Annual Exhibition 2023
Artist Biographies
Michael Antonas
I always enjoy visiting art galleries; that is why I paint.
Michael Antonas
I always enjoy visiting art galleries; that is why I paint.
Stephen Harry Asquith.
Known as Squiff, I am a 36 year old father of 2 from Meltham
and an oil painter. I love nature, the arts and classic fantasy literature, and I often try to
combine these in my paintings. I have over the years worked in the rattiest of corporate races;
these days I work towards a slower pace of life.
“ The world has an abundance of beauty on offer; we just have to take the time to look for it”.
Known as Squiff, I am a 36 year old father of 2 from Meltham
and an oil painter. I love nature, the arts and classic fantasy literature, and I often try to
combine these in my paintings. I have over the years worked in the rattiest of corporate races;
these days I work towards a slower pace of life.
“ The world has an abundance of beauty on offer; we just have to take the time to look for it”.
Nina Bensley.
I work mainly from sketches from en plein air to studio, working with
watercolours and pastels. Having lived in the countryside I thoroughly enjoy painting
nature as this inspires me.
See more of Nina’s work on instagram @landscape.watercolour
Nina Bensley.
I work mainly from sketches from en plein air to studio, working with
watercolours and pastels. Having lived in the countryside I thoroughly enjoy painting
nature as this inspires me.
See more of Nina’s work on instagram @landscape.watercolour
Judith Bleazard.
I enjoy working in many different mediums, whether it is for landscapes,
abstracts, portraits or life drawing.
Judith Bleazard.
I enjoy working in many different mediums, whether it is for landscapes,
abstracts, portraits or life drawing.
Tony Burke.
I am 73 years old and live in Marsh with my wife Barbara. I have two sons, a
daughter and 5 grandchildren. I attended Bradford School of Art in the 1970s and have
spent a working life designing things ranging from washing machines to furniture, without
ever neglecting my love of watercolour.
Tony Burke.
I am 73 years old and live in Marsh with my wife Barbara. I have two sons, a
daughter and 5 grandchildren. I attended Bradford School of Art in the 1970s and have
spent a working life designing things ranging from washing machines to furniture, without
ever neglecting my love of watercolour.
Amanda Castle
My art piece was influenced by the hit 1987 song, King's Cross, written
by the Pet Shop Boys. The song's message of anti - authoritarianism and individual identity
resonates. As well as taking inspiration from the 1980s, in particular the cultural milieu of
puzzles from the era, for instance the Rubix's Cube, which appeared simple, but had hidden
depths. The irony depicts a strong use of white to show hope, beauty, unity as well as alienation.
Amanda Castle
My art piece was influenced by the hit 1987 song, King's Cross, written
by the Pet Shop Boys. The song's message of anti - authoritarianism and individual identity
resonates. As well as taking inspiration from the 1980s, in particular the cultural milieu of
puzzles from the era, for instance the Rubix's Cube, which appeared simple, but had hidden
depths. The irony depicts a strong use of white to show hope, beauty, unity as well as alienation.
Jayne Clegg I like exploring different mediums, both digital and analogue - one day I may
settle down with something that keeps my interest. I am a second year student on the
Contemporary Art and Illustration course at the University of Huddersfield.
Jayne Clegg I like exploring different mediums, both digital and analogue - one day I may
settle down with something that keeps my interest. I am a second year student on the
Contemporary Art and Illustration course at the University of Huddersfield.
Rebecca Convery. I work in oil and my favourite subjects are interesting buildings
I come across or notice.
Rebecca Convery. I work in oil and my favourite subjects are interesting buildings
I come across or notice.
Terence Cordery
Likes to paint in most media and have a go at most subjects!
Terence Cordery
Likes to paint in most media and have a go at most subjects!
Marje Dalgleish
I have been a member of Huddersfield Art Society since 2002
Marje Dalgleish
I have been a member of Huddersfield Art Society since 2002
Andy Dobson
Wakefield Art College in the seventies furnished the beginnings to forge a career
as a graphic designer. But, that's where it ended. A lifetime of fun and adventure ensued, totally
dominated by sport, culminating in the last ten years searching for a win with the PGA throughout
Europe and beyond. Sadly, four years ago this unadulterated joy met an abrupt end.
But, as one door closes, another one opens and the door to the artroom once again invites, only
this time offering nothing but unlimited time and opportunity to resume what was abandoned all
those years ago.
To play now on the biggest field without rules and boundaries, can only be good!
