People’s Choice Award
Posted on Mar 06, 2024And the winner is…. With a record number of votes…….
Artist Jean Walker – for her painting ‘A Night in the Forest’
The People’s Choice Award, from our 73rd Annual Exhibition was sponsored by Fraser Wood Estate Agents. Director Steve presented the award at Fraser Woods offices on Lichfield Street, Walsall, it included a certificate for the People’s Choice Award, and a £50 voucher for Jackson’s Art Supplies, so Jean can stock up on paints and brushes.
Jean’s painting will feature on the front cover of Walsall Society of Artist catalogue for the 74th Annual Exhibition at the New Art Gallery Walsall. There will also be an engraving on the People’s Choice Award Shield to commemorate Jean’s award.
Jean’s fabulous painting of ‘A Night in the Forest’ many visitors commented on her painting, – ‘The detail in the trees makes it seem real. The wood looks endless and big. The house seems warm and welcoming. Thank you.’
‘A night in the forest’ by Jean Walker – ‘So pretty. Gives me a sense of nostalgia.’
“The one I like the best is ‘A night in the forest’ by Jean Walker because it is realistic and magical.”
‘A night in the forest’ by Jean Walker – “I loved this piece. The depth and colours were so mesmerising. Thank you to the creator and to the Walsall Gallery.”
Jean’s painting was so admired someone bought the painting during the Walsall Society of Artists 73rd Annual Exhibition, and is now being enjoyed in its new home.
Poem inspired by Jean’s painting ‘A Night in the Forest’
‘Promised Land’
By Sarah Battison
There’s comfort in the solitude.
The embrace of a blazing fire.
The comforting Arms of warm orange light.
The safety of being alone
Nestled in the quiet woods
Where the land snuggles under a blanket of snow.
Where hope can be found in the beacons of light between the trees.
Where Science and nature meet and wrap me in the arms of inspiration.
The cold – an icy chill that takes My breath away
And I lean closer into the embers of the burning fire
Cup in hand as I take a moment –
to reflect.
This is My Palace.
My soul .
This cottage is My soul.
Craving warmth amongst the fire that burns in lonely forests of my subconscious.
But sometimes loneliness isn’t bad.
I need it.
I desire it.
So i can take a moment to stare into the flickering flames of an open fire
And bask in the sunset orange glow of New beginnings.
Taking steps through unknown lands
Where eeriness is a welcome echo of the feeling I’ve felt all my life.
Where trees tower over me and remind me that there’s always something bigger to be found.
There may be loneliness amongst these woods.
There may be branches playing hide and seek under the snow waiting to trip me up
But this cottage is my soul.
And I welcome the darkness of my surroundings
And bask in the promising embers of this open fire.
This poem was read by Sarah in front of a large audience, at one of our Art Meets Poetry events held during the annual exhibition.
Posted by Jude Hanly
