VISITING ARTISTS 2024/25
John Hopkins
Demo: 2nd April 2024
Subject: Watercolour
Website: www.johnhopkinswatercolour.weebly.com
​
Profile:
John studied illustration at Birmingham College of Art, and has enjoyed a career as a successful freelance artist, working in all mediums, but specialising in watercolour. He prefers to work in a fast, loose, impressionistic style but always with the emphasis on good drawing skills.
John enjoys giving watercolour demonstrations to art societies and teaches painting to groups of adults. He continues to work commercially, has won many awards and exhibits his paintings widely, including the Barn Gallery at Patchings Art Centre, the Mall Galleries, London, and has had work published in The Artist and International Artist Magazines.
He undertakes private commissions including more detailed animal studies and tries to find time to indulge his passion for en plein-air painting and figurative work.
John is an associate member of the RBSA, a member of the Birmingham Watercolour Society and is represented by The Harbour Gallery, Portscatho, Cornwall. www.theharbourgallery.co.uk
Nicki Dennett
Demo: 23rd July 2024
Subject: “Gelli Printing“ Worshop
Website: www.nickidennett.co.uk
​
Profile:
Nicki Dennett is a contemporary artist based in Derbyshire. She is known for her vibrant and dynamic original prints, which are inspired by nature, landscapes, and human emotion.
Born in Derbyshire, Nicki initially studied Illustration at the University of Derby where she honed her skills in printmaking. Later she went on to achieve a Masters degree in textiles. Since then she has developed her practice and style through exhibitions, workshops and residencies. Her work is now characterized by its bold colours, striking composition, and the use of expressive mark-making.
Nicki's art is deeply rooted in her connection to nature. She draws inspiration from the changing seasons, the patterns and textures of the landscape, and the way light falls on different surfaces. Her use of colour is also a prominent feature, with bold, bright hues that capture the energy and vitality of the natural world.
Nicki’s has exhibited in many uk galleries including The Harley Gallery in Nottinghamshire, the Cupola Gallery in Sheffield, Royal Derby Hospital and Derby University. She has had numerous solo shows including Nottingham Castle and Deda in Derby.
Nicki’s work resonates with viewers of all ages and backgrounds, offering a unique perspective on the world around us. Whether she is depicting the beauty of nature or the complexity of human emotion, her work is a celebration of life, energy, and creativity.
Carol Hill
Demo: 5th November 2024
Subject: "Creative Atmosphere in the Landscape"
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.
Kara Strachan
Demo: 4th February 2025
Subject: "Woodland with Snowdrops" in Acrylics
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.