. The advertised dates of the show are 5 to 30 September although it should be up and running for a half day before and after that. The preview is open to all on the evening of 4 September - the aim is 6pm-ish.
Red, Gold and Green on Black I 18x24" (ds 403)
Dan and I will also be combining forces again on a joint exhibition in the very active Otley Couthouse Arts Centre between the 1 and 24 Nov. Don't forget if you visit to look into the original police cell. Other showings, for which not all details have been firmed up and it may be worth checking my artist's website or Facebook page for confirmation nearer the time, include the display a selection of works in the Bath House at the Royal Horticultural Society's Harlow Carr site near Harrogate. The theme of the exhibition, which runs 23 Sept to 8 Oct is to be 'wood' so do take the chance to compare my trees with those in the Arboretum, before a very civilised cuppa at the on-site Betty's Tearooms.
Descending Pen-y-Ghent: Distant View of Pendle Hill 30x24" (ds395)
After a summer break, I think on 12 Oct., the distinctly up-market Calder Gallery in
Hebden Bridge will be re-opening with a few of my works. I've also been invited
back to the Oil and Water Gallery in Wandsworth, London for a rare southern
showing from 4 Dec. A 'new' gallery on Bradford Road, Shipley, is actually the
return of ArtForm Framing whose previous gallery in Saltaire gave me my first
commercial public outlet. Sarah's promised me a new slot throughout either Oct
or Nov. Finally, along with other Aire Valley Arts members I'll be helping to put
together a joint showing at the South Square gallery in Thornton in December.
By popular request, I've also been working on more poppy views, including the popular 40"x16" panoramas, but also some more stylised "Red, Gold and Green on Black" works, which provide a new twist to this high impact theme. As ever with poppies, there is a very long drying time, so they may not be ready much before Christmas.
Hoping to see you there,
David
By popular request, I've also been working on more poppy views, including the popular 40"x16" panoramas, but also some more stylised "Red, Gold and Green on Black" works, which provide a new twist to this high impact theme. As ever with poppies, there is a very long drying time, so they may not be ready much before Christmas.
Hoping to see you there,
David
Descending Whernside, Ingleborough ahead, Pen-y-Ghent beyond, mist approaching
July 2015:
Summertime blues, greens and yellows
The Saltaire Art Trail returned from its year off with more than a few changes. Numbers were down, but I thought the event had regained some of the serendipitous nature of the earlier years and the more relaxed atmosphere allowed a little more interaction between artists and visitors.
There's a busy schedule ahead: At The Half Moon Cafe in Saltaire's Roberts I managed to fill an unexpected vacancy within 24 hours with a show which will run until September. I'm also very pleased that a new venue has agreed to take a selection of my work. The Calder Gallery in Hebden Bridge was one of the premises that suffered the catastrophic double floods back in 2012. Whilst many businesses went under this gallery has bounced back under its enthusiastic owners, Sue and Phil to become a vibrant outlet once again.
Two new Art Trails have tempted me. The Horsforth Walk of Art is a brand new event on the Bradford side of Leeds. Rather than start small, they, or largely one lady called Lara, seems to have hit the ground running and has galvanised the whole community in an astonishing way. Quirkiness is provided by making the exhibitions shed-based, though my venue at 9 Cragg Road also has a large garden (weather permitting) as well as an admirable shed. As number 51 on the map, you can get some indication of the scale of the event, which takes place over 4-5 July.
Summertime blues, greens and yellows
The Saltaire Art Trail returned from its year off with more than a few changes. Numbers were down, but I thought the event had regained some of the serendipitous nature of the earlier years and the more relaxed atmosphere allowed a little more interaction between artists and visitors.
There's a busy schedule ahead: At The Half Moon Cafe in Saltaire's Roberts I managed to fill an unexpected vacancy within 24 hours with a show which will run until September. I'm also very pleased that a new venue has agreed to take a selection of my work. The Calder Gallery in Hebden Bridge was one of the premises that suffered the catastrophic double floods back in 2012. Whilst many businesses went under this gallery has bounced back under its enthusiastic owners, Sue and Phil to become a vibrant outlet once again.
Two new Art Trails have tempted me. The Horsforth Walk of Art is a brand new event on the Bradford side of Leeds. Rather than start small, they, or largely one lady called Lara, seems to have hit the ground running and has galvanised the whole community in an astonishing way. Quirkiness is provided by making the exhibitions shed-based, though my venue at 9 Cragg Road also has a large garden (weather permitting) as well as an admirable shed. As number 51 on the map, you can get some indication of the scale of the event, which takes place over 4-5 July.
