Wild landscapes filled with atmospheric light evoke changing seasons, and loose brush marks can make the viewer believe they can feel the spray of a waterfall on their face. This series of paintings by Helène Dougherty are windows of escapism – to places unlike where the artist lives. Views of the ocean and the towering waterfalls, which fascinate Helène, capture the energy of water as it moves.
These, along with the forests and skies are inspired by places in Wales, remembered and referenced from photographs, and then painted in her studio in St Helens.
The title of the exhibition, taken from TS Eliot’s poem ‘East Coker’ refers to Helène’s use of light and movement and this collection of work is part of the artist’s drive to paint more loosely and less figuratively. In order to develop as a painter she is fighting against a tendency to use tighter brush marks to paint realistically – this theme of change is also referenced in that poem:
“In order to arrive at what you are not
You must go through the way in which you are not.”
These softer, looser connections between the parts of the picture make the most of the qualities of paint and give the audience space to react emotionally to the work – placing themselves in these landscapes and allowing their memory to dance in the light.
Firing Up Bridge Cottage presents work by ceramic artists including internationally-renowned sculptor Emma Rodgers, ‘Great Pottery Thrown Down’ finalist and emerging artist Jacob Chan, and comedy legend turned artist Johnny Vegas, alongside others.
The exhibition connects Bridge Cottage in Port Sunlight to Rodgers’ studio nearby at the historic Fire Engine Station. Many of the artworks have been specially created for the exhibition, drawing on stories from Port Sunlight’s past, as well as the village’s unique architecture and character.
Looking for something to keep your young artists busy?
At Kirkby Gallery, they have two art courses on offer for young people under 18 years of age:
Their Little BIG Art club is a fabulous opportunity for young people aged 7-12 to try new and exciting techniques, have fun and make new friends. Central to the course is gaining confidence in drawing and learning new ways of further developing their creativity.
They also now run the Young Makers Group, designed for young people aged 13 -17 who wish to develop their practical art skills further and their knowledge of artists past and present.
Both courses are led by professional artists and run 10.30am till 12.30pm. It costs just £75 for the 10 weeks and all art materials are included in the course price. Booking is essential as places are limited. Contact galleries@knowsley.gov.uk for further information.
Founded in 1920, the Society of Wood Engravers has long championed the continuing practice of this skilled printmaking technique by holding annual exhibitions to celebrate the vision and versatility of contemporary engravers.
The 87th Annual Exhibition presents over 120 prints selected from an open submission to display a broad diversity of style and subject-matter by both members and non-members from the UK and overseas; all brought together by their commitment to excellence in an exacting medium.
This is the first time in over 25 years that this stunning exhibition has been presented in the Northwest of England, so it is with great pleasure that Kirkby Gallery presents this annual show for the first time.
Complementing this, in The Entrance Gallery is a show of book art curated by Liverpool Book Art, Printmaking Today and SWE responding to the theme, ‘Letting in the Light’, aimed at encouraging exchange and cross-over of ideas and techniques between book artists and printmakers.
A wonderful new workshop that blends the beauty of nature with the art of macrame! We’re making Kokedama plants and plant hangers in this fun double workshop. Your experienced tutors are Sarah from Into Nature and Emer from Knotty Potty 🪴
🗓 When: Saturday, April 12th at 2 pm
📍 Where: Pocket Cafe Bar, Paradise St L1
💚 What: Learn how to make your very own Kokedama (Japanese moss ball plant) & knot a gorgeous macrame plant hanger to display it!
Double Workshop is £55 pp
Join Bluecoat for this enjoyable and informative workshop session where you’ll discover the art of TetraPak printing.
TetraPak printing is a more environmentally friendly version of intaglio printing that utilizes discarded TetraPak cartons as printing plates.
By pressing, carving, and tearing the inner surface of a TetraPak carton, you can produce a range of textures and gradients on a single layer. Ink is applied to the recessed areas of the plate, which is then passed through a press to transfer the design onto paper. This method is ideal for beginners, offering a straightforward, enjoyable, and chemical-free way to explore the intaglio process.
You’ll explore the techniques and theory behind this unique and accessible printing method and create your own small edition of TetraPak prints using our century-old etching press. You will be guided through every step of the process from start to finish, leaving with confidence in tetrapak printing and having created a small finished edition of prints to take home with you.
