Our Artists
Read about our artist members here
Eve Cozens - Club Chair
“Art is the only serious thing in the world. And the artist is the only person who is never serious.”Oscar Wilde
Eve has lived in Dublin & London, Bangkok, Bath & Brittany, and is now settled in glorious Dorset. Eve started painting around the age of 13 at secondary school but more recently and more seriously from 2004. Eve describes herself as mercurial and someone who rarely relaxes; gregarious but happy to be on her own; and a sailor who hugs trees.
Inspired by the whole world, both natural and created, Eve prefers painting in watercolour but more recently has started to try pastels. One of Eve's favourite artists is Hans Memling (1430 – 1494), a Flemish painter active in Bruges, because of his extraordinary ethereal vision, exquisite purity luminescent colours and transcendant beauty. There is a link on our links page if you would like to find out more about his work.
For many years Eve has been creative with words - as a writer, journalist and author of 4 published books under her pen name: Eve Bonham. Having taken up painting 16 years ago, she discovered the joy, the excitement and the challenges of art. Writing is her first love and what she feels compelled to do - something which can be so satisfying but is often frustrating. For Eve, painting is just as creative and gives her more pure enjoyment than struggling with words. But both are good for the soul. If you would like to learn more about Eve and her writing visit her website here: https://www.evebonham.co.uk/
Louise Freir
Committee member - Treasurer
"Be the reason someone smiles today."
Louise comes from a creative background and has art running through her veins. Her Gramps was an artist; specialising in ceramic clay figures and watercolours and she used to love watching him paint and model when staying as a child. Louise’s Grandma and mum also made pottery on the wheel and they would all sell works at craft fairs. Louise’s mum worked with local artists, mounting, framing and selling their works and so she was inspired by the art she saw when very young; particularly by etchings which she went on to specialise in for A levels.
Louise’s earliest artistic memories are copying Dumbo and other Walt Disney characters from storybooks but she has moved on considerably since then, now producing sensitive and detailed line drawings carefully observed and beautifully rendered in ink and watercolours . As a child Louise also loved making cards for everyone's birthdays and still enjoys doing this for friends and family.
Louise takes a strong interest in architecture and has lovely memories of sitting and drawing the circular Oxford Radcliffe Camera building with her husband, but she is also appreciative of the natural world and enjoys being by the sea; although she appreciates the Maldives was particularly spectacular with its stunning blue sea and sky, Louise knows that the Dorset beaches and views are just the best!
Louise is dedicated to whatever she is doing in the moment and is passionate about creativity, especially to the linked creative threads swirling within music, art and maths. Her inspiration is wide: from the pastel palettes of pink, green and blue, to beautiful architecture and structures, stunning scenery and flowers. Friends & local artists also serve as constant inspiration as illustrated by one lovely friend who made her a beautiful bag for Christmas and then delivered a cute rabbit for Easter!
Louise is currently working with the medium of watercolours and exploring the themes of local Dorset buildings. Click here to visit Louise's website https://www.strawberrycottagestudio.com
A couple of Louise’s favourite artists are Escher - with his intricate drawings of architecture which are made to confuse the mind and also Kathe Fraga - beautiful paintings of birds, flowers and colour inspired by the romance of vintage Chinoiserie. Links to examples of works of these artists can be found on our links page.
Annabelle Narey
Committee member - Social Media, Website and promotions
"If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, first create the universe." Carl Sagan
Growing up in an isolated hill country farm, on the edges of a national park, in a remote corner of the north island of New Zealand, inspired a deep connection to the beauty, patterns and processes of the natural world which are key elements woven throughout Annabelle’s creative work.
Now grown up enough to call herself retired, this New Zealand born artist divides her time between Dorset and London but is never too far away from a tree or a cup of tea.
