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‘Layers’ An Exhibition of paintings by Mark Fielding SWAc at Sou’ Sou’ West Gallery, Symondsbury Estate, Bridport, Dorset 18th October to 9th November 2025
This exhibition brings together recent work which charts my journey through Devon and Cornwall over the past 40 years.
It begins with the Exe estuary. I lived in Lympstone in the early 1980s and I regard it as the start of my painting life. Two paintings explore the complexity of colour and shape found at low tide.
From the estuary, we head out to sea and head for the south Cornwall coast where I have been captivated by the local fishermen in their small boats. I am particularly drawn to the red sails catching the light.
When I returned to the West Country in the 1990s, I swapped the Exe for the Tamar river. I regularly explore the river near my home, close to Cotehele House. The river is still tidal on this stretch and the wetlands at Calstock are ever changing and dynamic, which is one of the attractions for me.
Finally, we head home to our garden which we have been working on for the past four years. This year we have felt a marked return for all our hard work. I have finally found a way of depicting the intricate detail of the plant world and explored the way the sunlight illuminates the secrets of plant design. The paintings of artichokes and fennel were conceived and painted in the past two months and were inspired by the simple act of watering the beds in the hot weather and observing their beauty in growing fascination.
Here are some highlights from the exhibition. In total there are 24 original paintings on show and prints and cards are also available to purchase at the gallery.
Mark Fielding, October 2025