“Nature’s Palette: David Atkins Captures the Essence of The Ashdown and Camber Sands in Autumn Splendor”
Renowned artist David Atkins, a longstanding collaborator with the Fairfax Gallery since 1995, is set to enchant art enthusiasts with a captivating exhibition featuring a series of new oil paintings. This collection showcases the breathtaking landscapes of The Ashdown Forest and Camber Sands, bathed in the ethereal hues of autumn under dramatic skies.
Atkins, born in Greenwich, London, in 1964, brings a wealth of artistic experience and a keen eye for the sublime. His academic pedigree from St Martins School of Art, London, and Winchester School of Art culminated in a 1st Class Honours Degree in painting. Since then, he has dedicated himself to capturing the essence of nature, with a particular focus on The Ashdown Forest and the coastal beauty of Rye Bay.
Having exhibited in over 15 successful solo shows with the Fairfax Gallery, Atkins has become one of the gallery’s most sought-after artists. His recent exploration of The Ashdown, where he spent weeks immersed in plein air painting, resulted in a series that beautifully captures the Autumnal vibrancy and the warmth of evening skies. Paintings inspired by the coastal allure of Rye Bay have also become cherished favourites among the gallery’s clients.
On the path to the Airman’s Grave. Oil on Board Framed 86 x 81cm
Autumn Sunset on Ashdown Forest. Oil on Board 66 x 76cm
Beach Walk on an Autumn Day. Oil on Canvas 100 x 100cm
Just After Rain, Ashdown Forest. Oil on Board 41 x 66cm
Autumn Sunset on Ashdown II. Oil on Board 30x30cm
Evening in October, Camber Sands Oil on Board 61 x 66cm
Evening Rye Harbour. Oil on Board 50 x 66cm
A recipient of various prestigious awards, including the Horan Prize for painting at the NEAC Exhibition and the Baltic Exchange Prize for painting at the RMSA Exhibition, Atkins is no stranger to critical acclaim. His ability to turn a seemingly dull scene into a place of sublime beauty is a testament to his mastery of capturing the dynamic and ever-changing nature of landscapes.
In his own words, Atkins reflects on his artistic process, stating, ‘Painting plein air in the landscape means I am faced with a subject that continually changes and transforms throughout my time there, which I find inspiring. The weather, too, plays a very important part. This can change what may seem a dull scene into a place of sublime beauty. I work fast and will rework an entire painting to capture these dramatic changes.
The Ashdown and Camber Sands hold sentimental value, memories, and emotions for me. I have returned there to paint for over thirty years, hoping to capture and express something of their unique qualities in paint.
I hope my artworks give a sense of my joy in the locations I chose and the act of painting them. I want the paintings to be alive so the viewer can discover something new every time they look at them.’