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Kirkstall Arts Trailon Saturday, 18 July, is a brand new event. There's a mixture of private houses and public spaces. Most excitingly, four of us artists get to use the whole of the Cloisters at the Abbey- such an amazing place. Hopefully I'll not be dwarfed by my surroundings.
As one joint Air Valley Arts Event (Bingley Arts Centre) closed last week, another at Bingley Gallery, (in the shadow of the famous DAMART Chimney) is being organised. The Theme for the new one is Interpret a Poem, a remit which I initially struggled with until I recalled Saltaire-based songwriter, Eddie Lawler's, lyrics describing the local landscape in very evocative language:
The valleys with all variations of green
The sun, the clouds mirrored in the stony walls
Eddie Lawler. 'Emily's Song'
When others shrink for cover,
Shrivel and curl in fear of future
She’s blushing, deep, all over.
Eddie Lawler. 'Character Study' (Heather)
A gnarled old beech tree still stands there
It has seen the great house born and die
Eddie Lawler: The Ballad of Little Beck
The event runs 9 July to 2 August, with a preview on 8 July at 7-9pm, to which you are welcome to join us for a glass of wine and an early perusal.
In the last few days a new collaboration has come about with The Memory Tree CIC, a local not-for-profit organisation that helps people with dementia and their carers. The group will sell my greetings cards at their regular fund-raising activities. We're also in discussion about a possible calendar featuring my tree 'portraits' around the seasons. Sales of the calendar would help the organisation, not only to raise money towards their costs, but to raise awareness of the support they offer.
Hoping to catch up with you at one event or another
As one joint Air Valley Arts Event (Bingley Arts Centre) closed last week, another at Bingley Gallery, (in the shadow of the famous DAMART Chimney) is being organised. The Theme for the new one is Interpret a Poem, a remit which I initially struggled with until I recalled Saltaire-based songwriter, Eddie Lawler's, lyrics describing the local landscape in very evocative language:
The valleys with all variations of green
The sun, the clouds mirrored in the stony walls
Eddie Lawler. 'Emily's Song'
When others shrink for cover,
Shrivel and curl in fear of future
She’s blushing, deep, all over.
Eddie Lawler. 'Character Study' (Heather)
A gnarled old beech tree still stands there
It has seen the great house born and die
Eddie Lawler: The Ballad of Little Beck
The event runs 9 July to 2 August, with a preview on 8 July at 7-9pm, to which you are welcome to join us for a glass of wine and an early perusal.
In the last few days a new collaboration has come about with The Memory Tree CIC, a local not-for-profit organisation that helps people with dementia and their carers. The group will sell my greetings cards at their regular fund-raising activities. We're also in discussion about a possible calendar featuring my tree 'portraits' around the seasons. Sales of the calendar would help the organisation, not only to raise money towards their costs, but to raise awareness of the support they offer.
Hoping to catch up with you at one event or another
Half Moon Cafe
Top Withens from the Pennine Way near Haworth
May 2015:
A Springy palette knife
The sun is shining, birds are singing, seedlings are emerging on the allotment and there's a crop of art's related events on their way. Art Trails in particular have become so popular that ever more districts have launched their own, all with a little local flavour and a chance, not only to look at the artworks, but to get to know the area in a fun way.
First is an Open Day on at my new studios in Dockfield Road, Shipley which will offer a mixture of treats not only will the resident artists be opening their studios with painters painting, potters potting printers printing etc. There will also be stalls from visiting artists, workshops for youngsters, a barbeque, bar and evening entertainment. Entry is free and the event kicks off at 2pm with the entertainment running "to late". http://www.dockfieldroadcreativeartshub.com
The big event for me is Saltaire Arts Trail which will run over the late May bank holiday weekend Sat 23 to Mon 25 2015. I'll be opening my own home at 75 Albert Road and this time I get to choose the artists! Not just because their my friends, but because I love their work, Daniel Shiel (photo composites) and Lis Holt (ceramics) will be back, together with Pat Beard (fused glass) making her public exhibition debut. Very exciting for me is to also have Darrell Evanes (metal sculpture). Of course the event is stuffed with other attractions and other people's houses to sticky beak around in. http://www.saltaireinspired.org.uk
A brand new event this year is the Horsforth Walk of Art on 4th and 5th July, just a few miles down the valley. Described as an "Arty Amble" I'm particularly attracted to the idea of exhibiting in garden sheds (there's also pig sty) so hopefully they'll allocate me one of those - as long as the pig has moved out. There are also open gardens, workshops and entertainment. http://horsforth-woa.org/
The Kirkstall Art Trail seems to be a spin-off from the more established Kirkstall Festival. It's a one day event on 18th July but seems to have attracted a lot of artists' interest. For those of you who haven't visited before, don't forget that the Abbey boasts the most complete Cistercian ruins in Yorkshire https://kirkstallarttrail.wordpress.com/
As well as these festive events I have a few longer-term shows, starting with a solo at Shipley Library between the 5th and 16th of May. I'll also be joining with thel Aire valley Arts group members for a couple of joint exhibitions. The first, 'Inspired by Poetry' will run at Bingley Arts Centre from 22nd of May to 2nd July. Not having a wide knowledge of poetry, I was a little daunted by this until I started recalling the words of local poet and musician Eddie Lawler, which convey some wonderfully evocative 'images' of Yorkshire in time and place. The second AVA event will be held at Bingley Gallery between the 8th and 31st of July, under the title of 'Black and White'.
