With fresh horizons and an exhilarating sense of new beginnings, we excitedly dive into the new year ahead. Here we delve a bit deeper into a few of the revitalising pieces from our collection currently capturing our interest and imagination.
1. ‘Stag and Hinds’ by Natalie Stutely. Oil on panel. 30” x 12”. £2,885
Chosen by: Philip Short, Director
"Natalie has a remarkable ability to seamlessly incorporate contemporary elements into paintings that might initially seem more traditional. In this particular piece, her choice of darker tones and high contrast adds a modern edge, while the sweeping panoramic views and classical composition keep the painting grounded in the heritage of traditional landscape painting."
2. ‘Guard’s Honour’ by Amanda Jackson. Oil on panel. 10” x 10”. £725
Chosen by: Alan Short, Director
"This painting is particularly nostalgic for me as I fondly remember Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953 like it was yesterday. We were all so proud of our new, young queen, and to commemorate the occasion, the school even gave us a mug, an orange and a propelling pencil! This is the power of Amanda’s paintings: in an instant, they bring forth forgotten memories and powerful emotions from deep within."
3. ‘Plums and Red’ by Colin Wilson. Acrylic on Panel. 21.5” x 17.5”. £5,250
Chosen by: Deanna Dawkins, Gallery Manager
"I love how many layers this painting holds for the viewer. At first glance, it feels bold, its uncluttered composition dramatically highlighted by a striking expanse of negative space. But once pulled in, deliciously delicate details begin to emerge: the dainty curve of the wine glass where bowl and stem meet. The balancing act of the corkscrew as it rests rather precariously on the bottle. The juicy, exposed flesh of a freshly cut plum mere moments away from dripping sweet nectar. It’s a tantalising scene that builds and brims with anticipation."
4. ‘Gentle Hermione I’ by Caroline Richardson. Oil on canvas. 29” x 29”. £4,250
Chosen by: Kirsty Maclennan, Gallery Assistant.
“An unfurling evocation, Caroline’s Gentle Hermione I seizes hold of the viewer and refuses to loosen its magnetic grip. A towering ode to the invigorating majesty of nature, this is an unforgettable painting, both a sumptuous reverie and powerful, unapologetic show of artistic prowess.”
5. ‘Return’ by Philip Hearsey. Bronze. 6” x 4” x 5”. £575
Chosen by: Sarah Pearson Short, Gallery Assistant.
"Philip’s sculptures are painfully elegant, with so many fine details masterfully woven into the finished work. I particularly love his use of a dramatic monochrome palette for this piece; it makes the contrast between the inside, outside and rim of the cone excitingly apparent and gives a new appreciation for the natural form of the sculpture."
To find out more of our favourites, visit our York gallery, drop us an email or strike up a conversation with a member of our friendly team on our live chat.