Seahouses main street transforms into art gallery

Jun 13 2009 by Richard Fletcher, The Journal

How a brush with talent can help you get in the picture

TOP artistic talent is going on display across Northumberland.

Over the next two months artists living or working in the county will be opening their studio doors at weekends as part of The Art Tour to allow the public to browse or maybe even buy a piece of original art.

The tour, which is free, has been organised by Network Artists in Northumberland and will include painting, drawing, illustration, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and glass making.

Art Tour co-ordinator Kim Pearson said: "There are all kinds of art on offer from painting to pottery to wood carving to book binding.

"What people can do is take a look down the calendar and see who is exhibiting and chose a venue.

"It is all there for people to mix and match as they want."

Among the 70 artists taking part is West Woodburn-based watercolour painter Mary Ann Rogers who was awarded Best Selling Published Artist 2009 by The Fine Art Trade Guild.

To mark the event The Journal has filmed the latest in its series of How To videos.

In the video Mary Ann Rogers talks through how she goes about creating her works of art and where she gets her inspiration from.

Budding artists, or even those with more experience, can pick up some hints on the techniques she uses as she paints one of her signature pieces, a cockerel.

Talking about the tour she said: "As well as looking at the paintings it gives people the chance to come and meet some of the subjects.

"A lot of the animals are right here, so people can come and meet them.

"There are also a couple of good picnic spots if people want to bring a picnic with them."

Another highlight of the tour is Blaydon-based Rena Holford, who creates animals out of glass.

Art Tour brochures, which contain full lists of dates, times, artists and locations, are available from tourist information centres, galleries and visitor centres or by telephoning (01661) 852 523. Or you can request at admin@networkartists.org.uk 

For more information on the tour visit www.networkartists.org.uk.