Caran D'Ache Success

I found out yesterday that my painting 'The Colour Fields' was one of 15 paintings accepted into the competition. There were around 200 entries, as seen on the YouTube Link.

There are some wonderful entries, and I do feel very chuffed that one of mine was chosen. It has now been delivered to the Mall Galleries in London, waiting to be judged next week. They will now choose 3 paintings as 1st 2nd and 3rd prizes. I'm happy enough to have got this far, but I'll keep my fingers crossed in any case!

I put up my exhibition 'To the Point-Art of the Coloured Pencil last week', and have got some lovely feedback and a couple of potential sales in the offing.
Here are some photos from the show, which is on until 18th October.

The address of the exhibition is- The Atrium Gallery, Thames Ditton Library, Mercer Close, Thames Ditton, Surrey.

A couple of weeks ago I also held an abstract workshop in Reigate. A few of my past pupils came along, which was great. We developed the Fractured technique into an even more abstract look. They really enjoyed themselves a here are a few photos from the day.

This was the traditional original pastel
drawing

This was after I had taken the Fracture to it!

This was what my students created- to be completed at home.

I think the day was a success and people came up to me to say it was intriguing to find out how to abstract something! They understood it a little better. Phew!

A mum again and another art show!

I'm back!
After a fairly troublesome pregnancy, I'm pleased to say I gave birth to William in June. He was fine and dandy at a healthy 6lb 7oz, but I was a little bit poorly and had to have a blood transfusion after the c-section. It's taken me a while to get back to normal, but I'm pleased to say I'm almost there!
My artwork has been a therapy for me, and I snatch half an hour here and there in between nappy changes and organising a 5 year old's social life, which is more exciting than mine ever was...or is!
The first big thing I'm doing is a workshop in Reigate, Surrey on the 14th September- called 'Exciting Abstracts'. I'll be teaching how to do my Fractured paintings in a more abstract way.
http://www.art-events.co.uk/programme.php
This is the link to it if you fancy coming along.

My next project is a month long exhibition showing numerous works in Coloured Pencil. Which is a quite underrated medium. It is so brilliantly versatile and you can get real control of your marks. This lends itself to doing really detailed work both abstract and realistic.

I have been entering competitions also while grabbing my moments! Caran D'Ache are hosting a competition using just 6 of their gorgeous Aquarelle waterbased coloured pencils. I have entered two pieces in my Fractured style. These are they!

A Tuscan Sunset

The Colour Fields

Even if I'm not successful, I thoroughly enjoyed using them. Water based pencils are not normally my first choice of pencils, so I was pleasantly surprised!

Another venture I am having is having 6 Fractured paintings on display at Atishoo Gallery in Cornwall. Liz, the owner is an old University friend, so it's great to join forces with her and show my work there!

That's all for now! I'll be back!

As far as you can get!

As is with every year, there are particular months in which deadlines and results of art competitions come in. The last few weeks have been the results! I submitted work for various competitions and Open Art exhibitions, of which I have had some (but not all) success.
Of the ones which were successful, they are as follows:-
UKCPS (UK Coloured Pencil Society) Annual Exhibition at Nuneaton in October with 'Cressbrook Dale'.

AppArt Open Exhibition at Milford, Guildford in October with  my contemporary floral's 'Nymphae Ishwata' and 'Solo White'.

The one I am particularly excited about is the International Cricket Art Prize. 'The organisers invite artists to submit a painting or composition that depicts life in and around the game and sport of cricket, in settings of backyard, park, beach, street, village green or social-cricket.' 
I absolutely love watching and, when I can, playing cricket, so this was a great subject for me to have a go at. I actually submitted last year, but was not successful. But this year I managed to get into the shortlist. It is now winging it's way to Sydney Cricket Ground, Australia, hopefully in time for the exhibition at the beginning of October. There is a substantial cash prize for the winner, so keep everything crossed for me!
The title is :- 'Going for a Catch' and is done in my Fractured style. I tried to evoke a feeling of movement and speed. The judges obviously got it too!

I have also just finished being part of the organisation committee for a new Arts Festival, which happened on Saturday. I was the main exhibitor as the Rector initially invited me to exhibit, and it sort of grew from that! We had a potter, glass designer, watercolourist, oil painter and a jewellery maker. It was a great success and raised £900 for the church! Here are a few photos from the day and the displays.

My next project is to begin a collection of miniature paintings. Whilst on my holiday in Dorset I popped into a beautiful gallery, and after purchasing some items, I ended up having a great chat with the owner and suggested I try some miniatures, which she may, or may not take for the gallery. In any event, I'm doing a little collection. Watch this space!

Our Great Britain

Today I hung my new solo show 'Our Great Britain', once again at Thames Ditton Gallery Library. It features 25 paintings and prints, framed and unframed. There is a wide variety of styles and themes, all linked with the UK, which will suit all tastes!

This is what the exhibition looks like after hanging! I'm really pleased with how it all looks.

It is on from today until the 11th August. Open Tues-Sat 9am- 5pm and 7pm on Tuesday.

Address is - Mercer Close, Thames Ditton, Surrey KT7 0BS

New Exhibition- A Little Bit of Everything

So there I was, visiting my local library choosing some books for me and my daughter today, when I noticed that their lovely art gallery area was empty. Now, I have a real soft spot for this space as it was where I had my first ever solo exhibition. The staff have always supported me and my work, which I am extremely grateful for. I asked if there were any artists exhibiting work in the next couple of months, and there weren't! So I decided, why not? Let's do it!!!! I have now got 5 days to get it all ready, and as well as that, another demonstration to do at Tandridge Art Society. I will need a holiday soon! 

The exhibition will be a mix of styles and themes, with a price tag to suit everyone.

The dates are 15th March until 5th April. Tues 9am-7pm Wed 9am-5pm. Please come and visit, there will hopefully be something there you like. Here's a little taster.

All at Sea- Watercolour. 56cm x 46cm. £150 (reduced from £200 for this show)

Solo White- 40cm x 50cm. Acrylic and Mixed Media. £150 (reduced from £200 for this show)

There will also be a selection of unframed originals for sale.