For much of the two years or so in which we have been showing Carruthers's work, seascapes have been the predominant theme of his work -- a theme that has proved extremely popular. Recently, however, the balance has altered and there has been an ever-increasing number of landscape paintings in Colin's portfolio.

It was when he first showed me the landscapes last year that I felt that it would be interesting to see his treatment of the Test Valley and I asked him if he would incorporate such paintings in the solo exhibition which we had planned for this spring. The prospect excited him and he has produced quite a number of paintings of Stockbridge and its environs to sit alongside his better-known seascapes and other landscapes.

I think that they work remarkably well and he has, for example, caught the atmosphere of the High Street, the quaintness of Stokes's garage and the ambience of the Peat Spade brilliantly.
Equally, views from Danebury Ring and of the Test seem to capture everything Hampshire.

Set in contrast with the hard, untamed coastlines of Western Scotland, the work in this exhibition demonstrates the versatility of an artist who continues to grow in confidence and stature. If you are looking for pretty, twee paintings this is not the show for you -- but, then again, you're probably not on our mailing list!

Ian Courcoux

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