Brilliant Brushstrokes
‘Brilliant Brushstrokes’ exhibits wonderful Paintings which epitomise Great British Art. They brighten up our days and make us smile.
22/11/2023
Christmas Art!! THIS WEEKEND!!
I am displaying many and varied paintings at the
Windsor Art Fair, at the Royal Windsor Racecourse
Over the days 24th to 26th November
Friday 24th November 6pm - 9pm Private View - let me know if you would like to come by email.
Saturday 25th November 10am - 5pm
Sunday 26th November 10am- 5pm
This Contemporary Art Fair will show a variety of paintings oil traditional cultural, animals and birds, landscapes and seascapes and maybe even the King will be there!
Do come along. (There is also wine and gin tasting!)
06/08/2023
Danico, with the painting he loved most at my recent exhibition, no in pride of place in his home!
My most recent portrait, Martina, commissioned by Rupert Stratton.
02/04/2023
Commissioning a Painting!
Best thing to do is treat yourself (or the person you want painted) as a model:
Get your hair done the way you want it;
Dress in the clothes that you want the painting to show;
Find the location you want as a background (if you want a background)
And then have some photographs taken (I can travel and take the pictures and sketch, but then you end up paying my travel costs etc which May amount to quite a lot of money!)
Select the one with the loom, pose, expression that you like best and want to be imortalised.
Then it becomes YOUR PAINTING….depicting what YOU want, rather than my second-guessing what I think you would like most.
Email me at [email protected] with your ideas
And then we can have a chat about it.
John Cleese on Instagram: "Happy Belated Birthday to the Youngest Python from the Oldest Python - Who’s next ?" 249 Likes, 7 Comments - John Cleese () on Instagram: "Happy Belated Birthday to the Youngest Python from the Oldest Python - Who’s next ?"
New Exhibition of Paintings at the Blackbird, Chapel Row! On sale from the Opening tomorrow!
25/03/2023
Brilliant Brushstrokes - joys of being British Exhibition (take 2!)
www.brilliantbrushstrokes.co.uk
It was so moving a lovely to be grabbed by this couple, looking at my art. Quite genuine in his statement, because he did she’s criticism harshly is he does not like anything, he told me. “I have been coming to this gallery for 25 years, to every show they have put on, and this is the best art I have ever seen here”. High praise indeed. I am still shaking with the unexpected praise.
My exhibition ‘Brilliant Brushstrokes- the Joys of being British!’ Is on at the prestigious Mall Galleries, between Buckingham Palace and Admiralty Arch, today and tomorrow. Do come and have a look.
If you can’t come and see the pictures now, have a look online www.brilliantbrushstrokes.co.uk and use the filter to select ‘paintings’ (as opposed to prints).
09/03/2023
A good twenty minutes, by our reckoning, which is pretty amazing for Radio. Sarah Walker, who interviewed me, usually has five minute blasts from those she interviews!!
By wife even says I sound sexy, so perhaps a second career, moonlighting, as a radio DJ?
Starts at around 9 minutes past ten and heading through 10.30.
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A good twenty minutes, on re-listening, starting at around 9 minutes past ten and heading through 10.30.
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Bill Buckley - (09/03/2023) - BBC Sounds
bbc.co.uk
08/03/2023
Finally…fame has reached Scotland, and into the pages of the prestigious readership of the East Lothian Courier! Really quite a good article! Worth chortling over while you have a cup of coffee!
'Being British' artwork at heart of new exhibition NATIONAL identity is at the heart of an East Lothian artist’s exhibition opening in London next week.
04/03/2023
104.1 FM 10 am to 10.30 on 9th March!
That’s my BBC radio Berkshire interview with Sarah Walker.
It’s only a week until my Exhibition now! I do hope you are all coming! Monday 13th to Saturday 18th at the Mall Galleries, St. James’s, London (the Mall Galleries are at the Admiralty Arch end of the Mall, opposite St James Park).
The Evening do’s are on Wednesday 15th, Thursday 16th and Friday 17th March from 6pm. Be lovely to see you!
A whole new magazine article!
