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theWord on Somerset
ASenseof Place
Caroline McMillan-Davey captures the essence of the landscape
aroline McMillan-Davey (right) in Bristol, and being invited to take part
C
started painting over twenty in a prestigious show this March at RHS
years ago, and since her Rosemoor (see details below) as well as
first solo show in Henley-on- several galleries that collect work from her
Thames in her twenties, she during the year. She also has an exhibition
has become increasingly well known for of work from home every September.
her beautiful and vibrant work. Her decision to buy her current home
near Milverton was partly based on the
‘I had always longed to paint, but at school existence of a large outbuilding that serves
it was the academic subjects that were a dual purpose – it acts as a ‘summer
considered the most important. After studio’ where Caroline can comfortably
leaving school and beginning a job with work on large-scale canvasses, and it also
Country Life magazine, I purchased a small acts as her temporary ‘Gallery’ for a
watercolour box and began to dabble in fortnight every September. ‘I’m very lucky
my spare time. The very first time I used to have a large outbuilding in which to
it I was well and truly hooked. That first looking at the ever-changing landscapes show my work and it’s a wonderful
box of paints took me on a wonderfully near to where I live. The different seasons opportunity to meet people who come
rewarding path, and ultimately being able also provide limitless fascination for me and see my paintings. Many visit me year
to do something that I love for a living. and I consider England to be a fantastic after year, and it has brought a steady flow
I have now been painting professionally place in which to be a painter. One simple of customers who like to buy paintings
for around 15 years, and I’m particularly field, for example, can provide a hundred direct from me. It is always invaluable and
drawn to the varied landscapes and subjects for a painting - according to the very encouraging to listen to feedback from
seascapes of the South West. Trying to weather and season. I think I could paint the public. When a customer buys a piece
capture the spirit of a place is an endless just skies for a year and they would be of art work, and comes back year after year
challenge, and I have always loved the different every time. All the places that to tell you how much they love it, then that
feeling of freedom you get looking out I paint have a special quality to me that is incredibly rewarding.’
across the sea to the horizon.’ fills me with energy and enthusiasm.
Sometimes they turn out how I want, and You can email or telephone Caroline for
‘My paintings are continually evolving other times they don’t. Like most artists, details of her September exhibition at
and I love to experiment with different I am my own worst critic, and If I feel the home (part of Somerset Art Weeks).
media and most of my recent work is painting is lacking in spirit, then it’s a Email: carolinemcmillan@hotmail.co.uk,
mixed media. I try to keep the paintings failure. One of the best things is that 01823 400 677. www.mcmillan-davey.co.uk
fresh and lively, as well as true to the I am always learning, and there is always
subject that inspired me initially. Many more to be achieved, you can never feel THE GREAT BRITISH LANDSCAPE
of the places I paint are locations I have that you have mastered your art.’ RHS Rosemoor, Great Torrington, N.Devon
holidayed at, and my children are now
Sat 20 March – Mon 5 April 2010
used to me always studying the land- The last few months have been very busy
10.30am – 4pm, free to exhibition,
scapes and cloud formations! I also spend for Caroline, with her work being shown
normal garden entry applies
many hours walking with my dog and just at the Royal West of England Academy Aboveimage:'Gustyday,SauntonSands'
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