We set off in time to 'do lunch' before arriving at the preview which was from 2- 4pm. Some beautiful scenery was taken in on the way up, we had a brief encounter with Alnwick when the TomTom decided to go a bit odd (personally I think that had more to do with the man inputting the info, but enough said). However we finally arrived at the Northumberland Arms, Felton for lunch. At this point we were both a tad 'hangry' as they say. What a warm and welcoming interior. Included were friendly and helpful staff , homemade coeliac friendly food and of course the obligatory glass of vino. Oh yes and a wonderful log burner. Thoroughly recommend if you are in the area.
On to the gallery and exhibition. Gallery 45 was originally a pub but now, as well as the exhibition space, houses a lovely gift shop, runs workshops and has 8 resident artists' studios. It was lovely to meet Victoria, I always think it is nice to put a face to a name, who runs Art Evolution from her offices in Felton itself. The three artists presenting their work were diverse in style, which I think would appeal to varying tastes.
Alan Stones is a painter and a printmaker based in Northern England. The work included in the exhibition, although minimalist and perhaps stark at first glance, is on closer examination incredibly detailed and has a quiet beauty about it. My personal favourite was 'Vernal Pool', a lithograph.
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| Vernal Pool by Alan Stones |
Glynnis Carter's landscape paintings are on a much larger scale. To fully appreciate the impact of the immense landscapes and rock formations portrayed I felt they were best viewed from a distance. Although not familiar with Northumberland I was transported back to the drive up to Felton and a poignant sense of the landscape and distant snowcaps.
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| Evening Light 2 by Glynnis Carter |
David Utting is a painter based in North Yorkshire reknowned for his scenes of Whitby and surrounding area. He uses strong line and colour coupled with an eye for detail to portray the familiar red rooftops and boats of this bustling fishing port.
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| Nobby's Pride by David Utting |
If you get the opportunity Gallery 45 is well worth a visit and the artwork diverse and interesting.
