The Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, in Chelsea, London, has an unexpectedly interesting and stimulating collection of art. I saw it when visiting the hospital this month.
In the 'gallery', which is a long display area on the first floor, are works by Dominic Madden and James Martelli.
Hospital Arts at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
Friday, 17 December 2010
BACK FROM JAMAICA, AND WISHING I WAS THERE WHEN VISITING THE GAUGUIN EXHIBITION AT THE TATE MODERN.
PAUL GAUGUIN, MAKER OF MYTH - TATE MODERN - UNTIL 16 JANUARY 2011.
I went to the big (or rather medium sized) exhibition at the Tate Modern yesterday afternoon. As the weather was dire, and everybody preoccupied with Christmas parties and shopping, there was no queue, despite the Tate web site giving dire warnings that it is essential to prebook.
I walked straight in, on the 4th floor of the Tate, and found the people inside were quite thinly distributed. although a lot were collected on the various benches, probably absolutely exhausted.
I do not recall visiting the previous Gauguin shows in London, though of course I have seen a lot of the paintings in mixed exhibitions. Some of the work was completely new to me, and I noted several from Russian collections.
There was a couple of rooms showing the background to his decision to visit the tropics, - letters - photos of Tahiti for example. Also examples of his wood block prints, and other graphic productions, and examples of the journal he published, called La Sourire. In room 4 are some of his drawings. I got the impression that he struggled and was obsessive, endeavoring to conquer the various mediums.
Dotted around in the rooms are some of Gauguin's wood carvings, and ceramic figures, and the huge door-surround which he constructed and carved in the Marquesas.
Maybe Gauguin was a man who was trying anything which he fancied? There was a lot of bits and pieces, a little carving, a little pottery, some lithographs etc plus several styles of painting.
In Room 7 is a beautiful study, called Head of 2 Marquesans, described as 'Traced Monotype' 1902 from the British Museum collection. The heads are used in a painting called The Escape, 1902, from Prague. The colours are browns, golds, pinky red, blue, green. Absolutely, it works.
Painting, I presume, was his main preoccupation. I have not read his letters or any books on him, so I am unable to back up this statement. However, the styles vary a lot, that which I admired most was beautiful portraiture of the girls in the tropics.
There are some magnificent paintings, particularly in Room 9, where are hung five beauties. In particular the painting Aha oe Fii? (What, are you jealous?), (1892) seems to vibrate with light and depth. The figures rounded and delicious. Colours almost edible and chocolaty.
These are the paintings, in this room 9, that I would love to take home. In this room are: Two Tahitian Women, 1899, from New York Met, and Tehamana has many Parents, 1893, from the Art Institute of Chicago., and Eu Haere ia oe (Woman holding a fruit), 1892, from the Hermitage, St Petersburg.
There were others, of course, that I admired. Particularly interesting was the use of bright bluish pinks, yellow-greens, and the pale blue of tropical seas, used as clothing and in the landscape backgrounds. I wonder how he came by the pigments, being so far from main artists suppliers; maybe he sent for them to be delivered by ship? The paintings seemed to be in good condition, considering their possible lack of care after Gauguin died in the Marquesas.
I have just returned from a holiday in Jamaica, near Ocho Rias, and I thought longingly of the beautiful sky there, the black night with its stars, the luscious sea-grape trees, the ginger lilies and all the other delicious tropical green shrubs and flowers. I can see why Gauguin painted those people, those greens and blues, and the strong, dark contrasts and shadows. Wish I was back in Jamaica!
Thursday, 4 November 2010
BEST FIVE EXHIBITIONS NOVEMBER 2010
Here are the five top London shows I want to see:
Royal Academy -' Treasures from Budapest: European Masterpieces from Leonardo to Schiele'.
It ends on 12 December. Sounds like it includes some great stuff, judging by reviews I have read,
Link:
Royal Academy, Piccadilly, London
Turner Prize - at the Tate Britian, because I found Dexter Dalwood's huge paintings/collages very interesting when I saw them several years ago at the Gagosian Gallery, London.
Link:
Turner Prize, at Tate Britain, Millbank, London
Thomas Lawrence at the National Portrait Gallery, St Martins Lane, London, to 23 January. I rate him highly and find his portraits an inspiration.
Link:
Thomas Lawrence, portraits
British Museum, an exhibition of graphic art entitled Picasso to Julie Mehretu, to 25 April
Sounds fascinating, and the BM Prints Department Graphics comprise an unknown treasure house.
Link:
British Museum, Picasso to Julie Mehretu
The Courtauld Institute of Art, Gallery, London
A small exhibition of Cezanne's paintings of peasant card players and more, until 16 January
Link:
.Cezanne's card players
Royal Academy -' Treasures from Budapest: European Masterpieces from Leonardo to Schiele'.
It ends on 12 December. Sounds like it includes some great stuff, judging by reviews I have read,
Link:
Royal Academy, Piccadilly, London
Turner Prize - at the Tate Britian, because I found Dexter Dalwood's huge paintings/collages very interesting when I saw them several years ago at the Gagosian Gallery, London.
Link:
Turner Prize, at Tate Britain, Millbank, London
Thomas Lawrence at the National Portrait Gallery, St Martins Lane, London, to 23 January. I rate him highly and find his portraits an inspiration.
Link:
Thomas Lawrence, portraits
British Museum, an exhibition of graphic art entitled Picasso to Julie Mehretu, to 25 April
Sounds fascinating, and the BM Prints Department Graphics comprise an unknown treasure house.
Link:
British Museum, Picasso to Julie Mehretu
The Courtauld Institute of Art, Gallery, London
A small exhibition of Cezanne's paintings of peasant card players and more, until 16 January
Link:
.Cezanne's card players
ZURBARAN, PAINTER OF PRIESTS, VELEZQUES, PAINTER OF PAINTERS
I was fortunate to hear the talk by Dr Xavier Bray, from the National Gallery, who demonstrated to us the greatness of Velazquez, and the considerable talent of Zurbaran.
Some information about Dr Bray is at this link from the Threadneedle Art Prize website
Xavier Bray
Of course we have been able to see two magnificent shows of Velazquez in London, fairly recently. I have been lucky enought to visit to Prado in Madrid, too where there are fantastic paintings by him.
Here is useful information about Velazquez with some thumbnail images of some of his work.
Velazquez
I used a visual reference from the stupendous portrait of Philip IV in Brown and Silver, by Velazquez in the National Gallery- you can see him in the corner of my portrait of Ben, in similarly stuffed and puffed up clothing.
Philip IV of Spain in Brown and Silver
Some information about Dr Bray is at this link from the Threadneedle Art Prize website
Xavier Bray
Of course we have been able to see two magnificent shows of Velazquez in London, fairly recently. I have been lucky enought to visit to Prado in Madrid, too where there are fantastic paintings by him.
Here is useful information about Velazquez with some thumbnail images of some of his work.
Velazquez
Philip IV of Spain in Brown and Silver
Thursday, 28 October 2010
NEW OILS, HENLEY REGATTA AND THE LEGS SERIES - RUGBY PLAYERS AND JOCKEYS
I have finished two paintings recently. Here is the first idea for the Henley painting.
Then the second version, this time image reversed
Had difficulty in decided on processing the Red Shoes and made a considerable change in the composition. I roughed the painting in thin oil, then thought about it a bit, and put in a row of the pretty girls I noticed when visiting this summer. Actually they were not wearing red shoes, but the shoes themselves were very pictorially interesting. You know the old saying, red shoes............?
Almost completed...
Here is the first stage for the Rugby legs painting (I reversed the image to evaluate it better.)
Here is the next stage:
and here is the final version
The rugby legs painting is on show at the Richmond Art Society autumn show at Vestry Hall, Paradise Road, Richmond upon Thames, until Sunday, 7 November 2010
Had difficulty in decided on processing the Red Shoes and made a considerable change in the composition. I roughed the painting in thin oil, then thought about it a bit, and put in a row of the pretty girls I noticed when visiting this summer. Actually they were not wearing red shoes, but the shoes themselves were very pictorially interesting. You know the old saying, red shoes............?
Almost completed...
Here is the first stage for the Rugby legs painting (I reversed the image to evaluate it better.)
and here is the final version
Friday, 22 October 2010
VAN GOGH AND GAUGUIN - A TALK BY MICHAEL GAYFORD - MAN WITH A BLUE SCARF - RICHMOND
The presenter of this talk is well known as:
A Man with a Blue Scarf.
He is the subject of a painting by Lucien Freud which has been publicised in the media recently.
The book is called 'Man with a Blue Scarf: on sitting for a Portrait by Lucien Freud'.
A podcast about Martin sitting for his portrait is from the Museum of Modern Art website, here
MOMA AND MARTIN GAYFORD
Michael answered questions about sitting for Freud at the end of his talk.
For example, did Freud talk a lot? Yes, apparently but Michael said the more he talked, the slower he painted, and he was not sure this was a good thing.
The subject of the talk by Martin at Richmond was the 5 weeks the two artists, Van Gogh and Gauguin, spent together in Arles, France, in the autumn of 1888.
