Welsh artist and painter Osian Gwent writes about his practice and experiences.
Osian Gwent is a full-time professional artist living in mid-Wales. More information can be found at his website osiangwent.com
Winter Afternoon 60cm x 60cm oil on board copyright © Osian Gwent 2019. Link to the video
Coronavirus COVID-19 Gallery Guidelines
Art by Osian has reopened its doors to the public. We are proactively implementing Coronavirus COVID-19 Gallery Guidelines for visiting the gallery. We shall adhere to the Government’s Guidance and The Arts Council of Wales recommendations. This is to facilitate social distancing and ensure the safety of our visitors and staff.
The team will be maintaining social distancing measures with colleagues, friends and visitors.
We look forward to safely welcoming you back to Art by Osian.
WHAT WE ARE DOING
Putting Hand Gels at entry + exit doors
Changing our work routines and opening times to keep our staff and you safe
Running an appointment service so you can see the gallery /come to the shop alone
Introducing a collection service so you can see and buy safely (and a delivery service for smaller items)
Introducing a flow system
Re-organising our stock and shop so you can keep safe and keep your distance
Limiting the number of people in the space at any one time
Allowing you to pack your own purchases if you prefer
Washing our hands regularly
Not coming in if we have symptoms
Social Distancing
Providing our staff with masks, gloves and personal safety materials
Increasing our cleaning schedules
WHAT WE ASK YOU TO DO
Stay away if you have a cough, fever or have lost your sense of taste or smell
Keep your distance
Respect our staff
Use the hand gel on your way in
Pay by card only
Try not to touch the stock unless you are buying
Don’t sit on the chairs or sofas
Try to shop alone if possible
Look after children
Further information and guidance about our procedures here at osiangwent.com.
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
A 17.5ft x 8ft Llanidloes mural has recently appeared in a community garden belonging to Compton’s Yard Trust. The work features well-known landmarks and various individuals local to the Llanidloes area. The main emphasis pays tribute to all essential workers including the local postie who went on his rounds dressed in disguise as spiderman.
The mural has been painted by international artist Osian Gwent. Osian was approached by the owner of the Great Oak Cafe, Scott Ottewill, with the initial idea to say thank you to the NHS. On completion of the work, Mr Ottewill said, “Having had this idea back in March, to replace the previous poignant piece of art that Osian Gwent created for Remembrance Sunday 2019, how I imagined the finished image to look and what we see before us today, hold no comparisons”.
Osian Gwent has represented all parts of lockdown life, not just in Llanidloes but nationwide – from the farmers continuing to work in the fields providing our food, the bin men, retailers and posties dressing up, the emergency services on the frontline, the soldiers building hospitals and testing stations and of course Captain Tom, but also back in time to John Wesley preaching at the stone by the market hall, to the places we treasure & dearly miss visiting like Clywedog Dam.
“Each day Osian has posted time-lapse video clips of his latest progress to our staff messaging group and we’ve really looked forward to watching the scene unfold; appreciating each new detail and wondering at such talent”.
“I certainly didn’t expect the detailed masterpiece that is now the centrepiece of our special café garden and I sincerely hope many people will be able to come and sit in the garden of the GOC and admire this incredibly beautiful piece of art, once lockdown is over” Mr Ottewil added.
Osian’s gallery, ‘Art by Osian’, was closed due to lock-down. “I gave my time free of charge, as this was the perfect opportunity for me to honour and give thanks to all our essential workers, who are going above and beyond at this time. It’s all about them” Osian said.
Osian began painting the mural on April 15th and completed it on June 2nd. In all, it took 127 hours to paint from start to finish.
“I have truly enjoyed painting this mural,” said Osian. “I have included certain things that only locals would get. It’s bold and colourful with defined lines. It is like a gigantic colouring book with juxtaposed angles of perspective! My favourite character has to be Vicky the dinosaur, who brought a huge smile to all our faces during lock-down”.
Co-managers of the Great Oak Cafe Gail Bell and Robert Plumbley said, “The mural depicts everything that our community is about and enhances the beautiful gardens for all our customers to enjoy for years to come”.
The MCMA staff was asked to pick their favourite piece of art in their own personal “Permanent Collections” to share with you. Rachel Tunnicliffe, Manager of External Affairs, chose “Cambrian Mountains” (2019), an oil on canvas painting by Osian Gwent.
