Painter Emma Dunbar was at the New Ashgate Gallery in Farnham for the opening of her joint exhibition with ceramicist Ken Eardley called Spring in the Gallery. 

She treated guests at the private viewing to a conversation about her work with New Ashgate Trust chair Norma Corkish.

Emma, who paints in Hampshire and Cornwall, said: “What excites me about making pictures is trying to capture the essence of a place, or a thing. I am not worried about visual accuracy. I am attracted to vivid colours and the decorative qualities in everyday objects.”

She gathers ingredients from her home, travels and the landscape, combining pattern and familiarity to create colourful and recognisable paintings. Her training as a printmaker is evident in the use of blocks of flat colour and the way she scratches through surfaces to reveal pre-laid colours underneath.

The colours and patterns of Ken Eardley’s decorative ceramics focus on brightening up any kitchen and interior.

They are striking, highly popular and come with a wonderful sense of humour, the designs being reminiscent of Scandinavian folk art.

This free exhibition runs until June 10 and is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10.30am to 5pm.