Local Artists in Theatre Exhibition

An exciting exhibition will bring colourful and contemporary artworks to Hertford Theatre from 24th April for one month.  

Return of the Muse is an exhibition which celebrates the inspirations and passion for art of three women who studied together at Oaklands College.  Through the Courtyard Arts, Hertfordshire artists Rose Gooding, Peggy Quinn and Maureen Masterman will each bring their own unique style of work to the show, from bold oil portraits to experimental and tactile abstract and mixed media works.

Inspired by artists such as Frida Kahlo and Lucien Freud, the portraits of Rose Gooding focus on themes of beauty and identity.  Rose says of her work "for me each person is like a secret, a story waiting to be told through the language of paint. Painting people allows me to explore much more than how someone appears but to endeavour to capture something of their spirit or express aspects of the human condition through an atmosphere or look.  For my work I draw from both personal and media images, my paintings living somewhere between fantasy and reality in order to explore the power that images can hold over our imagination."

Artist Peggy Quinn uses the fluid medium of encaustic wax to create vibrant and tactile works inspired by memories and feelings. Encaustic art is a fascinating method of painting using wax, melding and fusing layers of a medium made from beeswax, damar resin and pigment, on a surface of canvas, wood or ceramics. The sinuous lines, depth and glossy, reactive finish give distinctive qualities. Peggy explained "I am exploring the effectiveness and potential of encaustics in my art, examining whether a technique with ancient origins can produce art relevant to the 21st century."

Maureen Masterman is a mixed media artist, her work including different printmaking techniques such as etching, screenprinting, collograph and mono-printing along with a variety of techniques using textiles. The majority of her current work consists of collaged pieces using her own printed papers and fabrics. Maureen says of her art: "My work generally evolves through 'playing' with different materials and exploring 'what happens if…?'  My inspiration comes from a variety of artists and my love of colour, texture and experimentation. After a long period of inactivity, this exhibition is a stepping stone on my journey to return to something I love."

Return Of The Muse is on at Hertford Theatre in The Wash from 24th April to 20th May 2018. Entrance is free.