Perceptions & Reflections - 17 until 27 March

Mary Noon, Edward Hall, Vivenne Littley, Juliet Giron & Heather Coley

Open Daily 1000-1600

MARY NOON - ARTIST

Mary has been a practising artist since 2015, previously running her own business in the field of dyslexia. She moved from Surrey to West Dorset in 2018, and having retired at the end of 2021, she now has more time to devote to her interest in art.

Mary is intensely interested in texture and this tends to dominate her more recent work. Her colour palette is often limited, instead using texture as the emphasis. This interest has led to collage work and the creation of collagraphs, the latter being prints made from a collaged plate. Her subject choice is varied, though there is a tendency to return to seascapes and landscapes and more, taking inspiration from the beautiful Dorset countryside and Jurassic coastline.

For painting, Mary’s preferred medium is acrylic, building textures into her work, rarely using a paintbrush but sponges, cardboard and palette knives.  If working with watercolour, this is generally treated in an untraditional manner, often combining this medium with gesso or masking fluid and again possibly working with palette knives. Mary continues to experiment and consequently, her work is continually evolving. Most recently, she has begun to work with cyanotypes, producing seaweed and foliage images, though rather than leave the background plain, Mary enhances her work with textures created from seeds dried herbs sand and dust.

Mary also works in textiles. Her interest in textures have led her to move from dressmaking to patchwork which lends itself to adding further textures through quilting. 

EDWARD HALL – ARTIST

Edward Hall’s formative years in rural Essex and Cumbria nurtured his love of the outdoors and a lifelong passion for exploring and interpreting the landscapes around him through painting. In 2017, after a busy career as a chartered landscape architect that left little time for painting, and following a successful first solo exhibition in Oxford, he decided on a lifestyle change that resulted in a move to West Dorset. This gave Edward the chance to devote serious time to painting, working from his own studio. He now draws his inspiration from the dramatic coastal and inland landscapes of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast and has exhibited in Bridport and Lyme Regis. In the ‘Perceptions & Reflections’ exhibition, he is showing his most recent ‘Dorset Landscapes’, not previously exhibited, along with a selection of earlier work. All paintings are in oils. Other work can be viewed on his website: www.edwardhallart.co.uk

VIVIENNE LITTLEY - ARTIST

In 2007, Vivienne Littley made the inspiring move from Surrey to the picturesque village of  Kilmington, East Devon, with her two daughters. While art has always been her passion, it was this relocation - surrounded by the breath-taking Jurassic coastline and ever-changing skies - that truly ignited her journey as a professional artist.  Largely self-taught, Vivienne has also honed her skills over more than a decade of dedicated art tuition.

Vivienne's artistic range is as diverse as it is captivating. From intricate pen and ink portraits to expansive abstract acrylic canvases, her work is characterised by a serene, often ethereal quality.  Her paintings aim to evoke a sense of peace and tranquillity, offering a visual escape from the everyday.  She is particularly drawn to the harmonious relationship between sky and water, and the intense power contained within.  

Using a mix of acrylics, inks and watercolours, Vivienne often incorporates iridescent,  metallic and texture mediums to create light and depth that shift with the viewer's perspective. This dynamic quality means her work must be experienced in person to be fully appreciated.

Vivienne's most recent commissions have been paintings of loved ones in peaceful environments that evoke cherished memories. This is something she takes great pride and pleasure in, pouring her heart and soul into each piece. Whether you're seeking a unique gift or a new piece to enhance your living space, Vivienne carefully considers colour schemes, expertly matching or contrasting hues to complement your environment.  She has created bespoke house portraits, wedding and pet portraits, and even captured the likeness of favourite singers.  Each painting or portrait is a unique, personal gift that holds special significance.   

Vivienne’s artwork has been showcased in various venues across Devon, Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset and Surrey & is the official artist for EveryDoctor UK - a doctor-led campaign organisation, fighting for a better NHS.

JULIET GIRON - ARTIST

I’m a Devon based watercolour/mixed media artist, inspired by the sea after living in Cornwall for many years. I now live in and am inspired by the beautiful Devon countryside. I work from a studio in the garden, interspersing my painting with gardening whilst waiting for the paint to dry. I’m definitely more productive over the summer than the winter due to the nature of my office but nevertheless feel the need to paint almost daily. I love the organic nature of watercolour and the surprises it offers up.

HEATHER COLEY - TEXTILE ARTIST

Heather is a textile artist who is inspired by colour and texture both in natural and man made environments. She uses many different processes to express her interpretations of the things which excite & interest her.

Mixed media, hand and machine embroidery, felt and paper making and a variety of surface decoration are all possible in her 2D and 3D work