Obiter found plenty of light and imagination in this year’s Law Society Art Group members’ exhibition. The lovely setting, Lauderdale House on Highgate Hill, north London, is an excellent support to that. And in an age where lawyers share their ‘wellbeing’ colouring-in efforts on LinkedIn, these professionals should be extra-applauded for starting a picture or sculpture from scratch.
A few works in particular caught our eye. Group chair Maria Memoli’s watercolour of Windsor Castle was a favourite – a cheerful depiction of that solemn lump of stone that brought to mind Edward Bawden’s jolly pre-war prints of London. Ruth Munby’s oil ‘Carnival’ is bright and mysterious, and shows that, contrary to received wisdom, there is plenty more artists can do with the lagoon metropolis.
‘Blue’ by Rhian Lewelyn was part of a new vein in the group’s work. A semi-cubist treatment of a portrait, there’s a lot of depth and a sense of ‘veiling’ going on. The same with Garry Freer’s abstract ‘The Observer’, a mixed media work with light and depth.
More conventional but good works include ‘Maria’s Farm’, an acrylic by David Fraser, which, like 'Field’s Edge' by Jennifer Tovey, is a study in how to use khaki, greens and shade. Richard Davidson clearly likes to look down in oils – his ‘St Michael’s Mount’ and ‘People on Bridge’ are both very creditable views from a height. ‘Ceremony’ is a good etching by Louise Sweet, with just enough lively detail.
Using almost photo-realism, Kay Kante’s acrylics of London scenes, Obiter also thought in previous years, would be excellent gift cards. Perhaps an idea for next year. The exhibition runs till 26 May. For details, including how to join the Art Group, see: Gallery - Law Society Art Group.
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