Welsh Country looks at three artists an illustrative artist, a landscape artist and a cabinetmaker who for a week in July, joins a group of up to 40 artists, all with studios within a 15 mile radius of Llandeilo open their working practices to the public, the Tywi Valley Open Studios 16th– 24th July 2022.
Cerys Rees
Cerys Rees is an artist and illustrator living in Llandeilo. My work is regularly published in Welsh Country magazine and I have illustrated two published children’s books written by the Guardian Journalist Ellie Levenson and Llandysul based author, Simone Mansell Broome. My work is inspired by my love of animals and I work in oil, water colour and pencil. Paintings and illustration commissions warmly received.
I will be sharing a studio with the lovely Andy Wardrop for this years’ Tywi Valley Open Studios. I look forward to meeting everyone attending the tour in July:
John Mayo
John Mayo spent four years at Luton School of Art being trained as a Graphic Designer and Illustrator (pre-technology, on an actual drawing board!) Following Art college I worked in publishing and advertising. I then had my own successful advertising and design practice for over thirty years. Now I no longer have to meet deadlines!
I now work mainly with oils and acrylic paints. My subject matter is predominately landscapes, scenes from in and around Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.
I don’t paint in a formulaic or predictable overly decorative manner; my work tends to be illustrative rather than painterly – “Paint what you see not what you think you see” a principle I try to adhere to.
I live and paint in Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire.
Johnathan Garrard
Woodworking has always been a passion for Johnathan Garrard. I studied cabinet making and furniture restoration at the London College of Furniture and then went to work in the trade in London as a restorer. I also taught woodwork, cabinet making, restoration, picture framing, wood finishing and wood machining for 20 years in adult classes and degree courses.
The family and the workshop moved to Wales in 2006, where I now specialise in making one off designs, bespoke kitchens and storage solutions. I restore furniture for private clients, antique dealers and national organisations including The National Trust and the Palace of Westminster. I hope to continue with my teaching and run courses from the workshop for all levels.
For a full list of those taking part in the 2022 Tywi Valley Open Studios with dates times and venues go to
Workshops And Demonstrations | Tywi Valley Open Studios | Wales
