Art Opposites

Two Cambridgeshire artists, Ted Coney and Francis Jean, have joined together to exhibit their work at the Babylon Gallery in Ely.

Although friends for many years and both work in oils, their practice is very different.

While Francis always works in front of his subject Ted works on the final painting in his studio, working on three paintings at once.

Ted has been painting for over 50 years, mostly painting about family life and relationships.

He’s said that he’ll work on three paintings at once, having one on the easel for about a year while the other two are “at various stages of preparation” gathering preliminary materials such as sketches and photographs.

Francis however works directly with no preliminary drawing or work. Francis prefers figurative painting and drawing from life.

The exhibition is free to enter and is open from March 16 to April 9, from 12noon to 4pm. The launch rund from 5-7pm on March 17, allowing visitors to meet the artists.