Helen Stiles browses some of exciting art exhibitions happening this month and beyond
Martyn Brewster: Ocean Light - Seascapes - Until 3 April
This exhibition at Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum in Bournemouth brings together a selection of stunning paintings inspired by the light on the sea of the south coast, where Martyn lives and works.
Spring Exhibition - 2–11 April
Sherborne Abbey hosts this exhibition, in partnership with the South West Academy, featuring work from some of the finest artists across the South West.
Proceeds donated to Yeovil Hospital Charity
Field Days - 9-10 April
An exhibition at Litton Cheney Community Hall (11am-4pm) inspired by the South Dorset Ridgeway - a broad chalky ridge which runs parallel to the coast from Broadmayne in the east to Kingston Russell in the west. This Artsreach event focuses on the archaeology, geology, natural history and ancient myths and legends surrounding the Ridgeway with pieces by six commissioned artists which form the Field Days Touring Exhibition. This is the first chance to see the exhibition, which also features Dorset folk musicians Ninebarrows.
Michael Williams: Filaments of Light - 16 April–7 May
This Michael Williams exhibition at the Art Stable, Child Okeford, features landscapes as well as still life, using watercolour as a medium of precision, so that thread-like parallel lines – or filaments of light – run throughout the picture to give it movement.
David West: Ebb and Flow - Until 17 April
David West has lived in Lyme Regis with the River Lym flowing past his studio and garden for 35 years. Both his paintings and the gilded wood carvings in this show at Sladers Yard in West Bay express the movement and qualities of water - from newts in a lily pond to moonlight on a wet beach.
Progression - 19 April–3 May
Weymouth and Portland artists explore Purbeck’s unique landscape through paintings, ceramics, sculpture and jewellery in this ArtWey exhibition at the Fine Foundation Gallery at Durlston Country Park, Swanage.
Spring Exhibition - Until 23 April
Artwave West in Morcombelake is renowned for showcasing rising stars and established artists of the contemporary art scene. This year their popular Spring Exhibition features aerial landscapes by Claire Smith, expressive new paintings by Kathy Little, and new works by ten other artists including Martin Goold, Leanne Stephens, Val Hudson and Suchi Chidambaram.
Three Colourists - Until 23 April
Enjoy the vibrant paintings of Patricia Burns, Mary Quinton-Edwards and Maggie Wyman at this free exhibition at The Gallery, Lighthouse, Poole.
Scenes of Wimborne & East Dorset - Until 2 July
The Priest’s House Museum in Wimborne showcases its collection of Victorian watercolours by the local artist W J Hawker in an exhibition depicting rural scenes and daily life, many with Wimborne in the distance.
