An Evening at Chelsea art Society 76th Annual Exhibition

We had the greatest pleasure in attending the Chelsea Arts Society private preview party last night, kindly hosted by Lord Cadogan. Two immediate things stood out…actually, make that three.

Firstly, the quality of the work! It really was rammed full of very beautiful paintings indeed. There were all types of genres and styles, as well as varied subjects and thought provoking styles.

Secondly, I genuinely thought the pricing was very realistic, generous and sensible. Pricing artworks is not easy, even when you are a dealer and know what they cost to buy. But for artists, I can only imagine it is exceedingly difficult as to where to pitch ones wares. Well done all there; some really sensible prices – which did on the night translate into red dots!

Thirdly and not least…. framing. I have, over the years, wandered around countless art shows in town halls, village halls, church halls and just plain old halls, where the standard of frames selected by artists really did let a great painting down. I do get it…investing in a frame for an artist is a large expense to pay upfront, with no certainty of getting that investment back. But, the right frame it exactly that – an investment. It shows how great your painting does look – as we all know much the right frame can make or break a painting. It also says that you the artist believe in the painting and want to show it at its best. More importantly, it also shows how the painting could look in the buyers home – on their wall.

One of Max White’s beautiful paintings. Titled ‘Albert Bridge, Hazy Morning’. To discover more of his stunning works, visit https://maxwhiteartist.co.uk

There were so many favourite paintings to highlight. Loved the works by Max White, especially a hauntingly beautiful oil of the Thames with Albert Bridge behind. It had an achingly powerful melancholic feel to it that was hard to walk away from. It was great to meet Max and all the artists in person. A reminder perhaps in the digital world we all live in, that a real person actually really stood behind the canvas holding a brush…

Well done Chelsea Arts Society on putting on this amazing annual event. Long may it continue…