Exhibition launch at Chichester’s New Park Centre

Artists Jill Madgwick and Helen Pullen invite visitors to discover the stories, memories and inspiration behind their work at a special exhibition launch at Chichester’s New Park Centre.

The exhibition launches at 6.30pm on Thursday, September 3, with Jill and Helen welcoming visitors to an informal evening where they will talk about their inspiration, artistic journeys and the stories behind some of the paintings on display.

Spokeswoman Nicola Ellis said: “While both artists share a love of painting seascapes, visitors can expect a surprisingly varied exhibition, with very different styles, subjects and approaches.

“For Jill, living by the coast provides an endless source of inspiration. She is fascinated by the changing moods of the sea and sky while travelling has also influenced her work, particularly through quick sketches and visual diaries created on art retreats abroad.

“One of the paintings she will be exhibiting began as an experiment with texture. An underwater scene of fish, rocks and weeds gave Jill the opportunity to explore whether techniques she often uses in her seascapes could work in a completely different setting.

“Another painting, Freedom, has a much more personal story, inspired by friends who escaped to Crete while building a new home in the countryside. What did that sense of escape mean to them and how did Jill translate it into paint?

“Helen's route into painting is equally personal.

“Although Helen had always enjoyed art and previously worked in pencil, she began painting around five years ago after MS made holding a pencil difficult. Since becoming wheelchair dependent, painting has become an important creative outlet for her.

“Her inspiration often starts with the sea. Walking her dog along the beach, Helen is fascinated by the fact that it never looks the same twice. Her painting Hollywell Bay draws on childhood memories of living on the Devon/Cornwall border while photographs taken by her Royal Navy photographer son in South Georgia inspired her paintings of penguins.

“The two artists are also connected through the Felpham Artists group where artists support one another, explore different working methods and arrange exhibitions together.

“Their exhibition at New Park has another important connection. Jill previously took part in the Centre's Silent Art Auction, which raised more than £1,400 towards New Park's RAISE THE ROOF campaign. Both artists are committed to supporting New Park Centre.”

Helen said: “It is a fantastic venue with lots going on for the community.”

Visitors are invited to come along on Thursday. September 3 at 6.30pm, meet Jill and Helen, ask questions and discover the stories behind the paintings.

The exhibition is from September 1-30.