The Natural Eye 2014 Preview

Arriving at The Mall Galleries

I was so excited about coming down for the preview of the SWLA The Natural Eye 2014

I had just the most wonderful time at the Society of Wildlife Artists The Natural Eye preview on Wednesday.  I was up super early, caught the train and arrived in time for lunch at the Mall Galleries and enjoyed the buffet while taking in all the wildlife inspired artwork.

Ready to go in to the preview of the SWLA The Natural Eye 2014 exhibition.  The boards at the entrance had my name on, as one of the exhibitors!

Harriet Mead, President of the SWLA welcoming everyone to the preview

Then there was an official opening, a lovely introduction by the President of the Society of Wildlife Artists, Harriet Mead and then passionate words and welcome from Dr Andy Clements, Director from the BTO (British Trust for Ornithology).  Awards and prizes were announced and selections for bursaries made – then time to enjoy the art.

Dr Andy Clements, Director of the BTO opened the exhibition to a packed gallery

There was a lot to see – I’m immediately drawn to the sculpture – there were other stone carvings too which got my first attention.  Then I enjoyed Steve Henderson’s Ghost Fish which was very beautifully made – Harriet Mead’s pieces glowed even brighter ‘in the flesh’ and are beautifully observed and wrought from found objects.  Rachel Lockwood’s paintings stunned me, particularly Quiet Wood, there was an exquisite print of a Female Newt by Beatrice von Preussen, masterful drawings of Gannets by Kittie Jones and Tim Wootton’s drawings and paintings made my heart thud, especially his One day on Papa Westray.  I found Dafila Scott’s pastels very exciting and atmospheric, her Barnacle Geese, Winter Afternoon and Pair of Bat-eared Foxes foraging at sundown particularly, she magically captures very intensely the light conditions in her scenes.

Image via SWLA – here is my Pine Marten enjoying his time at the exhibition

A beautiful, inspiring, wowing and wonderful exhibition.  I met and spoke to other exhibiting artists, friends of SWLA, and members and exchanged stories about working with, watching, observing and learning about our amazing natural world and then trying to express our wonder, thoughts, care and excitement through painting, printing, drawing, sculpting – through artistic expression of one sort or another.  Happy day.  And a proud one.

Dashed back just in time for the train home – didn’t recognise Kings Cross, all change from the last time I was there, but looking beautiful.