Artist swaps Italy for English market town
A former art teacher has swapped the landscapes of southern Italy for the architecture of historic Newark.
Liz Goulding, whose work is on show at Gallery 6 on Stodman Street, moved to Newark as she says it embodies the Englishness she missed.
Originally from the north-east of England, Liz lived in Lowdham for many years before her move abroad.
During a 30-year teaching career, she taught art and design at High Pavement College, Nottingham, at a comprehensive school in Stapleford and at Nottingham Trent University.
After retiring from teaching she moved to Puglia, Italy.
She said living in Italy allowed her to be a full-time artist and indulge in painting.
“I love all things Italian. My sister lived in Italy, in the south, and it was a total change to everything,” Liz said.
“Rather than a materialistic society, they are very much family orientated.
“I like a lot of things about their way of life. It was always a dream to go and live in Italy.”
Liz, 56, said Puglia had remained largely the same for hundreds of years.
'Newark seems to embody all the Englishness that I love'
After spending a year there, she decided to move back to Nottinghamshire.
“Newark seems to embody all the Englishness that I love and have missed,” she said.
“I toyed with the idea of moving to Newark before I went to Italy.”
Liz said she wanted to move to a market town with a bit of a buzz about it and a sense of community.
“I like the fact you can walk into town and find a café because to be part of the community is most important,” she said.
“I really like the look of Newark, the reflections in the River Trent — the old canal buildings. The architecture is interesting. I will find a lot of inspiration.”
Liz is painting Newark Castle which will feature reflections of the ruined monument in the River Trent.
She said she was inspired by light, colour and texture in the world around her.
“Newark is inspirational for me as a painter and is a great place to live — the history, the river, the diverse culture, good restaurants and cafés, music venues, a Georgian ballroom and lovely one-off quirky shops,” Liz said.
“I am excited to be part of a vibrant creative community, whether it is out painting by the river or working with others in my upcoming classes.”
Liz holds classes in expressive landscape painting on Tuesdays from 9.30am to 12.30pm at Gallery 6.
Tickets are £25. All are welcome, from beginners to more established painters.
Places are limited so should be booked in advance. Tickets can be bought by calling 07876 233144 or visiting Liz Goulding's website or emailing lizgoulding@live.com