Painting the Spirit of Split – ‘Concrete Beach’ at the Atelier Open

by Jane Denman

I am delighted to have my oil sketch 'Concrete Beach' selected be selected for this years 2025 Atelier Open in Brighton and they have some exciting offers lined up for the first weekend.

I painted this sketch using oils on paper right after returning from our trip to Split in Croatia, I often like to start paintings immediately after I return from a trip as the experience is fresh in my memory.

We spent a lovely week in Split, walking and taking photographs and found out about their local water sport called Picigin (pronounced [pit͡sǐgiːn]) a traditional ball game from Split, Croatia that is played at the beach. I had heard about the game and it seemed to consist of players standing in the shallows and playing a type of hand ball, so not letting the ball drop in the water. It seemed that there were established teams and so a lot of passersby would stand and watch it was really entertaining.

In the oil sketch I wanted to capture the movement, heat and poses of both players and onlookers.

Concrete Beach, oil on paper, framed in black wood

Atelier by the Sea Gallery is right on Brighton seafront in the Arches looking over the beach and sea. Its a fabulous spot and its a super gallery to visit, they have many exhibitions and a shop and run art workshops as well. They support not only local Sussex artists but artists further afield and are a very well known gallery, so it was a lovely surprise to be picked for the show and I think that Concrete Beach will look quite at home there on Brighton seafront, which is my home town and where I grew up.

Date of exhibition: 24 July - 14 September 2025

You are invited to join us this Thursday for the Launch of our biggest and most diverse exhibition of the year: 
The Atelier Open 2025
This national open call attracted a record number of submissions from artists across the UK. After much deliberation (and some very difficult decisions), we’ve selected 215 artists to exhibit 395 pieces — a vibrant mix of styles, ideas and media that we’re proud to share.
The result? An exciting, eclectic and joyful exhibition with something for everyone — and perhaps even something to take home.
As always, visitors can cast a vote in our public ballot for their favourite artwork (the winning artist gets a cash prize). 
It’s a tradition that sparks some surprisingly passionate debate in the gallery (you’ve been warned).
To get things off to a strong start, we’re offering 15% off all exhibition sales during the Private View and first weekend — so come early, pick your favourite, and be part of the buzz.
Private View + Online Launch Thursday 24th July 2025
6.00–9.00pm
Atelier Beside The Sea, 165 Kings Road Arches, Brighton

🌐 Website goes live at 6.00pm
Whether you join us in person or online, we can’t wait to share this exhibition with you.

Atelier by the Sea website click here

165 KINGS ROAD ARCHES    BRIGHTON    BN1 1NB
ON BRIGHTON SEAFRONT, NEAR SHELTER HALL
20 MINUTES WALK FROM BRIGHTON STATION

OPENING HOURS:
Monday - Sunday, 11am - 5pm.

Concrete Beach will be available to view on their website and at the gallery from 24 July, if you have any queries about purchasing please contact them at the above link 

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