Notice: Watts Gallery Exhibit ‘Heartlands: Inspired by Our Landscape’

Published on: 18 Jan, 2022
Updated on: 19 Jan, 2022

Janina in the studio

By Alice Fowler

Guildford’s Janina Klein is one of eight talented local artists whose work, inspired by Surrey’s varied landscapes, is currently on show at Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village in Compton.

Heartlands: Inspired by Our Landscape celebrates our deepening connection with landscape and nature over successive lockdowns.

Janina, who lives in Merrow Common, has six pictures in the exhibition, four of them based on local walks taken through lockdown. “At the end of our road is Merrow Common, and our lockdown walk was across to Clandon,” Janina says.

Sunset after the Rain

“It was a moment caught in time. I didn’t paint so much then – at the time you’re so preoccupied with other thoughts and feelings. It’s coming out more now.”

Using watercolour backgrounds, then acrylic inks either drawn, or inked and sprayed, Janina’s featured works also include trees in the Chantries and a study of teasels.

Teasels

“I love trees, particularly trees that are on the edge: beginnings of forest, looking through to misty areas beyond. I actually prefer the winter because you can see the delicate shapes and character of the trees.

Expectations

“I’ve used my memory the most. Sometimes I take photos, sometimes I work from small sketches. It’s an impressionistic way of working.”

The exhibition at Watts Contemporary Gallery also features works by Diana Croft, Jennifer Jokhoo, Yeside Linney, Ruth Taylor, Grace Ellen, Jane Browne and Tania Busschau.

“Together we give eight different views, styles, mediums and techniques,” Janina says. “We’re all quite different. There are a couple of printmakers, one tapestry weaver. The exhibition is well worth a visit.”

Will she find new sources of inspiration now – hopefully – lockdowns are in the past? “I’m stuck on trees. There are quite large oak trees around me. I also want to find some lovely birch woods and interpret those.”

All works are for sale with prices starting from £200. Janina and fellow artist Ruth Taylor will be at the gallery for a Meet the Artist session on March 12, 11-1pm.

The exhibition continues until March 13, for further details see www.wattsgallery.org.uk