Brazz hosts Taunton Home Education art exhibition

Over the past year, the children aged between three and 19, have been discovering a range of modern and contemporary artists and using them as inspiration for their own artworks.

On display are surreal eyes inspired by René Magritte’s False Mirror, close-up watercolour flowers inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe, colourful tropical fruit paintings based on the work of up and coming Venezuelan artist Sol Calero, Manga-style portraits inspired by popular Japanese artist, Tite Kubo, and watercolour sunsets in the style of mouth painter Steve Chambers.

Covid-19 restrictions have meant the children had to gather in small bubbles or work remotely at home.

Caroline Ellis who runs the Art History group for Taunton Home Education, and is also culture portfolio holder for Somerset West and Taunton Council, said: “Unlike in schools, artistic expression and creativity tend to dominate home educated kids’ daily activities. Our art history group is but one small part of this.

"Using just basic supplies like cheap watercolour palettes, oil and soft pastels, felt pens and cool mixed-media hacks, the kids create little masterpieces, sharing ideas and giving each other positive support along the way.”

“We are so grateful to Brazz for their unstinting support – this is the third year they have hosted us and could not be more welcoming.”

Grace and Leo James, aged 11, are two of the artists featured in the exhibition. Leo said “It’s fun learning about new artists each week and I enjoy making art with my friends.”

Grace said: “It makes me happy and I feel proud when I have finished.”

David Plant, operations manager of the Castle Hotel, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome Taunton Home Education’s young artists back to Brazz.

"Taunton is quickly becoming a major arts hub and it is great to see children and young people of all ages contributing to that. The exhibition will be here for a fortnight so come and enjoy some stunning art over coffee, lunch or dinner.”