Annabelle’s work seeks to explore our connection to all things and how all things are connected. Never wishing to rule anything out, Annabelle explores colour and layer in her work, often combining a multi-media approach across acrylic and oil paintings, print, collage, digital and 3D creations all of which embrace original and quirky themes. Her current series of folk art animals, which often embrace a mix of cross cultural references and symbolism, seeks to occasionally champion the underdog, but always to celebrate the inherent nobility of all creatures regardless of their providence or reputation of the moment.
https://www.annabellenarey.com
Shulla Jacques
The Dorset coast has provided stability and inspiration for Shulla since childhood. Returning to settle in one of the county’s valleys, having moved away for work, has provided the opportunity of connecting to its beautiful countryside. Shulla says: "Ambling through the landscape along the network of public footpaths and bridleways through woodland and fields I have become increasingly aware of the rhythm of the year. In particular I have been struck by the effect of light with the changing seasons and in my paintings, produced in my spare time helped along by mugs of tea and ginger biscuits, I am continually trying to improve my use of colour to capture both distant views and details of the natural world. I like Paul Klee’s definition of drawing as ‘taking a line for a walk’ and even though I am attempting to draw with colour it helps me interpret what I see without trying to copy it. I have most experience using acrylics but I have recently been introduced to water mixable oil paints, which I am enjoying for their vibrancy and textures. An advocate of lifelong learning I continue to take lessons in watercolour painting, which I find the most difficult medium to use. I remain ever hopeful that these lessons, and consciously making time to paint, will not only improve my practical skills but also help me to interpret the natural world more perceptively and imaginatively in my drawings and paintings.
Jane Pope
"A great painting, like a book or a sonata, has a life to share with us."
Jane lives in Dorset and enjoys being bossed about by a small terrier called Jessica (see above). She first started painting when she retired and takes inspiration from animals and flowers. Jane enjoys using watercolours and she especially loves Florence where she was inspired by Luca Della Robbia's Cantoria with its beautiful carved relief panels of children singing, dancing and playing instruments. One of her favourite artists is Albrecht Durer because of his drawing ability which shows in his pictures of animals and prints.
Maggie Curtis
All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up. Picasso
Maggie grew up in a small village called Verwood and has lived in Damerham and Gussage St Michael before settling in nearby Winterbourne Whitechurch. After a very creative childhood, a range of careers (including making curtains and coaching gymnastics and trampolining) and also raising a family, Maggie has now returned to creativity after having to face a life changing illness. Maggie has been living with Parkinson's for well over 10 years now and she expresses how this has made her look at life very differently. Maggie tries to make every day matter; appreciating all the simple things that we all sometimes take for granted.
Maggie's illness has also taken her on an unexpected path, first studying for a two year Foundation course in Art and Design, which she loved, then taking the plunge to study for a Fine Art Degree; graduating in September 2019.
Much of Maggie's work is influenced by the changing seasons and the dramatic landscape and coast line that surrounds the area, along with the major themes of life, death and how our ancestors have shaped and left their mark upon the land. Maggie notes how her art work has changed considerably as she has learnt to channel her emotions and feelings into her work. Learning to let go and not feel worried about what goes down on paper, but rather to be free and expressive because this is when we can truly be ourselves and have the freedom to explore and try new things.
As an artist Maggie's aim is to create beautiful pieces that inspire and move others. To show within her work that like her, we should not be afraid to express our feelings and faults or to be different, but rather to explore, to experiment and be true to ourselves.
Some of Maggie's favourite artists are: Rachel Fooks, Ceilia Smith, Barbra Hepworth and David Nash.
Paul Battrick
Photographer – Milton Abbas
Paul only picked up a camera approximately 10 years ago and very soon realised he had little or no interest in cameras, lenses or F numbers of any kind, but knew beyond any doubt that he needed to create images; as he couldn’t wield a paintbrush, he would use his camera as a tool to that end.
Paul has only ever taken photos for his own satisfaction and to his surprise, they seemed to appeal to many other people! Although the pictures start in the eye, the creativity which he always strives endlessly for, comes from somewhere deep, deep inside. His friends call it fine art photography, but Paul thinks they are just really good friends!
