NEW DOUG HYDE COLLECTION - Snapshots of Summer

“Trust in me… Loyalty and trust are often behind some of my works but this stepping stones composition highlights the trust in someone who knows you've got this. Sharing life together, trusting in someone who knows you and believes in you, a reassuring presence in your life who is there if you need them. I wanted this piece to glisten and shimmer in the sunlight, I wanted the speckles on the water to sparkle, I wanted this to piece be clam and beautiful emulating a sense of trust.”

“Us Brits are a hardcore bunch, we never let a bit of rain or cloud put us off what we are doing. Come rain or shine we will be there, ready to chat, pass the time of day with a friend or stranger and go about our daily lives. I really like the contrast and hope of the sun breaking through, I wanted to capture that moment when the sun breaks through and makes you squint and look away quickly. I wanted the sun to shine brightly, giving hope to us all on an ordinary dull day.”

“As a young teenager, in central Bristol I remember summer nights with friends on a huge hill looking over the city lights of Bristol. Still love to do this, always best with a friend, often a 4 legged one with me. I have loved producing the city lights with strong contrasts of colour and using the soft focus technique. Really pleased with the sky, love the vibrancy of colour and warmth, squint and it is kind of a Rothko sky who I have loved for many years. The addition of birds just add that something extra, giving a sense of calm and freedom to the piece.”

“I wanted to catch the feeling of being young and care free. Capturing that feeling of youth, a good day, a good moment with friends, good times ahead. Summer time at its best, not a care in the world, nostalgically looking back or excitedly looking forward. I loved producing the dappled light in this piece, watching the pathway and lane come to life as the sun started to dance around the path. The light bouncing around, I can still see the dappled light jumping, moving between the trees as my eyes look at it. A piece full of life, light and colour. A trip down memory lane or good times ahead depending on your outlook.”

“You know the summer is here, life is good, and you are in the pub garden. Nothing like a walk to the pub and sit in the pub garden for the afternoon and or evening. Interesting how many of us grew up thinking our Dads or Granddads were often going out to ‘See a man about a dog’ in the 70’s and 80’s!”

“I knew I wanted to approach them both with a feeling of nostalgia, almost a magical feel. My children are now adults, all beginning to find their own way in life and knowing them, their personality and passions, I want them to always shine bright in life. Helping others, being a bright light, showing kindness and integrity in all they do, this is the magic in life you need for real achievement.”