Michael outlined the background of Van Gogh's residence in Arles and why he lived in the Yellow House.
Apparently he lived in a hotel to start with, and the house was empty, next to the bar he frequented.
Van Gogh had enough money to rent the house, decorate it and buy furniture.
He had met Gaguin before, in Paris.
Gaguin might not have been easy to live with, but I bet Van Gogh was absolutely unbearable over a long time, because he talked incessantly!
A Man with a Blue Scarf.
He is the subject of a painting by Lucien Freud which has been publicised in the media recently.
The book is called 'Man with a Blue Scarf: on sitting for a Portrait by Lucien Freud'.
A podcast about Martin sitting for his portrait is from the Museum of Modern Art website, here
MOMA AND MARTIN GAYFORD
Michael answered questions about sitting for Freud at the end of his talk.
For example, did Freud talk a lot? Yes, apparently but Michael said the more he talked, the slower he painted, and he was not sure this was a good thing.
The subject of the talk by Martin at Richmond was the 5 weeks the two artists, Van Gogh and Gauguin, spent together in Arles, France, in the autumn of 1888.
Michael outlined the background of Van Gogh's residence in Arles and why he lived in the Yellow House.
Apparently he lived in a hotel to start with, and the house was empty, next to the bar he frequented.
Van Gogh had enough money to rent the house, decorate it and buy furniture.
He had met Gaguin before, in Paris.
Gaguin might not have been easy to live with, but I bet Van Gogh was absolutely unbearable over a long time, because he talked incessantly!
Made: Artist of the Week - Ali Yanya
Made: Artist of the Week - Ali Yanya
Here is a link to an interesting website, the author is interviewing a London based artist I particularly admire
Here is a link to an interesting website, the author is interviewing a London based artist I particularly admire
ART FAIR - PALACE ART FAIR AT FULHAM PALACE, FULHAM, LONDON IN OCTOBER
The art fair is the first one to be held in by the organisers in Fulham. It was held on 7. 9 and 10 October 2010
They also run the Brighton Art Fair every year.
Palace Art Fair
The site of the fair is excellent, in the old Fulham Palace, formerly a bishop's residence, access from Bishops Avenue, and set in a beautiful park.
Fulham Palace and park - well worth a visit
You can walk there easily along the river Thames, with Putney on the opposite bank. Putney Bridge underground station is on the District Line.
On site were marquees full of stands for the artists. Painters, printmakers, potters, sculptors etc....
I met several I knew
Beth, Ali, Pippa...
I particularly liked the work of Ali Yanya, have a look at a blog I came across,
This blog
and Ali's website
Also it is possible to get nice cups of coffee or tea during the day even when no events are on, and food from the cafe seemed excellent. On a nice day you can site outside on the terrace and watch the children play on the grassy lawns.
The show was attracting a lot of well-heeled upper class Londoners and the friends of the artists and gallery owners.
The excellent gallery, Art Dog, was represented by Pippa Graber, who was selling work by Moira Jarvis, as well as other artists.
Art Dog
They also run the Brighton Art Fair every year.
Palace Art Fair
The site of the fair is excellent, in the old Fulham Palace, formerly a bishop's residence, access from Bishops Avenue, and set in a beautiful park.
Fulham Palace and park - well worth a visit
You can walk there easily along the river Thames, with Putney on the opposite bank. Putney Bridge underground station is on the District Line.
On site were marquees full of stands for the artists. Painters, printmakers, potters, sculptors etc....
I met several I knew
Beth, Ali, Pippa...
I particularly liked the work of Ali Yanya, have a look at a blog I came across,
This blog
and Ali's website
Also it is possible to get nice cups of coffee or tea during the day even when no events are on, and food from the cafe seemed excellent. On a nice day you can site outside on the terrace and watch the children play on the grassy lawns.
The show was attracting a lot of well-heeled upper class Londoners and the friends of the artists and gallery owners.
The excellent gallery, Art Dog, was represented by Pippa Graber, who was selling work by Moira Jarvis, as well as other artists.
Art Dog
Friday, 15 October 2010
TIME AND TIDE MUSEUM - GREAT YARMOUTH, NORFOLK - EXCELLENT
It is well worth a visit.
This is the second time we went along.
The cafe is good but unfortunately no local beers served.
And we couldn't get the picked herrings this time.
On our first visit we enjoyed delicious local beer, now its just one multinational bottled beer on offer.
Here is a link to website but it doesn't do the museum justice.
TIME AND TIDE MUSEUM GREAT YARMOUTH
It is in several very old buildings in Blackfriar's road.
The old smoke houses are the originals and still smell of smoked herrings.
Inside them it is quite dark, and you can peer up to the roof, immagining the men straddling the spaces between the rows of wooden poles rising to the roof, one leg on each side of the wide gap.
There is a gallery where some paintings of the local circus are on display at present.
Great Yarmouth Hippodrome Circus is the only surviving total circus building in Britain,
It was built in 1903 by George Gilbert.
Hippodrome Circus, Great Yarmouth
Upstairs at Time and Tide are excellent displays of life as a seaside resort, with photos of bathing machines
Later the Mods used to come to Great Yarmouth in the 50s on the scooters.
The start of what is now the Royal National Lifeboat Instution is explained with vivid pictures of wrecks and rescues.
RLNI
There are photos of the dreadful bomb damage in Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, as this area had a huge amount of bomb hits during the Second World War. Large parts of the old towns are rebuilt as a result.
A few of the famous 'rows' in Great Yarmouth still exist in the town. The 'rows' are from mediaeval Great Yarmouth, built within the town walls which still exist in part, and where the poor people lived.
In this museum is a good reconstruction of a 'row' of little houses and shops, separated by an narrow alley
This is the second time we went along.
The cafe is good but unfortunately no local beers served.
And we couldn't get the picked herrings this time.
On our first visit we enjoyed delicious local beer, now its just one multinational bottled beer on offer.
Here is a link to website but it doesn't do the museum justice.
TIME AND TIDE MUSEUM GREAT YARMOUTH
It is in several very old buildings in Blackfriar's road.
The old smoke houses are the originals and still smell of smoked herrings.
Inside them it is quite dark, and you can peer up to the roof, immagining the men straddling the spaces between the rows of wooden poles rising to the roof, one leg on each side of the wide gap.
There is a gallery where some paintings of the local circus are on display at present.
Great Yarmouth Hippodrome Circus is the only surviving total circus building in Britain,
It was built in 1903 by George Gilbert.
Hippodrome Circus, Great Yarmouth
Upstairs at Time and Tide are excellent displays of life as a seaside resort, with photos of bathing machines
Later the Mods used to come to Great Yarmouth in the 50s on the scooters.
The start of what is now the Royal National Lifeboat Instution is explained with vivid pictures of wrecks and rescues.
RLNI
There are photos of the dreadful bomb damage in Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, as this area had a huge amount of bomb hits during the Second World War. Large parts of the old towns are rebuilt as a result.
A few of the famous 'rows' in Great Yarmouth still exist in the town. The 'rows' are from mediaeval Great Yarmouth, built within the town walls which still exist in part, and where the poor people lived.
In this museum is a good reconstruction of a 'row' of little houses and shops, separated by an narrow alley
Monday, 4 October 2010
JOHN IDDON - TALK ON MEN BEHAVING BADLY
THE RICHMOND ART SOCIETY was host to John Iddon, who gave an amusing talk with the theme Men Behaving Badly- Rogues and Vagabonds.
He spoke about both artists and the subject of paintings and sculptures. The role-call was long! Included was Henry VIII by Hobein, right up to sculptures by Eric Gill and Epstein.
In future I'll have to take a notebook along because the talks at Richmond are so intense and informative, I can never remember the half of them Usually the lecturers are of the highest quality.
I recall that I should look out for the scuptures on Zimbabwe House in the Strand, London, done by Epstein, which have had their vital bits removed!
John Iddon has a gallery, and is a lecturer at the Tate, among other venues.
John Iddon Fine Art
He spoke about both artists and the subject of paintings and sculptures. The role-call was long! Included was Henry VIII by Hobein, right up to sculptures by Eric Gill and Epstein.
In future I'll have to take a notebook along because the talks at Richmond are so intense and informative, I can never remember the half of them Usually the lecturers are of the highest quality.
I recall that I should look out for the scuptures on Zimbabwe House in the Strand, London, done by Epstein, which have had their vital bits removed!
John Iddon has a gallery, and is a lecturer at the Tate, among other venues.
John Iddon Fine Art
Friday, 1 October 2010
WHITECHAPEL ART GALLERY - ALICE NEEL: PAINTED TRUTHS EXHIBITION
This exhibition ends on - when? Not sure. It is well worth going to see - sorry about lack of details.
http://www.whitechapelgallery.org/exhibitions
I like the Whitechapel Gallery despite its a real pain to get to from here. The nearest tube station is Algate East. We found a good place to eat just near by, on the main road. Its on the corner, same side as the gallery, and is an 'Indian' run by friendly blokes from Bangladesh. The food is excellent.
