Alan Thompson Exhibition 2017

17 - 25 June 2017

Alan Thompson

utside as I write, the sun is shining, curlews

O

season are foremost in my senses. In an ideal

are calling, swallows are arriving and newly

world I would always paint directly in front of my

emerged orange tip butterflies patrol blossom-

chosen subject, but weather, distances, time and

laden blackthorn hedges. Spring has arrived,

inaccessibility make heading for the studio often

bursting into greenery and warmth, suggesting

necessary and more comfortable, especially when

summer is just around the corner.

the world is white outside and I’m in need of a

However last night’s trusty BBC weather forecast

steady warm hand to produce the detail required.

informed us of minus seven degrees next week

So here is my latest collection of paintings from

with snow on the hills! This brings me to my point

the four seasons in Cumbria, reflecting the kinds

that painting the landscape means one is always

of weather (kinder this past year), the places I’ve

avidly following the weather forecast.

been, the subjects and lighting which have caught

Weather and the seasons are of primary importance. I’ve always felt the need to paint seasonally, and just as food enthusiasts claim things eaten in season taste better, then perhaps I paint a better autumn picture in the autumn when the smells and sounds and sights of that

my eye and I have attempted to paint. Thanks for looking and thanks once again to all at Beckstones for their hard work putting it all together.

1. Springtime, Cross Fell 23 x 36 cm

2. Ullswater from Gowbarrow 32 x 48 cm

3. Bright morning, River Lyvennet near Kings Meaburn 19 x 27 cm 4. Winter sun, Dockray near Ullswater 23 x 28 cm

5. Stickle Tarn, Langdale 28 x 41 cm

6. Towards Knipe Scar from Helton 28 x 60 cm

7. September sunshine, Ullswater towards Glenridding 25 x 33 cm

9. Frozen Red Tarn, below Helvellyn 26 x 40 cm

8. Rydal reflections 30 x 42 cm

10. Spring garden near Patterdale 26 x 22 cm

11. Peaceful afternoon, Watendlath Tarn 36 x 24 cm

12. Frosty morning, Head of Ullswater 28 x 40 cm

13. May morning, Lyvennet Beck 29 x 54 cm

14. River Esk looking towards Scafell Pike 28 x 46 cm

15. Shafts of sunlight, Crummock Water 26 x 43 cm

16. Morning frost, Swindale Beck near Haweswater 24 x 41 cm

17. Early Autumn, River Eden near Temple Sowerby 22 x 33 cm

19. Peacock and Painted Lady 17 x 22 cm

18. Marsh Marigolds 22 x 20 cm

20. Ullswater from Keldas 42 x 80 cm

21. Winter sheep below Blencathra 37 x 30 cm

22. Stormy skies, St John’s in the Vale and Derwentwater 30 x 61 cm

23. Perfect day, Strathaird from Loch Sapin, Skye 27 x 44 cm

24. Still water, Loch Coruisk, Isle of Skye 27 x 44 cm

26. Passing storm, River Eden 14 x 18 cm

25. First light, River Rothay near Grasmere 16 x 25 cm

27. Evening light, Newlands Valley 15 x 24 cm

28. Harebells by the wall 18 x 33 cm

29. Reeds and waterlillies, Loughrigg Tarn 32 x 30 cm

30. Autumn sunlight, Glenridding 21 x 59 cm

31. Scots Pine below Cross Fell 19 x 28 cm

33. Foxgloves 43 x 21 cm

32. Bluebell woodland near Patterdale 21 x 27 cm

34. Light frost, River Eden near Temple Sowerby 33 x 86 cm

35. Light snowfall, Grasmere 27 x 53 cm

36. Midsummer, River Brathay near Elterwater 28 x 40 cm

37. Misty sunset, Ullswater 21 x 29 cm

39. Sunshine and showers, Borrowdale and Head of Derwentwater 23 x 30 cm

38. Cottage garden, Rydal 18 x 26 cm

40. Early Autumn, Goldrill Beck and Patterdale 28 x 51 cm

41. Summer calm, River Derwent, Borrowdale 30 x 37 cm

42. Snowy morning, Wallend, Deepdale near Ullswater 35 x 60 cm

43. Angle Tarn 32 x 43 cm

44. Ullswater reflections from the Devil’s Chimney 39 x 60 cm

45. Misty sunrise, River Eamont 18 x 25 cm

47. Wild primroses 29 x 20 cm

46. Crummock Water towards Fleetwith Pike 23 x 30 cm

48. Summer day, Ullswater from Silver Crag 30 x 60 cm

49. Wildflowers by Goldrill Beck, Patterdale 27 x 61 cm

50. Early morning snow and frost, Grasmere 36 x 61 cm

ALAN THOMPSON IS WITHOUT DOUBT ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S LEADING LANDSCAPE ARTISTS. As one of the very first to exhibit here at Beckstones, Alan established an extremely high standard of excellence that we have subsequently endeavoured to maintain throughout our 39 year history. Alan’s undoubted technical ability along with his brilliant use of light, colour and detail have always resulted in the most exquisite paintings that have proved quite irresistible over the years. His Lake District and Eden Valley landscapes have found their way to collectors all over the globe, with many buyers coming back time and time again to add to their collection.

Alan is fortunate to live and work in his native Cumbria, and the close proximity of these majestic, inspirational surroundings enable him to

head for the lakes, fells or valleys whenever the conditions are right. He paints in all seasons and weathers, even venturing out at the crack of a freezing dawn if the light is sufficiently enticing.

In addition to capturing this beautiful landscape, Alan is also expert at painting the native Cumbrian flora and fauna, bringing life to his paintings.

Born near Penrith in 1953, Alan went on to study at Carlisle College of Art after leaving school. He gained a first class honours degree at Leicester in 1976 and was then awarded a post-graduate scholarship to the famed Slade School of Art, University College, London where he studied under Uglow, Freud and Coldstream. A very successful professional career has followed and his biennial exhibition here at Beckstones is always very much anticipated and attracts collectors from all over the UK and around the world Alan lives on the outskirts of the Lake District with his wife Kathryn and has three grown up children.

H OW TO

purchase THE WORKS ILLUSTRATED WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE PRIOR TO THE EXHIBITION IMMEDIATELY ON RECEIPT OF THIS CATALOGUE

To check availability and place orders: • telephone 01768 483601 • visit the gallery in person • email enquiries@beckstonesartgallery.co.uk All paintings are in oil and are framed. Sizes shown are in cm and give the dimensions of the actual image excluding the frame.

The exhibition runs from: 10am on Saturday 17 June to 5pm Sunday 25 June 2017.

The full catalogue can also be viewed nearer the date online at: www.beckstonesartgallery.co.uk We regret that paintings cannot be held on reserve for approval.

Paintings can be collected after the exhibition ends (26 June onwards). Deliveries can be arranged if required at additional cost subject to quotation.

Beckstones Art Gallery Greystoke Ghyll, Nr. Penrith, Cumbria CA11 0UQ Tel: 01768 483601

www.beckstonesartgallery.co.uk Opening Hours: 10am to 5pm every day

Tennant Design – Tel. 01228 514668

ART GALLERY