Watercolour landscapes on show
Robert Sedgley is a British artist, currently in Sri Lanka on his third visit with his wife. As he has travelled around the country he has recorded his impressions in a series of watercolour studies which reflect his concern for form and colour discovered in the landscape and in the different building styles with which he has become acquainted. Some of his work is executed directly in front of the motif and attempts to capture the effects of light and color in shadow while other paintings are developed from sketches and photographs.
The hill country series explore space and form through through the details of landscape: land, sky trees and foliage, and are based on journey by train from Kandy to Nanu Oya. In these pieces the journey may be seen as metaphor for the act of making a painting.. A direction and destination may be envisaged at the outset but the discoveries and many incidents, twist and turns and unexpected changes made along the way, alter our perceptions of the destination, and ultimately of ourselves. As the poet Cavafy says, on our arrival we realise that after all it was the journey that mattered and not the destination. The keen sense of spacing and proportion displayed in these works stems from his early interest and training in lettering.
In 'Temple Through Treetops' the golden roof of the Temple of the Tooth blazes in cloudy green hills, while a wavering latticework of palms fills the foreground space, affording glimpses of the lake between the trees.
Robert Sedgley was born in Birmingham and at the age of twelve attended the junior school of Art and Crafts. After leaving school he trained first as a silk-screen printer and poster writer, then embarked on four years of professional training in fine art, followed by a course leading to the Art Teachers' Diploma. He taught for nineteen years in the art departments of various schools in Hertfordshire, then as Head of Art, continuing his practice as a painter during these years. In 1992 he [ceased secondary teaching] allowing him to work full-time as a practicing artist.
A major interest of the artist is the human figure, particularly in movement or in striking poses, such as sitting, lying down and gesticulating. these themes are often exploredmin his larger oil paintings (not in the current exhibition) . His 'Cloud Dancers' continue this interest in the medium of watercolour.
Up to this point his use of the watercolour medium has been largely confined to studies and sketchbook work.However, an opportunity to teach adults on holiday painting courses prompted him to develop his watercolour techniques. This led to a renewed interest in the landscape.
The clear light and strong sun of the [Mediterranian] climate, the deep shadows with their absorbent colour, the sharp edged forms and melting silhouettes which he found in the villages an terraced landscape are the spur to recent developments in his work.
Although the works stand in their own right this exhibition should be seen as 'work in progress.'The diversity and range of much of what he presents to the viewer hint at new directions and new intriguing paths to explore.
The exhibition may be seen at the studio of S. H. Sarath. The exhibition was opened by her Exellency the High commissioner for Great Britain as principal guest.
The hill country series explore space and form through through the details of landscape: land, sky trees and foliage, and are based on journey by train from Kandy to Nanu Oya. In these pieces the journey may be seen as metaphor for the act of making a painting.. A direction and destination may be envisaged at the outset but the discoveries and many incidents, twist and turns and unexpected changes made along the way, alter our perceptions of the destination, and ultimately of ourselves. As the poet Cavafy says, on our arrival we realise that after all it was the journey that mattered and not the destination. The keen sense of spacing and proportion displayed in these works stems from his early interest and training in lettering.
In 'Temple Through Treetops' the golden roof of the Temple of the Tooth blazes in cloudy green hills, while a wavering latticework of palms fills the foreground space, affording glimpses of the lake between the trees.
Robert Sedgley was born in Birmingham and at the age of twelve attended the junior school of Art and Crafts. After leaving school he trained first as a silk-screen printer and poster writer, then embarked on four years of professional training in fine art, followed by a course leading to the Art Teachers' Diploma. He taught for nineteen years in the art departments of various schools in Hertfordshire, then as Head of Art, continuing his practice as a painter during these years. In 1992 he [ceased secondary teaching] allowing him to work full-time as a practicing artist.
A major interest of the artist is the human figure, particularly in movement or in striking poses, such as sitting, lying down and gesticulating. these themes are often exploredmin his larger oil paintings (not in the current exhibition) . His 'Cloud Dancers' continue this interest in the medium of watercolour.
Up to this point his use of the watercolour medium has been largely confined to studies and sketchbook work.However, an opportunity to teach adults on holiday painting courses prompted him to develop his watercolour techniques. This led to a renewed interest in the landscape.
The clear light and strong sun of the [Mediterranian] climate, the deep shadows with their absorbent colour, the sharp edged forms and melting silhouettes which he found in the villages an terraced landscape are the spur to recent developments in his work.
Although the works stand in their own right this exhibition should be seen as 'work in progress.'The diversity and range of much of what he presents to the viewer hint at new directions and new intriguing paths to explore.
The exhibition may be seen at the studio of S. H. Sarath. The exhibition was opened by her Exellency the High commissioner for Great Britain as principal guest.