STAFFORDSHIRE LANDSCAPES - An exhibition of paintings by R N Clarke at Lichfield Cathedral 3- 17 September 2009

An exhibition of paintings made by R N Clarke showing Staffordshire Landscapes takes place in Lichfield Cathedral 3–17 September. The paintings will be on display during Cathedral opening hours (weekdays 7.30am until 6.15pm, Saturdays 8am until 6.15pm and Sunday 7.30am until 6.30pm). Entrance to the Cathedral is free of charge but donations are welcome.

A selection of distinctive paintings of subjects from the Cannock Chase area will be on display. Subjects include Shugborough Hall, the German War Cemetery and Rugeley Power Station as seen from Stile Cop some thirty years ago. Paintings showing Cannock Chase at different times of the year and at different times of the day are also included, some incorporating biblical events.

Canon Pete Wilcox, Canon Chancellor of Lichfield Cathedral commented:

It's very exciting to have a local artist like Richard exhibiting as part of our ArtReach programme, and to feature images which have a consistently regional focus. Good art, like good Christian faith, is always rooted in a strong sense of place and we are delighted to present an exhibition which reinforces the connection between our Cathedral and the area it serves.

Following careful observation and drawing of each subject, R.N. Clarke developed his ideas to create the studio paintings that make up this exhibition. Attention was paid to the technical construction of each work. Only quality hand made oil paints were used to depict the forms, light and atmosphere of the Chase landscape. These paintings embody a deeply felt personal response. They also reflect a passionate interest in and understanding of the work of landscape painters from the history of western art, particularly the 17th and 19th centuries.

R.N. Clarke has lived for most of his life in Staffordshire. He was born in Lichfield in 1953 and was brought up in the coal mining village of Hazel Slade, situated to the south of Cannock Chase. He studied Fine Art (Painting) at Bath Academy of Art and has exhibited work in London, Birmingham and other towns in England. He has also written on the subject of contemporary art and has been published internationally. R.N. Clarke now lives in Stafford. He is married and has two daughters.

You can visit R.N. Clarke's website for further information about his work.