Landscape Inside Out brings together works by Liz Ackerley and Hugh Winterbottom, which explore the landscapes, moors, woodland and valleys surrounding their studios in Mossley.
Hugh is an oil painter from Oldham. He has an affinity with and understanding of these landscapes.
Liz, a mixed media artist, grew up in the south surrounded by heathland. She has a background in landscape design and a fascination and connection with her locality.
The title for this exhibition is based on the way both artists explore their surrounding landscapes. They create drawings and paintings, out on location, as a basis for studio work.
Their extensive outside studies form a direct connection with their experiences. They bring into the gallery the atmospheric feelings of the landscapes they have come to know so well.
The artwork for the exhibition was created from early 2020 onwards, during the Covid pandemic. This impacted the overall remit of the exhibition and gave it a more local and intimate focus.
It inspired a more thorough exploration of the landscapes on foot, in different weathers and seasons, and from different viewpoints.
The collaboration enables two very different, yet complementary, ways of interpreting the same landscapes.
Hugh’s oil paintings create depth and atmosphere through his exploration of colour and light. Liz’s dynamic mixed media paintings seek to present her feelings about the landscapes by exploring the rich visual language of vistas and details.
Liz and Hugh said: “We hope visitors experience the feelings of excitement and wellbeing, of being out in the landscape from our exhibition – that ‘sense of place’.
“Perhaps it will also encourage visitors to get out into the countryside and feel the benefits of nature first-hand.”
Councillor Shaid Mushtaq, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “It’s good to see two local artists exhibiting their work in Gallery Oldham.
“With the local area and the surrounding areas being the subject of their artwork I’m sure this exhibition will be popular, especially as many people will recognise the places involved.”
Landscape Inside Out is on show at Gallery Oldham from 5 March to 4 June 2022. Works are for sale and a programme of events is planned.
To find out more about the artists visit www.lizackerleyart.com and www.hughwinterbottom.co.uk
