New exhibition

Sea, South Downs and Sighthounds is the exhibition at the Emsworth Community Centre, North Street, PO10 7DD (August 1 and 2, 10am-4pm, Saturday and Sunday).

Jo Brodie said: “This is mostly my work. However Knight and Stone will be supporting the exhibition with their own soft furnishings and embroidery, and my friend Linda Mullan who's art is under the name of Frightwig will be showing a funky sculpture and some of her paintings.”

Jo lives in Stedham; Knight and Stone are Midhurst; Linda is from Portsmouth.

Jo said: “The exhibition is really the opportunity to show my work as I am approaching retirement. It is a look back over the last few years or so since I moved back home after ten years living in the north-east.

“During Covid I did a lot of work to support the greyhound rescue as they could not fundraise and most paintings related to the sighthounds in one way or another. After Covid I decided to concentrate on the areas that I love going to – so the sea, particularly around Emsworth, the downs and the commons close to where I live. And of course my beloved sighthounds feature in some of the paintings!

“Carey Stone was influential in encouraging me to hold the exhibition, and Linda was part of a WhatsApp painting challenge group that I ran through the last few winters and always produces humorous and interesting work.

“I hope that the exhibition will appeal to anyone who loves the sea, the views, and walking, as many paintings are from local paths and are like small scenes. I also paint more spiritual paintings, featuring wildlife.

“Most of the work is gouache on card, and there are canvas board acrylic paintings on display as well. There is also a nod to Mexican art with its vibrant colours. Paintings on display are not all framed – some will be hung on backing boards. Knight and Stone are enhancing the exhibition with their fabric, textiles and embroidery objects and gifts, and Linda will have some eclectic modern work on display.

“I have been painting all my life, went to Southdowns College for A levels and Winchester School of Art for Foundation Year. I have done workshops for arts and music events, run my own Etsy shop and produced calendars and cards to help the hounds. I have also exhibited my work over many years.

“Life got in the way a little bit, but I have continued to paint.

“I was very interested in Japanese and Islamic art when I was younger, and latterly mediaeval art and Mexican art and designs. Some of the paintings are based on the Book of Hours concepts, particularly borders around the main painting and what is important as the main subject to the painter. My way of painting is naive, and I enjoy painting small scenes.

I also write short stories and poetry. Two books will be available at the exhibition – one of poetry and prose, the other of short stories.

“I think one of the highlights was when I was exhibiting at Bishop Auckland Town Hall Gallery and a teacher came in to view it. She brought a selection of stories written by the children based on a short story I had written and illustrated, the Heaven Diaries. I did not know that the school had used the story to highlight the care and welfare of animals. I was very moved and still have these stories from the children.”