Artist Talk
Mike Skidmore
30th May, Saturday 1-3pm
We’re delighted to welcome Mike Skidmore back for a second engaging and entertaining talk exploring his latest work, inspirations, and painting techniques.
Join us for another intimate journey into the world of Mike Skidmore, a master of contemporary still life whose paintings bring a fresh perspective to traditional subjects. Renowned for his striking depictions of birds set among weathered and characterful objects, Mike’s work captures the quiet poetry found where nature and the man-made meet.
In this new talk, Mike will share further insights into his evolving creative process — from searching out beautifully worn surfaces and intriguing artefacts to the careful techniques he uses to create texture, atmosphere, and remarkable realism. He will discuss recent paintings, the stories behind his chosen subjects, and how he builds narrative and emotion within each composition.
Whether you are an artist, a bird enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates beautifully crafted work, this promises to be an inspiring and enjoyable evening filled with humour, insight, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into Mike’s studio practice.
Mike works from his studio near the river in Ross-on-Wye, where long walks often spark ideas for new paintings. He has exhibited nationwide, and his work is collected widely throughout the UK and the United States.
Artist Talk
Lynne Riding
13th June, Saturday 1-3pm
Through her intuitive use of line and texture, Lynne transforms landscapes into poetic reflections of memory, emotion, and experience.
Her paintings move beyond place alone, capturing something deeply human — a quiet dialogue between feeling, wonder, and the natural world, expressed through each deliberate and sensitive brushstroke or mark.
A childhood spent in Mid Wales instilled, a love of landscape and certain awe for the power and fluctuations of the elements. As an inveterate traveler of both land and sea, she draws on these experiences in her work. Many of the physical and mental experiences from her past sailing and competitive windsurfing experiences, together with memories of hiking in the hills of home, to current daily walking, find their way into her work.
Initially a representational artist, her work was originally concerned with both the landscape and the figure, the two combining at times. During 2002 Riding’s work took a turn, this due to the wish to instil more inner depth and felt meaning to each piece, and so, her focus turned to abstraction.
Previous Events
Private View
The Third Collection
27th May, Wednesday 6:30 - 8:30pm
Join us for drinks and nibbles as we introduce our 3rd group exhibition.
Introducing new artists and photographers as well as our resident artists, The Third Collection features an inspiring collection of paintings and photography, exploring a rich diversity of styles, techniques, and artistic expression.
Artist Demo
Kelvin Okafor: Demonstration with Q&A
2nd May, Saturday 11am-2pm
Discover the secrets behind Kelvin’s hyper-realistic pencil drawings. Kelvin begins by drawing in sections/stages. After meeting and/or studying a subject, he visually dissects each facial feature - he studies each individual element, then puts them back together like pieces in a puzzle. He never starts a portrait until he can see it finished in his mind
During this 3 hour session, Kelvin will demonstrate numerous techniques he uses for achieving the incredibly life-like portraits that have become his signature style. He will share his list of favourite materials and answer your questions throughout the demonstration.
Artist Talk
Kelvin Okafor: One Artist’s Journey
1st May, Friday 5:30 - 7:30pm
Kelvin & Beecher’s owners, Rochelle and Kathryn, first met in 2013. At the time, Kathryn was the founder of the Cork Street Open Exhibitions in Mayfair. That January, Kelvin’s work was selected for the exhibition, where he went on to win his third award. A BBC interview filmed at the gallery sparked a sudden surge of attention, both in the UK and internationally.
Almost overnight, Kelvin’s life changed. Media appearances, celebrity interest, and a wave of commissions followed, alongside gallery representation and a solo exhibition in Mayfair. Throughout this remarkable period, Kathryn remained not only a close friend but also Kelvin’s business manager.
While many artists dream of achieving such recognition, few reach the heights they aspire to. Through it all, Kelvin has remained humble and deeply connected to his original calling. This evening offers a unique opportunity to ask questions, hear about his journey, and spend time with an extraordinary artist in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
Artist In Action
Kelvin Okafor: Drawing in the Gallery
29th, 30th April & 1st May (Wed-Fri) 1-3pm
Working exclusively in graphite and charcoal, Okafor is renowned for his extraordinary precision and photo-realistic style—his works often mistaken for photographs. Each portrait, some taking up to 500 hours to complete, captures not just a visual likeness but an emotional truth, paying tribute to the subject’s story, strength, and spirit.
During the first days of his solo exhibition, Kelvin will be drawing in the gallery. This is your chance to see the artist at work, ask questions about his process, or just to marvel at the way he renders his subject with skill and precision.
Private View
Kelvin Okafor: Drawing Awareness
28th April, Tuesday 6:30 - 8:30pm
Join us for drinks and nibbles as we introduce our 2nd solo exhibition, Kelvin Okafor: Drawing Awareness.
Themes of acceptance and inclusion are woven throughout the exhibition, not only through the artworks themselves but also through accompanying personal narratives. Each sitter shares their story, challenging societal perceptions and confronting narrow beauty standards. In doing so, Drawing Awareness becomes more than an exhibition—it is a movement advocating for compassion, representation, and meaningful connection in an image-driven world.
Artist Talk
Mike Skidmore: The Story Behind the Subject
Saturday, 18th April 1-3pm
Join us for an intimate look into the world of Mike Skidmore, a master of contemporary still life whose work breathes new life into the traditional. Known for his uncanny ability to capture the fragile beauty of birds paired with weathered, storied objects, Mike explores the intersection of nature and the man-made.
In this talk, Mike will pull back the curtain on his creative process—from the "hunt" for unique, character-filled surfaces to the meticulous techniques he uses to render feathers and form. He will share the narratives behind his most iconic pieces, discussing why he chooses specific subjects and how he creates a sense of history and atmosphere in every frame.
Whether you are an aspiring painter, a bird lover, or an art enthusiast, come discover how Mike transforms everyday objects into poignant, realistic stages for his avian subjects.
Mike works from his studio near the river in Ross-on-Wye, which is perfect for taking a walk to ponder ideas for new paintings. He has exhibited nationwide, and his paintings are collected primarily in the UK and the US.