NICK SCHLEE  PAINTINGS AND SKETCHES ALONG THE RIDGEWAY 

25th February - 31st March 2012

In this Jubilee year when we rejoice in all things British, Nick Schlee presents us with a glorious artists’ view of the countryside of Southern England. The magnificence of the Chilterns scenery comes to Modern Artists Gallery from 25th February until 31st March 2012. The solo show of paintings and sketches by this celebrated local artist focuses on the historic Ridgeway trail. This section of national trail meanders through open downland to the west of the River Thames, and through secluded valleys and woods in The Chilterns to the east, following the same route used since prehistoric times by travellers, herdsmen and soldiers.

The exhibition ‘Along the Ridgeway’ provides an opportunity to see the artist’s progress from ‘en plein air’ studies which provide the catalyst for the large studio paintings. Available for sale are both the original pastel sketches, taken directly from the sketchbooks, and the studio paintings which vary in size and complexity. What they all share is a passionate response to the landscape and a charming evocation of rural idyll in the rolling hills and hidden hamlets of the Chilterns.

Celebrated for his dramatic paintings of the English countryside, Schlee has enjoyed a long and successful career. As well as regular nationwide solo shows, most recently at the River and Rowing Museum, Henley on Thames, he has also enjoyed success at the Spirit of London and the Royal Academy. Examples of his work can be seen in the City of London Guildhall Gallery, Reading Museum, Southampton City Art Gallery and The Wessex Collection, Longleat. Nick paints from his studio in Royal Berkshire and enjoys much success among local and nationwide patrons. His paintings are painted with immense vigour and intuition perfectly capturing in each painting the scale of our vast and complex landscape.