VISITING ARTISTS 2022/23
Andrew Geeson
Demo: 19th April 2022
Subject: "Architecture” painted in Watercolour
Website: www.loosewatercolours.com
​
Profile:
Andrew loved to draw and paint from a very early age. He started his career as a botanical artist and then moved to children’s book illustration both genres requiring very detailed work. However, fairly recently, Andrew discovered the beauty of loose watercolours. It was a challenge as he had to almost unlearn his previous painting technique but he now enjoys demonstrating this freer way of painting so that others might find the same pleasure and enjoyment in this type of painting that he does.
Hashim Akib
Demo: 12th July 2022
Subject: “Portrait“ in Acrylic
Website: www.hashimakib.co.uk
​
Profile:
Before becoming a painter, Hashim worked as an illustrator for various UK clients. His book, ‘Vibrant Acrylics’ has been translated into several languages and includes a companion DVD.
His preferred medium is heavy textural paint with expressive brush strokes and his subjects are predominately street scenes, marinescapes and portraits using a style which is quite bold and free and almost, at times, impressionistic.
He has taught his unique techniques in art schools in the UK, Italy and France
Sue Gardner
Demo: 13th September 2022
Subject: "Highland Cow” in Acrylic
Website: www.suegardnerstudio.com
​
Profile:
Colour plays a mysterious and vital part in our lives. I create big bold colourful canvases that will make a big impact on your home, adding joy to your life every day. As an animal enthusiast, they are my natural subject and I also grab inspiration from the beautiful National Forest in which I live. I am now working from my new studio in Oak Tree House, Measham. Studio visits can be arranged by appointment.
Kara Strachan
Demo: 18th October 2022
Subject: "Atmospheric Woodland” in Acrylic
Website: www.karastrachan.com
​
Profile:
Kara is a self-taught Southport born artist. Her distinctive style and subjects are inspired from her many years of floristry, running her own successful business in London. A move to Staffordshire allowed her appreciation of old English Gardens and her fascination with ancient woodlands to develop. At her happiest wandering through woodlands with canvas and acrylic paint, depicting in her paintings the seasonal atmosphere that nature creates.
Since 2007, Kara has been based in her studio gallery holding solo exhibitions and selling her work both nationally and internationally. Outside of the studio she has been tasked with creating anamorphic 3D artworks for multinational companies, museums and educational establishments.
Kara also travels the British coastline and interprets the atmosphere of the sea and skylines capturing the mood on canvas in vibrant acrylics and brush strokes. Her love of the coast, woodlands and flowers is beutifully represented through her bold atmospheric paintings.
Carol Hill
Demo: 15th November 2022
Subject: Landscape "Reflections” in Watercolour
Website: www.carolhillartist.com
​
Profile:
Carol is a qualified Adult Education teacher who organises workshops, painting days and demonstrations to art groups and societies throughout the country.
She has demonstrated different types of painting, using different media, for Etwall Art Group and is a very popular demonstrator, particularly liked for her humorous style.
On a more serious note, she has exhibited in London Galleries and has also been awarded some prestigious prizes.
Richard Holland
Demo: 21st February 2023
Subject: "River Walk” in Watercolour
Website: www.richardhollandlandscapeartist.co.uk
​
Profile:
Over the last two years I have spent a lot more time painting my oil sketches on location mainly in the Derbyshire dales at least twice a week, and a lot more during the lockdown, capturing the changing landscape over the seasons looking at light, water, mood and much more.
I also have done many on location oil sketches whilst being on holiday in the Isles of Scilly three times over the last two years.
Im still running my three oil and three watercolour classes every week in north Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire all but one are full to the rafters.
I have a range of one and two day oil and watercolour workshops coming up during the year in Tansley, Monyash, and Cromford Oak Hill hotel.