As for painting, I'm continuing to work at Shipley as well as picking up an increasing number of demonstrations to art clubs. Last week was Brighouse at which I had a mild panic, arriving early before the secretary and noting a list of events which included embroidery for that evening! Thankfully, that was the only set-back in a wonderfully friendly and well organised evening.
A Springy palette knife
The sun is shining, birds are singing, seedlings are emerging on the allotment and there's a crop of art's related events on their way. Art Trails in particular have become so popular that ever more districts have launched their own, all with a little local flavour and a chance, not only to look at the artworks, but to get to know the area in a fun way.
First is an Open Day on at my new studios in Dockfield Road, Shipley which will offer a mixture of treats not only will the resident artists be opening their studios with painters painting, potters potting printers printing etc. There will also be stalls from visiting artists, workshops for youngsters, a barbeque, bar and evening entertainment. Entry is free and the event kicks off at 2pm with the entertainment running "to late". http://www.dockfieldroadcreativeartshub.com
The big event for me is Saltaire Arts Trail which will run over the late May bank holiday weekend Sat 23 to Mon 25 2015. I'll be opening my own home at 75 Albert Road and this time I get to choose the artists! Not just because their my friends, but because I love their work, Daniel Shiel (photo composites) and Lis Holt (ceramics) will be back, together with Pat Beard (fused glass) making her public exhibition debut. Very exciting for me is to also have Darrell Evanes (metal sculpture). Of course the event is stuffed with other attractions and other people's houses to sticky beak around in. http://www.saltaireinspired.org.uk
A brand new event this year is the Horsforth Walk of Art on 4th and 5th July, just a few miles down the valley. Described as an "Arty Amble" I'm particularly attracted to the idea of exhibiting in garden sheds (there's also pig sty) so hopefully they'll allocate me one of those - as long as the pig has moved out. There are also open gardens, workshops and entertainment. http://horsforth-woa.org/
The Kirkstall Art Trail seems to be a spin-off from the more established Kirkstall Festival. It's a one day event on 18th July but seems to have attracted a lot of artists' interest. For those of you who haven't visited before, don't forget that the Abbey boasts the most complete Cistercian ruins in Yorkshire https://kirkstallarttrail.wordpress.com/
As well as these festive events I have a few longer-term shows, starting with a solo at Shipley Library between the 5th and 16th of May. I'll also be joining with thel Aire valley Arts group members for a couple of joint exhibitions. The first, 'Inspired by Poetry' will run at Bingley Arts Centre from 22nd of May to 2nd July. Not having a wide knowledge of poetry, I was a little daunted by this until I started recalling the words of local poet and musician Eddie Lawler, which convey some wonderfully evocative 'images' of Yorkshire in time and place. The second AVA event will be held at Bingley Gallery between the 8th and 31st of July, under the title of 'Black and White'.
As for painting, I'm continuing to work at Shipley as well as picking up an increasing number of demonstrations to art clubs. Last week was Brighouse at which I had a mild panic, arriving early before the secretary and noting a list of events which included embroidery for that evening! Thankfully, that was the only set-back in a wonderfully friendly and well organised evening.
