Our next HurstWorks artist-in-residence is the wonderfully-talented, Emily Grocott. You can find Emily’s work exhibited at the space from 10th May-21st June. Met Emily in person at our viewing event on Saturday 17th May.
I’ve loved painting and drawing since I was a child. At school, I studied Art as a GCSE and at A Level, but I went on to gain a degree in BSc Geography at Exeter University. I graduated in 2018 and decided to take a gap year to work out what career path to take, and took up painting landscapes again. I’ve been painting since then, displaying my original work, prints and greetings cards in local Sussex art galleries plus further afield in Devon & Somerset.
I am self taught, and have developed a detailed style using oils, with which I aim to create an element of depth and photo-realism in my paintings. I have always loved the South Downs, their shape, and the scenes they create. Lots of my paintings feature chalk paths, or the distinctive scarp slopes of the Downs that I am so familiar with, and I love showing how these scenes change with the seasons. Wildflowers on chalk grassland are a favourite to paint, and I use them as an opportunity to decorate a piece with bright and vivid colours. I have always adored the Seven Sisters, having grown up just down the road in Seaford, and these stunning chalk cliffs have become a focal point in my work over the last couple of years. I love portraying an ever changing yet instantly recognisable iconic view that can be painted in a thousand different ways through the tides and seasons.
I have recently begun a UK National Parks project, beginning with my native South Downs, and branching out to include Exmoor in Somerset. With this, I hope to continue with my goal of making the viewer of my work feel that they are present in the landscape, and to capture the essence of our protected places. The value of immortalising a special place, a favourite view, our last remaining ‘wild’ spaces and vulnerable landscapes in need of our protection, is what inspires me to continue to respond to and portray these essential spaces.
I have displayed my paintings at several local Sussex venues over the last few years, including solo exhibitions in 2022 & 2024 and I’m really excited to be back in Hurstpierpoint at HurstWorks gallery. I am available for commissions and would love to hear from you!
@emgpaintings
www.emilygrocottart.co.uk
