Meet the Artists
Father and Daughter talk about inspiration, Sussex landscapes and exhibiting together at
New Park Centre
Creativity clearly runs in the family for Zena and her father Brian. Their upcoming joint exhibition at New Park Centre brings together two artists with very different styles but a shared love of the Sussex landscape.
Both artists have also generously donated a piece of work to the RAISE THE ROOF Silent Art Auction this June, helping support the future of this much-loved community venue.
We caught up with them to talk about their artistic journeys, working together, and the landscapes that inspire their work.
Art clearly runs in the family. Can you tell us a little about your creative journeys and how your artistic paths first began?
Zena: I have always enjoyed art and used to paint in watercolours, but work, children and life rather got in the way and I stopped painting for a long time. A few years ago my children bought me a variety of art supplies for Christmas and that really reignited things for me — and the rest, as they say, is history.
Brian: I spent most of my working life as a landscape gardener and I’ve always loved creating things outdoors. I’m also quite well known locally for my flower arranging. Painting only came into my life more recently when Zena bought me a set of paints for my birthday about two years ago. There’s definitely a creative streak running through the family, so I took to it quite quickly and thoroughly enjoy it.
As a father and daughter exhibiting together, what has it been like to share your artistic lives in this way?
Zena: Dad and I approach our work very differently. Dad paints in watercolours and often works from memory, whereas I paint in oils using an impressionistic, layered style. Even though our approaches are different, we still talk about each other’s work and offer feedback.
Brian: Our styles couldn’t really be more different, but that’s part of the fun. We often look at each other’s paintings and give our thoughts, sometimes a bit of gentle critique! It’s lovely being able to share that creative process together.
Sussex has long inspired artists. Does the local landscape influence your work?
Zena: Very much so. My work often focuses on the natural landscape. I try to capture its beauty through impressionistic colour, movement and atmosphere rather than strict detail. I want viewers to feel they could step into the scene, walk along the path, breathe the salty sea air or pause in the quiet of a bluebell wood.
Brian: Absolutely. I was born at Goodwood and have been surrounded by beautiful countryside all my life. It’s part of who I am really, it’s in my DNA. I try to capture that feeling of the Sussex landscape in my paintings and bring that sense of place to life.
 Selection of art by Zena and Brian |  |
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Working creatively can be a very personal process. How do you each approach creating a new piece?
Zena: I have two main approaches. I love painting plein air, especially on the beach. Some paintings are finished there and then, while others are developed later in the studio.
For larger works I begin with a rough sketch, followed by a small oil study, often on card, some of which will be included in this exhibition. I might then create a slightly larger version to explore colour, perspective and composition before beginning the final piece on canvas or board. My paintings develop slowly, layer by layer, and I usually have several pieces on the go while the paint dries. The finished works are complemented by handmade frames produced very locally.
Brian: My inspiration often comes from memories and places I’ve known throughout my life. I tend to paint from memory rather than photographs. It’s about capturing the feeling of a place rather than every detail.
Is there a particular painting in the exhibition that feels especially meaningful?
Zena: One of my favourites is a small oil painting of Felpham Beach. I began painting it outdoors but quickly realised it was far too cold to stay there long!
It was a beautiful winter’s day, and the light was catching the water perfectly. There was no one else around, not even the gulls, just the sea and a very bitter breeze. I painted it very quickly because I didn’t want to lose that atmosphere. When I look at it now, I still remember the feeling of cold hands and chapped lips while painting it.
Brian: One painting that means a lot to me is of Pagham Beach as it used to be. Over the years the shoreline has changed and parts of it have been washed away, so the view I remember isn’t there anymore. Through painting it I feel like I’m preserving a little piece of the past.
What do you hope visitors will feel when they see your work?
Zena: I hope people enjoy the sense of atmosphere in the landscapes. If someone can look at a painting and feel transported there, even for a moment, then I’ve achieved what I hoped to do.
Brian: For me it’s about calm and relaxation. The countryside has always been a peaceful place for me, and I’d love people to feel that same sense of quiet when they look at my paintings.
You’ve both donated work to the Raise the Roof Silent Art Auction. Why was it important for you to support this campaign?
Zena: It was an easy decision. We’re both very grateful for the opportunity to exhibit at New Park Centre and it feels wonderful to be able to give something back. Last year was very successful for me in terms of my work and sales, so donating a piece feels like a heartfelt thank you.
Brian: The team at New Park Centre have been incredibly kind in giving us the chance to exhibit our work, so we’re delighted to support the RAISE THE ROOF fundraising campaign. It’s a lovely way of showing our appreciation and it is so important to help this community art space continue for many years to come.