‘Forest Reflections’ at the Dean Heritage Centre

An exciting new exhibition by local artist Doug Eaton opens on Monday 6th August at the Dean Heritage Centre (DHC), and runs until Sunday 16th September.

Doug grew up in the Forest of Dean and combines his interest in the varied effects created with paint with the strong result from lines, shapes and colours in order to create a fascinating take on the landscapes of the local area.

Commenting on his latest exhibition, Doug said: “I grew up in the forest and it’s always been my stomping ground. I’ve had many exhibits outside of the area so I’m extremely pleased to be bringing my exhibit to the Dean Heritage Centre. It’s the perfect space to show my work, in the environment it’s been inspired by.”
Mr Eaton is no stranger to the DHC having been involved intermittently since it first opened, most recently by providing workshops for visitors as part of the Centre’s annual ‘Big Draw’ week.

Phillippa Turner, Collections Officer and Archivist at the DHC said: “It’s great to have such a prolific forest-based artist exhibiting at the Centre. He’s an inspiration to younger artists in the Forest of Dean including Heywood School pupils who are currently exhibiting in our community gallery, Gallery 41.”

After a traditional grammar school education Doug went on to Stroud School of Art and then Cheltenham College of Art in the late sixties. He has art work in many private collections in the UK and abroad and also has work on display in the USA and Canada.

Part of the beauty of Doug’s work is the juxtaposition of extremes, such as soft edges against hard or dark against light. These techniques create a canvas that sheds new light on familiar places in the Forest of Dean which Doug describes as ‘the biggest back-garden in the world’.

Doug defines his paintings as suggestions and hints allowing the beholder to interpret the lines and colours for themselves. His artwork engages with the onlooker, providing a different experience for everyone.

Why not judge for yourself? Meet the artist and view his work at a preview evening at the DHC on Sunday 5th August from 5pm until 8pm. Entrance to the preview evening will be free.

Following that, Entry to the ‘Forest Reflections’ exhibition is included in the DHC’s admission fees.

Explore Gloucestershire
31 July 2012

• Contact phone : 01594 822170
• Also see : Dean Heritage Centre

OTHER NEWS