Art - Kate Penoyre

Monday morning and it's all change at the Chalk Gallery. I'm getting to know their three-weekly switchover routine quite well by now. Kate Penoyre is the latest of the gallery co-op to take over the featured artist slot, and when I arrive; her soft, moody landscapes are already in evidence. One large canvas dominates the space, entitled ‘Flooded Valley’. "This is the view from my studio", she tells me. "It used to be a milking parlour and the view outside overlooks the upper reaches of the Rother. I painted this one day when the river had completely flooded." There are several paintings of the same scene with slight variations in colour and tone, alongside snapshots of Sicily and the Camber Sand dunes. "I like to paint from life", Kate explains, "but they are not entirely realistic. I come away and work from memory and imagination". Back in her studio, Kate builds up layers of acrylic paints and adds or takes away colour and texture. "It's all very organic. I'm a big believer in the 'happy accident' moment."

I wonder how much her own mood affects her view of the landscapes. Most of the pictures in her display seem to be quite positive if the colours are anything to go by. Bright oranges are built up with tranquil yellows, greens and blues. "Yes, I definitely bring my own mood to the work, although mostly unconsciously. I went through a phase of painting really dark, shadowy pieces, though", she laughs, "My daughter started to get quite worried about me." ER