Above: Robert Fuller's exhibition of wildlife art in full swing at Fotherdale Farm, Thixendale, North Yorkshire

ARTIST ON ICE

A trip to Antarctica to study & paint penguins gave popular local artist Robert E Fuller the inspiration for paintings in his new exhibition which opens on November 17 th to 2 nd December at his gallery at Fotherdale Farm, Thixendale.

The 18,000 mile round trip took Robert to one of the coldest places on earth onboard a former Russian research vessel. As well as visiting Antarctica itself, the artist travelled to the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, where he spent several weeks watching King Penguin colonies of up to half a million breeding pairs in size in freezing conditions.

The artist was originally inspired to visit the Earth's southernmost continent by the David Attenborough documentary ‘Life in the Freezer.' Robert says that the journey was a trip of a lifetime and gave him first hand insights into the penguin's behaviour, which he has used in his new penguin paintings produced for his latest show.

Robert has travelled extensively in Africa & India, but Antarctica was his furthest trip to date. Says Robert ‘It was certainly a long journey to reach my chosen subjects for this exhibition's paintings, but I enjoyed every minute of it! The sight of the King Penguin colonies was breathtaking.'

Strict conservation measures in Antarctica ensure that the infrequent visitors to its shores do not disrupt the wildlife. Says Robert, “It was important make sure that these pristine locations were kept that way & that I kept 5 metre distance away from the penguins.' However, whilst human visitors know the rules – the penguins clearly did not & with his eye focused down his camera lens Robert would frequently look down to see himself surrounded by penguin chicks that were pecking his boots and looking into his rucksack.

Robert photographed and studied the penguins from dawn till dusk, but in between landings during time at sea Robert attended lectures on the pressing conservation issues that face the Southern Pole, including global warming & climate change as well as conservation problems like long line fishing which kill around 100,000 albatrosses per year. He pledged his support by donating the highly collectible number one of his first penguin limited edition print to a Save the Albatross auction. The bidding was fast & furious and culminated in two winners bidding $11,000.00 for this worthy cause!

Robert's latest penguin paintings & photographs of his trip can be seen in the artist's gallery & studio outside the village of Thixendale from 17 th November-2 nd December. Open daily 11-4.30pm .

Visitors to the exhibition can expect to see a real wildlife extravaganza at Robert's gallery, which is a stunning conversion of a former dairy building. Visitors will be able to enjoy free refreshments as they wander around the exhibition at their leisure. They also will not want to miss the opportunity of looking in on Robert's studio to see what he is currently working on & to see his collection of other wildlife photographs, which he has taken on his travels.

ENDS

For further information on this press release or for further details about Robert Fuller please contact Victoria Fuller on 01759 368355 or at mail@robertefuller.com

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