Acclaimed British artist, Roger Dellar, will return to Lewes for the first time in over five years. During his stay on this side of the pond, we are mounting a solo exhibition of his work, titled “Shadow and Light.” The show, which will be on display from May 2-24, will include new oil paintings from Dellar, some of which were painted right here in Lewes. The show features 30 pieces from his extensive inventory housed at his studio in Surrey, England, hand-picked by gallery owners, Tony and Carol Boyd-Heron. These works depict a variety of scenes — from notable metropolitan iconography to blooming gardens, portraits of ballerinas and tango dancers, and coastal landscapes with boats galore. The remainder of the show will include images painted on location in Delaware. More work will be added to the show in the lead-up to the opening. 

 

     An opening reception will be held on Saturday, May 2, from 5:00 to 6:30 pm, which is free and open to everyone. Dellar will be in attendance, giving patrons the rare opportunity to mingle with the UK-based artist. Join Roger and the gallery staff for an evening of fine art and complimentary food and drink.

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     Roger Dellar is a professional figurative artist who works from his home studio in Southern England. He travels widely and is internationally known for his work in several media, including watercolor, pastel, and oil; all the works featured in “Shadow and Light” are made in oil. He has been a resident artist at the Peninsula Gallery, his only American venue, for over 15 years. He is equally well known as a teacher of art and has taught the techniques of oil painting throughout the United Kingdom and Europe. As part of his visit to Lewes, Roger will be teaching two workshops, organized by the gallery.

 

     Roger’s art reflects his keen interest in people and their behavior, as well as the way light transforms a subject. His paintings depict people in everyday situations, captured in an instantly recognizable moment. His work is usually done en plein air, with the canvas reflecting a freedom of movement derived from rapid, broad strokes of color coming together to represent an image caught in time. Roger is also particularly strong in capturing the interiors of public spaces with the reflections of light from the street, playing off and enhancing the character of the room.

 

     Roger is a member of The Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour, The Pastel Society, and The Royal Institute of Oil Painters. Since 1996, he has been an active member of The Wapping Group, an invitation-only group of 25 artists who capture the views of life along the River Thames in England. Roger has won numerous awards for his painting, including The Bath Prize Best Oil Painting, The Royal Institute of Oil Painters Le Clerc Fowler Medal, and honorable mention at The Easton, MD Plein Air Competition, as well as The Pastel Society’s Unison Pastel Award, Anthony J Lester Art Critic Award, and Art Club Award.