Ric has recently exhibited his extraordinarily atmospheric British land & seascapes, as well as gorgeous prints and greeting cards in Harbour Street, Whitstable. The show was on from 4th – 10th August 2023. For interest in any of the remaining pieces visit the front page, or contact him at tel. 07835294317/ enquiries@richorner.com.
His next exhibition is from 14th -29th October 2023 –at the East Kent Artists Open Studios https://ekoh.org.uk/whitstable
A real artist is somebody who is using the beauty of nature and uplifting colours to fill your heart with joy, happiness and inspiration.
Ric is well-known for his moody weather portraits and has painted many coastal locations in Devon, Cornwall and Wales throughout his career. He is currently creating a range of greeting cards featuring the open sea, dramatic ocean waves, intimidating storms and scenic harbours at sunset. If you are a retailer and like to stock any of these cards get in touch via enquiries@richorner.com. They will be produced in three different sizes: 22 x 15cm 15 x 15cm and 21 x 9.9cm and become available in the next couple of weeks (autumn 2023).
Storm clouds at sea (1)The Strangles, Cornwall (1)Heavy weather at SalcombeWinter WavesStorm clouds at sea (2)Lost Buoy at seaA good day for sailing First LightStormy sea The Strangles, Cornwall (2)Storm in the morning light Buoy on beachApproaching the harbourCoastal impression
The UK coastline is some of the most beautiful in Europe and has a huge number of sailing towns that range from rocky and scenic to stylish destinations known to visitors from around the world. You just can’t beat the rugged cliffs and lush green landscape of England, which is unofficially the ‘home of sailing’ and it has a long and glorious tradition of boat building and for rearing fine sailors.
Ilfracombe Harbour (1)Ilfracombe Harbour (2)Ilfracombe Harbour (3)Ilfracombe Harbour (4)Bardsey Island, North Wales (2)Bardsey Rocks!Bardsey Island, North Wales (1)Bardsey Island, North Wales (3)
Sailing around the UK will get you out of the crowded Solent and into waters further afield. This adventure involves open-ocean and much more offshore-orientated sailing, which may mean rougher weather and more challenging conditions. Ilfracombe in North Devon and Bardsey Island in North Wales for example are far more open to the elements as they catch the Atlantic ocean swells to a greater extent than places further South. This means bigger waves and longer and sandy beaches. South Devon is more sedate, is often warmer, sunnier and gets lower rainfall.
Salcombe Harbour Evening LightSalcombe sunsetSalcombe duskWaterhead Creek (Salcombe)Across the BaySalcombe Bay
Salcombe in particular is known for its outstanding views, rolling surrounding countryside, breath-taking natural beauty, sparkling turquoise waters and rugged cliffs. It is a pretty coastal town with lovely spots for sailing traditional boats, or classic yachts. Salcombe was once a major port for the fruit trade and, over the years, has found fame as a safe haven for family holidays and visiting yachtsmen. It is situated at the southern end of the Salcombe Estuary; the estuary is, in fact, a ria which is a landlocked, salt water inlet, with stunning beaches.
From 2015 – 2022 Ric was represented by Gallery Jessica Dove in 8 High Street Ilfracombe, North Devon. Sadly, this place no longer exists. www.galleryjessicadove.com
This lovely gouache painting left featuring a ‘Yorkshire Landscape’ has recently been purchased by Michael Gallagher – Head of Conservation at the MET – Museum of Modern Art in New York.
A 66 foot stainless steel and bronze sculpture named Verity, created by world famous artist Damien Hirst, stands on the pier at the entrance to Ilfracombe Harbour looking out over the Bristol Channel towards South Wales. The name of the piece refers to “truth” and Hirst describes his work as a “modern allegory of truth and justice”.
Gallery Jessica Dove
8 High Street Ilfracombe
Devon, EX34 9DF Open Tues- Sun
Telephone: 01271 867222 / 865138 galleryjessicadove@btinternet.com
In the same year as the British Museum put on a blockbuster exhibition called ‘Life and death in Pompeii and Herculaneum’, 2013 (www.britishmuseum.org/pompeii-live) Ric also created a solo show on the subject of the ancient Roman city Pompeii, hoping to transport people back to AD 79 to discover how life was transformed in just 24 hours, when the two cities in the Bay of Naples, southern Italy, were buried by a catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
Hoping to recreate how it looks now, and how it may well have looked during and after the famous eruption of Mount Vesuvius he said:
“Pompeii is paradoxical, the city was once the site of a tremendous environmental catastrophe, but now all is serene and in a state of artful decay. Ironically, its preservation was due to its destruction -had it not been buried by the layers of ash, it would not be here today. In this particular series I tried to convey these unique qualities. When creating the work, I found that I had tapped into a similar colour palette to the one artists used when painting frescos in and around the city before the eruption. This may not have been a coincidence and may be linked to the strong Italian sunlight and its location near the Bay of Naples.”
Another exhibition of Pompeii that is currently running is at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. This show is on until September 2023. (msichicago.org/pompeii)
Ric lived at 1-18 Reeves Yard Whitstable from 2002-13 and revamped this old industrial studio in 2012 in order to re-opened it to the public with a rolling exhibition of finished pieces..
Press Release for his latest Open Day on Saturday, 4th May 2013 …..“With the spring weather still evasive, Kent’s finest artist brings sunshine to your home all year round. Ric W. Horner is opening his gallery doors on Saturday, 4th May to present his own, personal colours of the rainbow. He captures moments and places like no camera can. The vividness and energy of his seascapes instantly transport the viewer to the coast on a glorious Summer day complete with breathtaking sunsets – with his passion and love evident in every single piece. “