 Heather at Top Withens for "Inspired byPoetry"
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Top Withens from the Pennine Way near Haworth
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January 2015:
A New Year After a successful 2014 Many of my exhibitions have been drawing to a close. The final one is an Aire Valley Arts group show at Sunnybank Mills, Farsley, Leeds which finishes on Sunday, 11th Jan 2015 January is also the time for sales and I've put a few older works in the Bingley Gallery's "Under the Bed" sale. So, if you're after a bargain, prices are very much reduced (the target maximum is £100). . As with all of Jane Fielder's events, I'm guessing it will be fun and quirky, but with good quality work. The gallery is at 29 Park Rd., Bingley BD16 4BQ. Not reduced, but unexpectedly available is a new painting of a Scots Pine. This was a commission, but the commissioner it dropped out before even seeing the work. A shame as it's amongst my favourite recent works. I am still delighted with my new studio at Dockfield Creative Arts Hub, Shipley. I'm in part of a larger sub-divided area (one unit left if anyone's looking for a space to do their creative thing -you'd be joining with myself, Leyla Murr whose abstract work many will know and Katie of Lyraloves). Yesterday, I finished putting a picture rail around my new studio, not only for the drying of new work, but to show off a few examples of my work to visitors. The centre isn't accessible on a drop in basis, but if anyone wishes to visit do get in touch with me. It's hoped that Dockfield Road will open more frequently to the public, either on a stand-alone basis or as part of wider arts events. |
 The new, old / old, new sale
 Lonesome pine searching for new home
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October 2014:
All Change New developments in the Starley Art World. I'm no longer working from my old studio/gallery above the Butterfly Rooms in Saltaire. Instead, I'll be concentrating on my painting from my home in Saltaire, where I'll also be able to welcome those wishing to see my work, but please give a ring first (01274 586272 or 07792 242143), or let me know by email (davidstarley@yahoo.co.uk) . The house is at 75 Albert Rd., and many will know from its regular opening during the Saltaire Art Trail. I've also expanded my Gallery presence: Tamara Lawson in Harrogate now has a large range of my works. A new gallery (to me, it's been running since 1906!) is the Headrow Gallery at Alwoodley, Leeds and my showing in Saltaire has expanded into a second window at Peter Randall's Barbers on Bingley Rd. In addition smaller numbers of works are also on display at The Smithy Gallery, Kettlewell and the Dales Gallery in Settle. Beyond these longer term venues I'll be busy with a number of exhibitions (listed on my events page) both locally and further afield from London in the south to Barnard Castle in the North. |
 Art on display at 75 Albert Road
 Misty Walk 2: A study in 2 colours
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June 2014: Tour de Yorkshire
A couple of exhibitions coming up. Firstly, on the weekend of 27-29 June, I shall be exhibiting some landscapes at Ghyll Royd School's, annual Art Festival.
With a greater personal involvement, I have is a solo show at the Bingley Gallery, 26 Park Rd. Bingley BD16 4BQ, 3 to 20 July (Thurs-Fri 12-6, Sat-Sun 10-5. This will include both the popular 'Tree Portraits' which I started working on in 2013 and the first public showing of my new woodland scenes. The latter were developed following several very stimulating discussions with Jake Attree and aim to bring a slightly more abstracted feel together with a greater harmony from a restricted palette of colour. At the same time, they're all recognisably Starley originals with the usual half kilo of paint applied by palette knife.
The Gallery is run by fellow Air Valley Arts member, Jane Fielder and is an inspirational place to visit. Jane's own vibrant work is always on show along with that of her regular artists, whilst the first room is given over to a visiting artist - in this case myself. The gallery also has a reputation for throwing a good launch event, so we'd love to see you at the preview on Weds 2 July (7-9pm).
For poppy fans, I have some new works drying (catch them at my studio!) and a couple of completed ones at Tamara Lawson's Gallery in Harrogate. Don't miss the "Art and Yorkshire" Exhibition at the next door Mercer Gallery. Not that you'll find any of my work there (one day, perhaps) But here's an impressive collection including works of J M W Turner, Atkinson Grimshaw, John Piper, David Hockney amongst many others and, a special treat, new works by Jake Attree, produced for the show.
A couple of exhibitions coming up. Firstly, on the weekend of 27-29 June, I shall be exhibiting some landscapes at Ghyll Royd School's, annual Art Festival.
With a greater personal involvement, I have is a solo show at the Bingley Gallery, 26 Park Rd. Bingley BD16 4BQ, 3 to 20 July (Thurs-Fri 12-6, Sat-Sun 10-5. This will include both the popular 'Tree Portraits' which I started working on in 2013 and the first public showing of my new woodland scenes. The latter were developed following several very stimulating discussions with Jake Attree and aim to bring a slightly more abstracted feel together with a greater harmony from a restricted palette of colour. At the same time, they're all recognisably Starley originals with the usual half kilo of paint applied by palette knife.
The Gallery is run by fellow Air Valley Arts member, Jane Fielder and is an inspirational place to visit. Jane's own vibrant work is always on show along with that of her regular artists, whilst the first room is given over to a visiting artist - in this case myself. The gallery also has a reputation for throwing a good launch event, so we'd love to see you at the preview on Weds 2 July (7-9pm).
For poppy fans, I have some new works drying (catch them at my studio!) and a couple of completed ones at Tamara Lawson's Gallery in Harrogate. Don't miss the "Art and Yorkshire" Exhibition at the next door Mercer Gallery. Not that you'll find any of my work there (one day, perhaps) But here's an impressive collection including works of J M W Turner, Atkinson Grimshaw, John Piper, David Hockney amongst many others and, a special treat, new works by Jake Attree, produced for the show.