The Ryde Art Scene
Becky Samuelson SWA HS - Marine & Landscape Artist writes about Ryde as a destination for Artists.
Crossing the Solent to Ryde, it is easy to see why this beautiful Victorian town, its surrounding coastline and villages have attracted artists over the years. Those who have been brought up on the Island know of its magnetic pull and people who holiday here soon appreciate how special and unique a place it is. Architecturally, Ryde has some stunning buildings, its Victorian pier and esplanade provide a visual feast; and Seaview, St Helens and Bembridge are charming and full of character.
The East Wight encompasses some of the most atmospheric and stunning scenery rivaling many parts of the UK. It’s easy to see why the Island has such a good selection of art societies and a high amount of artists.
I have been painting and teaching here for over twenty years and find the Island inspirational with a never ending choice of subject matter throughout the seasons. However many times I look, I always see something new to inspire and challenge me.
Whether you are a professional painter or enjoy it purely as a hobby, Ryde, its nearby villages and shoreline offer unparalleled subject matter. The Isle of Wight art scene is quite varied. There are several galleries, framers and many practicing artists on the Island. The Island has its own Open Studios covering two weekends in July, an arts festival and carnival and a number of thriving art societies. What comes across is the pleasure gained and enthusiasm that people feel from painting here.
I think one of the attractions of the Island is the fabulous natural light. I spend half my life looking at the sky and water and planning the next painting! I know my students, art friends and colleagues share this same passion in the diverse landscape of this area.
Whether you are interested in landscapes, seascapes or just capturing other people enjoying themselves - we have it all.
The character of the many beaches is of painting interest. Within a few miles we have everything from the wide expansive beaches of Ryde and Appley, rocky shores of Seaview, the timeless tree lined beaches of Seagrove Bay and Priory Bay, and St Helens and Bembridge beaches with their fascinating wooden groynes.
I have a particular love of seascapes and enjoy portraying the excitement on the water. Sailing is a much enjoyed pastime here and for those interested in painting boats or creating dynamic studies of the sea and sky, it really is the place to be.
There are good views from Ryde and Appley of boats criss-crossing the Solent. Sailing takes place off Seaview and Bembridge and the harbour scenes are delightful. Painting the boats at low tide as they sit on the sea bed; sunsets, high tide activities from racing to sail training and stormy days shout to be captured.
Whether you are interested in sketching and capturing the essence of the subject or completing a full painting, the Ryde area is a good place to start.
Those of us who live here share a special interest in this small part of the UK and we hope that holiday makers and visitors enjoy their time here. Should they share my love and passion in painting then this is in truth, a great place to paint.
Becky is a professional artist with her studio in St Helens. She has exhibited regularly for over twenty years both on and off the Island, is a tutor in adult education and a regular contributor to the Leisure Painter Magazine.
She welcomes visitors to her studio but for their convenience suggest they telephone first!
Becky will be tutoring a residential watercolour course at Bembridge Coast Hotel Sept 12th -13th 2009
Her work can be viewed on line at www.beckysamuelsonfinearts.co.uk and at Open Studios July 24th - 27th & Dec 5th – 6th 10am - 4 pm daily at Kempsford, Hilbre Rd, St Helens, Ryde PO331TJ
