Tim Gustard
Above: Tim Gustard
Above: Tim Gustard
Tim's solo shows are always keenly anticipated by enthusiasts and private collectors and his work has been shown at the Royal Academy, Royal Scottish Academy, Royal Institute of Oil Painters, Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour, the Royal Scottish Society of Watercolour Painters, as well as other leading public galleries; the artist has also received more awards than it is decent to list here. And now his work is to be shown again at his local gallery, Beckstones, at Greystoke Ghyll near Penrith as part of their 30th anniversary celebrations.
Last time his work was shown there, in 2006, the owner was woken during the night before the opening by the ominous scrunch of tyre on gravel. Burglars? No, just committed collectors who had driven through the night, forming an orderly queue on his drive. Tim, who studied at Stoke City Art School in the 1970s, now paints in acrylics, and is especially fond of the magical, glassy quality of transparent colours.
Constantly on the lookout for interesting items to paint, he finds much in local salerooms and antique shops. One painting in the forthcoming show, From Sylvia's Emporium, was named because everything in it came from Sylvia's antique emporium in Penrith. Small, decorative pieces – fine sugar tongs and a delicate, bone-handled knife – that he is especially fond of, he will use more than once, in different lights, at different angles, they take on a different identity.
Tim and his wife Marion moved to the area some years ago, a move which proved a turning point artistically, as Tim changed tack from big oil-on-canvas landscapes to his quasi-miniaturist style. 'Well, Marion told me there were lots of other people out there, painting landscapes, and doing it better than me.'
For more information contact the gallery on 01768 483601.
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