Mary Courtenay Exhibition at the Plough in Torrington

A Natural Connection – Paintings by Mary Courtenay at the Plough Arts Centre in Torrington.  Friday 6 -  Sunday 29 August.  Preview  Friday 6 August, 7pm

Capturing the essence of the spirit and colour of intimate floral and wooded landscapes, Mary Courtenay’s paintings are beautiful reflections of the natural world. Her distinctive use of watercolour and pen and ink combines finest detail with a broader, mystical effect.

She began painting seriously between 1965 and 1968 when she had the opportunity of working with the artist Leslie Marr who provided technical as well as spiritual motivation. Mary continues to believe that, when painting, the artist and the subject can become one; the physical space between them is meaningless and of no relevance.

She went on to Bideford School of Art but here she found that the academic approach did not inspire her nearly as much and she soon realised that she needed to be closely in touch with nature in order to create meaningful works. Now, Mary works primarily from her garden in Chapelton,. North Devon, where she feels she can get immersed in the beauty of the plants around her.

Her works reflect her personal communion with the natural world and she makes use of vibrant colour to reflect the intensity of her vision. The finer detail, often added in pen and ink, bears witness to her knowledge and understanding of her subject. The results are uplifting and she has gained many admirers  and collectors over the years.

She has exhibited in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and the Royal West of England Academy Open Exhibition as well as in various galleries around the country.

Her last solo exhibition was at Strode Theatre in Somerset in 2008.

‘A Natural Connection’ at the Plough Arts Centre is the first solo exhibition of Mary Courtenay's work in North Devon.