From the Iberian coast to the beauty of Venice and the lush, tropical gardens of the East, this exhibition brings together an uplifting collection of paintings by artists who travel, and makers working with a palette of bright summer colours.

 

Keith Baugh’s paintings of Venice capture the grandeur of the Grand Canal, bathed in the warmth of Italy’s golden light. The collection includes a painting inspired by the splendid facade of the Caffè Florian, one of the oldest coffee shops in the world, established in 1720.

 

British artist Jenny Fermore lives and works in Madrid, Spain. She paints sun-soaked rural landscapes and urban scenes which convey the light and warmth of the wonderful Mediterranean climate. 

 

Sharon Havey, inspired by the landscape and light of the Italian landscape, captures the spirit of the ‘sweet life’ in a series of works that celebrate simple pleasures: a beautiful view, good food and wine, and time spent in the company of friends and family. 

 

Jessica Dunn’s abstract paintings are inspired by the radiant colours and textures of Portugal, where she lives and works. Responding to land, sea and sky, she works with veils of rich oil colour, developing abstract images in response to the southern European landscape.

 

Sarah Boden’s paintings draw on her travels and the cultures of countries she has called home. Since returning to the UK in 2017, she has continued to make work inspired by both Eastern and Western cultures, including abstract aerial landscapes and botanical paintings.

 

Dawn Hajittofi’s ceramics reflect life’s journey. Her thrown vessels are decorated using slips and randomly applied indentations and glazes, and gilt touches to reference the Japanese art of ‘Kintsugi”, which restores broken pottery with seems of real gold.

 

Kate Baugh’s ceramics are made from stoneware or porcelain clay and decorated with a riot of slip and glaze colours. Her surface details are inspired by oriental calligraphy, and the marks and colours of Catalonian abstract artists Antoni Tapies and Joan Miró.

 

See La Dolce Vita from 24th May to 27th June 2025 at The Sanctuary Studio & Gallery, High Street, Newnham-on-Severn, Gloucestershire, GL14 1BB. www.thesanctuarygallery.com

 

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