Rob Sweeney - Painting a day 366 (2020)
View more on arts.gg
We are delighted that Bailiwick estates have supported us in extending the exhibition at the George Crossan Gallery - Inner Market.
23rd March -12th May
Project Statement: Rob Sweeney - Painting a Day 2020 (366)
“The seeds of this present project were sown in 1999. At this point in time a lot of focus was on the millennium and like other people I felt like I wanted to create something to mark this point in time, but wanted it to be meaningful. After some consideration I decided the best way to do this for me personally was to attempt to capture the year where I was, in Guernsey, by producing a plein air painting every day at a different location on the island. Some days were easier than others, but the project as a whole taught me a lot about materials, my practice and self-discipline. The project seemed to really connect with people on and off the island. The collection of work was displayed at the Millennium Arts Centre, the Eisteddfod exhibition and St Pierre Park hotel. On New Year’s Eve 2009, we were on Lihou with a group of friends and it struck me that it had been 10 years since the millennium project. I thought carefully then decided to repeat the challenge, this time allowing myself the use of photographs for reference as and when needed each day. created a website and uploaded each days painting in order to reach a wider audience. Almost as soon as I had completed 2010’s challenge I had subconsciously decided that I would repeat the challenge in 2020. I intially thought I would use oils, but decided the logistics of watercolour would be easier to handle on a day to day basis. I also felt that there was much more to explore with this wonderful medium. Who could have foreseen on January 1st how this year would pan out? What the pandemic has shown me is how lucky we are to live on this special island. It has been really lovely to hear how my paintings of Guernsey have meant such a lot to people on and off island. This has been made possible through the use of facebook and Instagram. It is a privilege to live here and be amongst such a great community of people. Roll on 2030!!
ROB SWEENEY- GUERNSEY ARTIST.
I was born in 1970 and grew up in Liverpool until I was 18, when I left to study Illustration at Kingston Polytechnic in London in 1989. I have always had an interest in photography, sculpture and printmaking but focus mainly on painting in my own work using mainly acrylics, oils and watercolours.
I have exhibited my work at various galleries over the years in London and Guernsey and have gained commissions for a wide range of patrons both privately and commercially. Examples of my work can most extensively be seen locally at my studio by prior appointment or by viewing my website. The Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery also own a number of my works including several paintings of the old Gabriels shops that used to line Fountain Street.
I love to work from direct observation and use the landscape and people around me as a source of inspiration. I have a particular interest in the effects of light and I love to try and capture this in my work. Thank you for taking an interest in my work and please do not hesitate to get in touch,
Best wishes,
Rob Sweeney.
Email – robsweeney08@gmail.com
Website – www.zhibit.org/impressionsofguernsey
Instagram – bob_the_brush
Art Works
01.01.20 – Guernsey Airport.
An early drop to the airport for our son Richard to start work in the U.K. Quite poignant considering what was to come just a few months later.
05.03.20 – Castle Cornet.
An experiment with black quink ink and bleach. Depending on the diluton of the bleach you can create a whole range of warm tones.
08.01.20 – Recycling at Vazon.
A familiar morning routine for me on the way to work. I used to take our recycling to the Vazon car park and often see this chap emptying the carton bins.
3D Exhibition