Recent works in Oil 

My current work is mainly in acrylics, oils and mixed media, although I have spent many years painting in watercolour and on silk.  I have also introduced a range of small embroidered textiles. 

My inspiration comes from colour, pattern, textures and contrast in the landscape, especially the Yorkshire Dlaes. I am interested in the hard forms: walls, scars, dilapidated buildings, castles and barns. My work is becoming increasingly abstract as I search for a more individual response rather than just representing what I see. 

 In 2020 my work has been inspired by Swaledale,  a repeat visit to Ullapool NW Highlands and Hackfall Estate near Grewelthorpe owned by the Woodland Trust.  www.hackfall. org.uk. 

I exhibited at the Station in Richmond with Jane Wilson.  We managed a slot between the 1st and 2nd lockdown and were pleased to welcome visitors and buyers.

Previous Art History

In winter 2017/2018  I spent a wonderful four months on a portfolio course at Bridge House Arts in Ullapool.

This made me more confident  and experimental in my composition and markmaking. Some of the work is shown under the Bridge House Art tab. I would like to thank Eleanor White and Kittie Jones, brilliant tutors on this course, for their inspiration, enthusiasm and encouragement.

Inspired my my time in the NW Highlands, I felt that I would like to continue with a more disciplined approach to my art and  in 2019 I completed a MA in Creative Practice at Leeds Arts University.  My work centred on the textile mills in Yorkshire - Temple Works a flax mill in Leeds and Burtersett Old Silk mill in Wensleydale. Both mills are derelict and the textiles and paintings were influenced by their decay.

The next major project is a collaboration with another MA student based on Cod Beck and the River Swale. 

We will be exhibiting at Richmond Station in October 2020.

You can follow me at Instagram@rachelmorrellart

Work from MA in Creative Practice at Leeds Arts University