SEVEN artists from Hannahs, at Seale-Hayne, are exhibiting at the Teignmouth TAAG arts and community centre from today for a week.

Roger Smith, from TAAG, said the exhibition coming to Teignmouth was, although Hannahs was not that far away by Devon standards, a difficult venue to visit without your own transport.

‘This opportunity to see some of the artists that regularly exhibit at Hannahs might inspire you to make the journey to see the many other activities and charitable work on offer.

‘The exhibition will show a huge variety of work, and husband and wife team, Graham and Sara Gilbert, will be two of the exhibitors.

‘Graham’s painterly photography, and Sara’s energetic and dynamic paintings influenced by natural land formations and elements are complementary.

Paul Stratton, a self-taught artist, illustrator and model scenery designer describes the many influences in his work to come from ‘a fascination with all things fantasy, mythological, historical and science-fiction as well as the hobbies of role-playing and war-gaming.

‘I also have a profound love of nature and wildlife which I am able to indulge by taking walks in the countryside or visiting the coast.’

Shan Roberts is also inspired by living in south Devon, but her chosen media is acrylics and mixed media. She produces abstracts and semi-abstracts in which colour and texture work together to create atmosphere and interest. 

She has lived in Teignmouth for 10 years, and finds constant delight in the shore and coastline, as well as enjoying the vibrant local art scene. She has been a frequent exhibitor at TAAG

Chris and Jennie Higham are another husband and wife team who met as art students. Jennie specialises in human and animal portraiture, but with an interest in painted landscapes and a wide variety of arts and crafts.

‘Chris was a commercial freelance illustrator for 20 years, but only took up painting later in life.

‘My experience as an illustrator has caused me to value realism but getting passion and feeling into my artwork is very important to me,’ he said.

Ollie Doughty’s work is highly detailed and ranges from figure work, to flowers and high performance cars. In fact there are few subjects he will not take on having diverse tastes in subject matter, so he also paints landscapes and seascapes. He works in most mediums – watercolour, gouache, pastel, charcoal and his favourite colour is orange! He lives in Newton Abbot and assists in the gallery at Hannahs. It was there he met all the others exhibiting at the TAAG. 

Chance often brings artists together, and this diverse mix of skills and inspirations makes for a vibrant, interesting exhibition. More details of the exhibition and the TAAG Centre can be found at www.teignmoutharts.org