A Cumbrian independent galleries is set to open a major summer exhibition celebrating the diversity of landscape painting, bringing together work from three of the county’s most acclaimed artists.
Castlegate House Gallery in Cockermouth will open Landscape next Friday July 18, featuring new work by Stefan Orlowski and Martin Greenland alongside six paintings by the late Sheila Fell RA.
Recognised by The Times as one of the top 10 must-visit galleries in the UK, Castlegate has brought together work from three artists whose careers span generations but are united by a shared connection to Cumbria and the landscapes that continue to inspire them.
The exhibition will include eight new paintings from Ulverston-based artist Orlowski, who featured on BBC Countryfile last December and has rapidly gained a national profile.
It will also feature eight works from Martin Greenland, winner of the prestigious John Moores Painting Prize in 2006, widely regarded as second only to the Turner Prize in British art.
Originally from Bowness-on-Windermere, Greenland is recognised nationally for creating landscapes inspired by place rather than direct depictions of it.
Alongside them will be work by Fell, one of Britain’s most celebrated post-war landscape painters, whose powerful interpretations of the county remain hugely influential today.
Both Greenland and Orlowski are also members of the Lake Artists Society, continuing Cumbria’s distinguished tradition of landscape painting.
Steve Swallow, of Castlegate House Gallery, said: “All three represent not just the best of Cumbrian artistic talent from this and the last century, but arguably some of the finest artistic talent from across the UK.
“Sheila Fell is arguably the greatest ever Cumbrian artist. Martin creates landscapes that transcend the traditional, while Stefan’s work has an energy that mirrors the landscapes he becomes immersed in.
“Cumbria is artistically famous for its landscape. With this exhibition, we wanted to show the many ways it can be interpreted and the artists who are inspired by it. This is the very best of British landscape art from the last century and this.”
Stefan added: “It is a pleasure to be a part of a multi-generational show as one of three British landscape painters spanning three phases in its history.
“The Cumbrian landscape has an enduring and singular presence. It is a land of rich and varied geology, a quietly magnificent working history, iconic architecture, and tempestuous weather.”
Landscape will run throughout the summer.
