spotlight on... art trails & open studios

The Artists that take part in the Chichester Open Studios are a real mixture of full or part-time professionals alongside talented artists new to the scene, with an eclectic mix of mediums including painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, jewellery, metal work and woodwork.

Visit www.chichesteropenstudios.org for full details and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @chichesteropenstudios.

Susie Olford at Chichester Open Studios

The season moves on; I’m pleased I live with South Coast weather, seeing other regions’ weather maps. Spring needs to lighten our views of everything and set us feasting on new year beginnings in Art.

My oil paintings continue to be contemporary scenes for you to dream about, usually created with the textured marks of a palette knife. New work is again a mixture of sea and landscapes, joyful and colourful.

My first showing is with the Open Studios Trail covering a large circular area around Chichester. As nearly the most easterly Venue of the Trail, I am easily accessible to art lovers further east. My Venue just off the A259 between Littlehampton and Felpham is simple to find, with free courtyard car parking. I’m in the hamlet of Flansham which most Sussex dwellers seem not to have heard of! Green Arrows show you the Way! It is a beautiful barn, spacious and has wheelchair access. There is space for you to browse and dream at many, many paintings – popular 15cm boards and large 50cm ones too. Humorous wine cards, maybe some new designs, always displayed.

Susie Olford, Venue 35, Hoe Lane, Flansham, PO22 8NJ; 22/23, 29/30 April and B/H 1st May, 10.30-17.00. All details at www.chichesteropenstudios.co.uk. I can be contacted at smoart@btinternet.com.

Louise Duggan at Chichester Open Studios

This is the first time that Louise is taking part in the Chichester Art Trail, having returned to the UK after working for 23 years overseas. Her last commission before coming home was for the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai. Alongside previous work, she will be showing a new collection based around the natural elements and her interpretation of the changing seasons.

“After 23 years living in the desert, I am that person standing in the rain, kicking the autumn leaves, and watching as the countryside comes alive in the spring. I wanted to take my first year back recording how I saw these changes and the emotions that they evoked within me.” above: Louise Duggan, The Forest

Louise is an abstract artist, she intuitively layers different mediums to create depth to the visual experience she wants to share, often incorporating resin, gold/silver leaf and spray paints. Her canvas swirls with movement as she skillfully takes you on a journey through spontaneous use of acrylics and various mediums to further expand her visual communication. Discover more at www.louiseduggan.com.