Orchard
Orchard is a wonderfully engaging work by Andrew Hemingway that captures the simultaneous beauty and ruggedness of the English countryside. Here, the artist focuses on the process of nature and seasonal change, depicting the effects of autumn on an orchard. In the foreground the earth is strewn with fallen apples, their red skins appearing to glisten even in the dull light from the clouded sky. Laying among the fruit are the fallen leaves from the tree above. The golden amber foliole that would have once covered the limbs of the tree have fallen, leaving its angular, twisted branches exposed to the elements. In the midground is a mass of these bare trees, their spindly branches overlapping to block out the light and view behind them. Here, Hemingway cleverly employs his medium, using light, blended patches of rusty red medium to give the appearance that some trees on the right of the composition have managed to retain their leaves. Two rustic outbuildings can be seen in the midground, the geometric shapes used within the structures are a visually interesting pictorial element that serves to sharply contrast the natural landscape they are situated within. This work is an excellent example of Hemingwayʼs work. His mastery of materials, careful compositional design and exquisite technical ability come together within Orchard to create a visually interesting and engaging subject that accurately displays his incredible talent as an artist.
Hemmingwayʼs constant production of outstanding works has elevated him to the status of a modern master of pastel and in 2014 he was invited to become an honorary member of The Pastel Society. His works can be found in private collections all over the world, including the collection of the Duke of Devonshire and that of Lord and Lady Rothermere. Corporate clients include the Halifax Building Society, Nestle and Deutsche Bank. One-man shows have been held in Canada, the Netherlands and across the United Kingdom. Today he is one of Britains leading realist artists and has been represented by Messums Gallery for the last twenty years.