Carole Hawthorne
My paintings are developed from unique observations which are taken from rich sources. These include investigations into colour combinations, primitive pattern,surfaces, rhythms, formations, structure and changing light.
The technical processes involved are key to producing my paintings. I use multiple marks created by masking, layering and removing colour to create a visual field.
There is a sense of ‘looking through ‘ or ‘inside looking out or outside looking in’ as the colours beneath are revealed through the layers. I build up the surface, merging it
and breaking it down allowing the painting to evolve in its own time.
Colour is a predominant factor in the work, I make many colour swatches to prepare the pieces, which are referred to in order to search for colour values, weight and tension.
These works act as a vehicle for contemplation and mindfulness.
Recent work has taken a new direction, it has moved away from a preoccupation with layers and surface texture.
Now there is flat colour, pattern and optical illusion. These three dimensional paintings have evolved out of a concern with the ‘object’ rather than the picture plane, the intention being to create visual interest when seen from different viewpoints. There is an element of surprise and playfulness in the pieces.
I am influenced by Minimalism and particularly admires Agnes Martin and Bridget Riley who have engaged in a lifelong relationship with painting.
After living and working in London I came to Nottingham where I gained an MA in Fine Art at Nottinham Trent University.
My last job was as was as course leader for HND Fine Art, after I had been course leader for Foundation Art & Design at Nottingham College.
Since I left teaching I have been painting full time and for the past three years I have been based in Backlit Studios in Central Nottingham.
Exhibitions Include:
2022 Tarpey Gallery Open Exhibition, Castle Donninton, Derbyshire
2022 Harley Open Exhibition, Welbeck, Nottinghamshire
2022 Janus revisited, The Cupola Gallery, Sheffield
2021 Lancaster Festival of music and Art
2021 ' Lockdown ' Fronteer Gallery, Sheffield
2021 'ShareBears' exhibition at Backlit Gallery Nottingham
2021 ' Still' online exhibition at www.organthing..com
2021 Selected for online exhibition - Alright - online at www.organthing.c
2021 Selected for online exhibition - RECULTIVATE - online at www.organthing.com
2021 Aire Place Studios, Postcard Exhibition, Leeds
2020 ISO Open, Old Lockup Gallery, Derbyshire
2019 A Long Engagement, Curator & Exhibiting Artist, Backlit Gallery, Nottingham
2019 East Midlands Contemporary Art Auction , Djanogly Art Centre, Nottingham
2018 See Here, Old Neals Auction House, Nottingham
2018 Lady Bay Arts Festival, Nottingham
2017 Colour Code, Cupola Gallery, Sheffield2017 Summer Exhibition, Kunsthuis Gallery, York
2016 Blue Owl Gallery, Grantham
2015 Art Athena, Athens Greece
2014 Patchings Arts Centre, Nottingham Summer Exhibition
2011 East Midland Contemporary Art Auction, Djanogly Arts Centre
Nottingham
2010 Conquest Hospital Hastings. Organised by Arts in Healthcare
East Sussex Hospitals
2006 50 over 50 Exhibition, University of Brighton
2006 Prime Arts Bath
2006 Spring Fair. NEC Birmingham UK. Prints
2005 Arthouse Interiors Nottingham
2004-5 Open Exhibition, Castle Museum and Art Gallery
2003 Jelly Legged Chicken Gallery, Reading
2003 Virtual Collect 2 Online Gallery, Experian, Nottingham
2003 Harborne Gallery, Birmingham
2002 Private View Revisited, Nottingham
2002 Bridlesmith Gate Gallery, Nottingham
2001 A New Light ‘, Peterborough City Art Gallery and Museum
2001 South Hall, Castle Museum, Nottingham
2000 Art Co Fine Art, Leeds
1997-8 Hastings Museum and Art Gallery, Sussex. On Reflection - open submission
1997 Watermans Gallery, London. Check Out - open submission
Also at Small Mansions Art Centre, London
1997 Long Acre Studios, Notts. Selected Works - group exhibition
1994 Oldknows Gallery, Nottingham. Colour and Place funded by East Midlands Arts
- group exhibition
1991 Peterborough City Gallery. Visual Arts Hire Scheme - selected artists
1990 Smiths Gallery, Covent Garden, London - group exhibition
1990 Leicester City Gallery, - Colourful Women funded by the Arts Council
- group exhibition
1989 Bonington Gallery, Nottingham. New Works - group exhibition
Solo Exhibitions include:
2016 Wallner Gallery, Lakeside Arts Centre, University of Nottingham
2014 Harrington Mill Studios, Long Eaton, Recent Paintings
2001-2 Head Street Gallery, Halstead, Essex
2001 Ferrers Art Gallery, Ashby.
2001 Nottingham Castle Museum and Art Gallery
1993 University of Lancashire, Preston Arts Centre
1993 Keele University, Chancellors Gallery
1993 Atrium Gallery, Derby
1993 Oldknows Gallery, Nottingham funded by East Midlands Arts
Collections Include:
Long term loan of 8 paintings to Nottingham City Council for the Chief Executive’s Suite at the Guildhall, Nottingham
The Nottingham Trent University - Painting in the boardroom of the Design Department, Faculty of Art & Design
Nottingham Law School Ltd. - Two paintings in the boardroom
The Nottingham Trent University - Four paintings in the Vice Chancellors executive offices
Peter Grubb Design - Two paintings in reception area
Limited Edition Prints: Aquarelle Pictures - Tel: 1926 817075
Prime Arts Fine Art Publishing House – Tel: 01225 707500
Qualifications :
MA Fine Art, Nottingham Trent University - 1990
ATC Hornsey College of Art, London - 1974
NDD Painting and Printmaking - Coventry College of Art - 1968
Employment :
Course Leader, Foundation Art and Design, New College Nottingham - 1993 to 1999
Course Leader, HND Fine Art, New College Nottingham - 1999 to 2001
Currently freelance
Commissions taken