At a course I went on a few years ago, the tutor told us that "there are no right angles in nature". Apparently archeologists, when they find a right angle formation know it is man made. I was fascinated by this and have been searching for right angles in nature ever since. This was the inspiration for a couple of pictures contrasting square, angular man made buildings with the circles, ovals etc of nature. The second was more 'abstract' than the first, and I might make another one, pared down further. Winter offered time to make another collage so I went for the "Circle of Life" - following a tree through all its changing foliage over the seasons. In the pipeline is one of Abingdon, too. I love doing these as the challenge is to find objects which blend together in colour and shape; the perspective may not always be right - but does it matter? Despite the fun and challenge of collage work, I always seem at the end of it to go back to my first love of watercolour; it's such a lovely medium for country scenes, in all weathers and at all times of year - though I have to admit to rarely painting en plein air!
When I want a break from painting, I turn to making jewellery from old beads - whatever I can find or people give me. It is so satisfying to give new life to something broken or thrown away. The part I really enjoy is blending the colours and textures together to create something totally unique and original.
Other events coming up this year: (Please check as more events may be added throughout the year.)
August: 'Abingdon Artists' artist of the month, with displays up in the following venues in Abingdon: Long Furlong Medical Centre, Throwing Buns, La Baguette, Willows Shake Shop (upstairs). (Prints, maybe some originals)
10th Sept., Abingdon Air and Country Show, Abingdon Airfield/Dalton Barracks, 10.00am to 5.30pm. (Pictures, prints, cards.)
25th-29th Oct, Abingdon Artists' Autumn Exhibition, Christ Church Barn, Northcourt Rd, Abingdon, 10.00 - 4.30, (Paintings, prints, cards.)
29th Oct, Abingdon local excellence market, Market Place, Ab., 9.00 - 3.00. (Small paintings, prints, cards and jewellery)
12th Nov. Christmas Market. St Michael's Church, Abingdon. (Paintings, prints, cards, jewellery)
18th - 21st Nov, Christmas Artweeks weekend, St. Nicolas Church, Abingdon; Fri, Sat, Mon 10am - 5pm, Sun 2pm - 5pm. (Originals, prints, cards, jewellery)
Sat 26th Nov, Christmas Market at St. Helen's Church, Abingdon; 10.30am to 2pm. (Originals, prints, cards, jewellery).
I also have a stall at Cutteslowe Nursery in Cutteslowe Park, Oxford, throughout the year, selling paintings, prints, cards and jewellery. (Cash only)
My cards are on sale at Annie's Tea Rooms by the boathouse, Abingdon. (Cash only)
I am a historian by training, having attended grammar school in the days when you were expected to study something 'academic' rather than art. However, part time work and then retirement have enabled me to return to my love of being creative. When I'm not painting, (and there isn't a worldwide pandemic) I love to travel, expecially to more unusual and distant parts of our world. (On one occasion a friend did ask me what war zone I intended to visit next!) Whether travelling back into History or travelling across continents, I think the aim is the same - to deepen my understanding of human lives and our interaction with the natural world. I will often choose to paint landscapes containing some manmade element rather than pure nature. But then again, what can beat the beauty of a field of poppies, or primroses nestling on a mossy bank?
If you would like to see more work, or make a purchase, please contact me at mrhorton7@gmail.com