Now the RELATIONAL WARMTH exhibition is open, let us introduce a few of the artists taking part in the show and let them convey how they have interpreted the theme and how it may have influenced their submissions.

We have a delightful ‘bakers dozen’ of exhibitors, so a diverse selection of mediums, styles and artists together, with the flow of warmth running throughout.

Heres a short interview from three artists - there will be more episodes to showcase each artist and get to know more about their art - Enjoy x

Caro Friend - Landscape Artist

•      What are your thoughts on incorporating Warmth into your work?
My work is influenced by the changes in the seasons, light and temperature. I adore Summer. Using colour, intuitive mark making and texture I try to capture in my work the positive energy and the warmth that Summer brings.

•      What immediately comes to mind when you think of "Warmth"?
Summer and the sun on my skin.

•      Have you found yourself drawn to Warmth in paintings before?
David Hockney’s ‘Grand Canyon’ painting just blast heat, it’s almost too much for me … I do love the more subtle warmth of Monet’s ‘End of Summer Haystacks’.

•      And finally, how has the preparation for this Exhibition challenged your practice as an artist?
Preparing for his exhibition has given me the opportunity to really focus and get clear on what warmth feels like and means to me.

Tom Croft - Portrait Artist

•      What are your thoughts on incorporating Warmth into your work?
In these interminable cold grey January days we need an injection of warmth to lift our mood. The two paintings I've submitted to this exhibition have warmth of the sun and the promise of warmer days ahead, as well as human warmth through a portrait of Nick Frost.

•     What immediately comes to mind when you think of "Warmth"?
Not being cold.  I link warmth to feeling relaxed and comfortable. Maybe on a beach basking in the sun, or in a pool wondering why you've just swum through a warm patch. Then realising it's best to not let the kids in the pool first.

•     Have you found yourself drawn to Warmth in paintings before?
With my portraiture I'm always looking to convey some element of warmth through the subject’s expression. I also love the temperature shifts in paintings from cool shadows into the warmth of the light. The warmth found in Rembrandt's portraits is always a huge pull for me.

•     And finally, how has the preparation for this Exhibition challenged your practice as an artist?
It's made me realise the literal interpretations of warmth have less impact than the psychological warmth of human connection.

Valentina Gonzalez - Mixed media artist

•     What are your thoughts on incorporating Warmth into your work?
I weave warmth into my creations through colour and shapes that bring back memories from my childhood.

•     What immediately comes to mind when you think of "Warmth"?
The sun shining in south Spain, the scent of sea water.

•     Have you found yourself drawn to Warmth in paintings before?
Definitely, I'm always on the lookout for that comforting sense of cosiness. Warm tones always evoke a sense of tranquility and ease.

•     And finally, how has the preparation for this Exhibition challenged your practice as an artist?
It has invited me to explore the concept of warmth, what it means to me and how to reproduce it in my work through choices of color, texture, and composition.

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