Heather Large meets the leading artist who has put together a watercolour exhibition which will be attended by artists from all over the world.
They come from all corners of the globe and have dedicated years to becoming true masters of their art.
An elite group of watercolour artists will be descending on Lilleshall Hall, near Newport, to showcase their work and share their passion for painting.
The International Watercolour Masters, which runs from May 15 to 24, will include a stunning exhibition of more than 150 masterpieces as well as live demonstrations and workshops.
It has been curated by award-winning artist and author David Poxon RI, who lives near Claverley and is a member of The Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours.
David organised the inaugural International Watercolour Masters in 2018 at Weston Park, which proved so successful that the event moved to a larger venue at Lilleshall Hall in 2022.
Now the festival is returning to again give visitors the rare opportunity to see some of the world’s greatest artists under one roof.
“It’s the only event of its kind in the UK and the greatest concentration of watercolour masters anywhere in the world.
“Not only is it an exhibition of paintings that are out of this world, but the artists also come to the show and demonstrate some of their incredible work.
“We have giant monitor screens so the audience can see every brushstroke and can revel in the experience.
“It’s a very enjoyable, sociable and fun experience for visitors and for the artists,” explains David, who is also a signature member of the National Watercolor Society of America.
Artists will be travelling from countries including Portugal, Sweden, Argentina, Australia, Poland, Spain, Canada, India and China.
They include Portuguese portrait specialist, Júlio Jorge; Deepti Singh, who is completely self taught and hails from North India; and American Carrie Waller, known for her bold, vibrant, and dramatic works.
Among the painters representing the UK will be Felicity Flutter, who draws inspiration from coastal scenes and Ann Blockley, who has exhibited in a wide selection of prestigious UK galleries.
Sarah Stokes who has a studio based near the River Severn in Arley where she paints and teaches a range of classes is also attending the event.
And David, who has won many awards and accolades for the precision and craftsmanship of his paintings, will also be representing the UK.
His own work examines how nature reclaims man-made structures that have been discarded and abandoned over time.
And his use of a painstaking multi-glazing technique, developed and perfected over many years, is what makes his work unique.
“I was given my first watercolour box when I was four by my grandmother for Christmas. I immediately fell in love with it. It was a whole world of colour.
“My parents cut up little squares of old wallpaper and I spent every spare minute finding my own way with watercolour. I had thousands of pieces of paper and when they ran out I painted over the top.
“I think that is where my multi-glazing technique, where I sometimes have up to 20 layers of paint, first came from.
“The artists in the show have all found their own path and unique style,” explains David.
Among the artists to be making a return visit to Shropshire is Mexican painting sensation Patricia Guzman whose style and attention to detail has captured international acclaim.
David says her live painting demonstration in 2022 wowed the audience and he has no doubts that this year’s spectators will have a similar reaction to watching Patricia work.
“She’s a very soulful and spiritual painter and the audience was just mesmerized by her – you could have heard a pin drop, it was so quiet in the auditorium,” he recalls.
In the run up to this year’s event, a contest was held giving 10 up and coming artists to have their work framed and exhibited alongside the watercolour masters.
The competition received a total of 2,795 entries from 105 countries and was judged by 24 masters and industry professionals.
The top 200 paintings will also be projected on to giant screens at in the hall arena during the exhibition.
David believes visitors do not have to art experts to appreciate the stunning paintings on display or marvel at the skills of the artists in the live demonstrations.
“The event is open 10am to 4pm each day and people can come and go as much as they want. There is a cafe and woodland walks,” he says.
For the first time, there will also be an opportunity for people who can’t attend in person to watch the live demonstrations online.
The new IWM TV live stream will also be recording the show with content available on a pay per view platform.
Entry to the event is by advance ticket which costs £10 per day, with discounts available for a 10-day pass. Tickets to take part in workshops are available to purchase separately and are already selling fast.
All event information, including details about the artists, booking tickets and the workshops, is available at www.IWM2024.com.
