Tina Lewis makes a welcome return to the 'Small Gallery' at Colby Woodland Gardens on Monday, July 19. Tina, whose smallholding near Narberth provides much of her inspiration, creates quirky landscapes, and animal and botanical studies, with an emphasis on draughtsmanship and detail.
She admits to having "a great weakness for hidden corners of woodland, quaint buildings, gorgeous plants and trees... hedgerows and tree roots as well as farmyards and farm animals."
Rusting agricultural machinery also features in many of her pictures. Particular favourites in last year's exhibition included one titled 'Bicycle in a Chicken Shed' and also a much-admired vintage tractor rubbing shoulders with a variety of farm livestock as well as providing a happy habitat for many smaller creatures.
Since last year Tina says she has devoted more time to working in oils and on larger canvasses. She has also come under the influence of American artist Andrew Wyeth who is fascinated by "what people leave behind." So in this exhibition, as well as vernacular architecture, gnarled trees and rusting agricultural machinery, you will also find ripples in the water and footprints in the sand...
And just in case any readers should be concerned that the Small Gallery is wandering off for ever into a Celtic twilight, Tina has added some very local scenes to keep us firmly grounded in Pembrokeshire.
Tina's solo exhibition runs from July 19 to August 1. For visitors with young families, don't forget that from July 22 every Thursday throughout the school holidays is a 'Fun Day', so bring the kids along too. Gallery, tearoom, National Trust gardens and shop are open daily 10 to 5 - follow the brown signs from Llanteg on the A477, or from Amroth, follow the brown signs from Amroth Castle Holiday Park.
For further information please 'phone (01834) 814200.