Presences: Dean Clough, Upstairs Gallery
2 November 2019 to 24 January 2020
Intimate and flowing portraits by this widely-exhibited, Middlesbrough-based artist. Miranda Richmond has lived in the North-East of England for nearly 40 years and works directly from nature, making countless drawings and studies in a variety of media. Richmond’s style and technique combine direct observation with fluid, intuitive draughtsmanship which which tangibly supports her intensely expressive brushwork.
Drawing - specifically her deeply contemplative, questing practice of it - is the basis of all her work, whether she paints cities, mountains or people. Her portraiture in particular - the core of this show - is uninhibited, deeply revealing her subjects, body and mind.
Richmond developed her acute sense of physiognomy alongside her work in nursing, care and support work. And recently, she helped for a community support group focused on art therapy and hopes to organise a related studio in Middlesbrough.
Study Event: OCA North
12 January 2020
Miranda Richmond will speak at the annual meeting of OCA North on Sunday, 12 January 2020 at Dean Clough. Miranda, who works in the tradition of David Bomberg, was married to Miles Richmond, a close friend of Bomberg, and with him, a founding member of the Borough Group. She has exhibited widely in London, and across the north of England, and she currently has an exhibition in Dean Clough (until 24 January).
Working outdoors, engaging directly with her subject, Richmond makes countless drawings and studies in a variety of mixed media, before painting in studio. In early 2019 she completed an artist residency on Iona, and plans to return to Scotland later this month.
Alongside her painting practice she organises art therapy classes and workshops for a number of private and public services, and she’s currently in the process of setting up a supportive art studio in Middlesborough, where she lives.