Rob Johnsey and Jude Clegg: FRIENDS AND STRANGERS

A dual exhibition featuring a selection of portraits and figures in watercolour, ink and mixed media. A collection of both friends’ and strangers’ portraits, observed for their likeness and character, using a variety of source materials.

Effective portraits rely on getting a good likeness together with something of the character of the subject. This has been achieved by using a variety of photographs of each friend and using these to guide the painting.

The drawings of strangers switches the focus from likeness, to a more impressionistic response. Featuring many portraits drawn of fellow artists online, the poses are held for just a few minutes allowing a glance into the window of their thoughts in that moment.

One of the functions of the artist is to be a teacher. Any work of art enables the viewer to see the world in a slightly different way. The lessons learned will depend on the viewer as much as the artist but good art will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Painting portraits of friends

Both Rob and Jude regularly attend Falmouth Sketch Club, run by Eve Bourrat, where there is a never-ending source of friends who are willing to submit to having their portrait painted. Rob begins by taking a series of photographs which form the basis of a careful pencil drawing before painting commences.

Rob has only discovered the joys of watercolour painting in the past year or so. The white paper is the watercolourists friend. It enables a certain light to shine through while accepting a stronger layering of colour when required. Works in watercolour can be as deeply coloured as an acrylic or oil painting.

Painting portraits is the ultimate challenge for an artist. It is clear when something has gone wrong and, in watercolour, it is not always easy to correct the gaze of an eye or a less-than-happy smile. The most satisfying portraits are those which are enjoyed by the subjects themselves.

Drawing Strangers

Jude has a playful approach to portraiture. In addition to life drawing and urban sketching her fascination with drawing strangers was primarily driven by participating in the online community of artists who meet regularly to draw each other, often as fast portraits to the length of a track of music. The practice is described as totally absorbing, with intensity driven by the short time available. It allows for testing a range of drawing mediums and papers. Focusing on the pose and eyes of the person in real time gives a brief insight into their world. The regular faces who participate become familiar and revisiting the sketches allow the moment to be relived and reconsidered.

Several projects and International exhibitions have evolved from the online zoom portraiture community, particularly the Drawing is Free project, hosted by Chloe Briggs in Paris (see Drawing is free.org ) highlighting the value of collaborative art.

ROB JOHNSEY AND JUDE CLEGG: FRIENDS AND STRANGERS 

Tuesday 25th February  – Saturday 1st March, 10am - 5pm

Free Entry. Everyone welcome!