PICTURE OF THE MONTH
Updated: 1 Jun 2021
Our Picture of the Month is chosen from the RGA online Gallery by the previous month's artist.
To find out more, contact Martina at webmaster@rga-artists.org.uk
In a pleasant meadow land
from 'The Ballad of Reading Gaol'
Mixed media
27 x 32cm
June 2021
by Carole Stephens
I admire Carole's work enormously for she explores emotions so well. This painting reflects the almost out of body experiences that Oscar Wilde endured in our gaol and wrote about so vividly..The dark shapes move me as I begin to feel his agony..and that of his fellow prisoners..She makes me respond and I thank her!
Chosen from our online Gallery by Pauline Twyman
Oil on canvas
50 x 40cm
May 2021
by Pauline Twyman
I feel I've been to this car park in France, which Pauline has deftly captured. It's a rainy day, but parking at least is always free here.
I like the fluid, confident application of paint and the muted colour palette. The composition draws the eye through the plane trees to distant umbrellas and to the low horizon line of the building.
And now to the market...
Chosen from our online Gallery by Trish Roberts
Collagraph print
47 x 33cm
April 2021
by Trish Roberts
The work is simple, to the point, and encapsulates WWI without being over dramatic, sentimental or sensational. A great deal of thought and skill is necessary to realise this balance on so sensitive a topic.
Chosen from our online Gallery by Angus McDonald
Watercolour foreground, acrylic background
56 x 38cm
March 2021
by Angus McDonald
I'm drawn to the elegance and serenity of swans, and their reflections in still water. This portrayal is strikingly different with the long neck not shown in profile. I love the soft detail of the wings, where the long feathered neck is resting, contrasted with the more abstract fluidity of the water below.
Chosen from our online Gallery by Isobel Brimelow
Oil on canvas
50 x 40cm
February 2021
by Isobel Brimelow
I recently watched a documentary film called 'My Octopus Life' (thoroughly recommend), which depicted a diver's relationship with an individual Octopus and left me with the sense that this Octopus was a person. Seeing Thalassa by Isobel Brimelow on the RGA website reminded me of the film. This painting seems to immerse you in the world of another creature – what it is to be Octopus. I love that the mountain peaks of our world are just barely tipping out at the top of the broad swathe of sea which is full of life. The family of Octopus appear to be in communion with the spirit of the sea.
Chosen from our online Gallery by Sadie Brockbank
Mixed media
90 x 108 x 34cm
January 2021
by Sadie Brockbank
I have chosen Sadie Brockbank's Forest Deer as the Picture of the Month for January. I love how this wise animal carries both the sheltering trees and roosting birds, on her travels through the forest. The work reminds me of the interwoven strands of the natural world and the fragile balance within. I find the sculpture both strong and delicate. Thank you Sadie.
Chosen from our online Gallery by Helen Lunn
Mixed media
13 x 13cm
December 2020
by Helen Lunn
I am drawn to the organic, luscious quality of this piece of art. Intriguing mixed media that has been formed to produce a distinctive 3D work on paper. Thank you Helen!
Chosen from our online Gallery by Sue Tait
Gouache on paper
12.5 x 12.5cm
November 2020
by Sue Tait
A comforting interpretation of the West Country landscape. A painting to look into and take a stroll around. Thanks to the artist.
Chosen from our online Gallery by William Redman
Oil on board
15.5 x 15.5cm
October 2020
by William Redman
I like the simplicity of it. The shapes may be simple but the perspective, palette and composition are unusual and work together so well.
Chosen from our online Gallery by David Cotton
Acrylic
107 x 70cm
September 2020
by David Cotton
I should admit that my weakness for the seascape is getting bigger and bigger. In David's work I've been fascinated by the effect of infinite depth that the artist managed to achieve on the horizon not only by colours but also by the intersection between the shape of clouds and waves. I am also surprised by the colour palette he chose for this subject. I would tend to say almost monochrome palette but not entirely.
Chosen from our online Gallery by Calina Lefter
Oil, acrylic and wood stain on canvas
40 x 40cm
August 2020
by Calina Lefter
I love the contrasting colours mirroring the nature of our earth with that of the cosmos. The composition brings out a surreal nature in the painting, carrying within it a sense of optimism, wonder and awe.
Chosen from our online Gallery by Bhamini Markella
Fabric and embroidery
55 x 55cm
July 2020
by Bhamini Markella
I have chosen Bhamini Markella's piece, Embroidered Window.
A bright and uplifting piece of work, I admire the bold use of colour. I love the fact that Bhamini is re-cycling fabrics for her embroideries creating fabulous pictures from unwanted scraps.
The influence of India is very manifest and a special delight to me having recently spent a wonderful month there.
Chosen from our online Gallery by Lou Jessop