Pauline Blackett McKay
I was born and raised in London and moved to Canada in my early twenties where I had my two children and lived for eight years. On returning to the UK I lived in a village in Oxfordshire and it was there, after a serious operation, that I started to paint to aid my recovery. At that time I mostly used watercolours.
Later in life I moved to the mountains in Andalusia in Spain where I lived for twelve years and probably painted most prolifically I also discovered an artist called Joaquin Sorolla (1863-1923) whose paintings I found inspirational and his house and paintings are now a museum in Madrid which I have visited a number of times.
While living in Andalusia a Spanish artist, Jose Miguel who had a studio locally was my inspiration and it was the most wonderful environment to be creative in. I also took up pottery and sculpting with a wonderful artist called Diego.
On returning to the UK a few years ago, for relaxation and fun I have enjoyed dabbling with different media and at the moment I am working with charcoal and ink and I am experimenting with pastels.
The Milton Abbas Art Group is a great place to be among other like minded, friendly people who enjoy Art of every form.
Nick Rees
Nicholas Rees was born in Newport, South Wales and studied Graphic Design and Photography at Newport College of Art. He has pursued a career in Technical Illustration and Graphics throughout his working life and says:
”I am an engineer with a paintbrush more than an artist.
I remember sketching and painting as a lad and later using a camera as a tool to back up my illustrations. I did not start painting seriously until the 1980s using acrylics, inks and air brush. I experimented with oils on moving to Pembrokeshire, attempting to capture the wild coastline on the canvas.
When coming to Milton Abbas on retirement in 2013 I joined the Art Group, where I created a series of oils of Milton Abbey. However I left the group when other hobbies took over. I have since rejoined the group as I feel the need to paint once more.”
Nick’s hobbies include playing with and maintaining old cars and trying to master the intricacies of the electric violin. Some of his favourite artists include: Joseph Turner, Pissarro, Ettore Bugatti and Jackson Browne.
Nick has exhibited in Wales and North Wiltshire.
Eve Cozens - Club Chair
“Art is the only serious thing in the world. And the artist is the only person who is never serious.”Oscar Wilde
Eve has lived in Dublin & London, Bangkok, Bath & Brittany, and is now settled in glorious Dorset. Eve started painting around the age of 13 at secondary school but more recently and more seriously from 2004. Eve describes herself as mercurial and someone who rarely relaxes; gregarious but happy to be on her own; and a sailor who hugs trees.
Inspired by the whole world, both natural and created, Eve prefers painting in watercolour but more recently has started to try pastels. One of Eve's favourite artists is Hans Memling (1430 – 1494), a Flemish painter active in Bruges, because of his extraordinary ethereal vision, exquisite purity luminescent colours and transcendant beauty. There is a link on our links page if you would like to find out more about his work.
For many years Eve has been creative with words - as a writer, journalist and author of 4 published books under her pen name: Eve Bonham. Having taken up painting 16 years ago, she discovered the joy, the excitement and the challenges of art. Writing is her first love and what she feels compelled to do - something which can be so satisfying but is often frustrating. For Eve, painting is just as creative and gives her more pure enjoyment than struggling with words. But both are good for the soul. If you would like to learn more about Eve and her writing visit her website here: https://www.evebonham.co.uk/
Louise Freir
Committee member - Treasurer
"Be the reason someone smiles today."
Louise comes from a creative background and has art running through her veins. Her Gramps was an artist; specialising in ceramic clay figures and watercolours and she used to love watching him paint and model when staying as a child. Louise’s Grandma and mum also made pottery on the wheel and they would all sell works at craft fairs. Louise’s mum worked with local artists, mounting, framing and selling their works and so she was inspired by the art she saw when very young; particularly by etchings which she went on to specialise in for A levels.
Louise’s earliest artistic memories are copying Dumbo and other Walt Disney characters from storybooks but she has moved on considerably since then, now producing sensitive and detailed line drawings carefully observed and beautifully rendered in ink and watercolours . As a child Louise also loved making cards for everyone's birthdays and still enjoys doing this for friends and family.
