MARY SUMNER
Silk Paintings

Exhibition 29th March to 25th April 2007
Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm; Saturdays 10am to 4pm

The new work Mary has produced for the Lantic Gallery exhibition has been inspired by the historic market town of Tiverton, the Grand Western Canal and the outstanding natural beauty of the Exe Valley, culminating in a wonderful series of colourful silk paintings that Mary has wanted to do for some time. Also on show will be new work featuring coastal towns and animal scenes for which she is renowned, as well as paintings in acrylic: a medium that she has just returned to use, being inspired by the texture and richness of paint.

Mary obtained a BA Hons Degree in Fine Art Painting at West Surrey College of Art and Design followed by a PGCE in Art at Bristol University. After a period of various art projects in the Bristol area that included mural painting, museum display and some teaching, Mary moved into design/illustration whilst continuing to exhibit and sell her work. 

She began painting on silk in 1989 whilst in France with her sister, Rachel. The technique involves drawing with ‘gutta’, a liquid solution that is squeezed through a fine nib and then painting with dyes, this allows enables her to illustrate her often quirky subject matter. This is followed by a lengthy steaming process that, not only intensifies the colour; but also ensures the finished piece is colourfast.

Over time Mary’s style has evolved to a less structured style and the final pictures feature natural landscapes;- coastal towns, rolling hills and farm animals; and have a  fluid spontaneity with great attention to detail with intensely beautiful colours.