Famous faces in Farlington Painting Group’s compelling collection

Horsham art teacher Rosalyn Sprey (Mina) says she never envisaged she would be unlocking such a pool of talent in the Horsham area when she started art classes of a different kind for adults five years ago.

Mina, who started teaching adults at Farlington School as a response to the lack of courses available in the local area outside the normal working day, said she was very proud of her intake.

“It is a pleasure to teach the students and to see their creative development and confidence evolve, the results of which we invite you to view in our third annual exhibition at the Capitol Theatre, Horsham.

“Many of the artists have been successful as a direct result of the classes, selling work and holding their own individual exhibitions, as well as taking commissions – some from famous names such as actor Simon Russell Beale.

“The standard of the group that I have been teaching for the past five years is so high I feel it has to be shared with others.

“Their work is so varied and unique to each individual. It makes a compelling exhibition for the people of Horsham to see.”

She added: “Painting as a hobby has been popularised by both Sky TV and the BBC’s recent The Big Painting Challenge presented by Richard Bacon and Una Stubbs, which sees amateur artists battle through rounds of landscapes, portraits, sketching and still-life to be crowned the winner.

“We have a mix of artists in our group ranging from full-time career professionals to retirees.

“I think it is this mix of age and experience that helps create such exciting ideas and creativity. Every one of them is a winner as, week in week out, they produce extraordinary works of art.”

The main categories are landscape and portrait. From expressive abstraction to controlled realism, the works reflect the dedication and skill of the students.

The Farlington Painting Group Art Exhibition runs from July 7 to August 9 at the Capitol Theatre Gallery, Horsham.

Entry is free with selected paintings for sale and commissions available.

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