Artist Colin Bentley has raised over £8,000 for the Jurassic Coast Trust at a recent exhibition at Sidmouth’s Kennaway House. Colin’s stunning images of landscapes between Exmouth and Seaton took visitors by storm, with 19 of his works heading off to new homes, including 12 within the exhibition’s first two opening hours.
Comments from visitors during the week-long exhibition included, “What fabulous paintings of the vivid and vibrant part of our world, with such skill and love” and, “Fabulous collection of paintings; they really do capture the essence of the Jurassic Coast”.
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- Colin Bentley at the exhibition
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- Jurassic Coast Ambassador portraits
In addition to 35 landscape paintings, the exhibition featured eight portraits of Jurassic Coast Ambassadors, local volunteers who work to enthuse and educate the public about the Jurassic Coast. Colin draws on the Ambassadors’ geological expertise to bring the coast to life in his works.
Colin, who is based in Ottery St Mary in East Devon, was delighted with the result of the exhibition, saying, “It’s always a pleasure to see so many people at the exhibition who share my passion for this coastline. Knowing that the paintings will be enjoyed for generations to come is something I’m very proud of. I’ve had a fabulous year painting this section of the Jurassic Coast, and I can’t wait to start the next set of paintings, featuring iconic Dorset landscapes like Golden Cap, West Bay and Chesil Beach.”
Guy Kerr from the Jurassic Coast Trust added, “We are thrilled to have had such a successful exhibition, raising much needed funds for the Jurassic Coast Trust, to enable us to protect our World Heritage Site and engage people with its incredible stories. In addition, Colin’s artwork drew in hundreds of people from the local area and beyond, inspiring them with the Jurassic Coast’s stunning landscapes.”
The next exhibition for artist Colin Bentley will take place in Symondsbury, near Bridport, in October 2018, featuring landscapes from Axmouth to Portland, plus a new set of Ambassador portraits.
To follow Colin’s progress towards next year’s exhibition, read his regular blog.
