SENSING PLACE. Bridport Arts 18 April- 6 June 2026

Frances painting — Do come along to this solo exhibition of ‘place palettes’, sketchbooks and paintings made along the Jurassic coastline over the last 20 years. Sensing Place focuses on creative practice and process as a plein air painter. The ‘place palettes’ (see installation below) involve found earths, clays, organic matter and man-made materials like litter. The palettes become portraits of place that inform paintings, large pieces are on show in the exhibition. Working outside and combining these found materials with water-based media, the weather – rain, snow, humidity, wind, sun – is able to participate in the shaping of the work. Infused with the geology of each place, traces of weather, circumstance and happenstance, the palettes and paintings are witness to and a record of time spent with the ever-changing Jurassic coast. This body of work contributes to the 25th anniversary year celebrations of its status as a World Heritage Site.

SENSING PLACE

The Jurassic Coast spans 155 km between Orcombe Point in East Devon to Old Harry Rocks in Dorset and displays 185 million years of Earth’s history. In 2001 the Jurassic Coast was awarded World Heritage Site Status. This year we mark the 25th Anniversary of inscribing the Jurassic Coast on the World Heritage List. ‘Sensing Place’ celebrates this remarkable ribbon of coastline.

DRAWING ON CHISWELL.14 May. 11-2 Portland. An extra workshop for those who missed out on securing a place on Sensing Place workshops (all fully booked): setting out from The Beehive Cafe (near Frances’ studio) All materials provided. Contact Frances for information.