Artist’s corner
Clementine Rees Brown speaks to Francis Salvesen about his upcoming exhibition.
This month sees the launch of a new art exhibition in London, themed ‘The joys of being British’. The collection of work features a wide range of subjects, from native wildlife and landscapes to portraits – one of which, Floreas Britannia, depicts a nurse. I spoke
to the piece’s creator, Francis Salvesen, on the welcome tribute to one of the nursing professions, and why he felt it was important to have them represented in his latest exhibition.
Francis, thank you for taking the time to speak with me. When did your interest in art first begin?
FS: I have always made art, from a very early age at school. I used to leave the latch of one of the windows of the art block open so that on weekends and evenings I could sneak in and paint! Since then, I have always painted for friends and family, giving the work as gifts for significant birthdays and events. We weren’t really taught art as much in school, it was always viewed as a ‘great hobby’ to have by my parents. It was never considered a potential career, but it eventually became one of my greatest passions.
I started doing more and more painting when I was working on designs in telecoms, and I would have days between meetings when I would be waiting for the technical designs to be figured out. Art started to fill my time more when I was waiting for them to get back to me. The more I painted, the more acquaintances and artists I knew were encouraging me saying, “You should really do this professionally!”.
I ummed and ahhed about it and talked it
through with my wife who was wonderfully supportive. Then of course Covid hit, and it gave me the time to build a good amount of work for an exhibition. The pandemic didn’t affect my output (except that we had to incorporate home-schooling into our routine). I’m lucky that I live in the countryside where there is a lot of light and
space, so there was never a shortage of landscapes or inspiration to paint.
How do you go about deciding
what to paint?
FS: I draw on a whole range of subjects. I’m always on the lookout when I am driving in
my car, if I see a particularly lovely cloud formation or landscape I will get out and look at/ photograph it. You have to be
an opportunist! It is so important to be
there at the right moment to capture the perfect light or a specific time of day. I have painted enough portraits of people now to understand it is vital to be specific about what people want, much like a photoshoot. Exactly the right hairstyle, clothes, or background need to be chosen, or it won’t be an honest representation of who they are.
One of your latest portraits is Floreas Britannia, a nurse, which is going on display in March, can you tell us about the theme of that exhibition?
FS: The theme of the exhibition is ‘The joys of being British’, and a great deal of the inspiration for that came out of Brexit. There was a wave of questioning during Brexit around personal and national identity in
the UK, and I wanted to explore: what does
it mean to be British? What makes British identity different from any other nation? After researching, I found that there were a lot of traditions still being honoured here in Britain that are not found anywhere else in the world, and many of those had never been captured in a painting! Cheese rolling in Gloucester is an old tradition that continues to this day, but no one had ever painted it! There were some that had truly stood the test of time and are still enjoyed today, and
I found that they captured something quite unique and special about British life.
It is interesting you chose to cover/celebrate things which often don’t get the attention or respect they deserve. What was it that made you decide to focus on a nurse, rather than any other member of the healthcare team?
FS: Although the NHS is relatively recent
in Britain’s history, it is a deeply important institution and one that the British people care deeply about and hope they will not lose. I wanted to paint something for the NHS from that perspective originally. One evening I had a friend over who had been in and out of the hospital, and we discussed just how much the NHS had done for him (and his family), and how grateful they were for all the care they had received from healthcare professionals of all kinds. We decided it would be a great gesture to give a gift to the NHS, to thank the doctors and nurses and show them how much they meant in British people’s lives, especially after the pandemic.
I thought about this well and hard, and thought the best show of appreciation I could make would be to gift a painting, have some prints developed of the piece and then donate the funds back into the NHS as a ‘thank you’. It was also curious to see just how much enthusiasm there was for healthcare workers and nurses at the beginning of the pandemic (remember the daily ‘claps for the NHS’?). As the pandemic wore on, that enthusiasm seemed to slump and the appreciation was less evident,
I thought it very important to remind
healthcare workers that they were still highly regarded by many!
