It is light that excites me and drives me to pick up my brushes and paint. My paintings are a celebration of light and I am fascinated by exploring tonal relationships in order to express the particular light effect before me.
Diasy Sims Hilditch, 2023
Welcome to our second exhibition showcasing the remarkable works of artist Daisy Sims Hilditch. With a profound passion for her craft, Daisy skillfully captures the essence of her favourite landscapes within her brushstrokes.
Daisy’s practice is deeply intertwined with travel and embracing the open air. Her works explore the interplay between light and shadow, revealing the influence of her mentor and friend, the esteemed Royal Academician Ken Howard. Celebrated as an en plein air artist, Daisy has carefully chosen a diverse array of locations to highlight her breadth as an artist. From the majestic slopes of Switzerland in all seasons to the iconic canals of Venice and the open vistas of Norfolk, her artworks transport us into breathtaking landscapes.
Venice holds a special place in Daisy’s heart and serves as the perfect backdrop to showcase her talents. With her masterful brushwork, she captures the mesmerising play of light on the canals and architectural wonders that define the city’s allure. Through her paintings, Daisy conveys the essence of this unique place, immersing viewers in the romance and mystique of Venetian dreams.
Perhaps the hardest to paint for Daisy are the snow capped mountains of Switzerland. With temperatures dropping well below freezing, Daisy nevertheless sets up her easel to capture the light on the Jungfrau, Wetterhorn and other famous peaks from life – truly suffering for her art. Her selection of alpine works throughout the seasons capture the ever-changing beauty of the mountains, from the sun-kissed snow to the vibrant autumn foliage. With its more subdued colour palette and subtle vistas, Norfolk presents a different challenge that Daisy embraces and overcomes with ease. Naturally, light is once again Daisy’s focus here and her works are never far from water, whether it is the estuary of the River Burn, the North Sea, or the still waters of the lake at Holkham Hall. It is likely not a coincidence that Seago, the hugely popular 20th Century artist who hailed from Norfolk, also chose circus performers as one of his early focuses – Daisy’s scenes capture the excitement and anticipation of a performance by Gifford’s Circus.
Daisy Sims Hilditch is celebrated for her ability to infuse the ordinary with a touch of magic, transforming everyday scenes into extraordinary realms. Daisy’s art transports us to new dimensions of thought and wonder. As you peruse the pages of this catalogue, we invite you to immerse yourself in the world of Daisy Sims Hilditch.