Wakefield Art College in the seventies furnished the beginnings to forge a career
as a graphic designer. But, that's where it ended. A lifetime of fun and adventure ensued, totally
dominated by sport, culminating in the last ten years searching for a win with the PGA throughout
Europe and beyond. Sadly, four years ago this unadulterated joy met an abrupt end.
But, as one door closes, another one opens and the door to the artroom once again invites, only
this time offering nothing but unlimited time and opportunity to resume what was abandoned all
those years ago.
To play now on the biggest field without rules and boundaries, can only be good!
Linda Downs
I am a longstanding members of Huddersfield Art Society, having been
Exhibition Secretary for 7 years until 2021. Currently I am doing a lot of en plein air, pen and
watercolour sketches of views around local villages, and sell cards, prints and mugs of my
work at craft fairs and markets. I have also been working on torn magazine paper collages.
I chose this medium to produce my portrait of the Queen for the Society’s Jubilee project.
www.lindadownsartwork.weebly.com Instagram @linda.downs.188,
Facebook @lindadownsartwork .
I am a longstanding members of Huddersfield Art Society, having been
Exhibition Secretary for 7 years until 2021. Currently I am doing a lot of en plein air, pen and
watercolour sketches of views around local villages, and sell cards, prints and mugs of my
work at craft fairs and markets. I have also been working on torn magazine paper collages.
I chose this medium to produce my portrait of the Queen for the Society’s Jubilee project.
www.lindadownsartwork.weebly.com Instagram @linda.downs.188,
Facebook @lindadownsartwork .
John Elliott
I'm now retired so hope to spend more time painting. My style is quite detailed
with lots of colour but all in watercolour. I fancy trying acrylic in a more abstract style - 'watch
this space!'
I also get a lot of satisfaction from my other interest in wood sculpture
John Elliott
I'm now retired so hope to spend more time painting. My style is quite detailed
with lots of colour but all in watercolour. I fancy trying acrylic in a more abstract style - 'watch
this space!'
I also get a lot of satisfaction from my other interest in wood sculpture
Ron Etherington.
I first took up painting after I retired – about 20 years ago.
Ron Etherington.
I first took up painting after I retired – about 20 years ago.
Matt Evans
I was born in 1968 and live in Brighouse, West Yorkshire. I discovered an early
flair for art, initially taking inspiration from local surroundings with a preference for buildings
and landscapes. Graduating from Leicester Polytechnic BA (Hons) Graphic Design in 1989,
I worked for in greeting cards for twenty one years but now work in Customer Services.
I have a lifelong love of art and photography with many favourite themes including florals,
sunsets, seascapes and townscapes.
My work can be seen at: www.facebook.com/matthewevansartist
I was born in 1968 and live in Brighouse, West Yorkshire. I discovered an early
flair for art, initially taking inspiration from local surroundings with a preference for buildings
and landscapes. Graduating from Leicester Polytechnic BA (Hons) Graphic Design in 1989,
I worked for in greeting cards for twenty one years but now work in Customer Services.
I have a lifelong love of art and photography with many favourite themes including florals,
sunsets, seascapes and townscapes.
My work can be seen at: www.facebook.com/matthewevansartist
Narges Ghasempour.
I am from Tehran, capital of Iran. I have been a member
of Huddersfield Art Society since 2019. I studied in the field of Graphic design and
architecture design, obtaining a bachelor’s degree.
Barbara Goodall
Loves to experiment with different techniques and approaches.
Art, for me, means expression and feeling. I first add paint to canvas - see how it
runs, then picture intuitively the images that come forward.
I would say, just paint.....and enjoy!
Keith Harris.
My passion is for working outdoors, either painting in oils or sketching in ink
and coloured pencil to capture the feeling invoked by the scene in front of me. The subjects
range from landscapes through to urban scenes, including industry. My studio work is usually
applying the finishing touches to my plein air paintings or working on commissions.
Keith can be contacted via his personal website :www. KeithHarris.co.uk
Louise Heptonstall. I have been painting for 2 years. Abstract is my passion.
I love using my imagination along with colour and texture to create art.
Felsa Marie Hortiza.
Felsa Marie is a self-taught artist born in the Philippines and
currently living in the UK. Learning most of her painting techniques through experimentation,
she likes to make use of her imagination, maximizing her intuition to create with freedom and
express feelings and the emotions of her inner Psyche, drawing on raw emotions and
experiences in life, and feeling the energy that is conveyed in each piece as it develops.
She focuses on abstract work and female portraits using gold leaf and acrylics to capture
and interpret her own distinctive visual identity.