The portrait is a great tribute to healthcare workers, who have had an incredibly difficult time over the course of the pandemic. One of the ways which people have coped with the pressure is by leaning on the team around them and particularly on mentors.Mentorship is really important
for healthcare and dental
professionals. Do you have a mentor?
FS: I have a great friend who is a very successful artist, Alexander Talbot Rice. He travels all over the world to paint prominent personalities and interesting subjects. He has spent years and years of training in
St Petersburg and Italy, and I have always admired his devotion to learning more about art and honing his talents. It is wonderful to see each other’s work and how we are both progressing! I believe the number of hours that one spends working at what you do will make you naturally better over time, and I have always followed that example.
Art for you is a profession, but many of the dental nurses reading this will see it just as a
hobby and an excellent activity to relieve stress.
What advice would you give to someone
who is perhaps thinking about wanting to explore art but doesn’t know where to start or how to get going?
FS: Don’t be afraid to give it a try! Have a go at painting a few different things (or trying different mediums, sketching, sculpture, photography, the list goes on!), and do not be shy to show them to family and friends to find out what they think/ if there is something about your work that appeals to them. Portrait painting is a great place to begin, and self-portraiture is a great exercise that can get you up to a good level of confidence. Above all, it is about having fun and getting lost whilst you do it!
March 2023
Dental Nursing 3
DENTAL NURSING ESSENTIALS
26/02/2023
Defining Britishness in 2023 by Rugged Hank. Manchester TV
How would you define ‘Britishness’ in 2023? That’s a question artist Francis Salvesen put to himself. The result is his solo exhibition entitled ‘The Joys of Being British’ which will be held 13-18 March 2023 at London’s Mall Galleries.
The exhibition will showcase over 100 of Francis’s paintings, all within the theme of British identity.
Francis says:
“When defining ‘Britishness’, perhaps it is easier to say what it is not: it is not French, German, Italian, Norwegian or Indian. It is not just part of being human. It is what is peculiar to Brits.
“Scots (of which I am one) would correctly add that we have a separate identity that is not English, but IS British. And Wales would add that it is not a separate ‘nation’ as such, but a principality.
“‘Britishness’ is certainly identifiable in the traditions and customs of the UK, many hundreds of which survive as local or national celebrations. There may well be similar celebrations in other countries, but we do things in a peculiarly British way, so the nuances of ‘how’ we celebrate and ‘what’ we celebrate are conjoined.”
Francis’ paintings include expressions of the love of the countryside and British architectural heritage. They include high-class events like The State Opening of Parliament with local customs such as cheese-rolling in Gloucestershire.
Many of the traditions have never been painted before and exist locally by dint of being small and less-well known. There is Up Helly Aa, where a viking ship is built and then burnt at Hogmanay on the Isle of Lewis — a peculiarly Viking British festival. There is a parade of men in fancy dress and deer antlers that mark the local freedoms and serfdom of Abbots Bromley Horn Dance. “Dressing-up and celebrating are certainly an important part of our culture,” says Francis, “and we enjoy ourselves with high spirits, eccentricity and a sense of occasion.”
Military victories give rise to the ‘Freedom of the City’ rights for soldiers to march, and Orangemen and Catholic schoolboys march across Great Britain, not just in Northern Ireland.
There are traditions depicted in the paintings that stem from childhood, like games of conkers, which also illustrate the British sense of fair play.
As the Royal Family is central to life in modern and historical Britain, it seems fitting that the new portrait of the Princess of Wales will be unveiled at the exhibition.
Boris Johnson even makes an appearance in the exhibition, who is painted alongside Churchill.
Francis adds: “Our British sense of humour is more difficult to capture on canvas, given the scope of humour from practical jokes to verbal dexterity and puns.” Francis’s work shows us a range of eccentric traditions that are as humorous as sporting, and the naughty indulgence of a little girl and boy looking up a piper’s kilt and finding this immensely funny.
Defining Britishness in 2023 - Manchester TV How would you define ‘Britishness’ in 2023? That’s a question artist Francis Salvesen put to himself. The result is his solo exhibition entitled ‘The Joys of Being British’ which will be held 13-18 March 2023 at London’s Mall Galleries. The exhibition will showcase over 100
20/02/2023
Time for a Pint of Pimms! Here we have a wonderful article from the Henley Standard rowing about which of my two regatta paintings is best- and who will get there first!
