Artempo was originally launched in 2011 by a select group of Retford artists looking to nurture their passion for creativity. It became apparent that an intimate group would be beneficial in creating a platform ideal for problem solving, collaboration and innovation in their various fields. A group of artists that could inspire and encourage, advise and support, with regular meetings and organised exhibitions.
Since it all began, the members have grown in number and have continued to develop in style and skill. Their talent and artistry can be seen across various exhibitions and shows in Nottinghamshire and also on online on their new website.
After the huge impact of Covid 19 on everyone’s lives, the members decided it was the time for a fresh approach, this became the genesis of ‘Artempo’. The group members have inevitably changed over the years as individuals circumstances changed, but there are many enthusiastic artists in and around Retford. Currently membership stands at nine. This small number is suited to the intimate balance of the group.
Artempo is looking forward to the rest of 2022 and beyond with renewed enthusiasm and energy for what is their lifetime passion, making and sharing art.
Regular meetings are held in various venues such as The Danum, Doncaster and the Retford Arts Hub. Artempo are participants of The Annual Nottinghamshire Open Studio Event and this year their work was on display exclusively at The Dovecote Gallery, Styrrup, Notts at the end of June.
Group visits to Open Exhibitions are one of the delights of being part of a team. Artempo has visited numerous exhibitions and Galleries across the United Kingdom, such as: Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery, Edinburgh, The Ferens, Hull and the Mall Galleries, London.
Their Group Members have held Solo Art Exhibitions at local venues such as The Harley and Dovecote Galleries and The Retford Arts Hub Gallery. Group venues have included exhibitions at Creswell Crags, Retford Museum and Clumber Park. The group also visit local and national exhibitions held across the UK to further their appreciation and inspiration of Art.
Take a look at the new website which reflects the talents of this diverse group of passionate artists. www.artempoinretford.co.uk
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Cath Ray
Art and literature have always been my main interests and my work as an artist and bookbinder combines both of these elements. In my paintings I aim to evoke the solace and calm that I find in unpopulated landscapes and empty buildings, which often calls to mind passages of literature that I sometimes include in the piece as well (or at least in the title). Past paintings and drawings have included woodlands, historical buildings, football stadiums, churches, seascapes, working animals (such as heavy horses) with accompanying snatches of poetry and prose. I also love portraiture and that ‘unspoken word’ of communication between the sitter and artist or viewer that is then preserved for as long as the painting exists.
A large part of my practice is teaching art from my studio in Retford where I run after-school clubs, individual tuition, evening sessions and weekend workshops. I love to see how students progress as they learn to draw and paint and gradually see the world through an artist’s eye. It is the most satisfying way to earn my living and I can’t wait to get to work in a morning!
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Christine Howard
I trained as a painter obtaining a BA (Hons) in Fine Art from Staffordshire University in 1995. My work is influenced by my enduring fascination for the natural world. I am drawn to the fields and woodlands and the animals and insects that inhabit the land. The rhythm of the turning seasons and the inherent essence of my surroundings is what inspires me, from the intricacies of a tiny insect such as a honey bee to the huge sweeping vista of a field full of oil seed rape in flower. I am always keen to develop new working methods and use a variety of materials such as pencil, oil, ink, watercolour and occasionally precious metals.
I was invited to join Artempo in 2018 and since then I have enjoyed getting to know the members and making new friends. My work can be purchased through regular exhibitions in galleries and directly from my studio at the Retford Arts Hub on Cannon Square. Studio visits are warmly welcomed.
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Annie Turner
I am a Scot but a Retford based Artist having moved back to the UK from teaching art in Sabah, Borneo.
My work has been nature inspired but recently I have been painting portraiture.
I have a fascination for people and faces. If I hadn't been an artist I would be a writer creating character portraits.
My process uses gray-scale references and I create my own vibrant colours, tone and value. This style lends itself to commissioned portraits of people and pets.
I am presently working on an exhibition of Native American Portraiture.
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Patricia Carrington
I was born in North Lincolnshire, UK in 1956. My passion for making art began in my childhood. My path to the life of an artist has been anything but straight. In early adulthood I married and had two children. In my thirties I completed a degree in Humanities, thinking this would be of more practical use. Hence, I am a self taught artist.
Fast forward and my children are adults, I have had a career in Social Care and in 2014, moved to Retford in Nottinghamshire. This location provided me with numerous like minded friends and colleagues, and most importantly the opportunity to finally pursue my first passion for making Art.
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Jane Beattie
I started my creative activities some years ago, concentrating on textiles, felt making and embroidery techniques. Taking a year long Textile course with the Open College of the Arts helped me develop my love of colour and pattern. It also gave me an opportunity to work with silk and vibrant stitching. When I retired from full time work, I started to learn to paint. Initially concentrating on watercolour, I followed this with pastel work and then finally discovered oils! I also work in mixed media. Landscapes and sea scenes are two of my favourite subjects and oils are my preferred medium.
I was invited to join Artempo a few years ago and have benefited a great deal from the support and encouragement of fellow members.
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Wendy Smith
I paint because I enjoy it!
Initially I was attracted to art through observing my father’s drawings and the encouragement I received at college spurred me on. Overtime, I have improved my techniques by attending local art classes and demonstrations.
I particularly enjoy painting dogs, wildlife and scenes in a variety of mediums such as oils, acrylics, watercolours, pastels, pencils and inks. I also enjoy trying different materials to create artwork e.g. felting wool and fabrics. I have even tried coal, chalk and sandstone with mixed results!
Art is an extremely therapeutic activity which I would highly recommend.
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Polly Warren
I was introduced to linocut printmaking in 2000 when I attended a short course taught by the renowned artist and printmaker Richard Bawden. My linocuts tend to be of places, gardens and fond memories, printed on my Hawthorn press in my garage studio.
My work has been shown at exhibitions at the Harley, Thoresby, Ropewalk, the Ferens, Doncaster Museum and the Dovecote Gallery at Styrrup.
I am a member of Retford Art Society and Artempo, a group of local artists. I have work for sale at Harding House Gallery on Steep Hill, Lincoln and the Arts Hub Retford.
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Jenny King
Since retiring from full time teaching, I have thoroughly enjoyed participating in local art and textile groups, and having time to concentrate on my own work. As a creative artist, my work is always based on my own designs which are derived from observation, sketches, memory and my own photography.
Painting and textile work have been lifelong interests and have led to the creation of a wide variety of representational and semi-abstract pieces of artwork. Often inspired from flowers, trees and landscapes, my aim is to create works with a balance of colour, light and interesting textures.
I paint in watercolours, acrylics, oils and inks, and will use mixed media in my work to suit the subject or mood of the piece, be it delicate and detailed or bold and colourful. I enjoy both traditional hand stitching and modern embroidery work. I have designed and worked on five large embroideries for the local Pilgrim Churches and written a book to help tell the story of our local heritage. Recently I have been using acrylics again and have enjoyed consolidating old techniques and experimenting with new ones.
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Ann Everitt
I love to draw and paint from life. Also to create abstractworks where I can be creative and experiment, with particular interest in design and colour coordination.
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Artempo
For further details about the artists featured here and for future exhibitions visit: www.artempoinretford.co.uk
There is an Artempo exhibition starting on Saturday 1st October 2022 at the Retford Arts Hub, Cannon Square, Retford.
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