Main Street, Shap, Cumbria, CA10 3NL
February to May, an exhibition of paintings and drawings by Eden-based artist, David Boyd will be on display in the Exhibit 'A' Gallery at Shap for three weeks from the end of this month (28 May to 19 June 2022).
All the work was created en plein air on paper and in sketchbooks in and around Shap and Orton between February and May this year, hence the title of the exhibition.
“When I was asked to exhibit in The Old Courthouse,” says David, “it seemed like the ideal opportunity to make en plein air studies around the area and to create pictures that were as up to date as possible in the months leading up to the exhibition. The weather conditions can be harsh and challenging to say the least - often cold, wet and windy – and the landscape is bleak yet beautiful. The altitude is high at 1,397 feet above sea level but, whereas the Lake District fells to the west are very much to the forefront of a landscape, these limestone hills and plateaus of Orton and Shap are more distant, long range and almost flat by comparison.”
The 13 or so works in the February to May exhibition plus several sketch books feature images from around the areas of Shap Fell,
Crosby Ravensworth, Reagill, Sleagill, Kelleth, Oddendale, Maulds Meaburn, Bampton, Orton Scar, Knipe Scar and also the Howgill Fells, known locally as the Sleeping Elephants after Alfred Wainwright’s mention of squatting elephants.
“In many of the pictures, I’ve tried to capture the soft winter and spring light in contrast to the sometimes heavy, moody skies,” says David. “I think this area has an infinite beauty and the longer I spend here, the more absorbed I become and the better able I am, I hope, to depict and capture it. I hope that local residents will drop in and enjoy seeing their local landscape on show.”
David and Vicki Boyd will be at the opening for the exhibition between 10am and 12pm on Saturday 28th May. This will coincide with the monthly Makers’ Market in Shap. February to May will then continue until Sunday 19th June
Further details contact Vicki Boyd on 01768 870850 or email vicki@edengraphics.co.uk
David Boyd MA
Born in Penrith in 1955, David lived in the parish of Edenhall with his family. After school in Penrith, he went to Carlisle Art College in 1972, where he studied a foundation course and was mentored by Jack Seabury RCA.
From Carlisle, David then travelled to London where he lived and studied for a degree in Fine Art Painting at St Martins School of Art on Charing Cross Road.
On returning to Penrith, David worked commercially as a graphic designer and sign maker and painter, working on such projects as the Penrith Millennium Trail, The National Mountaineering Exhibition, Cumbria Life magazine’s ‘People of Eden’ illustrations, book illustrations for Mr Mullet Owns a Cloud and The Road to Paradise, as well as other routine commercial work.
After a long break from education, David travelled to the University of Sunderland to study under Virginia Bodman for an MA in Fine Art from 2006 to 2008 – and he passed with distinction.
Exhibitions include
Following the Boy - Her Citi, Maryport 2021
Through the Locking Glass - Rheged Gallery Penrith 2021
A Time to Stare - Penrith Museum 2021
Outside Work - The Old Chapel Lazonby, Cumbria 2019
The Ruskin Museum, Coniston, Cumbria 2019
Following an Unmarked Path - The Old Chapel Lazonby and 2018
Rheged – Home & Garden exhibition, March 2017
Whitestone Gallery, St Peters School, York 2016
Rheged – Home & Garden exhibition, March 2016
The Old Chapel, Lazonby, Cumbria, December 2015
The OBS Gallery Tonbridge, March 2014
The RAC Gallery, Epsom, December 2013
No.15 Gallery, Penrith – Landscapes June - Nov 2012
No.15 Gallery, Penrith – Works on Paper Nov 2010 – Oct 2011 2011
The Atkinson Gallery, Wessex 2010
University of Sunderland – Final Show 2008
Borough Road, Sunderland 2007
Penrith Museum – Up Close and Personal 2005
A Cumbrian Connection, Castlegate House Gallery, Cockermouth
(part of the Jack Seabury group show) 2002
The Old Chapel
Scaur Lane
Lazonby
Penrith
Cumbria
CA10 1AT
Tel: 01768 870850
Mob: 077699 08987
Things to bring for your needle felting workshop
NB: Don’t print on thick paper or card
‘Hints and Tips for taking a Photo of your Pet’
If you are bringing a picture of your own pony try to bring one without too much forelock/mane covering the head – more hair can be added later!
NB: Jane will have a small selection of photocopies of animal images available for you to use on the day should your own image not be suitable.
Useful to bring :
Some people find that a few close up/blown up photocopies of say the eyes, nose or mouth helpful to provide more detail. It’s up to you.
A phone or iPad with images on can also be helpful but you must still bring the 2 x photocopies as mentioned above as these are used in the transfer process.
The ‘Taking a photo of your pet’ sheet provides examples and tips for taking a good animal photo, if needed. Click here to download.
Provided for you to keep and take home
The following equipment & materials will be provided for you:
A selection of 100% real Wool fibres
A foam mat as a working surface,
Hessian fabric for your background
2 felting needles.
NB: £15 is payable directly to the tutor on the day for the items above.
