New Exhibition: Diane Vale & Stef Nicoll

In our Alcove gallery this month is a collaborative exhibition by artists Diane Vale and Stef Nicoll.

Diane Vale and Stef Nicoll are friends as well fellow artists and frequently paint together, either at meetings of their joint art groups or in their respective home art studios.

Diane Louise Vale

I live on the Cheshire/Shropshire border and my interest in art began in my early teens, with sketching.  However, it was not until 2014, having taken early retirement, that I was able to dedicate time to creating paintings.  Anything and everything can inspire me, which is the beauty of art.

I’m mainly self taught, although having retired, I’ve been able to attend art tuition classes  for watercolour, acrylic and oils.  It is always a huge privilege to complete a ‘commissioned’ artwork, when asked, and it has certainly helped to feed my creative energy.  As well as these commissions, I have also enjoyed success with sales at local exhibitions. I am a member of The Grosvenor Art Society and The Artists Group

Stef Nicoll 

Following a career as an Operations and Warehouse Manager, with a mindset in organisation, planning and discipline, retirement has given me the opportunity to explore the creative “right hand” side of my brain. As a complete novice, I very quickly got the painting “bug” and joined a number of local art groups.

A self taught artist, I work with oils, pastels and acrylics and relish the freedom to move from one subject matter to another; from a still life one day to a portrait the next.  The challenge of trying to capture the personality and character as well as the image of a pet, person or animal is as enjoyable as the artistic licence allowed when painting a landscape and making the subject matter your own.  I often find inspiration from the dramatic scenery of The Lake District and a little closer to home, Snowdonia, as well as reflections in water.

I participate in local exhibitions and have the pleasure of working on commissions for pet portraits.

Exhibition on display from 5^th May to 6^th June.