Extended to Sunday 17th October!
Tuesday 21st September 2021 11am to Sunday 17th October 2021 at 4pm
An exhibition of animal portraits created by Lee Atherton, starting in the first lockdown in 2020.
Lee lives in North Oxfordshire village with his wife and two sons. He has been a commercial photographer for over 20 years creating images for advertising and PR firms. Then 2020 changed everything.
During the first lockdown in 2020 he began to create animal portraits, blending photography, painting and drawing. It was an idea he had wanted to explore for several years but never had the time. As the events of 2020 unfolded time was no longer an issue.
The pictures were never intended to be sold, just a creative idea that was to be explored during difficult times. The portraits celebrate renewed connections with natural surroundings that offered great solace during the 2020 isolations.
After much positive feedback people began to enquire about his art so Lee decided to have them printed and framed. After months finding a printer and framer that he was happy with…. eventually Atherton Art Prints was born.
At the exhibition, you can expect to meet Pedro the donkey, Rosie the Aberdeenshire Angus cow, Jerry the mouse, Misty the mysterious horse. You may even encounter the enchanting eyes of Mosmon the Owl when visiting Art in the Farmyard. You may suddenly encounter Khana the lion in their midst! By the way, he’s friendly too.
Atherton Arts Prints supports The Brain Tumour Charity through a specific gift card Lee created in memory of a family friend. ‘Derek’s Peacock’ is based on his original picture from 1983. From every card sale, £1.20 goes directly to the charity to aid much needed research.
We are sure you will enjoy Art in the Farmyard as much as Lee has enjoyed creating each unique personable piece.
The Warwickshire Young Farmers Club are supporting Art in the Farmyard exhibition. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover more about the organisation which offers young people (aged 10yrs – 28yrs) who are passionate about agriculture and rural life, a chance to develop skills and support local communities.
Art in the Farmyard exhibitions opens at ArtsTrail Gallery, Royal Priors Centre, Leamington Spa from Tuesday 21st September at 11am and closes Sunday 10th October at 4pm. Children and adults are welcome.