An exhibition of paintings from one of the island’s most original and recognisable contemporary artists is to open at an art gallery in Peel, this weekend.

Eileen Schaer is to open her latest display of new work, entitled ’Painted Dreams’, at the House of Mannanan on Sunday, September 24, from 2pm.

Her paintings will be instantly familiar with many on the island, featuring almost surreal, cartoon-ish depictions of fantasy, almost dreamlike landscapes and large, bold characterisation of its subjects.

Eileen has been described as an artist with a powerful and original poetic vision, giving her pictures a sophisticated and, at the same time, a child-like, primitive feel.

She herself resists the temptation to define her style, or to over-analyse her work, preferring to let the paintings conjour up their own narrative in the viewers imagination.

’I really don’t like to analyse my work,’ she said.

My pictures are about feelings , much more than holding specific meanings, and I think they can come to mean anything to anyone.

’In a way it is a lot like music. You don’t have to justify why you like a certain song, or a piece of music,it is just about what you personally find appealing.

’You are free to enjoy it in your own way. I like to think it is the same with my paintings. It is about what each individual takes from them.

’I work from a basic idea, but I don’t plan where the painting will go.

’I like to be surprised by my work. I think the pictures are poetic.’

Eileen has been painting and exhibiting for more than 40 years.

Originally from Liverpool, she moved to the island in 1975. Her late husband, David Fletcher was contemporary of the famous Manx artist Norman Sayle, and was the course leader at the Isle of Man College.

Her last solo exhibition on the island was held at the Sayle Gallery in 2013, and she has recently displayed her work at the Affordable Art fair, held in Bristol earlier this month.

’Painted Dreams’ will remain open until Sunday, November 19

by Mike Wade

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