Artist Spotlight: The Rock Brothers
“We work on every one of our paintings together. We find that our ideas inspire and of course influence one another and we talk over each piece as we work on the composition. Although we have few disagreements, we do learn from one another, and continually push ourselves and therefore inevitably our partnership towards ever increasing artistic challenges.”
Chris and Steve Rocks represent a unique phenomenon in the world of fine art. Twin brothers who were born only seven minutes apart, they have created an extraordinary artistic partnership, due to a closeness and understanding that is beyond the imagination of most of us. They have worked together throughout their lives, and each of their striking oils on canvas is a true collaboration both in terms of technique and approach - a united response from both artists.
The stunning abstract images that these extraordinary brothers produce are inspired by the overwhelming power of nature. While exploring the effects of light on land, sky and water, they aim to capture a moment in time, a unique and therefore unrepeatable experience. Their intention is to make the viewer aware that in art, as in life, everything is constantly changing. The passion and intensity of each piece reflects both their individual artistic aims and their personal journey through life. Sometimes difficult, often fascinating, but never dull.
Willi Kissmer
German artist Willi Kissmer made a name for himself both as a musician and visual artist and his etchings mostly depict nudes or half nudes, enthral not least for their complex technical procedures, which combine mezzotinto, drypoint and aquatint.
Martin Andrews
Martin Andrews is one of the UK’s leading glassmakers. He specialises in blown vessels and each piece is designed and handmade using the finest crystal glass. As they are made individually no two items are ever the same.
Anne Edwards
Using her own unique style, Anne depicts her animals with individual characters in humorous settings. Many of her limited editions are hand-finished making an ideal gift or as a start to an art collection. Anne is based in Oxford and was greatly admired at the 2007 art buyer’s fair.
Terri Hallman
Terri Hallman’s art is unique. She thinks each of her creations is in a state of constant movement and transformation; always beginning by drawing abstract lines and building up the piece in layers, which develops into a more ‘realistic’ creation. Hallman feels that the layers represent ‘the way things were’, and the building up process to completion is ‘the way things are.’
Austin Moseley
Austin’s richly textured, evocative compositions are created in oils with the exclusive use of a palette knife. His primary interest is in the countryside and rural pursuits of the Black Country, especially in the early morning and evening, when the sun is low whether visible or not. He includes figures to add an element of human interest as well as a suggestion of scale.
Gary Hodges
Gary Hodges is now Britain’s leading wildlife pencil artist. The range of textures he creates — tough hide, fluffy fur, preened feathers, dry scales — is extraordinary. Often there is a touch of humour — the big paw or menacing tooth — but in the end it is the eye that fixes itself upon the viewer. It is here that he begins each drawing.
Doug Hyde
Inspired by his own responses to life, Doug’s intention is to provoke a response in others; his success in this can be seen by the huge impact his work has made on the British and international art scene. His extraordinary rise from virtual unknown to the most popular living artist in the UK has been meteoric, and his stunning original pastels have become genuine collectors items.
Fletcher Sibthorp
Fletcher Sibthorp’s work is greatly admired by many well qualified to judge and his record of success is impressive. He has won six competitions including the Association of Illustrators title on no less than three occasions and six separate Awards of excellence.
Christine Comyn
Christine has had three books published of her work and has won a number of awards. She is now undoubtedly one of Europe’s most successful and respected figurative artists with her originals in great demand, many of which sell at prices well in excess of Eur 20,000.
Iain Faulkner
Faulkner’s paintings are about capturing calm and contemplative moments, intimate exchanges, inner-reflection and stillness. Iain readily acknowledges his influence be artists such as Sargent, Degas, Whistler and especially Vermeer, whose use of everyday scenes portray figures completing common-place tasks while deep in thought.
Christian Gaillard
Gaillard is especially famous for his portraits, amazing his audience with his extraordinary technique. His realist style vigorously conveys the passion of his subject particularly in his graceful paintings of women. His work is powerful yet delicate and he infuses every piece of work with life and drama.
Bob Rudd RI
Bob’s paintings are inspired by the less cultivated landscapes and grand buildings of Britain and Europe. He is a master of the watercolour technique, interpreting light and atmosphere with broad washes of colour.
Mary Batchelor
Working in acrylics and deeply passionate about the majestic Caledonian landscape, Mary Batchelor is a Scottish artist of flair and growing national repute. The confidence exuded by every broad brushstroke creates an energy that reflects all that is wild and enviable about her home country.
Beatrix Potter—‘Official Collector’s Edition’ prints
Beatrix Potter’s career as a children’s illustrator began when The Tale of Peter Rabbit was published by Frederick Warne and Co. in 1902. The public it as soon as it appeared and Beatrix went on to produce an average two books a year until 1910.
Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake—‘Official Collector’s Edition’ prints
The first book Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake worked upon together was ‘The Enormous Crocodile’. The two soon became firm friends, cementing one of the most eye-catching and distinctive collaborations in children’s literature.
Guess How Much I Love You—‘Official Collector’s Edition’ prints
‘Guess How Much I Love You’ was first published in 1994 and ever since the story and illustrations have captivated adults and children the world over. Anita Jeram’s beautiful illustrations were a labour of love.
Dick Bruna—‘Official Collector’s Edition’ prints
Dick Bruna is one of the Netherlands’ most celebrated artists. His most famous character, ‘miffy’, is an international icon, whilst his picture books have sold over 85 million copies and are translated into more than 40 languages.
Shirley Hughes—25 years of Alfie
Alfie is one of Shirley’s most endearing characters, first appearing in print in 1981. ‘Alfie made his first appearance in a very quick sketch running up the street ahead of his mum, and I knew at once that he was determined to get into the action’.
Art by Bob Rudd