Louise takes a strong interest in architecture and has lovely memories of sitting and drawing the circular Oxford Radcliffe Camera building with her husband, but she is also appreciative of the natural world and enjoys being by the sea; although she appreciates the Maldives was particularly spectacular with its stunning blue sea and sky, Louise knows that the Dorset beaches and views are just the best!
Louise is dedicated to whatever she is doing in the moment and is passionate about creativity, especially to the linked creative threads swirling within music, art and maths. Her inspiration is wide: from the pastel palettes of pink, green and blue, to beautiful architecture and structures, stunning scenery and flowers. Friends & local artists also serve as constant inspiration as illustrated by one lovely friend who made her a beautiful bag for Christmas and then delivered a cute rabbit for Easter!
Louise is currently working with the medium of watercolours and exploring the themes of local Dorset buildings. Click here to visit Louise's website https://www.strawberrycottagestudio.com
A couple of Louise’s favourite artists are Escher - with his intricate drawings of architecture which are made to confuse the mind and also Kathe Fraga - beautiful paintings of birds, flowers and colour inspired by the romance of vintage Chinoiserie. Links to examples of works of these artists can be found on our links page.
Annabelle Narey
Committee member - Social Media, Website and promotions
"If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, first create the universe." Carl Sagan
Growing up in an isolated hill country farm, on the edges of a national park, in a remote corner of the north island of New Zealand, inspired a deep connection to the beauty, patterns and processes of the natural world which are key elements woven throughout Annabelle’s creative work.
Now grown up enough to call herself retired, this New Zealand born artist divides her time between Dorset and London but is never too far away from a tree or a cup of tea.
Annabelle’s work seeks to explore our connection to all things and how all things are connected. Never wishing to rule anything out, Annabelle explores colour and layer in her work, often combining a multi-media approach across acrylic and oil paintings, print, collage, digital and 3D creations all of which embrace original and quirky themes. Her current series of folk art animals, which often embrace a mix of cross cultural references and symbolism, seeks to occasionally champion the underdog, but always to celebrate the inherent nobility of all creatures regardless of their providence or reputation of the moment.
https://www.annabellenarey.com
Shulla Jacques
The Dorset coast has provided stability and inspiration for Shulla since childhood. Returning to settle in one of the county’s valleys, having moved away for work, has provided the opportunity of connecting to its beautiful countryside. Shulla says: "Ambling through the landscape along the network of public footpaths and bridleways through woodland and fields I have become increasingly aware of the rhythm of the year. In particular I have been struck by the effect of light with the changing seasons and in my paintings, produced in my spare time helped along by mugs of tea and ginger biscuits, I am continually trying to improve my use of colour to capture both distant views and details of the natural world. I like Paul Klee’s definition of drawing as ‘taking a line for a walk’ and even though I am attempting to draw with colour it helps me interpret what I see without trying to copy it. I have most experience using acrylics but I have recently been introduced to water mixable oil paints, which I am enjoying for their vibrancy and textures. An advocate of lifelong learning I continue to take lessons in watercolour painting, which I find the most difficult medium to use. I remain ever hopeful that these lessons, and consciously making time to paint, will not only improve my practical skills but also help me to interpret the natural world more perceptively and imaginatively in my drawings and paintings.
Jane Pope
"A great painting, like a book or a sonata, has a life to share with us."
Jane lives in Dorset and enjoys being bossed about by a small terrier called Jessica (see above). She first started painting when she retired and takes inspiration from animals and flowers. Jane enjoys using watercolours and she especially loves Florence where she was inspired by Luca Della Robbia's Cantoria with its beautiful carved relief panels of children singing, dancing and playing instruments. One of her favourite artists is Albrecht Durer because of his drawing ability which shows in his pictures of animals and prints.