TWO paintings depicting scenes of Henley Royal Regatta will feature in a new exhibition on Britishness.
Artist Francis Salvesen is to show 100 works next month on the theme of “The joys of being British”.
The oils explore national pride, identity, the countryside and wildlife.
Mr Salvesen has been attending the regatta for more than 30 years and considers it to be a celebration of all things British.
He said: “I was taught how to row by my father and we used to go out on Scottish lochs to fish.
“I used to go to the regatta with my cousin Simon Thomson, whose grandfather was an Olympic rower, and watch the racing and enjoy the social atmosphere. It is very British, which I love.
“It’s nice to have a place that’s smart and I like a pint of Pimm’s every now and again. I love the sense of occasion — it is very joyful and happy, everyone is dressed up and smart and out to have fun and the rowing adds to that.
There are certain rules and regulations that help to keep everything on a measured keel and so there is no bad behaviour.
“I have been to the regatta year after year and I have got friends who were at Shiplake College. I can still row and use a machine every day.” Mr Salvesen, who lives near Theale with his wife Amanda and their three children, painted Henley Stewards’ Enclosure (£2,275) and Royal Regatta Henley, Girl Watching Rowers (£750) using photographs he had taken as well as his imagination.
He said: “I take photographs of people at the events and places I go to and work from them but sometimes parts of them are imagined or invented.
“In the painting of the girl looking out on to the river, the boat was made up but it needed something in the background. I have never been on one of those boats at Henley but have always wanted to, so it was something that I had in my mind to be a part of it with all the flags.
“So you have the river itself and the girl gazing out, as one does sometimes if you are sat on your own gazing into oblivion.
“I thought that maybe she is looking at someone on the boat or on the other side of the river but you wonder what she is thinking.
“Sometimes I put myself into the mindset of the character while I’m doing it and I like the viewer to come up with their own interpretation. The painting actually started out with two girls talking to each other but one of them didn’t come out as attractive as I wanted her to be so I painted over her.
“That’s one of the wonderful things with painting, you can change things as you go along.”
Of the second picture, Mr Salvensen said: “When I go to the stewards’ enclosure I sit at the tables and drink my Pimm’s while the racing is going on.
“You can’t see any boats in this picture, which is on purpose because you are catching up with people chatting away.
“You can see the whole Henley experience in the picture as you can see some of the buildings in the background so it is much more definitive.”
Mr Salvesen, who is self-taught, said each painting took about five months to complete.
He explained: “I work really slowly with a lot of detail and my paintings are very layered.
“Usually, I stop for a few days to let the oils dry so that I don’t smudge it when I go back and add more details. “
Other subjects of the exhibition paintings include an NHS nurse, traditions such as conkers and cheese rolling, native wildlife such as grouse and red squirrels and a portrait of the Princess of Wales.
• The Joys of Being British exhibition is at the Mall Galleries in London from March 13 to 18.
Buy them at www.brilliantbrushstrokes.co.uk
20/02/2023
The latest portrait! Here I am varnishing it off, clearing the decks for the next commissions! Let me know if you want one! [email protected]
15/02/2023
Excellent coverage from the Isle of Wight featuring my Needles Painting:
Stunning oil painting of The Needles part of 'The Joys of Being British' exhibition See Francis Salvesen's oil painting of The Needles among 100 works on display at the 'The Joys of Being British' exhibition at Mall Galleries, London next month
13/02/2023
A lovely new article has rolled into the Gloucester Live press!
“An oil painting showing the famous Gloucestershire tradition of cheese rolling on Coopers Hill has been chosen as one of only 100 works to be displayed at an upcoming art exhibition at Mall Galleries, London. The March exhibition, showcasing paintings by professional artist Francis Salvesen, is themed The Joys of Being British and explores national pride, wildlife, countryside and identity.
Along with the Gloucestershire scene, other works on display include paintings of an NHS nurse, British traditions, such as playing conkers and wassailing, native wildlife, and a portrait of the Princess of Wales.
