A NEW exhibition is starting at the Severn Studio in Brantwood, Coniston, on Saturday.

‘Water Essays’ by Frances Winder – who lives in Kendal – will be on show from February 22 to March 29.

“In this exhibition I will be exploring water, its moods, colours and flows,” said Frances.

“From storm cloud formations and the gap in the clouds, through the rhythm of rivers, fast, slow and sluggish. Broadening into lakes and marshland, out to the shores and pools on the seashore. I am using my paint in expressive ways to explore more than the literal view, I hope.

“Emotion and mood are very important to me and I am seeking to create a link with the person perceiving the work to be reminded of places and times important to them.

“Working in a variety of materials and mediums, I am exploring the best way to express my ideas. This exhibition will be a journey too for me.

“I will use paint- acrylic, watercolour and mixed media, as well as fabric and collage to express myself. My work has become broader in paint application and freedom in brush work over these last two years, I hope you can see and enjoy the transition.”

Frances gained a Fine Art degree and a teaching diploma at Manchester, and was teaching for a while in secondary and adult education in the Manchester area, always painting and exhibiting her work in both group and one man shows at the same time.

She later worked as a creative illustrator and graphic designer for architects, landscape architects and advertising agencies in the North West.

Eventually she moved north to Kendal to re-think options and the opportunity to focus on her own creative work. Part of the Green Door Artists group and a member of Kendal Art Society, she is involved in many art schemes and projects in the area.

Frances has exhibited in the Royal Academy, the Royal Watercolour Society at Bankside Gallery, the Lakes Artists as well as many times in the Cumbrian open at the Up-front Gallery.

She has work in private international collections, and can be seen in galleries in the north west.

Frances also takes part in Potfest in the Pens in August each year with her ceramic pieces.

She added: “I need to paint, I love the colour and inspiration I find around me . I am grounded by our rich, sometimes dour, but real landscape.

“Bones of structure showing everywhere, eroded and weathered, scratchily showing its beauty. I love to feel the immensity of the sky, ever changing tidal bands on water and scarred landscape and forests.”

Frances will be holding a ‘Meet the Artist’ day on Sunday, February 23, and Thursday March 26.

‘Water Essays’ opens on February 22, Wednesdays to Sundays in the Severn Studio at Brantwood, 10.30am-4pm. Admission is included in the house or garden ticket.

For further information contact Brantwood, Coniston, LA21 8AD, Cumbria. Telephone 015394 41396, website www.brantwood.org.uk