Paysage - An Exhibition of Paintings by Pippa Daryshire and Reynald Goldstein is at the Reunion Gallery, 36 Gainsborough Road, Felixstowe until November 3.
Paysage - An Exhibition of Paintings by Pippa Daryshire and Reynald Goldstein is at the Reunion Gallery, 36 Gainsborough Road, Felixstowe until November 3. Open Tues-Sat 10-5.
The Baie de Somme, in France, is the inspiration behind Paysage, now showing at the Reunion Gallery, Felixstowe. The exhibition features paintings by Pippa Darbyshire, who moved to the Somme Estuary 8 years ago, and Reynold Goldstein, who has enjoyed its quiet beauty for most of his life.
Goldstein's oils, in a range of sizes, capture the beauty and atmosphere of the region in a distinctly understated style. In the small oil, Brune En Baie, the palette is one of dark mauves, purples, and browns. Looking at this work one is reminded of a vintage photograph; it has a hazy quality but also detail. Land masses form and undulate around a curving stream up to a haunting small sky. In Ciel Et Mer, oil, the sky is much larger, the horizon low; a mass of brooding clouds contrasting with the flatness of the sea. In Baie A St Valery, and Blanquetague, both oils, mounds of earth are coated with soft greens, and free forming pattern hints at a variety of nuances.
Goldstein's dark palette and gentle brushstrokes give his works a haunting eloquence. They are full of mood and temperate beauty.
Pippa Darbyshire's work is different but equally distinctive. Road To Grand Laviers, and Road To Hamlet, both oils, are beautifully composed, impressionistic paintings that lead the viewer in; the latter sparkling with light and small areas of bright colour, the former darker in hues and more moody. In Favierre Sept 4 2007, and Entre Favierre, the style is flatter, emphasis being on vertical elements in the landscape. The hues are subdued.
Darbyshire's paintings of Beach Huts in Felixstowe move further to abstraction; squares of complimentary colour forming flat pictorial space and pattern. Looking at Darbyshire's work you are aware of an artistic journey, but overriding this is a wish to convey the landscapes she loves with truth.
This is a choice exhibition that truly celebrates the land, sky and coast of the Somme estuary. Not to be missed.
Sonia Carvill
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here