May 2026 Newsletter

Chris Schneider
May 5
4 min read

Hello and welcome to my first newsletter of 2026. Where has the year gone to and why haven’t I done my newsletter before this? Well, I’ve been a busy bee and time has just slipped away from me. I have a show starting on the 20th of May and I’ve been creating like an artist possessed for this. I’m happy to report that I have 21 new paintings for the show. Yes that’s right, 21. I’m counting the tiny ones to make it sound better.

There are 2 themes to my new work. The first is a collection of paintings called “Crimson Drift and Crimson Chase”. In this series, I’m exploring the dynamic interplay between crimson and yellow – two colours that, when brought together, create a charged and immediate visual tension. Their contrast feels both energetic and assertive, pushing the work toward a sense of movement and intensity that drives each composition.

Crimson, for me, carries emotional weight, depth, passion and a kind of internal pressure. Whilst the yellow introduces light, disruption and release. The dialogue between these two hues becomes the foundation of the work, allowing each to amplify the other rather than compete.

Into this heightened exchange, I introduce subtle passages of cool blue and mauve. These quieter tones act as a counterbalance, tempering the heat of the dominant palette and offering the viewer a moment of pause. They create space within the composition – both visually and emotionally – while simultaneously deepening the richness of the surrounding crimson.

The result is a shifting, atmospheric field where intensity and calm coexist. Each painting becomes a study in contrast and balance, inviting the viewer to move through moments of energy, reflection, and release.

The second collection of paintings I started during the long stretch of dull, damp weather at the start of the year. I found myself longing for warmth and brightness, for a release from winter’s greyness and a return to colour and light. These works, titled “Spring Plains,” are inspired by the quiet, gradual shift into spring. I’ve tried to capture the transition between the two seasons. The sky still carries echoes of heavy winter greys but then the composition transitions into luminous yellows, fresh greens, and bursts of warm reds, embodying the longing for springs arrival. Nothing is sharply defined reflecting that nature hasn’t fully settled yet.

Both collections with be exhibited this May at “Form, Frame & Fire” exhibition in the Crypt Gallery, Seaford.

“Form, Frame & Fire”

Wed 20th - Sun 31st May

An Exhibition of Ceramics, Glass, Jewellery, Painting & Photography

This exciting exhibition brings together five Sussex artists working across five different mediums, each offering a distinctive perspective and approach.

Jan Beesley is a photographer who embraces both traditional and experimental techniques, creating abstracted images inspired by the Sussex landscape, from the Ashdown Forest to the sea.

Jayne Luscombe is a jeweller who combines enamels and gemstones to bring vibrant colour to her silver pieces.

Chris Schneider explores texture, rhythm and space through a range of mark-making techniques in her abstracted landscape paintings.

Charlie Todman is a ceramic artist who enjoys pushing the boundaries of the medium by creating egg shell thin porcelain forms, using alternative firing techniques to produce unique and often striking visual effects on the finished piece.

The exhibition also features guest artist Julie Knight, a glass artist inspired by nature and landscapes, who employs tinned copper wire and solder as an expressive element in her work.

A Meet the Artist day with refreshments will take place on Saturday 23rd May.

Weekdays: 10am - 4pm

Weekends: 10am - 5pm

The Crypt Gallery, 23 Church St, Seaford BN25 1HD

Form, Frame & Fire website

Last year I joined the Chalk Gallery in Lewes. The gallery had been located at the same premises for 20 years and is now in the process of moving to a new location in Lewes. We’re currently busy decorating and setting up the space and I’ll share our official opening date as soon as everything is ready. Our new home is at 2 Station Street in Lewes. This location is more central and hopefully there will be increased footfall. I'm really looking forward to showing my paintings at the new gallery!

Chalk Gallery, 2 Station Street, Lewes BN7 2DA

Chalk Gallery website

Ashdown Forest Open Studios

The start of September marks the very first Ashdown Forest Open Studios (AFOS) — a celebration of creativity inspired by the beautiful landscape that has long drawn artists, writers, and makers to this special part of Sussex. I’m delighted to be taking part and will send out more information nearer the time.

AFOS website