Felsa Marie is a self-taught artist born in the Philippines and
currently living in the UK. Learning most of her painting techniques through experimentation,
she likes to make use of her imagination, maximizing her intuition to create with freedom and
express feelings and the emotions of her inner Psyche, drawing on raw emotions and
experiences in life, and feeling the energy that is conveyed in each piece as it develops.
She focuses on abstract work and female portraits using gold leaf and acrylics to capture
and interpret her own distinctive visual identity.
Bob Hryndyj
Bob has been a member of the Huddersfield Art Society for several years,
having retired from Standard Fireworks/Black Cat Fireworks after 45 years, the last 18 years
as a graphic design artist. Well known as a cartoonist during this period Bob has drawn
and painted for commissions as well as his own pleasure.
Robert Ingham
Retired member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists,
I have been a member of HAS since 2014
Annabel Maamoun.
I enjoy working on a largish scale with mixed media.
I like to experiment with different tools including my fingers. I see beauty in so many
things; my camera is always with me to snap the subjects that inspire me.
Quite often my paintings will evolve into different avenues as it progresses.
I like this freedom with no boundaries.
Gilly Markham.
After years of teaching Art I finally retired and found time to do
my own paintings. Ever exploring different techniques and usually inspired by nature.
Barbara Matula.
I studied art in college in 1984, but after leaving I pursued my career in
Nursing and Social Care. It is only in the last 15 years that I re-connected my interest in art. I enjoy using all mediums in my work. My interests are very diverse and include pet portraits, surreal, gothic and horror characters.
Mary McKenzie
I have been a member of Huddersfield Art Society for over
17 years and am a regular member of the portrait group. I dabble in pencil,
watercolour, pastel and, more recently, water soluble oils but my greatest love is
acrylics! I paint a wide variety of subjects.
Maggie O'Keeffe
My work explores land and sea, weather and atmosphere.
I use photographs or drawings from life as a starting point, or else I draw from
memories of familiar , much loved places. For me, a good painting is when I can
remain open, curious, and playful for as long as possible. I was born in Ireland,
achieved a BA Hons Degree in Fine Art, and now live and work in West Yorkshire.
Duncan Osbourne.
Duncan’s career as a professional artist has spanned over 40 years.
He studied at Manchester Art College in the 70’s and has worked as a Designer / Illustrator.
His art is figurative and has been influenced by artists such as Escher, David Shepherd, Atkinson
Grimshaw and Pissarro
His specialist technique is pointillism. Pictures are created by drawing thousands of dots in
ink, creating intricate surfaces in a variety of subtle tones. By varying tonal values he creates
a sculptured 3D presence to his subjects.
Duncan’s career as a professional artist has spanned over 40 years.
He studied at Manchester Art College in the 70’s and has worked as a Designer / Illustrator.
His art is figurative and has been influenced by artists such as Escher, David Shepherd, Atkinson
Grimshaw and Pissarro
His specialist technique is pointillism. Pictures are created by drawing thousands of dots in
ink, creating intricate surfaces in a variety of subtle tones. By varying tonal values he creates
a sculptured 3D presence to his subjects.
Jean Parkinson.
I joined HAS in 1954. I paint with oils, acrylics and watercolours
covering all kinds of subjects, often outdoors. I have painted landscapes, seascapes,
flowers, expressionistic and conceptual paintings, life and portraits.
Nigel Proud.
I am a Shepley based portrait artist who likes to create artwork that is
realistic with a painterly effect. I use charcoal and black and white pastel pencils to
enable me to capture a range of emotions, posing questions about what the subject
might be thinking. Does it resonate with a current or previous experience? How does
it make you feel?
I enjoy going to portrait sessions which are held by the Art Society on a Monday evening.
It’s a great way to learn and to be inspired by other artists.
You can see more of my work at www.nigelsportraits.co.uk and instagram @nigels_portraits
I am a Shepley based portrait artist who likes to create artwork that is
realistic with a painterly effect. I use charcoal and black and white pastel pencils to
enable me to capture a range of emotions, posing questions about what the subject
might be thinking. Does it resonate with a current or previous experience? How does
it make you feel?
I enjoy going to portrait sessions which are held by the Art Society on a Monday evening.
It’s a great way to learn and to be inspired by other artists.
You can see more of my work at www.nigelsportraits.co.uk and instagram @nigels_portraits
Paul Ratcliffe.
I was born in 1967 and from an early age as a child I kept ferrets and
dogs, and have loved all wildlife. I went to Huddersfield Art College and then moved
to south Wales to study Wildlife Illustration. My current job is a pest control officer.
