• Wildlife flocks to Waterstone’s Watering Hole
• Art Exhibition from Thurs 16 May - Wed 5 June 2002
• Coffee at Waterstones combines art and literature
Bath, 8th May 2002 – For the next three weeks (16th May – 5th June 2002) you may be forgiven for thinking that you have entered a safari park complete with Elephants, Tigers, Lions and Zebras on the walls, as you enter Coffee at Waterstones on the bookshop’s first floor, 4 Milsom Street, Bath. The wildlife paintings have an almost photographic realism and are the work of talented, and as yet ‘undiscovered’ artist, James Mark Long.
James, age 34, from Combe Down, Bath, started painting wildlife in 1998 after making photographic studies at Bristol Zoo and Edinburgh Zoo. He is particularly interested in painting endangered species and recently became a member of the Wildlife Art Society. His ambition is to go on safari himself to observe the animals in their natural habitat.
His artistic talent has blossomed since 1993 when he first started painting portraits of cats and dogs commissioned by friends. Many satisfied customers comment on the lifelike quality of the paintings and the way he captures the character of their much-loved pets. One Tack-shop owner commissioned a painting of one of his horses. Horses are notoriously difficult to draw well, but on seeing the gloss of the horse’s coat in that painting, he was so impressed that he commissioned paintings of his other two horses as well. A range of prints and postcards are for sale. James can be contacted on Tel: 01225 837228 and details of how to order animal portraits or wildlife paintings are on the website www.thelonggallery.com
Exhibition organisers Stacy Hansford and Laura Knight are responsible for arranging shows within Coffee at Waterstones. These exhibitions started six months ago as it was felt that art would complement the surroundings. Some of their customers even drop in especially to see the new exhibits. Both are said to be delighted at the prospect of hosting the new work by James Long, as it was felt that he possessed an amazing talent to depict with such clarity, the life and movement of his subjects.
Coffee At Waterstones is a popular stop for regulars and visitors to the city. As well as coffee, they offer a range of tasty homemade lunches and snacks. Harpers & Queen magazine recently ranked it as one of the best coffee shops in the South West. The discerning clientele includes the last Mayor of Bath, Councillor Marion McNeir, who is reported in the press as saying it is one of her top ten favourite places to visit in Bath.
Opening times of the exhibition and Coffee At Waterstones are
Monday to Friday 10am -5.30pm
Saturday 10am -5.15pm
Sunday 11am - 4pm
(Note; closing times are due to change shortly)
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