Rob Johnsey and Jude Clegg: FRIENDS AND STRANGERS

This is 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.

The two artists have contrasting approaches. Rob shows how 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.

Judes’ drawings of strangers switches the focus from likeness, to more impressionistic, using fluid lines. Featuring portraits drawn both live and online, many of the poses are held for just a few minutes allowing a glance into the window of their thoughts in that moment. 

Painting portraits of friends - Rob Johnsey

Rob suggests that 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.

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. He 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 Clegg

Jude has a playful approach to portraiture. Her fascination with drawing strangers was primarily driven by participating in the online community of artists who meet regularly via zoom to draw live models in a set timeframe and also to draw each other’s portraits. These poses are often limited to the length of one short music track. Jude describes this practice as totally absorbing, with the 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. This fast approach influences all of her people sketches, both in life drawing and timed live online work. 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

Private View: Tuesday 25th February, 5pm-7pm

Free Entry. Everyone welcome!