In this year when we are rejoicing in all things British, Upper Basildon artist Nick Schlee presents us with a  glorious view of the countryside of Southern England. You can view the magnificence of  his Chilterns scenery at Modern Artists Gallery, Whitchurch-on-Thames in a solo show of paintings and sketches focusing on the historic Ridgeway trail, which opens tomorrow(Saturday). This section of national trail meanders through open downland to the west of the River Thames, and through secluded valleys and woods in The Chilterns to the east, following the same route used since prehistoric times by  travellers, herdsmen and soldiers.
The exhibition Along the Ridgeway provides an  opportunity to see the artist’s progress from ‘en plein air’  studies which provide the  catalyst for the large studio paintings.
Celebrated for his dramatic paintings of the English  countryside, Nick has enjoyed  a long and successful career.  As well as regular nationwide solo shows, most recently at  the River and Rowing Museum, Henley on Thames, he has also enjoyed success at the Spirit of London and the Royal Academy. Examples of his work can be seen in the City of London Guildhall Gallery, Reading Museum, Southampton City  Art Gallery and The Wessex Collection, Longleat.
Nick paints from his studio  in Upper Basildon and enjoys much success among local and nationwide patrons. His works are painted with immense vigour and intuition perfectly capturing in each painting the scale of our vast  and complex landscape.
Along the Ridgeway runs to March 9.