Fields of dazzling colour and fluttering trees feature large in the exquisite patchwork landscapes of Virginia Corbett, whose works reflect back the beauty of the St Albans countryside, among other subjects.

Virginia grew up in Radlett but her family has been resident in the St Albans area for four generations.

“I went to St Albans High School for girls, where my grandmother and great-uncle had attended too,” recalls Virginia. “I loved the nature study, sport and art of course.

“Home is where the heart is and that’s true for me. My children were born here and the rivers, land and main ancient places like Verulamium and the cathedral mean a great deal.”

Virginia normally spends at least two days a week in her home studio based at her family farm near Redbourn.

“I always start from drawings, often out of doors in the landscape. I use pencils and charcoal.
“Acrylic is useful as it dries quickly and you can paint oil over it, which I sometimes do. Mostly I use oil paint.

“I love the printmaking facilities at Hertfordshire University, the litho inks have such fantastically intense colours.”

Equally adept at capturing the movement in a human figure or animating a static landscape, Virginia suffuses her work with light and life.

After training initially in education at Goldsmiths in London, Virginia trained at St Albans School of Art (University of Hertfordshire). She has previously exhibited at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.

Her work is on display at Bloom Gallery, Victoria Street, St Albans, open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm from September 21-October 6. There will also be a preview evening this Thursday, September 20 when visitors will have the opportunity to chat with Virginia from 6pm-9pm. She will also be participating in the Art for Youth Charity event being held in October.

Details: 01727 834391