If you want to see something new under the guise of tradition head to Byard Art for Beckie Reed’s canvases. It’s not everyone’s first idea for somewhere to go to see an exhibition, but this gallery is actually an excellent viewing space. They are currently showing “New Works”, an exhibition composed of four of their favourite artists also including Elizabeth Lecourt, Susan Macarthur and Amanda Helen Atkins.

Inspired by her East Anglian surroundings, Reed not only manages to encapsulate woodland scenes in all their glory and magnificence with a remarkably photographic quality given her use experimental and modern techniques. The surprising element is enamel, which makes her tree trunks stand out proudly from the canvas, in a glossy black, shiny and rippling manner. Her work is startlingly realistic from afar, but closer inspection reveals her liberal style with lots of texture and patterning. Dots and flicks of paint combine to create leaves, footpaths, flowers and a sense of movement. This is something altogether different and refreshing from the landscapes you may have seen before.

Lecourt demonstrates a much more hand-crafted approach. She uses maps to create miniature, ornate dresses, representing the habitat and identity of the “wearer”. The titles of the works tie in perfectly with the places depicted, giving a clear understanding of what is before you. It’s just a shame you can’t actually wear them.

Finally there is Susan Macarthur and Amanda Helen Atkins. Whilst not as attention-grabbing as the others, they are clearly innovative artists. Regarding Macarthur, I overheard someone whispering “They’re just the same as every other nude.” This isn’t the case. Interestingly, what looks like a painting has in fact been created using stitched materials and paint. Atkins’ work is very bright and organic, much like Miró, but messier.