ELLIE THOMAS AND SUSIE GILBERT -- FINDING A PLACE

SIXTEEN GALLERY | 25 SEPTEMBER -- 1 OCTOBER

Finding A Place is a collaboration between two artists with different and distinct styles. The exhibition delves into themes of place and identity, presenting landscapes that hold deep personal significance as well as figurative work that communicates the essence of character and personality.

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ABOUT THE ARTISTS

ELLIE THOMAS

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Landscapes are the main subject of Ellie's work.

Her intention is to convey a different ‘vision’ of a (sometimes very familiar) view, and she is passionate about creating eye catching pieces that connect with the viewer on an emotional level. Most paintings relate to her experiences of walking in the Cotswolds although she sometimes paints places that are further afield.

Within her work, Ellie is always careful to use a limited palette of harmonious colours that will usually convey a particular mood. Shape, form and pattern are also very important. She is often looking to ‘condense’ the big view, or to draw the viewer’s attention to prominent (and sometimes unremarkable) features, mainly work in acrylics since they provide opportunities for fast working and experimentation.

For this show, Ellie is also sharing a new series of figurative works and portraits. In this collection, she has focused on capturing those small, telling moments where emotion and personality come through. It’s about the way people behave, the way they connect. She uses colour quite instinctively, often to highlight a certain aspect of character or mood.

Ellie is a self-taught artist, whose love of painting was sparked by personal tragedy in 2016 at which time she started painting as a form of therapy. Since this time, she has developed and refined her practice — her work has become more stylised, using bold colour and simplified forms.

Alongside her work in acrylics, Ellie enjoys drawing in charcoal and soft pastels and runs regular ‘Pastel Workshops’ demonstrating her techniques.

Ellie has exhibited at several group exhibitions, and in various Gallery Spaces around the Cotswolds. She has been an exhibiting finalist within the Broadway Arts Festival Competition in both 2023 and 2024.

Currently you can find Ellie's work on display at Cotswold Art Company, Broadway, Abbey Galleries in Tewkesbury and at The Gallery, Pershore.

ELLIE'S PORTFOLIO

ELLIE'S WEBSITE

ELLIE'S INSTAGRAM

SUSIE GILBERT

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Finding A Place is Susie's third exhibition.

"The previous two were such positive experiences, particularly for propagating a feeling of connectedness and shared experience through the art on display."

Susie feels that transcending the turbulence of life is an art in itself. It is the reason she loves and paints wild spaces, raw landscapes, and intuitively seeks out quiet spaces. Her sanctuary is Leckhampton Hill and is a source of peace and much inspiration.

Susie's love for India has recently led her to a new body of work — colourful, vibrant depictions of Indian women that embody resilience, tradition, and harmony with the land. These women are not separate from the landscape but a part of it, reflecting a timeless relationship between people and place.

SUSIE'S INSTAGRAM