From easel to Table

By Viv Posselt - Cambridge News

One of Cambridge's best-known artists, Carole Hughes, is now making her bold, colourful work available on placemats and coasters.

The sets are smaller versions of her often very large paintings, many of which hang in galleries, homes and corporate premises throughout New Zealand and further afield,

The long-time artist has made a name for herself over the past two and a half decades with a fauve art style of painting, using strong colour and bold strokes to bring to life scenes typical of many places she has visited across Europe, including France, Spain, Italy, Bosnia and Serbia.

Until now, her works have been available mainly through galleries or through direct contact with Carole.  The decision to put them onto placemats and coaters offers fans another way to exhibit her art into their homes.

'I'm not sure how many other artists have done it, but it certainly makes the art more accessible,' she said. 'The sets will be sold in packs of six - either placemats or coasters - with each pack being a mixture of my paintings.  'They all have to be ordered in advance, so people do need to give me some notice.  And if they want a pack of just one particular painting, they need to let me know;.'

The placemats and coasters will likely be a food fit for those looking for upmarket gifts for the upcoming Christmas and weddings season, with a uniquely Cambridge flair.

Sets need to be ordered in advance, either through Carole's website (www.carolehughesart.co.nz) or by phoning her on 07 827 5727 or 021 401 951.