Maggie Curtis
All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up. Picasso
Maggie grew up in a small village called Verwood and has lived in Damerham and Gussage St Michael before settling in nearby Winterbourne Whitechurch. After a very creative childhood, a range of careers (including making curtains and coaching gymnastics and trampolining) and also raising a family, Maggie has now returned to creativity after having to face a life changing illness. Maggie has been living with Parkinson's for well over 10 years now and she expresses how this has made her look at life very differently. Maggie tries to make every day matter; appreciating all the simple things that we all sometimes take for granted.
Maggie's illness has also taken her on an unexpected path, first studying for a two year Foundation course in Art and Design, which she loved, then taking the plunge to study for a Fine Art Degree; graduating in September 2019.
Much of Maggie's work is influenced by the changing seasons and the dramatic landscape and coast line that surrounds the area, along with the major themes of life, death and how our ancestors have shaped and left their mark upon the land. Maggie notes how her art work has changed considerably as she has learnt to channel her emotions and feelings into her work. Learning to let go and not feel worried about what goes down on paper, but rather to be free and expressive because this is when we can truly be ourselves and have the freedom to explore and try new things.
As an artist Maggie's aim is to create beautiful pieces that inspire and move others. To show within her work that like her, we should not be afraid to express our feelings and faults or to be different, but rather to explore, to experiment and be true to ourselves.
Some of Maggie's favourite artists are: Rachel Fooks, Ceilia Smith, Barbra Hepworth and David Nash.
Paul Battrick
Photographer – Milton Abbas
Paul only picked up a camera approximately 10 years ago and very soon realised he had little or no interest in cameras, lenses or F numbers of any kind, but knew beyond any doubt that he needed to create images; as he couldn’t wield a paintbrush, he would use his camera as a tool to that end.
Paul has only ever taken photos for his own satisfaction and to his surprise, they seemed to appeal to many other people! Although the pictures start in the eye, the creativity which he always strives endlessly for, comes from somewhere deep, deep inside. His friends call it fine art photography, but Paul thinks they are just really good friends!
Pauline Blackett McKay
I was born and raised in London and moved to Canada in my early twenties where I had my two children and lived for eight years. On returning to the UK I lived in a village in Oxfordshire and it was there, after a serious operation, that I started to paint to aid my recovery. At that time I mostly used watercolours.
Later in life I moved to the mountains in Andalusia in Spain where I lived for twelve years and probably painted most prolifically I also discovered an artist called Joaquin Sorolla (1863-1923) whose paintings I found inspirational and his house and paintings are now a museum in Madrid which I have visited a number of times.
While living in Andalusia a Spanish artist, Jose Miguel who had a studio locally was my inspiration and it was the most wonderful environment to be creative in. I also took up pottery and sculpting with a wonderful artist called Diego.
On returning to the UK a few years ago, for relaxation and fun I have enjoyed dabbling with different media and at the moment I am working with charcoal and ink and I am experimenting with pastels.
The Milton Abbas Art Group is a great place to be among other like minded, friendly people who enjoy Art of every form.
Nick Rees
Nicholas Rees was born in Newport, South Wales and studied Graphic Design and Photography at Newport College of Art. He has pursued a career in Technical Illustration and Graphics throughout his working life and says:
”I am an engineer with a paintbrush more than an artist.
I remember sketching and painting as a lad and later using a camera as a tool to back up my illustrations. I did not start painting seriously until the 1980s using acrylics, inks and air brush. I experimented with oils on moving to Pembrokeshire, attempting to capture the wild coastline on the canvas.
When coming to Milton Abbas on retirement in 2013 I joined the Art Group, where I created a series of oils of Milton Abbey. However I left the group when other hobbies took over. I have since rejoined the group as I feel the need to paint once more.”
Nick’s hobbies include playing with and maintaining old cars and trying to master the intricacies of the electric violin. Some of his favourite artists include: Joseph Turner, Pissarro, Ettore Bugatti and Jackson Browne.
Nick has exhibited in Wales and North Wiltshire.