Perhaps the only thing better than wide open skies and fresh spring air is an outstanding new collection of fine art, just waiting to be discovered. Breathing new life, colour and small, savoured moments of joy into our daily routine, the gallery’s latest selection of new artwork has put a smile on our faces we are all too happy to share. Combined with news of our latest exhibitions and an exciting new artist to join the York Fine Arts fold, this month’s newsletter brings updates and simple pleasures in equal measure—and just maybe—the next standout addition to your own collection.

Last month the gallery was delighted to welcome faces old and new to the exhibition of work by York Artist and Senior Gallery Assistant Kirsty Maclennan, which was wonderfully received by all. Readers of the Yorkshire Post and York Press may have additionally spotted some familiar faces over the past few weeks as the story of the exhibition and its ties to the gallery and its team gathered steam and were ravenously devoured by the press. From a fantastic opening to the tangible sense of enthusiasm behind the show, we could not be more grateful to you all for your support or think of a better way to christen our new contemporary space and its evolving collection.

Bringing together the work of plein air artists Julian Mason, Rupert Aker, Michael John Ashcroft, ROI and David Sawyer, RBA, the gallery's next show, 'Chasing the Light', invites viewers to immerse themselves in the rich, impressionistic world of plein air painting. Racing against time, light and the elements, these artists capture their fleeting and intimate encounters with the landscape, yielding a collection that brims with a unique sense of energy, emotion and authenticity. Viewed collectively, the experience is one of overwhelming freedom and vitality, transporting viewers and providing a renewed appreciation for the mastery of plein air painting.

This month the gallery is delighted to introduce our newest contemporary artist, Emma Whitelock. Romantic and powerfully ethereal, Emma’s work dramatically explores the emotional connection between landscape, memory and viewer. Depicting evocative land and seascapes using various mixed media techniques with an emphasis on mood, Emma’s paintings demonstrate her considered, contemporary approach to Romanticism. Specially selected for our evolving contemporary collection, Emma’s work is already making quite the impact at the gallery. Visit her artist page to find out more about her practice and to see her spellbinding collection of available work.

In addition to the work from our newest artist Emma Whitelock, this month the gallery has seen new paintings arrive from Colin Wilson, Steve Thoms, Amanda Jackson, Raymond Campbell, Andrew Grant Kurtis, Alex Hill and Rupert Aker. New work is also expected shortly from Carl Whitfield and Ian Rawling, PS, so do remember to keep an eye on our Recently Acquired page for these and any other new arrivals throughout the month. Have something specific in mind? Simply register your interest with a member of the team to receive personal notifications of artwork matching your requirements or find out more about commissioning an entirely bespoke piece.  We are always happy to help!

We hope you will enjoy our May Newsletter. As ever, we thank you for your patronage and look forward to welcoming you to the gallery soon.