Liked the exhibition too, though of mixed quality. Early stuff (portraits) reminded me of the self portrait done by Lowry.
Later work quite dynamic and holds the attention.
I particularly liked the portrait of two men 'Geoffrey Hendricks and Brian, 1978.' Good colour.
I noticed the hands in a lot of the portraits are very elongated, as if she had been looking at El Greco. Also she draws with the brush in blue.
PS the exhibition was from 8 July to 17 September 2010.
http://www.whitechapelgallery.org/exhibitions
I like the Whitechapel Gallery despite its a real pain to get to from here. The nearest tube station is Algate East. We found a good place to eat just near by, on the main road. Its on the corner, same side as the gallery, and is an 'Indian' run by friendly blokes from Bangladesh. The food is excellent.
Liked the exhibition too, though of mixed quality. Early stuff (portraits) reminded me of the self portrait done by Lowry.
Later work quite dynamic and holds the attention.
I particularly liked the portrait of two men 'Geoffrey Hendricks and Brian, 1978.' Good colour.
I noticed the hands in a lot of the portraits are very elongated, as if she had been looking at El Greco. Also she draws with the brush in blue.
PS the exhibition was from 8 July to 17 September 2010.
Record-breaking Gauguin Restrospective opens at Tate Modern
This is a must-see exhibition but I will wait until later in the winter, just in case the crowds get a bit less.
I think it will be worth reading Brian Sewell's piece on the exhibition in the London Evening Standard.
I think it will be worth reading Brian Sewell's piece on the exhibition in the London Evening Standard.
Thursday, 30 September 2010
PAULA REGO - WORK AT FOUNDLING MUSEUM in 2010 AND IN MADRID IN 2007
PAULA REGO WORK AT FOUNDLING MUSEUM, LONDON
I have had a kind comment from Norman about an early post - from 2007, in my blog called Pauli-artist.blogspot.com
I wrote about the Paula Rego exhibition at the Museo Reina Sofia in Madrid, and here is a link:
Blog about Paula Rego in 2007
In case anybody, including Norman, wants to see a more recent post about Paula Rego, there is a link to my post about a visit to the Foundling Museum, in Brunswick Square, London.
It is right at the top of this text.
Both exhibitions have now closed, but the Foundling Museum is well worth a visit, as is, of course, the Museo Reina Sofia if you are lucky enough to be in Madrid.
I have had a kind comment from Norman about an early post - from 2007, in my blog called Pauli-artist.blogspot.com
I wrote about the Paula Rego exhibition at the Museo Reina Sofia in Madrid, and here is a link:
Blog about Paula Rego in 2007
In case anybody, including Norman, wants to see a more recent post about Paula Rego, there is a link to my post about a visit to the Foundling Museum, in Brunswick Square, London.
It is right at the top of this text.
Both exhibitions have now closed, but the Foundling Museum is well worth a visit, as is, of course, the Museo Reina Sofia if you are lucky enough to be in Madrid.
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
NATIONAL GALLERY VISIT, LONDON IN SEPTEMBER 2010 - CARAVEGGIOS
CLAIRE FORD WILLIE GAVE A TALK ABOUT CARAVEGGIO ON 14 SEPTEMBER
I heard an interesting talk about Caraveggio recently, at the Richmond Art Society in Richmond on Thames, Surrey.
The lecturer, Claire Ford Willie, talked about the chiaroscuro in his later works and the ideas she talked about stimulated me to look at my latest painting, of rugby players' legs, with a lot of darks and bright sunny patches.
Will put up image when it is nearer completion.
I went to the National Gallery today to look again at the Caraveggios there, to refresh my mind.
It is familiar work but strong and dramatic to such an extent that the paintings are the focus in this gallery - Room 32 in the Gallery.
A very dramatic and exciting talk was going on before the painting of Supper at Emmaus, where a Japanese gentleman was giving a lengthy mini-lecture to a group of Japanese visitors.
All his group were quietly rapt in attention. He was so animated that other people in the gallery were watching and smiling in appreciation, though obviously not understanding a word of it!
I am sure his enthusiasm will make those Japanese tourists remember Caraveggio.
National Gallery, Supper at Emmaus painting
Outside, in the rainy afternoon, the usual groups of touritst, students and general lingerers blocked the top of the steps overlooking Trafalgar Square, gloomy and grey, except for the umbrellas.
I heard an interesting talk about Caraveggio recently, at the Richmond Art Society in Richmond on Thames, Surrey.
The lecturer, Claire Ford Willie, talked about the chiaroscuro in his later works and the ideas she talked about stimulated me to look at my latest painting, of rugby players' legs, with a lot of darks and bright sunny patches.
Will put up image when it is nearer completion.
I went to the National Gallery today to look again at the Caraveggios there, to refresh my mind.
It is familiar work but strong and dramatic to such an extent that the paintings are the focus in this gallery - Room 32 in the Gallery.
A very dramatic and exciting talk was going on before the painting of Supper at Emmaus, where a Japanese gentleman was giving a lengthy mini-lecture to a group of Japanese visitors.
All his group were quietly rapt in attention. He was so animated that other people in the gallery were watching and smiling in appreciation, though obviously not understanding a word of it!
I am sure his enthusiasm will make those Japanese tourists remember Caraveggio.
National Gallery, Supper at Emmaus painting
Outside, in the rainy afternoon, the usual groups of touritst, students and general lingerers blocked the top of the steps overlooking Trafalgar Square, gloomy and grey, except for the umbrellas.
Friday, 10 September 2010
LONDON LIVES COMPETITION AT BANKSIDE FROM 9 SEPTEMBER 19 SEPTEMBER
We visited the Bankside Gallery yesterday to see the prints and paintings which are the top 100 as judged by the following people:
John Duffin, artist and printmaker, whose work was the 2009 winner and has had his work displayed on Blackfriars Bridge for 12 months
Ann Eggbert - senior lecturer in Art and Design at St Martin's (the website states 'Eggbert's practice explores the complexities of cultural identity')
Angela Parker, Director of Bankside Gallery
Councillor Veronica Ward -South Camberwell councillor, Title: Cabinet member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, and the Olympics
Nathan Quigley, Communications Manager, Network Rail
You can see that the list includes two artists.
I was surprised to see that one of the exhibits was obviously larger than 100cm specified, and was hung in pride of place at the end of the hall. I was also rather disappointed to find my work was hung in a very poor position, at the end on the left in a kind of alcove, so you could see it only if walking round a corner, but then I suppose the positive thing about it was the lighting was good.
A few of the pieces had been sold. The winner was Akash Bhatt, who submitted a very long work called 'Life' - mixed media on board. His website is www.akashbhatt.com
John Duffin, artist and printmaker, whose work was the 2009 winner and has had his work displayed on Blackfriars Bridge for 12 months
Ann Eggbert - senior lecturer in Art and Design at St Martin's (the website states 'Eggbert's practice explores the complexities of cultural identity')
Angela Parker, Director of Bankside Gallery
Councillor Veronica Ward -South Camberwell councillor, Title: Cabinet member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, and the Olympics
Nathan Quigley, Communications Manager, Network Rail
You can see that the list includes two artists.
I was surprised to see that one of the exhibits was obviously larger than 100cm specified, and was hung in pride of place at the end of the hall. I was also rather disappointed to find my work was hung in a very poor position, at the end on the left in a kind of alcove, so you could see it only if walking round a corner, but then I suppose the positive thing about it was the lighting was good.
A few of the pieces had been sold. The winner was Akash Bhatt, who submitted a very long work called 'Life' - mixed media on board. His website is www.akashbhatt.com
Monday, 30 August 2010
SUSAN MUMFORD - FINANCIAL TIMES - SATURDAY 28 AUGUST 2010
Susan Mumford, who runs Mumford Fine Art in Soho, London, is one of the entrepreneurs featured in an article in the Financial Times written by Jonathan Moules this weekend. It appears in the Money section
Excellent article about networking and in all four entrepreneurs are interviewed, they are:
Susan Johnson Mumford, Andy Lopata, Mark Lee and Tom Ball.
There is an excellent photo of Susan Mumford too, which she mentions on her Facebook page, with a credit to the photographer Charlie Bibby.
After reading the article I have decided to up my networking efforts! Maybe David Cameron invite to the London Lives exhibition at Bankside? Or even Barak Obama?. No, maybe I am getting a bit too ambitious!
Here is link to Mumford Fine Art The gallery is at 12 D'Arblay Street, London W1F 8DU and is where Xavier Pick was showing his paintings earlier in the year. See my blog entry Xavier Pick Paintings and Drawings
Excellent article about networking and in all four entrepreneurs are interviewed, they are:
Susan Johnson Mumford, Andy Lopata, Mark Lee and Tom Ball.
There is an excellent photo of Susan Mumford too, which she mentions on her Facebook page, with a credit to the photographer Charlie Bibby.
After reading the article I have decided to up my networking efforts! Maybe David Cameron invite to the London Lives exhibition at Bankside? Or even Barak Obama?. No, maybe I am getting a bit too ambitious!
