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Local artist Louise Collis shares what inspires her as an artist living in Monmouthshire, as well as some of her favourite places across the county to paint, explore and enjoy.
[Louise Collis paints in Coed Y Bwnydd]
Tell us a bit about yourself as an artist and your artist studio?
I’ve been painting landscapes in oils for 16 years, usually en plein air, which means painting outdoors in front of the view. I love trying to capture the vibrant, fresh colours of the Welsh landscape.
After painting outdoors, I bring my work back to my studio in Abergavenny to finish, dry, frame and exhibit. My studio is open three days a week, and I love people popping in to chat about art and learn more about my painting process. Visitors can see my newest paintings on the drying shelves, as well as browse framed paintings, limited-edition prints and cards.
Abergavenny is also a wonderful town in which to run a business. There’s always an event or festival to get involved with, bringing new visitors to the town. And, being such a foodie destination, there’s always somewhere interesting to go for lunch!
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[Louise Collis Studio & Gallery in Abergavenny & one of her paintings]
Most Memorable Day painting in Monmouthshire?
During a heatwave last year, I painted at Castle Meadows in Abergavenny. I painted the wildflower meadow and the Blorenge whilst shaded from the sun under one of the trees. Lots of people stopped to chat, and it was a really lovely day doing what I love in beautiful Abergavenny.
Where in Monmouthshire have you painted on location?
I very much enjoy painting the three most prominent mountains around Abergavenny: Pen y Fal (Sugarloaf), Ysgyryd Fawr (Skirrid) and the Blorenge. They each have their own distinct shape and character. The colours change with the seasons, and they never fail to inspire.
I often find myself on the Blorenge, using it as a viewing platform for the other mountains and the Monmouthshire countryside. Along with the mountains, I also enjoy painting the Severn Estuary from Black Rock Picnic Site near Chepstow, painting the Severn bridges while listening to oystercatchers and curlews.
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[Louise Collis paintings of The Blorenge, Sugar Loaf and bluebell woods]
Top tips for visiting artists?
Bring plenty of art materials, or make sure you visit Abergavenny’s Art Shop, because you’ll find so much inspiration you’ll fill a sketchbook in no time! Take time to explore. The mountains, rivers, canal, woodlands and towns all make fantastic subjects.
Your Favourite place to eat?
It’s not a pub or restaurant (although there are many!), but one place I love visiting for food and drink is the monthly Abergavenny Street Food & Craft Night Market in the Market Hall. It’s held on the last Thursday of the month, except in December when it is usually held earlier. There’s always such a fantastic selection of street food to choose from, including local producers, and a great atmosphere.
Another current favourite is Tŷ Melin bakery in Abergavenny. Absolutely delicious patisserie, including delicious cinnamon buns!
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[Ty Melin Bakery in Abergavenny & Abergavenny Market Hall Street Food Market]
Your favourite places in Monmouthshire to visit just for fun?
I really enjoy walking along the canal towpaths. There’s always the chance of spotting a kingfisher, and the wildflowers in the summer are beautiful. A few years ago, my family hired a canal boat for the day from Goytre Wharf. We had great fun, even though my poor Dad managed to bump it a few times!
Off the beaten track?
Clydach Gorge and the remains of the old ironworks at Clydach Ironworks & Picnic Site are fascinating to explore, before following the Clydach River upstream to some beautiful waterfalls where you can watch dippers and dragonflies.
[Clydach Gorge & Clydach Ironworks photos by mwatkinsphotos & 5ftwalkabout]
Visit Louise Collis Studio & Gallery on 20 Monk Street, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5NP
Open every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 10am - 4.30pm & by appointment on any other day.
Special Christmas open hours during November & December- open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday. 10am - 4.30pm.
Related
Welsh Landscape Artist Studio & Gallery - Louise Collis is a Welsh Landscape painter with a love of colour and painting outdoors.
In the centre of Abergavenny, easily accessible from the town centre. Some 20 hectares of riverside meadow, next to the River Usk, with bordering trees, small copses, streams and ponds.
Enjoy stunning views over Monmouthshire and Abergavenny from the Skirrid Fawr (Big Skirrid), following a 2 hour (4 mile) circular route from the National Trust car park.
Black Rock Picnic Site is a picturesque picnic site on the banks of the river Severn between the two Severn Bridges.
A great evening of delicious street food and amazing crafts!
Explore the remains of Clydach Ironworks in the Blaenavon World Heritage Site, with parking and a picnic area on site.
We stock the very best artists’ materials and fine papers.
Tŷ Melin Bakery is an artisan bakery in the heart of Abergavenny, offering a tempting selection of freshly baked bread, pastries, cakes and sweet treats.
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