29 Catherine Adams
Painter / mixed media artist
Artform: Mixed media, Painting
I’m pleased to be taking part in this year’s Open Studios and am looking forward to welcoming visitors to my small garden studio in West Malvern. I shall be exhibiting alongside my good friend Angela Townson and her lovely pottery.
I have great views of the hills and surrounding countryside so I’m never short of subject matter living in such a beautiful place.
My work is all about colour.
I moved from Yorkshire to Cheltenham to take a BA in Fine Art/Painting. My time spent painting and studying Art History cemented my passion for colour and decoration. As an art student I became absorbed in the use of bold colour and artists such as the Fauves and Matisse and his shifts of perspective. These continue to be inspiring.
Following a postgraduate Art Teachers certificate in Wales, I then had a long career as a sixth form teacher of Art and Design.
Having retired from full time teaching I can now spend more time engaging in my own creative process.
The use of recording in sketchbooks, experimenting with materials and techniques and losing myself in experience of responding to the visual world is engrossing.
My work is probably as much about the materials and effects of colour combinations as the subject matter that started it all.
My studio practice varies depending upon the theme I am interested in. Often I am inspired by local landscape, seasonal changes, its trees , plants and wild flowers. I will work intensely out of doors in translating what I see into shape and colour. First hand experience is vital. When time beats me I may then complete the work in the studio using memory, sketches and photographic reference. Sometimes I allow a piece to evolve and take on a new life by changing and adding to it. Freedom of expression can take over.
On days spent on studio Still life I often choose colourful, patterned objects, ceramics, flowers or pattern from textiles or even the imagination. I often continue to return to my early influence of Matisse and his flattening of perspective, finding brightness in shadow.
There is enjoyment in taking a maximalist approach. I take great pleasure in addition of decorative elements and cultural references.
Living in West Malvern has been wonderful with so much natural beauty, fabulous views and a feeling of living in the sky. The changing effects of the seasons and moving light and shade reveal and strengthen the colours that I see around me.
I find painting from first hand experience absorbing and thrilling as I record and interpret what I see, often exaggerating and strengthening it. The blue of distant hills, a flash of a yellow rape field, spring green or red bracken. The setting sun creates a spotlight effect on the trunks of trees. Brown is rarely part of my repertoire and I may change a tree making it red or blue or see multiple colours.
Colour is usually bright for brightness sake then when I need a change I will sometimes play around with a little bit Farrow and Ball iin softer tones and throw in a cheeky bird or abstract motif to animate the surface.
Visitors to my Open Studio will see a range of my work, from landscape to still life in acrylic and mixed media and on paper, panel or canvas. There will also be limited edition giclee prints and a range of greetings cards for sale.
Angela Townson’s beautiful ceramics will definitely complement my work.
The studio is at the bottom of the garden with slopes and steps, so regrettably not accessible for wheelchairs. As it is a small building you might have to wait outside for a short while. Let’s hope for good weather and you can enjoy the view. Angela Townson and I look forward to seeing you in August.
Venue
24 Croft Bank
Malvern
WR14 4DU Worcestershire
United Kingdom
Directions: Take the B4232 from Great Malvern climbing towards West Malvern. Just before St James Church turn right down Croft Bank. Number 24 is on the right opposite Montpelier road. Free parking on Croft Bank.
What 3 words location: friail.searched.estate
Tel: 07815 541684
Instagram: catherine.adams56
Facebook: Catherine Parry
Opening Dates and Times
August 2025
Weekend times: 11am – 5pm
