Olympic Torch Relay

Saturday was a day full of sunshine and high spirits enjoyed by everyone in Falmouth.  The Olympic Torch continued on its journey through the centre of town, and right past the gallery.  

Not only did we have Bucks Fizz and little cakes and nibbles to celebrate this wonderful occasion but we were very privileged to be able to show five very special watercolour paintings by guest artist Emma Cousin.  These paintings were part of a collection that had been commissioned and painted inside the Olympic Aqua Dome.  A very close link for our gallery to the Olympics.

  Everybody enjoyed watching the huge turn-out for the event.  The streets were lined, people were leaning precariously out of windows above the shops to get a better view, and there was an incredible atmosphere and buzz all through the town.

We managed to get some photographs of the mornings events, it certainly was a day to remember, and what a welcome to Amanda Hoskin's exhibition that had opened the night before!

And last, but by no means least, Gavin Cattle, running with the Olympic Torch for all to see...

Amanda Hoskin : Homecoming

Last week I enjoyed a conversation with Amanda Hoskin, she was sitting on the gallery floor surrounded by the results of several months of hard labour.  Paintings everywhere, sprouting, greens, blues and soft pinks, like the Cornish hedgerows in springtime, a breath of fresh air.   

Flowers in May, Falmouth  

As she merrily penned the titles on the backs she explained what this new series of work is all about.  Growing up in Falmouth, Amanda spent her childhood on the shores and waters of Carrick  roads, learning to sail in Mylor.

Morning Walk along the River, staying onboard the Boat at Mylor

These paintings have a quiet reflective quality, almost as if time has softened their edges.  The sea melts into the sky, cliffs and distant landscapes are coaxed into existence by a gentle touch and the foregrounds are softened by splatter and froth of cow parsley and summer grasses. 

Summer Evening, St. Mawes

 The titles are tiny stories in themselves, the day that was cold but the dog went swimming, a walk in the morning after staying on board the boat, special views, private moments, little daydreams.  

A Winters Day, but the Dog is Happy to Swim

A beautiful collection that is a privelage to be able to share.  The preview is in the gallery tonight, Amanda will be there and I think she will be bringing her sketchbooks, works of art in their own right.  The whole collection is now online and available to purchase.

Bristol Here We Come

We are all set for Bristol, new paintings just dry, done especially for Bristol wrapped and packed, recent work chosen and sorted, labels made, the gallery upstairs looks...well, busy!
 It will be back to its normal tidy state tomorrow, when all the paintings are happily and safely on the way to the Affordable Art Fair. Its not too late to download a half price ticket from our web site, hopefully we will see you there.
If you cant make it in person then at least you can enjoy what we are taking by flipping through the flipping catalogue above. There are some brand new, never seen before paintings in there.

Benjamin Warner