The month of May is super busy in the studio, with the return of Grantown Open Studios and new works by one of our favourite artists.
Grantown Open Studios
This studio showcase is back for a second year, with 18 different artists taking part across a range of venues in and around Grantown.
At the Spey Bank Studio, Our resident artist and co-owner Angus will be in his painting studio to chat about his work.
As a quick introduction for our newer followers, Angus is a craftsman, painter and teacher, whose work features the lochs, mountains and wildlife of the area. His paintings are occupied with the dynamic interplay of light across these landscapes, reflecting the ever-changing environment of the Cairngorms.
In his studio (which you can see by peeking through the windows from the High Street!), you can see his work in progress and learn about some of the tools he uses, including his trusty airbrush.
And we're delighted to be showing some amazing papercut works by Stevi Benson, who is based in Aberdeenshire. Fascinated by the symbiotic relationships that exist within nature, her intricate drawings and cut paper works explore the connections, complex patterns and structures found in forest communities.
Stevi’s work is hand cut with a surgical scalpel. It is so beautiful and delicate, and casts lovely shadows in the sunlight.
We can't wait to see these works hanging in the gallery.
Esther Tyson
It's always a pleasure to have new works by Esther Tyson in the gallery. Esther is a painter and printmaker. She studied at Cumbria College of Art, the University of Wales and the Royal College of Art (RCA), London. While at the RCA, Esther won a travel scholarship to study large carnivores in Slovakia. This trip ignited a passion for travel, drawing, painting and observing creatures in their natural environment.
While she is best known for her wildlife studies, especially her bird paintings, this show will feature her landscape work. Outdoor observation is an important part of Esther’s practice and she spends many hours watching her subjects in their own environment. Back in the studio, she uses photos, films and sketches to make wonderful artwork. These have an abstract, impressionistic quality to them, created by loose expressive brushstrokes.
We’re always delighted to have Esther’s work on display and we hope you’ll enjoy it too.
