Love Sheffield Artists website goes live.

Written by Donna Lowson

The Sheffield Artist Exhibition is a celebration of the vibrant and diverse art scene in the city of Sheffield. Showcasing the works of 20 local artists, the exhibition offers a dynamic and immersive platform for artists to express their unique visions and unleash their creativity. With a rich history and a thriving contemporary art scene, Sheffield has become a hub for artists to experiment, innovate, and share their creative visions.

The exhibition, Free and open to all, will take place from 26^th Oct - 16^th Nov at The Circle, 33 Rockingham Lane, Sheffield, with a launch party on the evening of the 26^th Oct, 5 – 8 pm. The gallery is a spacious, accessible, and beautifully curated gallery that provides the perfect backdrop for the artwork on display. The artists will work diligently to create an immersive experience for visitors, allowing them to explore the various artistic perspectives and themes presented by Sheffield's talented artists.

There will be a wide range of artistic mediums, reflecting the diversity and versatility of the local art community. Visitors can expect to encounter stunning paintings that showcase a mastery of colour, texture, and form. The exhibition will also feature thought-provoking sculptures, capturing the imagination with their intricate details and evocative concepts. Mixed media installations and photography add further dimensions to the collection, illustrating the artist’s approaches. Many themes and concepts will offer a glimpse into the artists' perspectives on various subjects. Some works explore nature and the environment, highlighting the beauty and fragility of our planet. Others tackle social and political issues, shedding light on important topics such as equality, identity, and activism. The artists' personal experiences and emotions are also evident, with pieces that evoke a sense of nostalgia, introspection, and human connection.

One of the primary goals of the Sheffield Artist Exhibition is to support and promote local artistic talent and to foster a sense of interaction between themselves, their work and their visitors. The exhibition serves as a platform to gain recognition, exposure and to showcase their latest creations, engaging with a broader audience. By highlighting the wealth of creativity within Sheffield, the exhibition aims to strengthen the local art community and encourage further artistic exploration.

Be sure to head over to their website and subscribe to keep updated as we delve deeper into what drives and motivates our Love Sheffield Artists.

Love Sheffield Artist Website

Over the next few weeks, we will introduce friends who have come together in our Love Sheffield Artists group to inspire and celebrate each other. Here we introduce our friend Barry Bartles.

Barry Bartles Artist Interview 

with Donna Lowson

Today we delve deeper into what drives and inspires our artist friend Barry Bartles.

Can you provide an overview of your artistic background and journey?

My artistic journey started when I was eleven. A set of oil paints for Xmas and an old book on oil painting given to me set me off on a lifelong love of painting.

What mediums do you primarily work with, and why did you choose them?

I have tried all mediums over the years. I like pastels for portraits but oils and, more recently, acrylics are the main ones. Acrylics can now be very similar to oils and dry quicker.

How would you describe your artistic style or approach?

My style is realism but not photo realism, as I still like my works to look like paintings. I respect hyperrealist artists but need more patience for weeks and months of intricate work.

Could you walk me through the conceptual process behind some of your notable works?

My concept is that I paint what I like. If I see something I like, I paint it, mainly from my photos, but often old black and white photos I find for nostalgic works. 

What themes or subjects inspire you the most?

Landscapes and buildings are my main topics but also some character studies. I have done a few animal portraits for friends as well.

Can you explain the techniques or methods you use to create your art?

My technique is simple. I begin with a rough outline in pencil and then start painting.

Do any specific art movements, artists, or historical periods influence your work?

I am influenced by JMW Turner, his use of light is fantastic, more recently by Jack Vetriano as I love the nostalgic deco studies, also the fact he was self-taught and disliked by the art establishment, he is copied a lot now, so I steer clear of doing similar themes.

How do you ensure that your artistic vision and style remain consistent across different projects?

I use the same methods throughout. 

Can you talk about any challenges you've faced during your artistic career and how you overcame them?

The only challenge I faced was a long break from artwork for several years due to work commitments.

What is your favourite piece in your portfolio, and what makes it special to you?

I don’t have one favourite. I have a couple that brings back memories of old Sheffield and a couple of steel working, as the light effects worked out well. 

Have you exhibited or sold your artwork before? If so, could you share some of those experiences?

Never exhibited, only works sold are to friends who asked me to paint their pets. 

Do you have any particular goals or aspirations for your artistic career?

At the age of 69, I don’t have any significant aspirations. I paint for pleasure, working in my conservatory or kitchen, which can be challenging. Therefore, I would like a well-lit spare room. 

What feedback or reactions have you received from viewers or clients in the past?

Most feedback is positive, as people recognise the places I paint.

How do you consistently stay motivated and inspired to create new art?

I paint when I am in the mood and relaxed. 

Can you talk about any ongoing or upcoming projects you're working on?

There is nothing in the pipeline; however, if I see something I want to paint, I’ll get on with it.

What role do experimentation and exploration play in your artistic process?

I enjoy experimenting with adding things to the paints to get either impasto, gloss, or high build.

Thanks Donna, for giving us this insight to our Love Sheffield Artists group - it’s so warming to hear how friends are coming together to celebrate and help each other in their creativity.

If you know an inspiring and creative Sheffielder you’d like to hear in conversation, please introduce us to them, we hope to bring many new stories to you in future editions.