CRAIGIE AITCHISON RA
28 April - 23 May 2009
The Art Shop, Wales
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After the private view there was a talk called IN CONVERSATION WITH CRAIGIE AITCHISON RA where John McEwen, writer and art critic, and the artist Craigie Aitchison talked about his new work, his influences and even the music he listens to when he is painting. The colours he uses are so luminous and beautiful.

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A collection of paintings, drawings and hand coloured carborundum etchings with collage of his Bedlington terriers.

Craigie Aitchison is an inimitable artist, a painter of Bedlington terriers, landscapes, portraits and crucifixes. This will be a unique opportunity to view and buy an exhibition of paintings, large and small, early nude drawings and a stunning recently completed 7ft wall hanging.

Hot off the press will be hand coloured carborundum etchings with collage of his Bedlington terriers, 'Wayney' and 'Sugarbush wearing hat' 2009. Both are published in limited edition of 50, signed and numbered by the artist.

Alongside will be a small supporting exhibition of work by established and the very best young emerging artists - including David Tress, George Rowlett, Nicky Hodge, Andrea McLean, Cornelia O'Donovan, Sarah Thwaites, Kumar Saraff and Ross Marklew

David Tress was part of our Critic's Choice exhibition curated by Andrew Lambirth. He lives in West Wales, the landscape of which forms the subject of many of his paintings. Widely exhibited throughout Britain and Europe with work in many public collections. His exhibition Chasing Sublime Light is currently on tour, supported by the Arts Council of Wales.


Here is a short bio of the supporting artists
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George Rowlett, also selected as part of Critic's Choice, George first came to us for a residency in the Llanthony Valley which resulted in his extremely successful show Capel y Ffin Paintings in 2005. Represented by Michael Richardson Contemporary Art, London, we have continued to show small collections of George's dynamic, powerful paintings. He is regarded as one of the best landscape painters working in Britain today.

Nicky Hodge - a new artist for us, Nicky trained at St Martins in London followed by an advanced Fine Art course and has continued to develop her artistic career with writing, curating as well as exhibiting. Her small memories series, a selection of which you will see here, provide glimpses of passing moments on tiny paintings that fit in the palm of the hand.

Cornelia O'Donovan RCA - presently on a 2 year residency along with lecturing in printmaking at Middlesex University. Cornelia is a highly talented artist, who graduated from RCA in Illustration, having also studied design and printed textiles. Her work is full of energy and vibrancy, mixing collage, textiles and drawing. Cornelia was part of a two person show here last year.

Andrea McLean - studied Fine Art at the Slade, followed by a scholarship in painting at The British School in Rome. Andrea had a solo show here in 2004 when she was artist-in-residence, working on a collection of paintings inspired by Jesse at St Mary's Priory. She has also been artist-in-residence at St. Pancras. Her work draws on historical references and medieval maps becoming visual diaries. She has work in the collection of The British Library.

Sarah Thwaites - one of our very popular long standing artists, she trained in Fine Art at Wimbledon and Goldsmiths College, and continues her exploration of landscape with a tremendous richness and intensity of mark making.

Kumar Saraff - again an extremely talented Art Shop favourite, Kumar came to us after studying painting at the Royal Academy Schools. Primarily a landscape painter, specialising in the 'effects of light on an ever changing landscape', he has had regular solo shows here over the years.

Ross Marklew is a promising, very enthusiastic young graduate from Cardiff (UWIC), soon to be studying for his MA. His paintings are very innovative, with gardens and parks often used as themes.

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The black and white image shown here is a new piece from a book I am working on at the moment which will be released later in the year as a limited edition.