The Sanctuary Studio is one of the thriving art galleries in Newnham High Steet, now surely the artistic centre of the forest writes Dave Kent.

There are two other important galleries along the High Street, at the George and at the Severnside Press. The latest exhibition is hosted at the Sanctuary, entitled ’La Dolce Vita’, features gloriously decadent world, with colourful views of Mediterranean and other south European and north African landscapes. The paintings and ceramics by are well known local and other British artists who know their subject well, some having made their homes in these exotic places.

British artist Jenny Fermor lives and works in Madrid, Spain. Her sun-soaked rural landscapes and urban scenes convey the light and warmth of the wonderful Mediterranean climate.

Artist and Gallery owner Sharon Havey, inspired by the landscape and light of the Italian landscape, captures the spirit of the ‘sweet life’ in a series of works that celebrate simple pleasures: a beautiful view, good food and wine, and time spent in the company of friends and family.

Jessica Dunn’s abstract paintings are inspired by the radiant colours and textures of Portugal, where she lives and works, developing abstract images with rich colour to celebrate the southern European landscape.

Sarah Boden’s painting of Marrakesh brings back memories of this town in Morocco as the idyllic place to visit for hippie students in the 1960s, representing dreams of freedom from a boring conventional working life at home, enjoying a transient irresponsible lifestyle before being hit by the harsh realities of work and mortgages and family responsibilities. I never quite made it, but the picture is a happy reminder of youthful dreams.

Dawn Hajittofi’s ceramics reflect life’s journey. Her thrown vessels are decorated using slips and randomly applied indentations and glazes, and gilt touches to reference the Japanese art of ‘Kintsugi”, which restores broken pottery with seems of real gold.

As you enter the studio, you are hit with a riot of colour. Keith Baugh’s larger than life series of colour pictures take you on a journey on gondola along the canal beside the colourful coffee houses of Venice where the sun always shines, and Kate Baugh’s colourful ceramics have strong Mediterranean influences, are made from stoneware or porcelain clay, and influenced by the marks and colours of Catalonian abstract artists.

‘La Dolce Vita’ celebrates ‘The Sultry Pleasures of Warm Climates, and Faraway Places’, where it is always summer, the sun is always shining, and life is warm, passionate, colourful and mysterious.

Warm climates and faraway places, brought to life in this gloriously atmospheric view of ‘La Dolce Vita’.

The Exhibition, at the Sanctuary Gallery, continues until 27th June. Be ready for the colourful entry to the Studio.