David Rafer In Cley, Norfolk

Wells Art Group ‘Nature And The Big Skies’ 11th – 24th February

Cley Marshes Visitor Centre, Coast Road, Cley next the Sea, Norfolk NR25 7SA

Wells Art Group marks 50 years with works by 11 plein-air artists, celebrating North Norfolk’s skies, wildlife, and distinctive local landmarks.

David Rafer will be showing related works, including ‘Cley Marshes’, acrylic on canvas, 31 x 41cm, framed, £150.
He will also be exhibiting ‘Cley Windmill ‘, acrylic on canvas, 34.5 x 44.5cm, framed, £250.

David Rafer’s interest in art has grown beyond academic study into a deeply personal practice, expressed through his own paintings inspired by the landscape, people, and places of Norfolk. “I found that through en plein air painting—whether alone or alongside close friends and fellow painters—I could experience Norfolk with a new sense of immediacy.” This rich environment continues to provide an abundance of subjects that challenge and develop his skills, as he works across oils, watercolours, and acrylics.

Wells Art Group celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Over the past five years, the group has evolved into a year-round plein air painting collective, meeting weekly at locations across North Norfolk. Comprising 11 artists, the group works in a wide range of media—including oils, acrylics and watercolours—and explores diverse styles and subject matter.

Wells-next-the-Sea and the surrounding North Norfolk landscape are renowned for their expansive skies and rich natural beauty. This exhibition reflects those qualities, capturing local scenes alongside the wildlife, flora, and distinctive architecture that define the character of Norfolk.