2. Speaking

Presentation of the reports. (Checking the homework)

3. Reading and speaking

► Work in pairs.

Read a piece of information from a website and fill in the chart. Then tell your partner shortly about your painter.

Name:

Born:

Birthplace:

Education:

Work experience:

What painted:

Where to find his works: ,

British Art and Artists at Red Rag Gallery Artist: Michael KIDD

Michael Kidd was born in London in 1937. He studied at Wimbledon School of Art where he gained a scholarship to the Royal College of Arts. Fellow art stu­dents included the film director Ridley Scott and artist David Hockney. After leaving the Royal College of Art Kidd worked as an art director in some of Lon­don's leading advertising agencies before moving the USA. In 1966 Michael Kidd moved to New York to work as a creative director. Follow ing his return to the UK he began directing T.V. and Cinema commercials in Ei rope, America and the UK and undertaking work for British Airways, Coca Col Lloyds and Barclays Bank, Ford Motor Company and many more. From 1981 Michael Kidd began painting between film shoots. Slowly painting became more important to him and more people started to buy his modern art.. a result Kidd eventually gave up directing to become a full-time artist. All of Michael Kidd's modern art work shows a strong imaginative streak, quii at times, surreal at others. Kidd tends to produce paintings on themes — gar­dens, chateaux, coastal, cities, whatever subject holds his interest. Michael Kidd says he tends to 'think in terms of numbers'. He is fascinated by 'patterns and mathematics, the poetry of the indecipherable'. Kidd's modern £ shows his characteristic pleasure with what he calls 'playing with different pe spectives — giving the illusion of the reality, and keeping it simple'. Michael Kidd modern art is available at Red Rag Bath Art Gallery

Latest British Art and Artists at Red Rag Gallery Artist: Martin LEMAN

Martin Leman has been best known for his exquisite paintings of cats. He is oi of the most popular contemporary British artists, he also has an avid followin abroad, especially in America and Japan. Leman's illustrated books have sold well over half a million copies and his etching shown at the Royal Academy in 1998 was an instant sell out.

Martin Leman was born in London in 1934. He studied at Worthing School of Art and later at London's Central School of Art. He initially worked as a desi| er, illustrator and typographer in advertising and publishing. In the early 60's Martin Leman became a full time professional artist making painting his main occupation. A turning point in Martin's career was a painti of a small tabby cat situated in a decorative interior. It sold immediately and begun his long association with cats.

Martin Leman is also well known for his often humorous paintings of the fem

form and American folk art styled paintings. More recently he has turned his

undoubted talent to paintings of landscapes, topiary and stones.

Leman has been described as 'the most sophisticated of "naive" British artist

but unlike many so-called na ve or primitive painters, he had a thorough artii

training.

Although born and still living in London, Martin Leman has a special affinit with Cornwall and in particular St Ives, which forms the background to some his most notable cat paintings. Leman's design for a signed limited edition ci paign poster played a valuable part in fund raising for the Tate St Ives. Martin Leman has exhibited internationally, and is a regular exhibitor at Lo don's Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. His paintings are held in many pr vate art collections throughout the world.

In addition to Red Rag British Art Gallery Martin Leman art work has been exhibited at other leading British Art Galleries. Each painting at Red Rag is sourced from the Martin Leman artist studio and like all Red Rag British ar Contemporary art it can be shipped worldwide.