The 35th annual Landscape Paintings Exhibition featuring the works of leading Isle of Wight artists is being held at East Dene Coach House in Bonchurch.
Curated by Professor Robin McInnes OBE, there are 116 works of art by 30 different artists. Although this exhibition is entitled ‘Landscape Paintings’ much of the works are of seascapes depicting the Island’s coast or shore scenes.
Over the years some 7,800 artworks produced by 134 Island artists have been displayed and alongside these contemporary pieces, there is a display of prints and paintings from bygone years. Most of the modern items and historic pieces are for sale.
For the last 25 years an art competition has been incorporated within the exhibition, with some artists being represented every year since 1994. Venues in St. Lawrence, Shanklin and latterly Ventnor and then Bonchurch have hosted the exhibition but this is the last time at East Dene with Robin McInnes planning the next venue to be Ventnor Botanic Gardens.
East Dene House is the former home of the Swinburne family and the family’s most famous member, Algernon Charles, is buried close to East Dene in the burial ground of St. Boniface Church, Bonchurch.
‘Peregrination to Brading Marshes’ a chalk pastel by Jane Pascoe-Absolom took the honours in the competition with Jill Roe’s collage entitled ‘The Longstone’ judged as runner-up. Two works of art tied for third place- an acrylic ‘View from St. Catherine’s Down towards Tennyson Down’ by Bembridge artist Becky Samuelson and Carolyn Pavey’s entry ‘Distant Race- Culver’.
So many of the contemporary art works were of such a high standard that several were awarded ‘Highly Commended’ in this year’s competition.
The exhibition is open until Sunday 6th October.
