An exhibition to raise funds for the restoration of the English Church on Lake Como.
The exhibition features works by internationally recognized artists who were invited to visit Lake Como in April 2023 and create pieces inspired by the landscape, life, history, and music of the area.
Watercolour, 22 x 15 inches.
Click on image for full view.
“Lake Como is as close as one can get to paradise; as if one has walked into a Maxfield Parrish painting or a James Bond film set, and the lake and its neighbours have of course, served as settings for both.
The Villa Carlotta was a particular favourite of mine, or at least I thought so until I saw the Villa Balbianello: the balustrades with the view to the lake beyond are breath-taking, and a print resulted from that. But then again the ‘light soaked’ interiors of the Villa Carlotta with their exquisite Empire furniture still held my imagination. I couldn’t choose between four potential subjects so painted them all.”
Sculpture, Bronze resin on Jesmonite base, 32 × 28 × 28 cm.
“I was particularly impressed by the shape and geometry of the alpine mountains and the forces that created them. Very dramatic.”
Lester Korzilius
Acrylic on canvas, 90 x 40 cm
“I learned a great deal about the Lake at its environs, and have begun my work, a triptych which I hope will speak of past, present and future meeting. We expected Lake Como to be beautiful, but we found so much more because of its history and the way it provides for visitors and locals.
We too loved our time and conversations with fellow artists and the members of the congregation, and we appreciated spending time soaking up the hospitality offered in your homes, cars, boats and on the mountain top.”
Ray McInnes
Acrylic on canvas, 60 × 90 cm
“I learned a great deal about the Lake at its environs, and have begun my work, a triptych which I hope will speak of past, present and future meeting. We expected Lake Como to be beautiful, but we found so much more because of its history and the way it provides for visitors and locals.
We too loved our time and conversations with fellow artists and the members of the congregation, and we appreciated spending time soaking up the hospitality offered in your homes, cars, boats and on the mountain top.”
Ray McInnes
Acrylic on canvas, 84.1cm × 59.4 cm
“Lake Como
A breeze ripples within the pristine expanse of light,
Below this surface, the deeper recess of the lake endures,
And the network of caves in the surrounding mountains serve as hidden eyes,
That bear witness to both above and below.
Between this a myriad of trees and shrubs pleasure passing human attention
And the nearby church serves as a cipher to the play of both light and darkness,
Redistributing in turn time, expended and anticipated.
So, all is but rhythm,
Concentrated in one passage, intensified in the next.
The lake fixes its immobile gaze.
Retaining silent accord within its depth,
Unfathomable”
Jonathan Miles
Soft pastel and watercolour on panel, 94 x 75 cm
“It took a day or two to adjust from cold, dark rainy England to the intense colours and light and the overwhelmingly beautiful lake and mountains. I unexpectedly found my inspiration while waiting for a ferry; I happened to notice some steps down to the water’s edge from the pavement opposite the Anglican Church of the Ascension, to a disused underground boathouse. I paddled inside where in the darkness, sunlight was cast on the water and walls, mountains and water reflected through the small window apertures.
I went back on my own early one morning and visited the church at the same time, the light reflected on the walls creating arches of golden shadows and a sense of calm and stillness away from the busy street. Over the road, again, the boathouse had a similar light and stillness, a connection of time and place to the church.
I made studies from both and I’m working on two large paintings for the London show. The memories of the light and colours of Lake Como, fragments of wonderful conversations and the Bilacus choir will all be a part of the paintings.”
Nina Murdoch
Soft pastel and watercolour on panel, 94 x 75 cm
“It took a day or two to adjust from cold, dark rainy England to the intense colours and light and the overwhelmingly beautiful lake and mountains. I unexpectedly found my inspiration while waiting for a ferry; I happened to notice some steps down to the water’s edge from the pavement opposite the Anglican Church of the Ascension, to a disused underground boathouse. I paddled inside where in the darkness, sunlight was cast on the water and walls, mountains and water reflected through the small window apertures.
I went back on my own early one morning and visited the church at the same time, the light reflected on the walls creating arches of golden shadows and a sense of calm and stillness away from the busy street. Over the road, again, the boathouse had a similar light and stillness, a connection of time and place to the church.
I made studies from both and I’m working on two large paintings for the London show. The memories of the light and colours of Lake Como, fragments of wonderful conversations and the Bilacus choir will all be a part of the paintings.”
Nina Murdoch
Emulsion on Corduroy 46 × 66cm.
Signed Edition of 50.
Click on image for full view.
“Lake Como is as close as one can get to paradise; as if one has walked into a Maxfield Parrish painting or a James Bond film set, and the lake and its neighbours have of course, served as settings for both.
