I was recently commissioned by The Raglan Suite in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, to create these four brightly coloured paintings for the reception area of this prestigious dental practice and skin treatment suite.
One of the directors originally saw my artwork a while ago, collects it and loves the fact that I am a local Harrogate artist and that my work is inspired by nature.
Some people can be anxious at the thought of visiting the dentist and having work done on their teeth. However, The Raglan Suite are forward thinking with an emphasis on service and care of the patient, from the selection of complimentary refreshments available through to the experience in clinic and now with offering clients the chance to look at my original nature themed artwork adorning their walls.
It has recently been discovered that just looking at pictures of nature is enough to lower your stress levels. Indeed, a study has been undertaken by researchers at Vrije University Medical Centre in Holland which found that viewing nature scenes is particularly effective in supporting relaxation.
I created four paintings for the Raglan Suite which include a large canvas The Cherry Trees on The Stray in Harrogate and a triptych of trees all created locally ‘en plein air’.
At the end of April, I adore going outside with my canvases and painting the glorious blossom on The Stray which forms a beautiful pink archway. I just use a fallen twig to paint with, no paint brushes, creating the structure of the trees and blossom. If fallen blossom lands on the canvas, the petals stick to the paint and it becomes part of the painting. The triptych of trees was painted locally using twigs, leaves and moss.
I am so pleased to see my artwork hanging on the walls of the reception of The Raglan Suite. The bright colours of my paintings set against a neutral grey backdrop, perfectly compliment the décor, and glad that the ‘outside’ has been brought ‘inside’ for all to enjoy. Thank you to The Raglan Suite.
I was asked to create a special painting for the prestigious annual Berry’s Tennis Event by Martin Wicks, owner of Hazlewood Castle. This is a magnificent 12th-century castle hotel set in spectacular surroundings near York. As the Artist-in-Residence here, I have many
paintings displayed throughout the castle.
Spring presents the most amazing spectacle and in a short window early May, the Cherry Blossoms burst forth followed by the Bluebells and sometimes at the same time. I love being outside in the elements capturing these sights.
My background to painting outside stems from early childhood. No matter what the weather - I'll always try and paint outside of my studio to capture the subject matter be it animals, landscapes or as is often the case - a combination!
Anita Bowerman
Author