Lesley Dabson: A London Year

Everyone is welcome.

Lesley Dabson describes herself as a "literal painter".

"When a scene has hooked my attention, I can’t wait to capture it in oil".

And so it was at our first meeting: within minutes, Dabson’s keen eye has captured shapes, colours, textures; a particular vista or view in and from the HLSI building where we meet.

In this exhibition, A London Year, Dabson shares city scenes throughout the seasons and in all lights. She works in oil paint, both in her studio and en plein air directly in front of her subject. Both practices bring different elements to her work. The immediacy of a changing scene, where light, tides and weather influence a plein air piece and the calmer atmosphere of her studio where she can take a more considered approach. "There is no difference in style or brushwork", Dabson explains, "but both aspects are important and complementary in my practice".

Draughtsmanship is fundamental to Dabson’s practice. She is a member of the Hesketh Hubbard Life Drawing Society, meeting weekly in the Mall Galleries to draw. The professional models, who live and work in the city choose their own poses; Dabson works at speed and with accuracy. The studies, primarily in charcoal on textured paper, are included in A London Year.

Dabson has lived in London for over forty years and her work is firmly rooted in the changing seasons of the city.

In 2024 her work was included in Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, she is an elected member of Chelsea Art Society and the Royal Society of Birmingham Artists.

Price

Free event.

Contact

See the Highgate Gallery website.

Date

Exhibition runs from 10 to 23 October 2025.

Highgate Gallery is open:

• Wednesday to Friday, 1pm to 5pm
• Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm
• Closed Monday and Tueaday

Location