Lifts and Ladders’ by Jane Ostler at Level Best Gallery.

 An art review written by trainee gallery assistants Ryan B and Tom C assisted by Caitlin (visiting Occupational Therapy student), Lee (Ryan’s helper) and staff member Megan.

Jane is an artist who we have known for at least a decade. Jane used to work at Level Best, teaching art to trainees. She is inspired by paintings by the old masters, and also just by people she knows, including us here at Level Best! Her artwork is inspired by her life. Some of the paintings feature Jane and members of her family. Some of the artworks have pictures made by her children stuck to it, maybe they also inspired her paintings?

The gallery looks very good, featuring about ten paintings that use different colours. Ryan says that the space is a little bland, “In my opinion, I would prefer it to be fuller with less open spaces”.

Tom says his favourite picture is the “Our House” painting because he likes the detail Megan’s favourite is the same as Tom’s. She says it’s “an emotional painting that feels like home.” We all appreciate the painting techniques used in this piece.

Ryan’s favourite is the ‘On Dunwich Beach’ painting. He likes that Jane is in the painting with her children, and it is “a nice family picture.” Lee also likes this painting because of the colours and the impact it has.

Caitlin’s favourite piece is a framed drawing called ‘Looking for Seals’. She likes the softness of that technique.

In general, the exhibition is looking quite good at the moment, and it gives us insight into the artists’ mind. Tom said it is “very nice”. Caitlin would like to see more of Jane’s pencil drawings.

Ryan said he would definitely recommend for people to come and view Jane’s exhibition.

We give the exhibition the following ratings out of 10:

Ryan 8/10. 

Tom 11/10.

Caitlin 7/10.

Lee 8/10.

Megan 8/10.

Ryan would like to say thank you to Jane for showing us her beautiful artwork. It is very nice.

You can come and see Jane’s ‘Lifts and Ladders’ exhibition until the 29th of May at the Level Best Art Gallery in Colchester.