Opening reception: Tuesday 6 September, 6-8pm

The RHA is honoured to host an exhibition by one of its most esteemed Members James English RHA, in the Ashford Gallery.

English can accurately be described as an intimist . He does not paint large, and while watercolours may be made plein-air, his practice is based in the studio. English is passionately interested in nature, particularly ornithology and landscape. In the latter, it is not the dramatic or sweeping topography that captivates him, rather the dynamic details of a landscape – the play of light in branches, moments of reflection, quiet habitat. This investigation of light is further pressed in his still lives. Reflective props are employed to catch the studio window or the electric light bulb. Sfumato and atmospheric, English’s still lives often juxtaposed an inanimate object with something from nature – a feather, a reed, a flower. These momento mori add a poignancy to his compositions.

English’s work is quiet and attentive. A skillful talent imbued with a philosophy and an insistence on the harmonious relationship between man and nature.

A full colour catalogue will accompany this exhibition. See www.jamesenglish.ie