Local artist’swork set to make waves

This impressive painting of Hastings from the sea is being put on display for the first time eight years after the artist passed away.
Louis Dodd's painting of ships on the sea at HastingsLouis Dodd's painting of ships on the sea at Hastings
Louis Dodd's painting of ships on the sea at Hastings

The late Louis Dodd lived and worked in Hastings but only created this one painting featuring his home town.

He worked at Hastings Art College as a part-time graphics teacher while also working as a painter. He lived in the Old Town, Bexhill Old Town and Mountfield becoming a fill time painter at the age of 36.

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During his career as an artist, Louis pursued his life-long interest of the sea and sailing ships, perfecting his painting technique to emulate the Old Masters of the 17th century. Ironically he never sailed on a boat nor could he swim. The exhibition is entitled

Louis was born in Hastings Buchanan hospital during an air raid and studied at the Grove School. His talent was noticed early and was encouraged by his art teacher, Arthur Spencer-Roberts to enrol at Hastings School of Art and then Goldsmiths College. He passed away in 2006 aged 63. The display has been organised by Louis’s widow Barbara Valentine. Louis’s daughter Juliette Dodd said: “I was inspired by him and he taught me how to paint. I would encourage everyone to come along and have a look. Anyone interested in old ships will love it. The paintings are as realistic as they could be though my father never sailed on a boat. He couldn’t even swim. He had a fascination with the sea. My father was a painter all his life and he got a lot of reference material to make sure the paintings looked as realistic as they could of the time period. It was my mother’s idea to stage an art exhibition as a way of remembering my father. This exhibition includes paintings from various periods of his working life as well as preliminary sketches.” The private view last Friday was officially opened by fine art expert, Dendy Easton, from BBC

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