The Villa Carlotta was a particular favourite of mine, or at least I thought so until I saw the Villa Balbianello: the balustrades with the view to the lake beyond are breath-taking, and a print resulted from that. But then again the ‘light soaked’ interiors of the Villa Carlotta with their exquisite Empire furniture still held my imagination. I couldn’t choose between four potential subjects so painted them all.”
Mixed media on canvas, 50 × 120 cm.
Signed, limited edition (of 6) print.
Click on image for full length view.
“I love colour, sunshine and good food, so living in Italy makes sense for me! Florence was the obvious choice after art college at Central St. Martins. Then the lure of Lake Como!
Even if I have lived on Lake Como for 30 years, its beauty never ceases to inspire me. The seasons bring dramatic changes and it was brilliant to spend four days in Spring in Griante. Stunning blue skies offset an explosion of colour! I am privileged to be able to share my impressions in this exhibition.”
Irma Kennaway
Mixed media on canvas, 70 × 100 cm.
Signed, limited edition (of 6) print.
Click on image for full view.
“I love colour, sunshine and good food, so living in Italy makes sense for me! Florence was the obvious choice after art college at Central St. Martins. Then the lure of Lake Como!
Even if I have lived on Lake Como for 30 years, its beauty never ceases to inspire me. The seasons bring dramatic changes and it was brilliant to spend four days in Spring in Griante. Stunning blue skies offset an explosion of colour! I am privileged to be able to share my impressions in this exhibition.”
Irma Kennaway
Mixed media on canvas, 70 × 100 cm.
Signed, limited edition (of 6) print.
Click on image for full view.
“I love colour, sunshine and good food, so living in Italy makes sense for me! Florence was the obvious choice after art college at Central St. Martins. Then the lure of Lake Como!
Even if I have lived on Lake Como for 30 years, its beauty never ceases to inspire me. The seasons bring dramatic changes and it was brilliant to spend four days in Spring in Griante. Stunning blue skies offset an explosion of colour! I am privileged to be able to share my impressions in this exhibition.”
Irma Kennaway
Screen print with diamond dust and luminescent ink, 80 × 60 cm.
Limited Edition of 5.
Black and white photograph, 35 x 20 cm.
Limited edition of 10.
“Having never been to Como before, I was surprised at the sheer size and expanse of the lake. We were fortunate to be there in late April, with near perfect spring weather, and with vegetation and flowers in luxuriant bloom. Staying in Cadenabbia we were well away from the tourist throng.
We managed to cover so much during our four days there; the visits were really well planned, and our hosts so hospitable. The landscape and views are breathtaking, making one long to return.”
Sarah Quill
Two colour photographs, mounted on board, both 36 x 32 cm.
Limited edition of 10.
“Having never been to Como before, I was surprised at the sheer size and expanse of the lake. We were fortunate to be there in late April, with near perfect spring weather, and with vegetation and flowers in luxuriant bloom. Staying in Cadenabbia we were well away from the tourist throng.
We managed to cover so much during our four days there; the visits were really well planned, and our hosts so hospitable. The landscape and views are breathtaking, making one long to return.”
Sarah Quill
Colour photograph, 31 x 41 cm
Limited edition of 10.
“Having never been to Como before, I was surprised at the sheer size and expanse of the lake. We were fortunate to be there in late April, with near perfect spring weather, and with vegetation and flowers in luxuriant bloom. Staying in Cadenabbia we were well away from the tourist throng.
We managed to cover so much during our four days there; the visits were really well planned, and our hosts so hospitable. The landscape and views are breathtaking, making one long to return.”
Sarah Quill
Black and white photograph, 30 × 38 cm
Limited edition of 10.
“Having never been to Como before, I was surprised at the sheer size and expanse of the lake. We were fortunate to be there in late April, with near perfect spring weather, and with vegetation and flowers in luxuriant bloom. Staying in Cadenabbia we were well away from the tourist throng.
We managed to cover so much during our four days there; the visits were really well planned, and our hosts so hospitable. The landscape and views are breathtaking, making one long to return.”
Sarah Quill
Black and white photograph, 29 × 42 cm
Limited edition of 10
“Having never been to Como before, I was surprised at the sheer size and expanse of the lake. We were fortunate to be there in late April, with near perfect spring weather, and with vegetation and flowers in luxuriant bloom. Staying in Cadenabbia we were well away from the tourist throng.
We managed to cover so much during our four days there; the visits were really well planned, and our hosts so hospitable. The landscape and views are breathtaking, making one long to return.”
Sarah Quill
A short video showing the story of the 2023 Art Project for the Church of the Ascension in Cadenabbia, Lake Como
EXHIBITING ARTISTS
Jonathan Miles
Watercolour, 22 x 15 inches.
Click on image for full view.
Hugh Buchanan