Here is link to Mumford Fine Art The gallery is at 12 D'Arblay Street, London W1F 8DU and is where Xavier Pick was showing his paintings earlier in the year. See my blog entry Xavier Pick Paintings and Drawings
Sunday, 29 August 2010
TATE BRITAIN EXHIBITION - RUDE BRITANNIA - ENDS SOON
This is an excellent exhibition, much better than I thought it would be. Not just a lot of prints and cartoons, but sculpture, original paintings and drawings, film, photographs and a comprehensive history with well-written captions to the works.
But huge, it takes hours if you want to read all the text and examine the cartoons carefully. Particularly good is Room 2, where there are comments on the Hogarth prints done by the writers for Viz comic, and huge screens covered in blown-up comic pages, plus reproductions from the Viz letter page, including hints on making green from D Hockney (mix blue and yellow), and how to reproduce an Anish Kapoor in your living room from A Gormley. Nicholas Serota is also 'quoted'.
But huge, it takes hours if you want to read all the text and examine the cartoons carefully. Particularly good is Room 2, where there are comments on the Hogarth prints done by the writers for Viz comic, and huge screens covered in blown-up comic pages, plus reproductions from the Viz letter page, including hints on making green from D Hockney (mix blue and yellow), and how to reproduce an Anish Kapoor in your living room from A Gormley. Nicholas Serota is also 'quoted'.
Tuesday, 17 August 2010
LONDON LIVES COMPETITION SUCCESS! - EXHIBITION AT BANKSIDE GALLERY
I am very pleased that my acrylic painting has been selected for this competion.
The sponsors of the exhibition are Network Rail, Bankside Gallery and Cass Art, and the exhibition runs from 9 September to 19 September, gallery open 11 to 6 every day.
The competition was featured in The Guardian newspaper. I am one of the 100 artists whose work will be on exhibition at The Bankside Gallery, Hopton Street, London near the Tate Modern on the South Bank (London, UK).
My painting shows the cycle riders in the annual Smithfield Nocturne cycle races which are held every summer in Smithfield Market, London during an evening in June.
This year the event was on 19 June.
The cyclists who take part are a cross section of keen amateurs and professionals, and teams in the team-events wear the same cycling colours.
My painting is for sale at the exhibition. Please come along and see all the work, which will be on the theme of - as the title suggests - London Lives and will be in various media, all two-dimensional.
The ultimate winner of the competition will have their image projected on to Blackfriars Bridge, on the East Side, for 12 months
MORE ABOUT THE LONDON LIVES COMPETITION
The sponsors of the exhibition are Network Rail, Bankside Gallery and Cass Art, and the exhibition runs from 9 September to 19 September, gallery open 11 to 6 every day.
My painting shows the cycle riders in the annual Smithfield Nocturne cycle races which are held every summer in Smithfield Market, London during an evening in June.
This year the event was on 19 June.
The cyclists who take part are a cross section of keen amateurs and professionals, and teams in the team-events wear the same cycling colours.
My painting is for sale at the exhibition. Please come along and see all the work, which will be on the theme of - as the title suggests - London Lives and will be in various media, all two-dimensional.
The ultimate winner of the competition will have their image projected on to Blackfriars Bridge, on the East Side, for 12 months
MORE ABOUT THE LONDON LIVES COMPETITION
Saturday, 7 August 2010
POLO AT WINDSOR GREAT PARK - CARTIER GOLD CUP
Cartier Gold Cup day is one of those days when the well-off and those with aspirations to be well-off collect together to consume lots of champagne and Pimms, to eat picnics by their cars and to thrill to the top class polo games. There is one game in the morning, and the main event at 3 in the afternoon.
The reason for my attendance was to enjoy the polo and to take lots of photos, so I can continue with the paintings of horses and riders. Also to consume some nice cool white wine and have a picnic too.
Luckily it was a bright day, with cloud and a little sun, so the photos are fine. Will add a couple.
The major game was extremely exciting, England versus New Zealand, and before the game, we had the New Zealand display of dancers in what looked like straw skirts and battle paint, but they were too far away to make them out or hear anything much. They displayed in front of the Royal Box where HRH The Prince of Wales sat up on the balcony. No lady seemed to accompany him, that I saw.
I talked to two nice people who run a gallery called Equestrian Art UK who had an interesting display of horsey paintings on their stand. They told me they attend all the major horsey events, like Cheltenham, Newmarket, Goodwood, eventing etc etc.
It was fun looking at the crowd, which seemed to comprise mostly quite young and very young people, the girls dressed to kill - in killer heels too! Wonder how they managed to walk on the turf.
I suppose the older well-off nobs were on the other side of the ground, in the South Grandstand and expensive seats near the Royal Box. We were in the cheaper North Grandstand but even so the tickets plus the cost of car park cost an arm and a leg.
This oil painting has just been completed, based on two riders in the teams of Hurlingham (blue) and the Prince of Wales (red). The painting is 30cm x 25cm. The title is 'Golden Jubilee Trophy. 2010'
The reason for my attendance was to enjoy the polo and to take lots of photos, so I can continue with the paintings of horses and riders. Also to consume some nice cool white wine and have a picnic too.
Luckily it was a bright day, with cloud and a little sun, so the photos are fine. Will add a couple.
The major game was extremely exciting, England versus New Zealand, and before the game, we had the New Zealand display of dancers in what looked like straw skirts and battle paint, but they were too far away to make them out or hear anything much. They displayed in front of the Royal Box where HRH The Prince of Wales sat up on the balcony. No lady seemed to accompany him, that I saw.
I talked to two nice people who run a gallery called Equestrian Art UK who had an interesting display of horsey paintings on their stand. They told me they attend all the major horsey events, like Cheltenham, Newmarket, Goodwood, eventing etc etc.
It was fun looking at the crowd, which seemed to comprise mostly quite young and very young people, the girls dressed to kill - in killer heels too! Wonder how they managed to walk on the turf.
I suppose the older well-off nobs were on the other side of the ground, in the South Grandstand and expensive seats near the Royal Box. We were in the cheaper North Grandstand but even so the tickets plus the cost of car park cost an arm and a leg.
This oil painting has just been completed, based on two riders in the teams of Hurlingham (blue) and the Prince of Wales (red). The painting is 30cm x 25cm. The title is 'Golden Jubilee Trophy. 2010'
Friday, 2 July 2010
HENLY ON THAMES ROYAL REGATTA - 1 JULY 2010
Went to Henley on Thames by train - it takes ages!!! You have to get to Paddington, then join huge queue for ticket, then train to Twyford - change for a branch line to Henley on Thames itself. However it was not crowded and there were lots of cheerful young people going to the Regatta laughing and joking.
I wanted to see about exhibiting my oil paintings of the rowers, because I know that paintings etc are sold at the Regatta. Unfortunately the exhibition space is in the STEWARDS EXCLOSURE !!
The Steward's Enclosure is a bit like the Royal Enclosure at Ascot, only the great and good are allowed in and there are fierce guards at the entrance to the marquee. I don't know why there is this exclusion, for Members only, because lots of people from the Steward's Enclosure come into the more or less open-to-all Regatta Enclosure, where we went (it cost £12 on Thursday). You get a badge to pin on, and this is an obvious way of showing others just which enclosure you are good enough to get into! My badge was blue. I noticed some people wearing lots of badges.
Very British.
Anyway, I could not get into the Steward's Enclosure, as I said, so had to ask to see a person who could give me information about the painting show. Apparently you have to send, or take, images there in Jan or Feb, for consideration. If selected the art works are only up during the Regatta (5 days), so you have to go and get them back after it, if not sold, and also, as I said, only the few people in the 'best' enclosure are going to see your work. Not sure if I am going to bother.
I will be putting my photos on Flickr soon.
Henly Royal Regatta official site
I wanted to see about exhibiting my oil paintings of the rowers, because I know that paintings etc are sold at the Regatta. Unfortunately the exhibition space is in the STEWARDS EXCLOSURE !!
The Steward's Enclosure is a bit like the Royal Enclosure at Ascot, only the great and good are allowed in and there are fierce guards at the entrance to the marquee. I don't know why there is this exclusion, for Members only, because lots of people from the Steward's Enclosure come into the more or less open-to-all Regatta Enclosure, where we went (it cost £12 on Thursday). You get a badge to pin on, and this is an obvious way of showing others just which enclosure you are good enough to get into! My badge was blue. I noticed some people wearing lots of badges.
Very British.
Anyway, I could not get into the Steward's Enclosure, as I said, so had to ask to see a person who could give me information about the painting show. Apparently you have to send, or take, images there in Jan or Feb, for consideration. If selected the art works are only up during the Regatta (5 days), so you have to go and get them back after it, if not sold, and also, as I said, only the few people in the 'best' enclosure are going to see your work. Not sure if I am going to bother.
I will be putting my photos on Flickr soon.
Henly Royal Regatta official site
Friday, 25 June 2010
PAUL GILDEA - ARTIST - CROMER PIER, OIL PAINTING
The artist Paul Gildea, who lives near Brixton, South London, has two exhibitions a year, when he has an artist's open house, usually in June and again just before Christmas.
