Berets, boots and brushstrokes
SOLDIERS’ ARTS ACADEMY ART EXHIBITION 2023
In Euston London the SAA hosted an art exhibition of art generated within the SAA community. From the 13th to the 17th of September a selection of works from 16 artists were displayed, for some this was the first time their work had been exhibited publicly with many pieces being sold to visitors. On this page are some details of those artists with images of them and their art. SAA are delighted to bring the exhibition online to anyone who was not able to join us. We will be displaying it until the end of the year. The paintings are for sale with the majority of the proceeds going to the artists
Mish Apter (left) lives in the South West of England and her eldest two sons are army veterans. As the family journeyed through active service, medical discharge and civilian life Mish desperately needed an avenue in which to express herself and found it in art. Art helps Mish increase her well-being and inspire confidence in her talent.
See to the right Mish’s piece Ex Mondriana (Acrylic on box canvas) 30cms x 40cms £60
Sarah (left) is based in the South West and has exhibited her work in various locations including the Ebeneezer Gallery in Polperro as a member of the East Cornwall Association of Artists. Sarah trained at the Bournemouth College of Art, winning the Solent Regional Art Award. Sarah has been involved with the Soldier’s Art Academy for several years.
See to the right Sarah’s piece Fleet Air Arm Royal Navy Beret and Boots worn by Commander Rich Sutton Ret’d 21 Feb 1989 - 25 Apr 2014 (Oils on wood panel) 20x25cm NFS
A military spouse for over 23 years, Heidi (left) has always been a bit of a creative all-rounder, developing skills in painting, song writing, poetry and acting as a welcome escape from the stresses and strains of military life. Her passion for painting has been unearthed thanks to the amazing art course provided by the SAA.
See to the right Heidi’s piece At Ease Soldier £200.00 Glicee Fine Art Print on Hahnemuhle German archival Etching Paper. 40 x 30cm. White Frame measures 50 x 40cm
Amanda Faber paints in oils to explore personality and landscape. She looks forward to working in the future with the Atelier and the inspirational painters who make up this wonderful group of artists.
See to the right Amanda’s piece Woman in brown jacket (Oils) A4 £200
After leaving the Royal Marines in 2014, Richard (left) re-established his path in the building industry but 2 years ago, found interest in art after one of his clients (Richard Price ROI) who was an accomplished artist, passed away. Richard has ventured into many fields, including three dimensional art work as well as canvas based work.
See to the right Richard’s piece Open Waters (Oil on canvas) 23.5cm x 32.5cm £300This was painted from memory.
Wendy (left) is a Royal Navy veteran. After an injury in 2001 which continued to deteriorate, Wendy was medical discharged in 2004. She started with the Soldiers Arts Academy in 2020 singing and taking Shakespeare classes. She began art classes with Robin Perko in 2021 which she’s found great joy in expressing herself, especially studying the old masters.
See to the right, Wendy’s piece SHOT PUT (Acrylic) A1 £40
Helen (left) served as one of the very first females to join the Honourable Artillery Company, serving 12yrs and finishing at the rank of LSgt. Later Helen found the SAA and under the gentle guidance of Robin, she returned you painting, a passion from her youth, and is loving the opportunity to learn new techniques and experiment with new mediums in a welcoming and supportive environment.
See to the right Helen’s piece Solitude at Sandhurst (oil on canvas board) 36 x 28cm £220
Hugh-Guy Lorriman (left) is currently serving, as a legal officer. He has been painting for 20 years and finds that in painting he experiences release and connection. Hugh paints in watercolours. His themes include architecture and advocacy. Sometimes Hugh writes poems to accompany his paintings.
See to the right Hugh’s piece A Royal General (Watercolour ) 38x33 cm, £400
Painting has always been life-giving for Mary-Maye (left), especially whilst raising a young family, and she’s found a work-life balance between Painting and District Nursing as an Army wife. Mary-Maye enjoys pet portraits and landscapes.
See to the right Mary-Maye’s piece Dale’s Sunset (oil on gesso panel) 54x54cm, £1200
A supporter of the SAA, Wenke (left) has been painting in the Robin Perko Atelier since 2020 and is very grateful to have been able to get back in touch with artistic expression. Having lost parts of her memory due to a car accident, her interest is to capture the essence of beings, animals or objects, attached with specific memories.
See to the right Wenke’s piece Spartacus (Watercolour) 42x30 cm £180
Zena (left) is currently studying art in Sixth Form. Art became a meditative practice of present moment awareness where the singular point of focus is the artist and the drawing.
See to the right Zena’s piece Pandora (Print with watercolour) £50
Simon (left) served with The Gloucestershire Regiment (The Glosters) and latterly with the Royal Artillery completing 35 year’s service with the army. Simon became a self taught artist throughout his service and now attends SAA art classes with his wife.
See to the right Simon’s piece Colour Sgt, 1 Glosters 1992 (Gouache) A3, NFS
Robin Perko (left) has exhibited at the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, Royal Society of British Artists, Royal Institute of Oil Painters and the New English Art Club. He runs sessions on portrait, still life and landscape painting and frequently works with military personnel and veterans, where art is effective therapy.
See to the right Robin’s piece Ludwig Van (oils) 20x15 cm £220
Dai (left) served as a combat medic in the army and developed Gulf War Illness (GWI) and PTSD through his service. Dai has enjoyed the opportunities to develop his art skills with the SAA and continues to hone his talents.
See to the right Dai’s piece Market Artist (acrylic) 30cm-25cm £40
David (left) is a mostly self-taught artist who uses oils and watercolours to paint mostly landscape and seascape. David served for three and a half decades in the Army, before founding and running two successful veterans’ charities, the Veterans’ Foundation and Launchpad.
See to the right David’s piece Golden Sunset 60x60cm without frame Oil and acrylic on board £600
Jen (left) served in both the TA and regular army as both other ranks and a commissioned officer completing 6 operational tours of duty. Due to abuses inflicted during her service she has suffered with depression since but has found art workshops with the SAA have improved her outlook tremendously
See to the right her piece Biggles and chicken feed (Watercolour) 18x13cm Framed £60
