Exhibition at Uxbridge

Artist in residence at the Uxbridge Centre, Tony Clarke, will show the labours of his work at an exhibition from 21 May entitled Nature’s Collectables. Mr Clarke paints scenes from nature using a stunningly precise technique, and exports almost all his work to overseas collectors.

“This exhibition shows the journey of my residency at Uxbridge, an overview of my teaching process and painting techniques. Also some of the philosophy behind my work”, says Mr Clarke.

The residency began in July 2001, and Mr Clarke had already tutored classes at Uxbridge prior to that time.

“Tony’s classes grew so popular that some students would queue from 5.30am to enrol. Now we take mail and website bookings, so they can get some more sleep”, laughs Shona Roberts, manager of Uxbridge. “And he is also teaching more classes these days.” More than 90 people attended Mr Clarke’s classes and workshops last term, and a similar number are currently enrolled.

As well as teaching and exhibiting, the artist in residence holds open painting sessions twice a week, which are free of charge. Everyone is welcome to drop in and watch the artist at work in the studio. During the exhibition, the open painting sessions will be held in the Gallery – surrounded by the exhibition – on Mondays from 3 to 5pm and Thursdays from 10am to 12pm.

Uxbridge manager Shona Roberts says of the open sessions, “It’s really interesting being able to watch an artist work, especially one with such a precise and painstaking style. You don’t often get to see something like this at close range, and people feel free to ask lots of questions.”

Collectors in the US eagerly await the next shipment of Mr Clarke’s paintings, which will be shortly after the exhibition. His dealer gallery, Wilcox Gallery in Jackson, Wyoming, specialises in realistic painting, and sells nearly all of his work. “I feel lucky that I got in there, as they only have a small stable of artists”, adds Mr Clarke, who has been painting since childhood.

The exhibition shows the US influence, as it features native American animals such as buffalos, eagles and bears. The exhibition runs from 21 May to 3 June in the Gallery at Uxbridge, Howick’s Creative Centre, at 35 Uxbridge Road, Howick. Opening hours are 10 am to 4 pm weekdays.

© Scoop Media