Guest Artist for August - Gerald Thornton

About Gerald....Gerald was born in 1934, at home in the small Forest village of Five Acres, he was one of twins who weighed only 6lb between them. ​ 
Completely self taught, Gerald has drawn and sketched his whole life. Encouraged into oil painting by a friend in 1960, this quickly became his favourite medium.
​Retirement from the construction industry in 1999, has finally given Gerald time to devote to his paintings. He has had several successful exhibitions in the Forest of Dean and the popular prints of his work are on sale at local venues, Taurus Crafts and The Dean Heritage Centre.​

​Gerald’s work is generally inspired by the landscapes of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. He enjoys the challenge of capturing the numerous ever changing textures and colours that the area presents from season to season. Sheep, deer and humans are often used to animate the landscapes. 

​He has become increasingly interested in capturing the unique cultural and industrial heritage of the Forest of Dean. Memories from childhood, growing up in a mining community through the war and a working life spent in the Forest of Dean are evident in his work.

​Gerald also has a collection of paintings capturing the spectacular coastline of Cornwall and the fishing villages that have inspired him on many visits. 

At the age of 83, Gerald has no plans to retire from painting! He continues to produce work inspired by the local surroundings, displays and sells prints and paintings at local events and regularly accepts commissions.

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