NOW entering its second half century, Tavistock Group of Artists put on a fine show in the town hall to mark its 51st anniversary last week. More than 40 artists displayed their work ? some newcomers, and others, regular exhibitors with the group. With a total of almost 300 paintings, viewers were treated to a broad spectrum of subjects and styles. The group is always keen to encourage newcomers. Gaylies Gibson was a welcome addition with her striking ?Lavender Field, Provence? ? you could almost inhale the perfume as hazy rows of purple drew the eye into the distance. Some artists enjoyed pitting their creative talents against challenging lighting. Mary Gage?s ?Exmoor Pony? captured the essence of a gilded evening, while the engaging coastal images of Pat Bates gave the fleeting patches of sun and shadow of ?Towards Rinsey Head? and the high summer sea-sparkle of ?Prussia Cove?. The mixed media of Jan Marks celebrated the ultramarine and azure of the Isles of Scilly while Jane Leitch ran the gamut of seasonal elements in her excellent set of vibrant pastel compositions. Ian Pethers, who has just been elected a full member of the Royal Miniature Society, submitted a diverse range of styles from intricate miniatures to large strong oils. ?The Tamar Valley and Plymouth Sound? was a dramatic canvas of rolling backlit fields with a shimmer of glimpsed river and distant sea. By complete contrast was his sensuous and exquisitely detailed watercolour ?Figurine and Paperweight?. RIGHT: Ian Pethers and fellow exhibitor Sue Ward. Picture by James Bird
