Tower and Town, November 2017 (view the full edition)Arts ReviewIf you came to see the astonishing exhibition by local wood engraver Simon Brett, then hopefully, you came to see the equally accomplished and intriguing work of his wife, Juliet Wood. Titled Music, Family, Beaches, this collection of work focuses on subjects close to Juliet's heart. Working from sketches of musicians at concerts, family holidays at the beach and scenic pictures of her favourite spots, for example, the pier at Cromer, Juliet develops her work into either a pastel drawing or oil painting, as well as some giclée prints from the oil pastels. The sketches of music concerts, choirs and duets are in oil pastel - the soft tones and textures created by this medium reflect the "constant flowing movement" Juliet refers to between the player, their instrument and each other. A personal favourite, Florian's, gives a real sense of conviviality and Italian sumptuousness - the white awning, the lady tilting her head backwards elegantly smoking a cigarette, while a band play in the background echoes the vibrancy of St Marks Square in Venice. The figurative oil paintings are memories of family holidays. They capture swimming in the sea, the crashing of waves and the spirit of summer at the seaside. The Sennen Cove oil pastel series show the rise and fall of a great mound made by family members in Cornwall. The commissioned family portrait of Juliet's brother and sister-in-law, Antony and Hazel Wood, as well as her grandson Rex, are sublime. Composed in oil pastel, Antony and Hazel's portrait foreshadows the literary background they both work in - Hazel is the co-editor of Slightly Foxed, and the first issue of the quarterly magazine can be seen in the background of the picture hanging on the wall. In the foreground are more Slightly Foxed magazines, as well as a pile of old and new publications by Angel Classics, of which Antony is the publisher. Rex With Playing Cards was specially commissioned to go alongside an article for The Artist that showed the development of a portrait in its various stages. This was a serene exhibition that rewarded repeat viewing. Each piece was evidently executed with love, devotion and true dedication to the subject. Gabriella Venus |