ART in the dale during October is something of a family affair.
This month’s exhibition at The Witham gallery, in Barnard Castle, features the paintings of Jo Pickering, while at Bowlees Visitor Centre, it is her uncle, Russell Wellard, whose work is in the spotlight.
Jo is a well known face at The Witham and is currently teaching a painting class at the centre.
Her exhibition, Bright and Bold: An Affordable Art Show features her acrylic paintings in bold and vibrant colours.
“I was head of art at a secondary school for 30 years. Now I paint professionally and teach a lot of adults,” said Jo, who has been painting live during the exhibition.
“This is a really nice space for showing pictures and it’s nice to come paint somewhere live.”
She also leads a sip and paint session at the Old Well, on The Bank, in Barnard Castle, on the third Monday of each month.
Meanwhile, at Bowlees Visitor centre uncle Russell is show his paintings which take inspiration from the landscape which surrounded him while he worked in forestry.
Field of vision is an expression of Russell’s career working in the cultivation, management, and study of individual trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants in and around the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and UNESCO Global Geopark.
He said: “I would describe my paintings as a reflection of my working life, illustrating the vistas and quiet places that I have been fortunate to discover.”
A regular visitor to Bowlees Visitor Centre, he said he enjoys the history and serenity of the area.
“I hope my artwork being exhibited encourages visitors to seek out the quiet places and landmarks that I have captured, giving a sense of being with nature.”
Simon Wilson, programme manager at the North Pennines AONB Partnership, which runs the visitor centre, added: “We hope these artworks inspire visitors to make a deeper connection with their surroundings and with the natural world.”
Admission to both exhibitions is free during opening hours of The Witham and Bowlees Visitor Centre during October.
