'Naive Thoughts' Art Exhibition at Red Rag Modern Art Gallery, Bath UK (from Sunday, 10 July 2011)

BATH, ENGLAND, June 14, 2011 (Press-News.org) The exhibition brings together a varied group of contemporary artists, whose work is in the 'naïve' style, each expressing an engaging originality. Exponents of this form arise from different backgrounds and experience; some tutored in the school of fine art or illustration, some largely self-taught or arriving from other parallel disciplines, as is the case in this show (see artist notes below). Naïve artists work out of instinct in a way that follows the story that lies beneath what they see, whether inspired by place, memory or imagination.

In this exhibition, the primary colours and bold images of Paul Bursnall - capturing the essence of British fishing villages and coastal scenes - sit alongside the magical, whimsical, quirky but happy landscapes and coastal scenes created by Gary Walton.
:| The calm Cornish landscapes of Sophie Harding, soft pastel hues echoing memory and imagination, sit alongside the often-fantastical paintings of Dorothy Stirling, inspired by the rugged Scottish landscape and coast. :| The textured works with bold colours and simple composition of Alyson Thomas complement the beautifully simple, colourful compositions of Andrew Squire, each inspired by the visual language of the natural world. :| And the witty, Lowry-esque studies of people in city and landscape by Paul Robinson sit alongside the fresh, humorous, nostalgic narrative scenes of Stephanie Lambourne.

Red Rag Gallery Manager, Carine Besse, commenting on the forth-coming exhibition said, '...we are so excited to be presenting an exhibition devoted to 'naïve' paintings. It is a vibrant and enchanting genre, which is intriguing, inspiring and uplifting. We are particularly pleased that the some of the best contemporary artists in the genre are exhibiting with us.'

Paul Bursnall studied product design at Slough Technical College and is a member of the Association of British Naïve Artists, the Jailhouse Art Group and the Visual Images Group; Sophie Harding (b. Dorset) studied fashion and textiles at Central St Martin's; Stephanie Lambourne (b. 1973, Sawbridgeworth) studied fine art at Hornsey School of Art and later completed a PGCE in art and design; Paul Robinson (b. 1959, Penrith) studied fine art at Carlisle College of Art; Andrew Squire (b. 1954) trained as an architect but has been painting professionally for 30 years; Dorothy Stirling (b. Glasgow) studied fine art at the Glasgow School of Art; she has received several awards including the Nancy Graham Memorial Award (SAAC) and the Maude Gemmell Hutchinson Award (RSA); Alyson Thomas studied textiles at the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in Dundee; Gary Walton (b. 1962, Worcester), essentially self-taught, took up painting in his 'mature years'.

All the artists exhibiting in this show have exhibited widely in the UK; and have works in private, public or corporate collections.

The show runs from Sunday, 10 July to Sunday 31 July 2011.

Red Rag Gallery is a leading UK art gallery and specialises in British and Irish contemporary art, sculpture and limited edition prints. Red Rag Gallery represents many leading contemporary artists and sculptors and ships artwork worldwide. Red Rag has galleries in Stow on the Wold and Bath. The galleries are open every day. Opening hours are: 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday; 10am to 4pm, Sunday.