This year I was excited to see his new work, and in fact was so pleased with the new oil paintings that I decided to buy one!
There were several I particularly liked, but came home with a view of Cromer Pier, in Norfolk. This is a lovely thing, lots of creamy whites and blues with a touch of red, and pale purple mass on the right hand side - the painting is not exactly figurative and not, in the usually accepted term, an abstract. I know Paul paints en plein air and visits Norfolk every summer.
His beach paintings are very collectable. In this exhibition he had paintings of Clapham Common, and Herne Hill cycle track amongst others.
The largest painting, which he said can only be moved with difficulty from his studio to transport it on the roof rack of the car, is entitled The Night Watch. He told us that this large group portrait has as its subject several young men - of West Indian families - who live in and around Brixton. They posed for him in his studio, sometimes coming in a group and sitting down while one of them was being painted. They are a bit on the wild side - to put it mildly!
Sometimes the lads come round and ask to show the painting to their friends, apparently turning up well after Paul's bedtime!
The title is a reflection on the well-known Rembrandt, and the young men are posed in a similar way, with hands in similar gestures.
This year I was excited to see his new work, and in fact was so pleased with the new oil paintings that I decided to buy one!
There were several I particularly liked, but came home with a view of Cromer Pier, in Norfolk. This is a lovely thing, lots of creamy whites and blues with a touch of red, and pale purple mass on the right hand side - the painting is not exactly figurative and not, in the usually accepted term, an abstract. I know Paul paints en plein air and visits Norfolk every summer.
His beach paintings are very collectable. In this exhibition he had paintings of Clapham Common, and Herne Hill cycle track amongst others.
The largest painting, which he said can only be moved with difficulty from his studio to transport it on the roof rack of the car, is entitled The Night Watch. He told us that this large group portrait has as its subject several young men - of West Indian families - who live in and around Brixton. They posed for him in his studio, sometimes coming in a group and sitting down while one of them was being painted. They are a bit on the wild side - to put it mildly!
Sometimes the lads come round and ask to show the painting to their friends, apparently turning up well after Paul's bedtime!
The title is a reflection on the well-known Rembrandt, and the young men are posed in a similar way, with hands in similar gestures.
Thursday, 27 May 2010
XAVIER PIX - PAINTINGS AND DRAWINGS AT MUMFORD FINE ART - BASRA
Went to see the exhibition of Xavier Pick's work yesterday - where we were pleased to meet up with Xavier again. He describes himself in articles printed in various newsapers and magazines, as a 'Peace Artist' and a buddhist.
He paints on wooden panels.
Brilliant work, from his sketches and photos. Some very large pieces were hung in awkward places because the gallery is so small. Some sketch books are on display.
Link to a video clip from the BBC from December 2008, gives you an idea of how Xavier works on the spot.
Artist on drawing life in Basra
I hope to go back to see the paintings because the gallery was very busy - some people had been to Iraq and were talking about their experiences there (but not to me) but I listened in, which was of course very interesting.
The smaller paintings were very well priced, and there is also a book on sale (limited edition of 100) which is £100, although a bit too much for me to pay!
An artist friend who has visited the show was concerned that some of the work was painted on top of photographs that have been transferred to wooden panels. I think this besides the point. They are paintings using mixed media, which is how they are described. Some have drawing in pen or crayon as well, and in the history of art this is a common practice. They work well.
He paints on wooden panels.
Brilliant work, from his sketches and photos. Some very large pieces were hung in awkward places because the gallery is so small. Some sketch books are on display.
Link to a video clip from the BBC from December 2008, gives you an idea of how Xavier works on the spot.
Artist on drawing life in Basra
I hope to go back to see the paintings because the gallery was very busy - some people had been to Iraq and were talking about their experiences there (but not to me) but I listened in, which was of course very interesting.
The smaller paintings were very well priced, and there is also a book on sale (limited edition of 100) which is £100, although a bit too much for me to pay!
An artist friend who has visited the show was concerned that some of the work was painted on top of photographs that have been transferred to wooden panels. I think this besides the point. They are paintings using mixed media, which is how they are described. Some have drawing in pen or crayon as well, and in the history of art this is a common practice. They work well.
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
XAVIER PICK - BEHING THE LINES IN BASRA AT MUMFORD FINE ART GALLERY, SOHO, LONDON
This should be a good one, exhibition on from 27 May to 3 July, in D'Arblay Street, Soho, off Poland Street. It is a rooftop gallery.
Xavier Pick is a brilliant graphic artists - I mean he draws amazingly and I love his work. Will write more when I have been to see the exhibition.
Xavier Pick at Mumford Fine Art Behind-the-lines-in-basra
Xavier Pick is a brilliant graphic artists - I mean he draws amazingly and I love his work. Will write more when I have been to see the exhibition.
Xavier Pick at Mumford Fine Art Behind-the-lines-in-basra
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
JULIE BENNETT HAS NEW PAINTING 'SHE'S ON THE PHONE' AT BERMONDSEY, LONDON
We went to see Julie Bennett's latest oil painting last Friday. Called 'She's on the phone'.
It is a very big oil, too, and extremely dynamic, with a great 'presence' - it was a focus and in a different class from the other exhibits. The painting was on show at the Biscuit Factory, in Clement's Road, Bermondsey, in South East London.
The group show was of 2nd Year Fine Art students at Camberwell College of Arts.
If you are quick you can catch this exhibition, as it ends on 26 May (2010). The large complex of buildings is about 5 minutes walk from Bermondsey Tub station.
Julie has painted with household gloss in the past and I am please to see this one painted in artist's oil colours, which I think is an improvement for her, and a good direction to follow.
The show was hugely popular, crowds of people having a good time and a fine warm evening made it possible for the socialising to continue outside in the couryard.
We went for a cold beer on the way back to the tube, at the little pub in St James's Road, I think it is called the St James's Tavern. It had a flag - cross of St George - draped over the bar (because of the football, of course) and a quite, relaxed atmosphere, being an early Friday evening, where I found it pleasant to hear the soft tones of the Bermondsey accent. I recall this accent from friends who I got to know when I had a pottery studio in Rotherhithe years ago, at Hope (Sufferance) Wharf. The local people probably find this influx of the arty gangs in their midst rather a laugh.
It is a very big oil, too, and extremely dynamic, with a great 'presence' - it was a focus and in a different class from the other exhibits. The painting was on show at the Biscuit Factory, in Clement's Road, Bermondsey, in South East London.
The group show was of 2nd Year Fine Art students at Camberwell College of Arts.
If you are quick you can catch this exhibition, as it ends on 26 May (2010). The large complex of buildings is about 5 minutes walk from Bermondsey Tub station.
The show was hugely popular, crowds of people having a good time and a fine warm evening made it possible for the socialising to continue outside in the couryard.
We went for a cold beer on the way back to the tube, at the little pub in St James's Road, I think it is called the St James's Tavern. It had a flag - cross of St George - draped over the bar (because of the football, of course) and a quite, relaxed atmosphere, being an early Friday evening, where I found it pleasant to hear the soft tones of the Bermondsey accent. I recall this accent from friends who I got to know when I had a pottery studio in Rotherhithe years ago, at Hope (Sufferance) Wharf. The local people probably find this influx of the arty gangs in their midst rather a laugh.
Monday, 17 May 2010
CLOCKTOWER, CROYDON - EXHBITION BY CROYDON ART SOCIETY
This is the exhibition of Croydon Art Society at the Croydon Clocktower gallery, in the centre of Croydon town centre, Surrey (UK).CROYDON CLOCKTOWER
I have three works on show here until the end of May, 2010.
One oil painting, of the Polo play at Windsor Great Park last summer, when I painted this little study 'en plein air' at my easel next to the polo ground. Sorry the photo is very poor quality!
I also have on display two collagraphs of engines, one called The Rocket, and one called The Tank Engine, self-explanatory titles.
Collagraphs are an unusual form of printing, because you make the original as a collage using various textures and card, sand, seeds, thick paper etc. Then you seal the collage with many layers of varnish to keep out moisture and preserve the soft material. This 'plate' is then inked up with etching ink and printed on special paper in the same way as a conventional etching, but not so many finished prints can be made before the 'collage' shows signs of wear.
Invigilation at the exhibition again was interesting, and while I was there, one of the organisers of the exhibition, the wonderful Archie, was taking photos of all the exhibits to put on the Croydon Art Society website:
Croydon Art Society
ORLEANS HOUSE GALLERY - REVOLUTIONS: CYCLING AND ART
The Orleans House Gallery is in Twickenham, down a little lane near the Crown pub, and very near the Riverside (River Thames). The Octagon is the only part of the original Orleans House still standing and it is a beautiful room, used for wedding receptions. It dates from the 18th century.
This group exhibition was on from 7 - 14 May, 2010.
The private view was part of an open museum project, but unfortunately not many people attended, although I met some very accomplished artists. It was an interesting exhibition of different media, including wire sculpture, prints, paintings and jewellery.
