Devon Masters

It is with pleasing frequency that exceptional artists are found in Torbay and the surrounding South Devon area, with many practitioners producing unique and diverse works that are unmatched in their quality and originality. However, true greatness can often only be recognised in an individual's work after they have lived an extensive career. Two such careers are offered up in a retrospective showcase of "Devon Masters" Richard Slater RI and Arthur Homeshaw RWA during Devon Open Studios at Artizan.

The exhibition will provide an exploration of work from across the breadth of these artists' careers, offering insight into the technical mastery they demonstrate in their respective mediums. For Slater, this command is seemingly boundless, as works in oil, watercolour and pastel expand across a variety of stylistic boundaries, all with faultless proficiency; his membership of the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour is well deserved, but should not be seen as the definition of his ability. For Homeshaw, a consistent tone and mood are pervasive across all eras of his work, but it was in linocuts that his genius was ultimately revealed, with a characteristic interpretation of landscapes and an expert eye that make his pieces instantly recognisable and highly sought after.

Artizan Gallery is fortunate to hold a significant collection from both artists including the largest commercial collection of Homeshaw's works. For several years now it has been rewarding to see the recognition for these two talented practitioners grow, with Slater achieving sell-out shows, and Homeshaw receiving a high level of attention from collectors. In this exhibition, we look forward to once again celebrating the successes of both these artists, in a joint show that will allow their works to compliment and contrast each other through careful selection from our collection.