| Stock Art Group's 40th Anniversary Exhibition certainly
displayed how busy the members have been - 152 pictures from 14 painters. |
| The two experienced painters, Ann Fuller and Marian Clarke,
didn't fail to impress. Some of the 'slap-stick', colourful, modern style work
of the former might easily interest some buyers of the same ilk in west one,
while several of the conventional pictures by the latter artist were very
pleasing. Yvonne Blackwood's group of six small, colourful, flower paintings
was quite good, yet she can't quite match that same bright freedom to the rest
of her entries. Michael Cole had a winner with 'Flowers In A White Vase', while
the highlight of Laura Doggart's excellent work was her 'Bambi' - What Lovely
Eyes! Shirlee Grundy and Elizabeth Hunter both try hard. Shirlee's fairy
pictures make me think she should perhaps go along that road more, then fine
detail might come with experience. Elizabeth's pictures simply require more
colour to give them impetus. Gayle Laybourn put up a nice cross-section of
subjects, and her 'Sweet Peas' picture gave a distinct 3-D effect. Do some
more! Betty Miller and Brenda Parr-Morley both had some good stuff among some
ordinary. Betty's 'The Hay Turner' and 'Cows In The Meadow' were both decent
pictures, while Brenda's colour tones are generally good. Liz Sinclair tries
hard; I'm sure she would find her paintings would look better with a few
shadows added. Is she afraid of using darks? A lot of painters are. Beth Weaver
did very well with apples and fruits. Again, maybe still life might be her
thing. The time and patience that went into Beryl Woodward's extremely delicate
collages deserves praise in abundance. |
| Quite a good all round show, but I can't help thinking,
while lots of endeavour has gone into the work, several members would learn
more if they painted from life, which in itself would give much personal
satisfaction. Well done to all. |
| Roy Storey |
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