Up to London last week to the Portland Gallery to the preview of Alexander Creswell's fab exhibition of his seafaring paintings and other works. The Portland Gallery is a wonderful location to view art - spacious with high ceilings and a luxurious sense of quality and calm. This exhibition, En Plein Air, is a 'collection of new watercolours which juxtaposes the architecture of Venice and sailing yachts, plus supporting sketches, drawings and working methods.'
Alexander lives near Guildford and studied at West Surrey College of Art & Design, Farnham.
His sketches, in charcoal and pencil/chalk on buff paper really capture the feel of yachts ripping through the waves. The lean of the boat, the sails straining against strong winds, the lingering dangers of rough seas are all there in black and white. A video clip of Alexander sketching 'in situ' is thrilling. Strapped to a motor boat he sketches quickly then rolls the paper onwards to sketch again, all the while travelling parallel to the most beautiful yacht. You can view the clip on You Tube
In fact, I almost prefer his sketches to his full colour works - there's somehow more mystery and room for imagination. The colour paintings may be true to life and technically good but the sketches feel less restrained - as free maybe as those beautiful yachts whipping out to sea.
Exhibition details 14 Oct - 5 Nov 2010 - ´EN PLEIN AIR´ - Portland Gallery, London.

Not strictly about art - but connected to the arts!
The RGS prizegiving held at Trinity Church last week featured Simon Bird, of Inbetweener's fame, to give a talk and present the prizes. Entertaining, and at times slightly near the edge, his speech had the boys clutching their sides with laughter (while some of the older members of the audience turned slightly pale).
Simon, an actor, writer and comedian, and old RGS boy studied English at Cambridge University.
He showed genuine surprise that he had been invited to present the prizes. "4 years ago" he said, "David Cameron presented the prizes and this year, you've got me, a tin pot comedian with a part in a purile show that is mainly centered around m****** " (word cannot print in my nice blog). Simon showed a great interest in the books chosen by students as their prizes, indeed he positively chortled at some. Following the ceremony, he was mobbed by boys wanting to chat about Inbetweeners and to get a part in the show. A very entertaining and refreshingly different speech day!