Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

Backstage: Prints and drawing by John Vivian Roberts An exhibition of prints and drawings by painter and printmaker John Vivian Roberts (1923-2003) opened at Aberystwyth University School of Art Gallery today (Monday, 10 October). Roberts was born in Tredegar, Gwent. He studied at Cardiff School of Art (1939-42), and attended the Royal College of Art (1947-51) where he studied printmaking, at first under Robert Austin (etching and engraving) and then Edwin la Dell (lithography). It was whilst Roberts was at the Royal College of Art that he visited backstage at Bertram Mills Circus in Earl’s Court in 1948. He could not have foreseen that the experience would give his work immediate purpose and direction, and that he would find a subject to engage him for the next five decades. From pencil drawings made in a small hardback sketchbook, he developed characters and compositions that he would revisit time and again, fulfilling an enduring fascination with the costume and ritual of circus...

Popular Carmarthen artist Mark Cox will be exhibiting his latest works (including this view of Tenby, above) at Aberglasney's Mansion House between July 3 and 16. Mark is a frequent visitor to Aberglasney House and Gardens in the picturesque Tywi Valley and holds regular exhibitions at the Mansion House. Mark is a traditional painter who values the skills and techniques that can only come with years of study and experience. Mark draws his inspiration from the landscape of south and west Wales and enjoys working in both oil and watercolours, producing landscapes, seascapes and coastal scenes. Mark is passionate about painting and is fortunate to live in an area of natural outstanding beauty where there is a new subject waiting to be captured on canvas around every corner. Mark's own website describes him as 'an eclectic artist who enjoys working on a variety of subjects, producing landscapes, marine and coastal paintings'. He works in both oils and watercolours...