Julian Bray is well known as an energetic and engaging tutor whose enthusiasm for art has inspired countless students across Nottinghamshire over the past few decades. Alongside his successful teaching career, Julian is also an established professional artist, with his work held in private collections and public buildings.
The paintings in his latest exhibition at Cath Ray Gallery and Studios on Bridgegate, Retford, are large framed watercolours and acrylics on canvas. They feature rich, contrasting colours and depict local landmarks and woodland spaces with remnants of our industrial past. Subjects include Papplewick Church, Newstead Abbey, Harlow Woods and Haddon Hall.
Julian explained: “The subjects in my paintings dictate my response, and it is important to me to have an opinion about the qualities I wish to communicate rather than applying the same style to all. My paintings vary stylistically, and it is this considered approach to each subject that is their strength.”
Running alongside the exhibition in December is a three-week Coptic Bookbinding course, taught by resident artist Cath Ray. The course comprises one two-hour session each week, offered on either Monday (1.00pm to 3.00pm), Thursday (7.00pm to 9.00pm) or Saturday afternoon (3.00pm to 5.00pm). Please contact the gallery for more information and to book.
Other courses, workshops and events at the gallery this season include:
- Slow Stitching for the Soul, Card-making and Scrapbooking – fortnightly on alternate Friday mornings
- Mosaics and Stained Glass with Melanie Eldred – weekly on Wednesdays, 4.00pm to 6.00pm
- Late Night Opening – Thursday 11th December until 9.00pm
- Annual Charity Art Auction – Monday 29th December from 7.00pm, in aid of Papyrus, the charity for the prevention of suicide in young people Cath Ray Gallery and Studios is located at 58b Bridgegate, Retford, DN22 7UZ, and is open Monday to Saturday, 10.00am to 5.00pm (closing at 2.00pm on Tuesdays).
For more information, call 07803 204424, email raybooks@msn.com, or find the gallery on Facebook and Instagram.