The photo etching which I showed is called 'Brooklyn Bridge Commuter'. I used a photo which I had taken when on a recent visit to New York City. In New York there are a lot of cyclists and I saw many of them commuting near Brooklyn, and in particular some fine specimens of muscular cyclist!
Last Friday I met an artist, Derek Kinsett, who showed his sculpture in his current series, the Love and Femininity Collection, which I particularly admired because of its beautiful mass, delicate textures and subtle colours. The piece is called Lady and the Bicycle, which reminds me of the lovely song White Bicycle, by Julianna Raye on her album Dominoes. Derek told me he works in Wiltshire and gave me his web site address, which is
Inner Spirit Sculptures
I took a few photos while at the Orleans Gallery, here they are, first a photo of my etching 'Brooklyn Bridge Commuter' (on the right in the photo) then
some of the exhibits in the Orleans Gallery Octagon room, then Derek Kinsett, by his scupture, Lady and the Bicycle
This group exhibition was on from 7 - 14 May, 2010.
The private view was part of an open museum project, but unfortunately not many people attended, although I met some very accomplished artists. It was an interesting exhibition of different media, including wire sculpture, prints, paintings and jewellery.
The photo etching which I showed is called 'Brooklyn Bridge Commuter'. I used a photo which I had taken when on a recent visit to New York City. In New York there are a lot of cyclists and I saw many of them commuting near Brooklyn, and in particular some fine specimens of muscular cyclist!
Last Friday I met an artist, Derek Kinsett, who showed his sculpture in his current series, the Love and Femininity Collection, which I particularly admired because of its beautiful mass, delicate textures and subtle colours. The piece is called Lady and the Bicycle, which reminds me of the lovely song White Bicycle, by Julianna Raye on her album Dominoes. Derek told me he works in Wiltshire and gave me his web site address, which is
Inner Spirit Sculptures
some of the exhibits in the Orleans Gallery Octagon room, then Derek Kinsett, by his scupture, Lady and the Bicycle
WANDSWORTH ARTISTS' CO-OPERATIVE GROUP SHOW, PUTNEY EXCHANGE, SW15
The Wandsworth Artists' Co-operative group organised a group show in May, in the Putney Exchange Shopping Centre, Putney High Street in South London.
The show was for three days, on 7th, 8th and 9th May, 2010. I took part as a guest, and showed ten of my small paintings.
The recent painting called 'Merton Park Rugby, Old Ruts' which I painted in acrylic on canvas, sold on the first morning to a charming lady who bought it to hang in her son's room.
The centre was not secure so we had to take turns in invigilation, which was in many ways a good idea for me, because I got a chance to meet some of the members of this co-operative and discuss ideas and swop information - artists always need other artists!
The show was for three days, on 7th, 8th and 9th May, 2010. I took part as a guest, and showed ten of my small paintings.
The recent painting called 'Merton Park Rugby, Old Ruts' which I painted in acrylic on canvas, sold on the first morning to a charming lady who bought it to hang in her son's room.
The centre was not secure so we had to take turns in invigilation, which was in many ways a good idea for me, because I got a chance to meet some of the members of this co-operative and discuss ideas and swop information - artists always need other artists!
Sunday, 2 May 2010
SUSAN WOOD TALK AT SOUTH LONDON WOMEN ARTISTS GROUP EXHIBITION, BANKSIDE GALLERY, LONDON
Susan likened our group to the artists' colonies, such as the ones at Newlyn and Pont-Aven, but said we were more a 'virtual' colony, as we participate with each other on the internet, since we do not all live in a small area of London.
Susan went on to talk about the exhibits, and set out to point to various groupings, the first one being 'colourists' such as Anne Lynch and Janet Tod. Next was a group of 4 works based on 'people', this included the portraits by Julie Bennett and Joley Goodman, the scene of the Smithfield Nocturne cycle race by me, and the painting of a bar front in Alburquerque by Carol Cooper.
I was pleased that Susan remarked on my vibrant colours, and remarked that my painting was not just of athletes, but of athletes in relation to their city surrounding, a city context.
Marnie Pitt has used egg tempera and oil for for her surreal image, Susan Short has a print, the only woodcut in the show and Leonie Cronin (founder member) was mentioned for her acrylic, of a mythological theme, with a background of women playing in a brass band (which her daughter does).
Jane Higginbottom has a small sculpture, stone on wood; Jane has work in Burgess Park also.
Selina Jane Steele has a collection in a display cabinet, and is influenced by the 19th century idea of cabinets of curiosities.
City scapes are represented by Tory Wilkinson's Blue Skys, Moira Jarvis by Trees in Autumn in Cannizaro Park, Wimbledon Common and water reflections by Liz Charsley-Joley, a view from water level entitled 'Putney Pier'
The subject 'Layers' included Kim Thornton's vacuum cleaner 'Domestic Alchemist' and Sarah Willet's acrylic where circles are gouged out, creating visual ambiguity, and suggesting an interest in Aboriginal art. Finally Susan finished her talk mentioning the two blue Cyanotypes of Zoe Burt, made at Brixton Lido.
BANKSIDE GALLERY AND COUNCILLOR ROBIN CROOKSHANK-HILTON, DEPUTY MAYOR OF SOUTHWARK
I wish her well during the coming local and general election day.
The photo was taken at the private view, of Councillor Robin Crookshank-Hilton, me and the purchaser of my painting, John Runnette. You can see the Smithfield Nocturne Cycling painting behind us.
Councillor Robin told me she is very interested in the collection of work by Pre-Raphaelite artist Evelyn de Morgan, which was held by the South London Art Gallery in Peckham.
Evelyn de Morgan was the wife of artist William de Morgan, whose ceramics and other work can be seen at the De Morgan Foundation Museum in Wandsworth, 38 West Hill, Wandsworth, SW18 1RZ. I must confess that despite my good intentions I have not yet been to see this museum!
De Morgan Foundation Museum
Link to more about Evelyn de Morgan:
Evelyn de Morgan
Unfortunately this woman artist's work is not on view in Southwark now. There might be work by her at the De Morgan Foundation Museum in Wandsworth.
Friday, 30 April 2010
FOUNDING MUSEUM EXHIBITION, BRUNSWICK SQUARE, LONDON, SLWA VISIT
The South London Women Artists Group had a fascinating visit to see this small museum, near Russell Square tube station, in Brunswick Square, Bloomsbury.
The museum is not in the original building that was designed for the Foundlings in the 18th century, but nevertheless it was extremely interesting to read about the philanthropic gentlemen including William Hogarth and Captain Corum, who started up the charity.
Even more interesting was the work on show of Paula Rego, one of our top women artists in London, who has made a series of pastels and an installation with reference to the Foundlings. As usual her images shock and surprise, scenes of rape, and giving birth outside under a lonely moon, putting babies in a well, and generally ill-treating young women. I found the preliminary images downstairs in the basement particularly disturbing, without an element of humour which has lightened the earlier work of Rego.
Also in this temporary exhibition at the Foundling was some monotype drawings by Tracey Emin, some installations by her of baby clothes, and some excellent photographs by Matt Collishaw.
We were a small group of artists, and the visit was organised by the wonderfull Julie Bennett. After looking at the museum, some of us had a very good snack in the museum cafe which I can recommend.
The museum is not in the original building that was designed for the Foundlings in the 18th century, but nevertheless it was extremely interesting to read about the philanthropic gentlemen including William Hogarth and Captain Corum, who started up the charity.
Even more interesting was the work on show of Paula Rego, one of our top women artists in London, who has made a series of pastels and an installation with reference to the Foundlings. As usual her images shock and surprise, scenes of rape, and giving birth outside under a lonely moon, putting babies in a well, and generally ill-treating young women. I found the preliminary images downstairs in the basement particularly disturbing, without an element of humour which has lightened the earlier work of Rego.
Also in this temporary exhibition at the Foundling was some monotype drawings by Tracey Emin, some installations by her of baby clothes, and some excellent photographs by Matt Collishaw.
We were a small group of artists, and the visit was organised by the wonderfull Julie Bennett. After looking at the museum, some of us had a very good snack in the museum cafe which I can recommend.
Thursday, 29 April 2010
BANKSIDE GALLERY, LONDON SOUTH BANK, EXHIBITION SUCCESS
The South London Women Artists group exhibition Private View was last night. The gallery was the Bankside Gallery, Hopton Street, London near the Tate Modern Gallery.
Masses of people arrived towards the end of the evening.
At first it was just possible to look at the art work, and have wine and salmon nibbles, but later it was just very hectic. Atmosphere electric, everybody talking and enjoying the buzz.
I sold my painting on show, Smithfield Nocture Cycling, which was very good news for me.
This painting you can see on my web site,
http://www.sportsportraitartist.co.uk
The exhibition ends on Monday next, 3 May, so get along quick. A total of 16 works have so far been sold.
Masses of people arrived towards the end of the evening.
At first it was just possible to look at the art work, and have wine and salmon nibbles, but later it was just very hectic. Atmosphere electric, everybody talking and enjoying the buzz.
