Painting the Year, Deborah Last
17th - 29th May 2023
Open: Wed-Sat 12:30-5:30pm
Private view: Wednesday 17th May, 5:30-7:30pm
Closing event: Monday 29th May, 5:30-7:30pm
Extended opening times on Sunday 28th and Monday 29th
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In 2022 Deborah Last painted the Landscape en plein air (outside) every day for a year, not matter what; in the sunshine, in the back of her car hiding from the wind, or in an angling pod to keep dry in the rain. ‘Painting The Year’ is the first time Deborah is showing all 365 paintings from the project, demonstrating the changing seasons, a love for Northern Devon, and the endurance of her craft. The exhibition is supported by North Devon Arts, as part of their 25th anniversary celebrations.
Deborah Last lives and works in Bideford, Northern Devon. She works directly from life and from memory to create light-filled work relating to the landscape and the connections we make with it as humans. Her contemporary style, expressive colour and intriguing brush strokes blend with a traditional form of art to create unique and beautiful paintings. In 2020 she graduated with an MA in Contemporary Art Practice from Plymouth University, and has been long-listed for the Jackson’s Painting Prize, 2021 and 2022. She was Artist in residence at the National Trust’s Bucks Mills Artist Cabin in August 2022 and the inaugural visual artist in residence for Appledore Book Festival in September 2022. She has been featured in Devon Life Magazine and on BBC Spotlight and is a regular guest on BBC Radio Devon.
To accompany the exhibition Deborah will be hosting two workshops to choose from: Plein Air Masterclass on Tuesday 23rd May (10:00-16:00) and Playing with the Landscape, using experimental techniques to interpret landscapes in your own style, on Thursday 25th May (19:00-21:00). Spaces are limited, bookable via Eventbrite.
‘Painting The Year’ will also be part of the Barnstaple Arts Festival programme, with extended opening on Sunday 28th and Monday 29th (12:30-17:30)
