John Hammond SWAc

Front Cover: Moored Together

John HammondJohn Hammond needs little introduction here at Montpellier Gallery. In recent years, he has developed a well deserved reputation as one of Britain’s finest artists working in acrylics. We are thrilled to be showing John’s latest collection of wonderfully captivating and memorable paintings, in what will be his seventh major solo exhibition with us.

In the lead up to one of John’s exhibitions, it is always fascinating to look through his sketchbooks to see the carefully considered compositional notes and fleeting colour references that are used for the finished works back at the studio. These sketches give a tantalising preview of what may be in store for a forthcoming exhibition, often showing his first ideas for paintings and their development, getting to the very soul of how John, as an artist, works.

On seeing his completed group of paintings for the first time, I am again struck and inspired by the sheer sense of light he manages to convey, using only subtly translucent layers of pigment - he is indeed ‘the painter of light’ as he is so often described. His compositions always suggest a keen observation, a wonderful understanding of colour and show his strength as a draughtsman who creates for the viewer a compelling environment in the finished work, often as fresh and as captivating as John’s first experience on seeing his subject.

For this exhibition, themes include: Stratford-upon-Avon, a magical suite of Venetian paintings and several bucolic countryside and winding river scenes. All are given John’s slightly impressionistic touch, conveying a sensitivity that creates that special sense of place and light that typifies his work.

We welcome you to the Montpellier Gallery and invite you to lose yourself amongst this compelling body of work by this celebrated artist.

Peter Burridge, Montpellier Gallery

All paintings are available to view at www.montpelliergallery.com and may be purchased upon receipt of this catalogue by contacting Montpellier Gallery - 01789 261161. Prices range from £950 - £4150.

( 3 )

Autumn Breeze, Holy Trinity61 x 60 cm

( 4 )

Swans on the Avon62 x 61 cm

( 5 )

Stratford Gold40 x 45 cm

( 6 )

Bright Water30 x 40 cm

( 7 )

Trinity Light40 x 30 cm

( 8 )

Long Shadows, Holy Trinity30 x 26 cm

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At the Garrick30 x 40 cm

( 10 )

Spring Light, Holy Trinity55 x 55 cm

( 11 )

Sun and Showers, Stratford38 x 30 cm

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Stratford Pleasures60 x 61 cm

( 13 )

Yellow Shade, San Stefano, Venice35 x 45 cm

( 14 )

Sun Soaked Facades60 x 60 cm

( 15 )

Gondolier Turning70 x 60 cm

( 16 )

Lavender Sky34 x 40 cm

( 17 )

Canal of Light36 x 30 cm

( 18 )

Light Lunch, Venice33 x 39 cm

( 19 )

Full Sun, Santa Maria della Salute50 x 42 cm

( 20 )

Caught in Sunlight60 x 70 cm

( 21 )

Crossing the Lagoon60 x 80 cm

( 22 )

Parasol30 x 36 cm

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Away from the Crowds60 x 52 cm

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Return to Rialto70 x 60 cm

( 25 )

Brilliant Light, Welcome Shade30 x 30 cm

( 26 )

Beneath the Colonnade, San Marco52 x 60 cm

( 27 )

Gold30 x 30 cm

( 28 )

The Glory of the Piazza90 x 80 cm

( 29 )

Dawning Light, Winter70 x 55 cm

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First Day in the Meadows35 x 45 cm

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River Pasture60 x 72 cm

( 32 )

Shady Bank50 x 40 cm

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River Glade60 x 70 cm

( 34 )

Meadow Grazing40 x 50 cm

( 35 )

Poppy Walk52 x 60 cm

( 36 )

Dancing Light45 x 35 cm

( 37 )

Summer’s Reward26 x 32 cm

www.montpelliergallery.com

8 Chapel Street Stratford-upon-Avon Warwickshire CV37 6EP Telephone: 01789 261161 Cat: £5.00

Low Sun, Grand Canal26 x 30 cm