I sold my painting on show, Smithfield Nocture Cycling, which was very good news for me.
This painting you can see on my web site,
http://www.sportsportraitartist.co.uk
The exhibition ends on Monday next, 3 May, so get along quick. A total of 16 works have so far been sold.
Tuesday, 27 April 2010
2010 LONDON MARATHON AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE
The London Marathon is great!
One of my photo will be attached later but I went there to do a drawing of the event, so I can make a painting fairly soon. But it rained!
Despite the forecast weather being very hot, it did rain so my drawing got very splodgy and I had to stop.
Took a lot of photos though, and some are on my Flickr page.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sports-artist
I went up The Mall early Sunday morning while it was still busy with the children who had run races first, from all over the UK. I think it was a 4 kilometer race.
Up by the Buckingham Palace the road was blocked of course, with metal barriers, and there were security guards (friendly ones). People started to mass all along the road side and climbed on the base of the huge scupture of Queen Victoria in the middle of the road.
First the wheelchair winners came past - the Brit favourite did not come along as he had two tyre punctures. Then the women elite runners, two Russian women won, then the men elite runners - this was the exciting bit. We could see the race before the runners made it round the corner, because there was a screen up by the park, showing the course. The Ethiopian guy who won was running with huge power and determination - he is a small man, apparently 5ft 2 inches.
After that, I walked back and took photos of all the red medals and red plastic bags waiting for the mass competitiors to claim them. Everywhere was written up 'Virgin Money' - over and over again.
The St James Park looked smashing, green and delicious, with deckchairs out but it was too damp to sit there.
One of my photo will be attached later but I went there to do a drawing of the event, so I can make a painting fairly soon. But it rained!
Despite the forecast weather being very hot, it did rain so my drawing got very splodgy and I had to stop.
Took a lot of photos though, and some are on my Flickr page.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sports-artist
I went up The Mall early Sunday morning while it was still busy with the children who had run races first, from all over the UK. I think it was a 4 kilometer race.
Up by the Buckingham Palace the road was blocked of course, with metal barriers, and there were security guards (friendly ones). People started to mass all along the road side and climbed on the base of the huge scupture of Queen Victoria in the middle of the road.
First the wheelchair winners came past - the Brit favourite did not come along as he had two tyre punctures. Then the women elite runners, two Russian women won, then the men elite runners - this was the exciting bit. We could see the race before the runners made it round the corner, because there was a screen up by the park, showing the course. The Ethiopian guy who won was running with huge power and determination - he is a small man, apparently 5ft 2 inches.
After that, I walked back and took photos of all the red medals and red plastic bags waiting for the mass competitiors to claim them. Everywhere was written up 'Virgin Money' - over and over again.
The St James Park looked smashing, green and delicious, with deckchairs out but it was too damp to sit there.
Monday, 12 April 2010
VAN GOGH EXHIBITION LAST WEEK - ROYAL ACADEMY, LONDON
This exhibition was not on for very long and was excessively popular. Of course I thought I should be able to go on a day that was not attracting huge queues but this was not to be the case.
Sunday was the day I decided upon. Getting there just before it opened at 10 am, the queue supervisors told us that we would have to wait at least two and a half hours. Here is a picture of the Royal Academy queue.
Finally inside, it was well worth a visit, but what difficult conditions! It was crammed with people, and not just people but children and babies as well (are children people?). In addition, those people were quite often making mobile phone calls. The noise was most distracting - why not have special viewing days for people who want to make mobile phone calls, and bring the younger members of their family?
From what I managed to see, peering through the throng, there were some spectacular paintings and drawings. It was excessively interesting to see the change from the early work in Holland, dark and depressing as it was, and over a course of a few years to the work of Van Gogh's last works in Provence and last of all in France. I wondered if the artist had a sense of humour which would have appreciated the crazy situation of his popularity now compared to his poverty and sadness during his life, at lack of sales of his paintings.
I talked to a visitor there who said his letters had been read on the BBC radio and they showed a light hearted and humorous person, so I am glad he was not always in a state of despondency.
CRAIGIE AITCHISON, RA - THE ARTIST WHO LIVED IN KENNINGTON
Craigie Aitchison bought my dad's Triumph Herald car.
This is a photo of the car, by the village cross in Leigh, Dorset, taken years ago.
We were living then near Wimbledon Chase in South London and I advertised the vintage Triumph Herald for sale.
There was very little interest because the car was old, and I had to state that there was a bit of rust, with various faults that needed attending to, although I had driven it back from Dorset with no problems. My dad, being an engineer, had cared for it lovingly and it had been re-sprayed. He had bought it new in 1958.
Craigie arrived at my door with his little Bedlington terrier dog, wearing one of the ties that he designed and which you can buy at the Royal Academy shop. He liked the car because it was a stylish white and red, and it had the small half-lights in the front windows. This, he said, was the deciding factor because his dog liked to ride with his head out of the window. By then I had recognized him for the famous artist that he was.
We delivered the car a few days later to the tall terrace house in a square in Kennington, not far from the Imperial War Museum. We were hospitably welcomed and admired the lovely, cluttered room where Craigie had amassed so many extraordinary objects. He complained mildly that when journalists came to interview him, they were more interested in his collections, such as Scotty dog electric fires, than they were in his art.
I wish now that I had asked for a painting in exchange for the car, instead of money, but then we were hard up, as usual.
Craigie said "I think being an artist is all about being able to do whatever one wants to do".
Sunday, 11 April 2010
CAMBRIDGE WINS BOAT RACE 2010!
I plan a new painting of the scene at Putney when the 2010 boat race took place. Did quite a lot of photos of the excitement.
Oxford and Cambridge boat race, Putney, 2010.
The riverside had been dressed with bunches of Cambridge blue and Oxford blue balloons and streamers, but otherwise nothing very exciting had been laid on to make the riverside more festive. There was a music festival at Putney though, which meant that a lot of pubs and restaurants had extended licences with music going on until late evening. Also barbecues were fashionable, although mostly indoors!
No rain, so people were strolling and sitting with the beers, some evening trying out a Pims to start the social season. I saw the race crews arrive, and enter the two rowing clubs to get ready. To let you into a secret, I then went home and watched the actual race on the TV, to get a good view. It was exciting, with Cambridge coming up from a poor position, and at the end the cox was thrown into the icy Thames!
Wednesday, 7 April 2010
LONDONER JULIE BENNETT - ARTIST, DESIGNER
JULIE BENNETT - LONDON BASED ARTIST AND DESIGNER
Just want to tell you about my good friend Julie Bennett. She has been a great friend since we were both at Kensington and Chelsea College.
I am so impressed with her designing skills - she creates wonderful artwork for galleries and exhibitions.
She also is a painter, and is getting very well known as one of the up and coming artists to watch!
But just as important, she has great warmth and a wonderful friendly face.
At present she is finishing a second degree at Camberwell College of Arts. Have a look at this web entry which I have just discovered: Julie Bennett
Sunday, 4 April 2010
BOAT RACE AT PUTNEY - RAINY FRIDAY, FINE SATURDAY
I produced a painting of Boat Race day at Putney some years ago, before the area around the bridge had been smartened up and totally spoilt, probably by the local council, Wandsworth.
There used to be a little cafe with adverts outside, for Tizer and Swan Vesta and other things which link me back to childhood, or at least my children's childhood. Now there is a swish modern building selling Thai food, and all the grotty banners and salesmen selling rosettes which used to be there on Boat Race Saturday are no longer.
Here is a picture of the original painting - see image at top of this post.
I am also putting on here a photo of the Putney bridge area as it is today.
I am going to work on a new Boat Race painting shortly - a 2010 version -
'THE OLYMPIC CURSE' - AN ARTICLE BY DOMINIC LAWSON
'THE OLYMPIC CURSE' - AN ARTICLE BY DOMINIC LAWSON IN THE SUNDAY TIMES TODAY - THE ARCELOR MITTAL ORBIT OFFICIAL MONUMENT
Dominic Lawson has a brilliant article in The Sunday Times newspaper, brilliant because I agree with everything he days about the proposed public art by Anish Kapoor for the Olympics 2012.
Here is a link to the article The tower and the Olympic curse.
Particularly interesting is what he says about the bad effect the Olympic games has on tourism in Greece and Australia, and the way we Londoners are having to finance the event, like it or not, and getting very little for it.
He includes a quote from Anish Kapoor who, writes Lawson: 'said he had "referenced" the Tower of Bable when devising his 377ft structure. I'm not sure what he meant - modern artists describing their work tend to defy all attempts at comprehension - ' How true!
I can never make head nor tail of a lot of the 'art speak' attached to pieces in many galleries.
Mr Lawson also points out the disgraceful closure of more than 50 state-school sports fields, which have been sold off, with ministerial approval.
Hopefully I will be able to attend an event (I say 'an event' because of the cost) but have little hope of being able to get a seat where I can make drawings or photographs with reference to painting the sports, which is what I would like to do. I have found no way of expressing my interest of providing such pictures of our London Olympics.
