PREVIOUS EXHIBITION

The paintings in this exhibition are a visual diary from some of my journeys during the past two years. These journeys have taken me to both familiar and unfamiliar places: The Isle of Islay, Argyllshire, Ireland, Wales, and Sussex.

The Isle of Islay was a joy to paint. I was caught in an amazing storm with fast clouds, cascading rain and double rainbows over Loch Gruinart and this was followed by a glorious sunset over the barren and haunting moorland. I revisited Islay in Autumn, and it proved no less spectacular - the coasts had a purity of light and the water had an almost Mediterranean quality.

New for me this winter was the Burren in the west of Ireland; a vast, seemingly bleak area of pale grey limestone. I felt a wonderful sense of freedom there.

The paintings of Wales are of a mystical snowfall and frozen lakes. They set out to capture the golden light and its evanescent evening glow on the snow.

Some of the East Sussex paintings are of a bright and sunny day near Rottingdean and others of a dramatic and windy sunset near the Brighton Pier. Further along the Sussex coast there are sunset paintings of Climping beach near Arundel where the Autumn sunglow submerges into the sea and covers the beach with a magical gleam.

The London paintings include winter sunsets over the Thames near Battersea. Living nearby I am fortunate to enjoy constant inspiration from this huge tidal river. My favourite time is as the sun is setting and the path lights are beginning to flicker in the water and mud.

For me successful landscape painting is beyond straightforward depiction. I endeavour to evoke instinctive feelings, seeking the drama and the unexpected. I feel a connection to the evocations of ever changing landscape, and the immensity of seascape. I can hear the sound of the sea and the incoming tide pouring through the rocks while I paint.

I hope that you will enjoy this collection of journeys through changing weather and light on land and sea as much as I have been fortunate to do.

Oona Campbell 2009