Chris Ridsdale
Portraits are my passion, but sometimes
I do venture into other subjects!
Richard Roads.
I am a self-taught amateur artist. Upon Retiring from being a design engineer,
I rediscovered my love of art and work in watercolour, pencil, pastel and oil. After joining
our Portrait Group I have gained a passion for portraiture, and have also produced several
commission portraits of people and pets.
Jo Sykes.
I am a self taught artist working mainly in oil and cold wax medium.
Often inspired by landscape, I am currently working towards a more semi-abstract
interpretation of a sense of place.
You can see more of my work on instagram @ jo_sykes_artist.
Rachel Sykes
I have been a member of Huddersfield Art Society for more than six years,
and I paint and draw a wide variety of subjects including landscapes, townscapes, still life,
floral and abstracts. I work in watercolour, acrylic, graphite and ink, and I have found acrylic
to be my favourite medium. I exhibit my work in local exhibitions and I currently have paintings
on display in the NHS Trust.
Sue Toft Sue is a self-taught artist who loves experimenting using mainly acrylics and oils.
She paints inspirational landscape, animals and landmarks seen on her local walks. Her art is
an expressive response to what she loves or is moved by
You can see more of Sue’s work on her website: www.suetoftartist.co.uk
or follow her on Instagram and Facebook to see work in progress and recently completed work.
Louise Ventris
I like working on a series of paintings, each helping me pursue a theme. This
latest series is exploring the landscape and journeys through it. Everyday urban landscapes
are a common theme in my work. These paintings suggest turbulence and drama capturing
and drawing the viewer into the painting.
I work in acrylic and sometimes overwork with oil. I like to work quickly and
intuitively building up the painting in layers. There is a moment when the paintings start to slide
into abstraction. And it is that edge that I like to explore, pushing into abstraction and often
scraping back to refine the work.
I like working on a series of paintings, each helping me pursue a theme. This
latest series is exploring the landscape and journeys through it. Everyday urban landscapes
are a common theme in my work. These paintings suggest turbulence and drama capturing
and drawing the viewer into the painting.
I work in acrylic and sometimes overwork with oil. I like to work quickly and
intuitively building up the painting in layers. There is a moment when the paintings start to slide
into abstraction. And it is that edge that I like to explore, pushing into abstraction and often
scraping back to refine the work.
Shirley Waddington.
After taking early retirement in 2006 I had the time to follow my
love of drawing, particularly old buildings. However, being part of Huddersfield Art
Society has widened my scope and allowed me the opportunity to experience many
different styles and media.
Caro Ward
Finding inspiration in the sculptural shape of the equine form. I like to portray the
animal by applying paint in random plains of colour and texture. This allows the painting a
sense of freedom gives it ambiguity and serendipity. The composition is about viewing a
fleeting image which adds narrative and drama.
James (Hamish) Webster.
I have had no formal training in art, but having started as an
apprentice draughtsman I have a good working knowledge of perspectives.
I paint in all mediums but prefer oils .
I paint landscapes, urban scenes, portraits of people and animals. and still life..
I accept commissions and display my work in exhibitions.
Contact me on james_webster3@sky.com or facebook
David Whiting. I taught art in schools for 28 years until 1996, overlapping with 25 years
teaching art in adult education until 2012.
I have been a member of the Society Council for 19 years, filling a number of different roles
including President from 2017 to 2020.
Artistically I favour acrylic, water colour and pastel, and subjects featuring locations having
pleasing personal memories
Karen Whitwam
I am a plein air artist and usually do the majority of my work outdoors.
During lockdown I couldn’t paint outdoors. So to keep motivated I did a zoom abstract course
and really enjoyed it. It kept my motivation and inspiration fired by doing something new.
The works I am exhibiting are a result of that course.
Renee Wild
I attended night school life drawing at the age of sixteen whilst at college
studying Education. I took Graphic art once weekly. I didn’t start exhibiting until family
grew up! I have had my work in many galleries including Manchester Academy of Art.
Glen Williams.
I grew up in working class family in South Yorkshire and most of my relatives
were either miners or steelworkers or married to miners or steelworkers and that is reflected in
a lot of my work. Because of that Northern working-class up-bringing my work is centred on
working class people. Whether it’s how we lived 50 or 60 years ago, or vibrant and modern
cities or even my derelict factories and buildings.
Carol Wood
Carol works in a variety of different media but a particularly acrylics producing a range of work
from portraits, abstract and landscape, and is a keen en plein air painter. She also runs the
society's life drawing group.