All materials you will use are included in the cost of the course, but you are welcome to bring along your own if you choose. Their studios are environmentally friendly where possible and use greener methods of screen printing, such as water-based acrylic inks. Completing this course will act as an Induction to book into their Intaglio Studio should you wish to.
They have two sessions available:
Sat 31 May, 11am-1.30pm
Sat 31 May, 2-4.30pm
£30 (all materials included)
Landscape and beloved places are interpreted in this painterly collection by three artists from Wirral and North Wales. Featuring work by Karl Hughes, Nesta Eluned and Clare Flinn.
Karl Hughes
Karl is a figurative painter working in an impressionistic style across acrylic, oil, gouache & pastel mediums. Drawing and painting is a lifelong passion for him and he enjoys the mix of problem solving and exploring creative possibilities it gives. Karl’s artistic inspiration is drawn from many sources – most recently capturing scenes from his travels at home and abroad. This exhibition contains a mix of work produced outdoors ‘en plein air’ and in the studio from the West Wirral coastline and his recent travels in Tuscany & Mallorca.
Nesta Eluned
Nesta is a North Wales artist born and living in the hills of Eryri (Snowdonia). Her approach ranges from plein-air sessions to studio work and embraces an extensive range of materials and techniques. The work fuses classical landscape compositions with abstract expression. This comes through dynamic mark making and gestures that come naturally from being immersed in the wild, mystic and uncompromising environment of Eryri and the North Wales coast. Nesta’s work has been described as evocative and vibrant, conveying a deep connection to the landscape it depicts.
Clare Flinn
Clare’s work aims to convey a sense of place to the viewer, through her use of expressive marks, layered paint and, sometimes, water soluble crayons. She is primarily a landscape painter, which fits with her love of the wilder places of the British Isles. This collection reflects that, and her continued fascination with the edges of the land. Her work is evolving in a quest to simplify down to the main elements, with sketchbooks used en plein air being her main starting point in creating work. She enjoys experimenting with paint, pushing its limits and using it in less conventional ways. Clare is a co-founder of The Lake Gallery.
Join Liverpool Print Fair for a two-day art market showcasing independent artists and designers, each bringing a unique selection of original and handmade art prints.
Whether you’re looking to add character to your home office or find the perfect gift, you’ll discover plenty of inspiring pieces.
With a rotating lineup of stalls, you’ll find a different mix of sellers on Saturday and Sunday—30 in total across the weekend. Visit both days to see it all!
📍 Free entry
👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly
Ring Carving Workshop:
Learn the essentials of traditional jewellery wax carving and create a one-of-a-kind ring for yourself or a loved one. Ring carving is a slow and mindful process. In this carving workshop we will work on one piece for the duration, slowly removing small pieces of wax to reach our finished form. The hard jewellers wax can be used to carve and shape intricate designs, working with hand tools such as scalpels and files.
This workshop is led by founder of Dripped goods, Amy Flynn. Amy has a BA in Jewellery Design from London College of Fashion and has over 10 years experience in the jewellery field. She designed the medals for the World Gymnastic Championships in 2022 and has been nominated for Liverpool City Region Artist of the year. She has showcased work in the Bluecoat Display Centre and the Manchester Contemporary and has led multiple workshops at venues including TATE Liverpool.
NEW! Ring Sculpting Workshop:
Explore Dripped Goods signature technique which involves creating organic jewellery with soft wax and create a one-of-a-kind ring for yourself or a loved one. In the sculpting workshop we can create several designs as the wax is re-usable, select a favourite to be cast at the end. This material can be used to produce free-form jewellery, it behaves similarly to a hard clay and can be rolled, bent, twisted or shaped in endless ways.
This workshop is led by founder of Dripped goods, Amy Flynn. Amy has a BA in Jewellery Design from London College of Fashion and has over 10 years experience in the jewellery field. She designed the medals for the World Gymnastic Championships in 2022 and has been nominated for Liverpool City Region Artist of the year. She has showcased work in the Bluecoat Display Centre and the Manchester Contemporary and has led multiple workshops at venues including TATE Liverpool.