"There's so much about Britain to feel joyous about," says Francis, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. "I thought it about time we celebrate them!"
Cheese rolling oil painting to be showcased at London gallery Art captures vibrancy and chaos of Coopers Hill event
10/02/2023
Waterfalls are utterly mesmerising! Here is an article my waterfall paintings featured in the Brecon and Ragnar Express!
Welsh waterfalls put to canvas for new London exhibition | brecon-radnor.co.uk An exhibition by artist Francis Salvesen showcasing ‘The Joys of Being British’ will feature paintings of Brecon, Anglesey and Conwy.
09/02/2023
Launceston Castle features in the Hlsworthy Post. It is a stunning Motte and Bailey Castle on the London Road between Exeter and London, owned by the Prince of Wales (through the Duchy of Cornwall).
An exhibition by artist Francis Salvesen showcasing ‘The Joys of Being British’ will feature paintings of Launceston Castle and Dartmoor Ponies.
The exhibition will be held at London’s Mall Galleries from March 13 to 18, and is a celebration of some of the best things about Britain.
“There is so much about Britain to feel joyous about,” says Francis, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. “I thought it about time we celebrate them!”
Castle painting to feature in London gallery exhibition | holsworthy-today.co.uk An exhibition by artist Francis Salvesen showcasing ‘The Joys of Being British’ will feature paintings of Launceston Castle and Dartmoor Ponies.
About Francis
Francis Salvesen has loved painting since childhood, winning the Art Cup at school in Edinburgh. He used to leave the latch of the art room windows open and nip back during his free time to spend hours continuing the paintings he was working on! There were never any formal lessons in how to draw or paint, so what you see is a rare example of a self-taught artist. Francis is one of those unusual artists who is good at both arts and sciences, playing the piano by ear, composing poetry, writing letters and even a published book, and at the same time a Masters standard expert on economics and International Relations, experienced in creating a mobile smartphone, innovating and managing the creation of a windfarm, presenting worldwide projects on mobile banking, and immersed in policy generation for the UK, particularly in trade.
What you see in his paintings is a love of aesthetics: the beautiful, natural surroundings that are reflected epitomise his love of life and appreciation that we live in a beautiful world and, indeed, that art can create happiness.
After school Francis lived and worked across the world, in the Army, as an entrepreneur, and in finance, but he always felt the tug home or the four seasons and the greenery and beauty of the British countryside. This has drawn him back to Britain time and time again. You can see this reflected in his paintings, where vivid colours create a present more real than the distant places themselves: the viewer has a heightened sense of being, a quickened consciousness. Those who may remember a place from their past, experience it in a new way. We could even say that we recognise that there is an incandescent truth more eternal than a passing moment through its sensuous and intellectual transposition.
Accompanying each painting there is a matching poem, describing what has inspired Francis to paint this scene, what he thinks of as he paints and inspiring us too to a greater level of understanding than merely ‘a beautiful scene’. There are questions that arise, history that a scene evokes and encapsulates and the expression of many feelings.
The majority of Francis’ works use photographs he and others have taken, as Francis paints very slowly and methodically, capturing the details to such an extent that you almost feel you can walk into the scenery. Much of the painting is achieved when the canvas lies horizontally on the table, like any fine draughtsman: more occasionally with an easel and stand. This also makes the paintings unique – it is a way of painting that other artists are not taught.
Over the years Francis has travelled to galleries and met other fine artists from world-renowned schools in New York, London and St. Petersburg, in France and in Italy. He aspires to paint portraits that achieve a third dimension and ultimately achieve the romanticism of beautiful couples in love, beautifully clothed, in beautiful surroundings. Looking at other artists’ work he has looked for ways to enhance his own techniques to make his own paintings even more compelling, reflecting his character and relationship with the world.
Francis’ ambition over the next year or two is to create an oeuvre comprising all the historic, important and distinctive landmarks of the British Isles and Ireland. To show them through radiant paint and colour with a new poetry that will last the test of time, giving joy to those who own them.
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