Linda Benton
01235 817891
News
Launching Soon
Didcot’s Oaks (and other notable trees)
It’s been wonderful to have the opportunity to illustrate an anthology of poetry on the theme of Didcot’s Oaks, not to mention the other notable trees. The words and trees have inspired me, and I’ve had the freedom to work in different media and sizes.
The book is sponsored by the Poets’ Trail project which is funded by a legacy kindly left by East Hagbourne poet,Roger Phipps, and it will be launched at the beginning of Artweeks.
It feels very timely to highlight our mature trees, because there ate large new housing developments under construction around Didcot and care needs to be taken to protect and respect the trees. The Didcot area is renowned for the number of magnificent mature oaks that have survived.
The illustrations are a mixture of representative portraits of trees and more imaginative interpretations suggested by the words.The poems have been written by local people, some serious writers and some just moved to have a go. Roger was a great one for encouraging people to be confident enough to try putting pen to paper.
Most of my work is fairly detailed. I use watercolour, ink line, pencil and oil paint. I enjoy including little surprises … a snail, a bird, a butterfly … that you may not see at first glance. Local trees have been endlessly inspiring in all seasons of the year. This area has always offered me plenty of subject matter for my artwork.
Over the years The Poets’ Trail has produced a number of illustrated anthologies, so in the exhibition there are also pictures from The Four Seasons and Green Theme.
Green Theme Anthology
The photo was taken at the very successful launch event. Poems and cakes were warmly received.
The book is on sale at East Hagbourne Village Shop and at Cornerstone in Didcot at £5 or by using the contact tab.
The Four Seasons Book.
This is an anthology of poems by local people and fully illustrated by me. It includes the Poets Trail map and 36 pages of poems and pictures. It is available from East Hagbourne Post Office shop and in Cornerstone and makes an ideal gift at £5.
Ark at the Pub.
The pub in question is the Fleur de Lys in East Hagbourne. My dog Poppy is beside Floyd the pub dog. Limited edition prints are now available at the pub, at The Framing Studio in Didcot, and from myself. Prices start from £60 for an unframed print.
Oxford
This jigsaw was produced for Gibsons showing many of the famous buildings and stories of central Oxford. The puzzle can be bought direct from me.
Limited edition prints of Oxford and Woodstock are now available either framed or unframed from £120.
Rural Retreat
Ravensburger puzzles commissioned me to paint a typical Oxfordshire Village, so I’ve pieced together Harwell church, the George and Dragon in Upton, cottages from Blewbury and East Hagbourne, West Hagbourne pond, and stables from Aston Tirrold and Wittenham Clumps. This picture is also available as greetings cards from Cornerstone in Didcot, Savages in Blewbury, and the East Hagbourne Community Shop.
Toby
As a more recent dog owner, I am now meeting lots of lovely dogs when out walking. Here’s one of them, Toby the Alsation, a very handsome boy. His portrait is an ink line and watercolour. He posed while I took a set of photographs which I could work from.
