Sussex artist Sophie Garwood opens free solo exhibition in Shoreham

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Sussex artist and former secondary school art teacher Sophie Garwood is opening a solo exhibition of vibrant new work at the Skyway Gallery in the Shoreham Centre this November.

Artist Sophie Garwood with her painting Whispering Meadow (100 x 150cm, mixed media) | Sophie Garwood

placeholder image — Artist Sophie Garwood with her painting Whispering Meadow (100 x 150cm, mixed media) | Sophie Garwood

Beyond Colour – exploring nature brings together abstract mixed-media paintings inspired by the landscapes around her studio near the beach – the shingle, the sea, the sweeping skies over the coast and the gentle hills of the South Downs. The show includes a new series of large seascapes on public display for the first time, alongside her bold, colour-filled meadow and flower paintings.

With a background in fine art, Sophie taught art at secondary school before stepping back from full-time teaching to raise her family. Painting has remained at the heart of her life, and for more than twenty years her surroundings have been her greatest inspiration.

One of Sophie Garwood's new seascapes (100 x 120cm, mixed media), on show for the first time at Beyond Colour.
Photos courtesy of Sophie Garwood. — One of Sophie Garwood's new seascapes (100 x 120cm, mixed media), on show for the first time at Beyond Colour. Photos courtesy of Sophie Garwood. | Sophie Garwood

Sophie said: "My paintings are a kind of visual diary – capturing fleeting moments, emotions and the sense of wonder I find in everyday life. Recently I've been especially drawn to the seascapes and big skies here on the coast, and I wanted this exhibition to bring a sense of calm and wonder to people. It's wonderful to be showing the work right here in Shoreham, where so much of it began."

Visitors can see more than 40 original works, ranging from small framed pieces to large canvases, all available to buy – ideal for anyone looking for an original Christmas gift by a local artist.

Everyone is welcome at the Private View on Thursday 26 November, 6–9pm, where visitors can meet the artist.

Beyond Colour – exploring nature is at the Skyway Gallery, The Shoreham Centre, 2 Pond Road, Shoreham-by-Sea BN43 5WU (opposite Shoreham Library), from Saturday 21 November to Saturday 12 December 2026. Open Monday to Saturday, 10am–4pm. Entry is free.