Review
Introductions to Fosse Gallery Shows:
Leon Suddaby, September 2007:
I have met Lucy Pratt on three occasions. First at the Fosse Gallery and twice at her studio to view this collection of paintings in the exhibition.
On arriving I was immediately aware I was in the presence of someone has an enormous zest for life. Almost as if there was no moment to lose.
As I stood I was surrounded by images of pure happiness and joy. Whether it was painting of a wedding, a few boats pulled up on the beach or
a harbour scene – even winter scene with skaters – they were all full of people going about their everyday lives, children playing – everyone
enjoying themselves. All are images that caught the eye of the artist and have been recorded as moment of pure pleasure and delight. Her palette
and fervour with which Lucy has applied herself to each painting shows a person whose cup of life is always more than half full and has the total
ability to transpose those feelings onto canvas in a direct and uncomplicated manner. Too often for the artist is it easy to overwork a painting
and try and maximise its impact to the viewer. Here the artist has done just enough to capture and complete her statement and to give it the
high impact it was designed to have.
A generous application of paint with bright summery colours convey the pure joy of each image and give work an almost sculptural effect,
such is the strength of the work.
It is interesting to note that in all Lucy's works the images of people shown are constantly moving and enjoying themselves. Children playing,
youngsters dancing, even the wedding shows slightly comical side. All however are showing that normal things in life are fun if only you approach
it in the right way.
