Anne James on Maureen Gillespie's solo exhibition at the SOTA Gallery in Witney

Maureen Gillespie works in two complementary styles. One is primarily representational, as exemplified in her French series, the other less figurative and more explorative, as in her English work. Her French series includes coastal and river scenes from La Rochelle and the Charente, where she has a house. Each piece bears her hallmark: a gentle romantic exploration of the land and the sea with a focus, in the main, on the interplay of colour provided by sunrises and sunsets.

For the latter she draws her inspiration from the countryside — from expansive views and vistas, and from the detail that makes up hedgerows, verges and riverbanks.

Much of her inspiration is drawn from West Oxfordshire.

Agapanthus on the River, shown above, is one such piece, in which the density of the thickly populated plant life in the foreground gives way to an infinite sky and the joyful heads of agapanthus visibly swept into dance by the wind.

Gillespie achieves these effects by employing unconventional methods: in the main a palette knife and her fingers. She also uses sponges and scrubbing brushes and is always on the lookout for everyday and found objects that will enable her to achieve the effects she desires.

Maureen Gillespie will hold a ‘Meet the Artist’ session on Saturday (10am-12).

Maureen Gillespie Solo Exhibition
SOTA Gallery, Witney
Until March 29