Exhibition 1st to 14th June 2023 Preview drinks Thursday 1st June 6-8pm ‘Alla Prima’ Oil Painting Workshop 10th & 11th June (Workshop is now SOLD-OUT)
Gallery open: Tues to Sat 11-5pm Sun 12-4pm Closed Monday
“Pink Sky, Grey Sea’ is a collection of small, informal paintings which I have painted over the last few months throughout the Winter and Spring. As a portrait artist my work is usually concerned with the human form and faces, which hold an endless fascination for me. So I was surprised to find myself suddenly called to paint a series of still lives and landscapes - subjects which I have never explored before.
The practice of painting can be a very grounding exercise, bringing us into the present moment to look at light, structure and form. These still life paintings are my response to a need to slow down and pay attention to the beauty of the small things – a flower in a silver jug, a dog in the sea, or watching my daughter’s ballet lesson. They are uncomplicated paintings which were made on a daily basis with the intention of noticing and enjoying everyday objects and moments.
The landscapes (mostly seascapes) have surfaced from my daily walks by the water – along the sea front at Eastney or by Langstone Harbour. I have spent many years living away from Portsmouth and away from the Sea. And it seems that making these paintings was a process of anchoring myself in time and space – of being ‘in’ and understanding the environment which I have returned to. Based on sketches and photographs these paintings have been built up experimentally over several layers with a loose application of paint. They have more to do with light, gesture and a feeling of conscious connection with the landscape, rather than precise recordings.
On a literal level the name of the exhibition ‘pink sky, grey sea’ refers to the intense pink sunsets and wild seas which I think of synonymous with Portsmouth in the colder months. But the words are also a reminder to myself to stay curious and open to the beauty which surrounds me, if I remember to look for it.” Ella Kilgour 2023
All artworks are available to buy in the online gallery shop click here
Ella Kilgour will be resident here at Jack House Gallery from the 1st to 14th June with an exhibition of recent paintings and an opportunity to see her at her easel as she uses her time in the Gallery to get on with work she’d normally do in her Art Space studio. The day to day bread and butter for an artist like Ella is commissioned portraits - particularly of children - which she makes using oil paint and her formidable technique with the medium means that she’s adept at capturing not just the likeness but the personality, impishness, character and youth of her subjects.
However Ella’s subjects also range across classic still life arrangements, modern ‘vanitas’ and more recently Portsmouth landscapes and seascapes with a particular interest in capturing the extraordinary skies that we are lucky to have as our seaside backdrops on a daily basis. We will be showing a selection of these paintings along with some still life works during this 2 week show and Ella will be holding a 2 day weekend workshop during which she will share some of her knowledge and technical know-how using oil paint - whatever subject you might wish to tackle.
For information about the ‘Alla Prima’ workshop please click here