Dominic Lawson has a brilliant article in The Sunday Times newspaper, brilliant because I agree with everything he days about the proposed public art by Anish Kapoor for the Olympics 2012.
Here is a link to the article The tower and the Olympic curse.
Particularly interesting is what he says about the bad effect the Olympic games has on tourism in Greece and Australia, and the way we Londoners are having to finance the event, like it or not, and getting very little for it.
He includes a quote from Anish Kapoor who, writes Lawson: 'said he had "referenced" the Tower of Bable when devising his 377ft structure. I'm not sure what he meant - modern artists describing their work tend to defy all attempts at comprehension - ' How true!
I can never make head nor tail of a lot of the 'art speak' attached to pieces in many galleries.
Mr Lawson also points out the disgraceful closure of more than 50 state-school sports fields, which have been sold off, with ministerial approval.
Hopefully I will be able to attend an event (I say 'an event' because of the cost) but have little hope of being able to get a seat where I can make drawings or photographs with reference to painting the sports, which is what I would like to do. I have found no way of expressing my interest of providing such pictures of our London Olympics.
Friday, 2 April 2010
ART EXHIBITIONS VISITED EARLIER - LONDON, MADRID, BERLIN
Here is a link to previous posts about art exhibitions and galleries in London, Madrid and Berlin, posted from 2008.
Pauli-artist.blogspot
Pauli-artist.blogspot
Thursday, 1 April 2010
EXHIBITIONS TO VISIT - SEVEN GOOD ONES - APRIL 2010
These are my top seven which I want to visit in the near future, but not in order of excellence! What are your top seven?
The Foundling Museum, Brunswick Square, London WC1 1AZ
Permanent exhibition including works by William Hogarth
plus
Paula Rego, Tracey Emin, Matt Collishaw: At the Foundling
Open: Tues-Sat 10-5, Sun 11-5
ends 9 May
The museum is in Bloomsbury
Foundling Museum
Francis Kyle Gallery, Maddox Street, London
Paul Hogarth
Open M/F 10 - 6, Saturday 11 - 5
ends 15 April
The gallery is in Mayfair
Francis Kyle Gallery
National Portrait Gallery, London
Irving Penn portraits
Open daily 10-6, and to 9 pm Thurs/Fri
ends 6 June
The gallery is at the end of Charing Cross Road
NPG
National Portrait Gallery, London
The Indian Portrait
Open 10-6, and to 9 pm Thurs/Fri
ends 20 June
The gallery is at the end of Charing Cross Road
NPG
Compton Verney, Warwickshire, CV35 9HZ
Francis Bacon: In Camera
Open Tues/Sun 11 - 5
ends 20 June
web site includes an interview with Francis Bacon
The house of Compton Verney is a stately home, open to the public, best reached by road
Compton Verney
Dulwich Picture Gallery, Dulwich, London
Paul Nash: The Elements
Open Tues/Sun 10 - 5
ends 9 May
The gallery is in a beautiful building designed by Sir John Soan, in Dulwich Village
Dulwich Picture Gallery
Topolski Century - Feliks Topolski
150-152 Hungerford Arches, South Bank, London SE1 8XU
Open M/F 11-7 and Sunday 12-6
Ongoing exhibition
The exhibition is in one of the railway arches very near to Waterloo Station and the Royal Festival Hall
Feliks Topolski
The Foundling Museum, Brunswick Square, London WC1 1AZ
Permanent exhibition including works by William Hogarth
plus
Paula Rego, Tracey Emin, Matt Collishaw: At the Foundling
Open: Tues-Sat 10-5, Sun 11-5
ends 9 May
The museum is in Bloomsbury
Foundling Museum
Francis Kyle Gallery, Maddox Street, London
Paul Hogarth
Open M/F 10 - 6, Saturday 11 - 5
ends 15 April
The gallery is in Mayfair
Francis Kyle Gallery
National Portrait Gallery, London
Irving Penn portraits
Open daily 10-6, and to 9 pm Thurs/Fri
ends 6 June
The gallery is at the end of Charing Cross Road
NPG
National Portrait Gallery, London
The Indian Portrait
Open 10-6, and to 9 pm Thurs/Fri
ends 20 June
The gallery is at the end of Charing Cross Road
NPG
Compton Verney, Warwickshire, CV35 9HZ
Francis Bacon: In Camera
Open Tues/Sun 11 - 5
ends 20 June
web site includes an interview with Francis Bacon
The house of Compton Verney is a stately home, open to the public, best reached by road
Compton Verney
Dulwich Picture Gallery, Dulwich, London
Paul Nash: The Elements
Open Tues/Sun 10 - 5
ends 9 May
The gallery is in a beautiful building designed by Sir John Soan, in Dulwich Village
Dulwich Picture Gallery
Topolski Century - Feliks Topolski
150-152 Hungerford Arches, South Bank, London SE1 8XU
Open M/F 11-7 and Sunday 12-6
Ongoing exhibition
The exhibition is in one of the railway arches very near to Waterloo Station and the Royal Festival Hall
Feliks Topolski
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
BANKSIDE GALLERY EXHIBITION 29 APRIL - 3 MAY 2010
THIS EXHIBITION IS ORGANISED BY THE SOUTH LONDON WOMEN ARTISTS GROUP
I am exhibiting this painting at the Bankside Gallery exhibition from 29 April to 3 May 2010.
The painting is oil on canvas.
Painted in 2009, it was inspired by the Smithfield Nocturne cycle race held in June every year at the famous Smithfield Market in London.
I have painted three cycle race pictures recently, the last one in acrylic, which I like, but the selection committee of SLWA chose this one. I submitted all three for their decision. This one is the second one I painted. I found the buildings quite difficult to depict as I wanted, to suggest both the soft evening light of a summer evening, the bright orangey lights of the huge round-topped windows, and the dark, seedy shuttered side of the Smithfiled Market, which was all closed up because it was a Sunday.
Title: SMITHFIELD NOCTURNE CYCLING,
Measurements: 63cm x 93cm
Bankside Gallery is on the Thames Path near the Tate Modern.
Open 11-6 daily, admission free.
Address
48 Hopton Street, London, SE1 9JH
Thursday, 18 March 2010
BBC RADIO 4. THE SCREAM AND EDVARD MUNCH. IN OUR TIME.
THE SCREAM AND EDVARD MUNCH. MELVYN BRAGG AND DAVID JACKSON, DOROTHY ROWE AND ALASTAIR WRIGHT. IN OUT TIME. On Thursday 18 March 2010.
Available to listen tonight at BBC Radio 4, 21.30 Also I have tried to subscribe to the Podcast for IN OUR TIME, but so far nothing has downloaded to iTunes. I am hoping!
Fascinating programme. There is a good text on the BBC website and here is the link:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00rbmrx
There is also a list of 4 books on the subject. I will definitely listen to the programme again, as what the contributors talked about was very interesting and told me a lot about Munch and the German art scene in particular, that I did not know.
His influence on art students of today, is touched upon, and also the way he stored his paintings outside, or with scant regard for their protection. He painted on cardboard sometimes and had little money at first to spend on paint - the old, old story!
Available to listen tonight at BBC Radio 4, 21.30 Also I have tried to subscribe to the Podcast for IN OUR TIME, but so far nothing has downloaded to iTunes. I am hoping!
Fascinating programme. There is a good text on the BBC website and here is the link:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00rbmrx
There is also a list of 4 books on the subject. I will definitely listen to the programme again, as what the contributors talked about was very interesting and told me a lot about Munch and the German art scene in particular, that I did not know.
His influence on art students of today, is touched upon, and also the way he stored his paintings outside, or with scant regard for their protection. He painted on cardboard sometimes and had little money at first to spend on paint - the old, old story!
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
THE FOUNDLING MUSEUM EXHIBITION LONDON WC1
The exhibition at the Foundling Museum, Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AZ
I will be visiting this exhibition with a group from the South London Women Artists group in April. The show is called:
Matt Collishaw, Tracey Emin and Paula Rego: At the Foundling
Here is a link to the Foundling Museum.
Here is a link to my Blog on Blogspot 2007 entry about Paula Rego exhibition in Madrid, 2007. Paula Rego
This exhibition should be fascinating, since I am interested in the Foundling Museum with its paintings by William Hogarth among others, and have always wanted to go there but somehow never made the trip. Now I am definitely going. You can find out more about this philanthropic institution by looking at its website.
Paula Rego is one of the best artists working in London now. I saw an amazing exhibition of her work when in Madrid, at the Reina Sofia Gallery. She works in pastels very large.
Most people will be familiar with Tracey Emin's recent drawings, which have been shown at the Royal Academy summer show, among other places. I loved reading her column in The Independent every week, but now sadly I no longer take this newspaper (economy drive) so don't know if she still writes in it.
Mat Collishaw I am not familiar with.
My other small blog is at my new website, for Paulina Little
www.sportsportraitartist.co.uk
I will be visiting this exhibition with a group from the South London Women Artists group in April. The show is called:
Matt Collishaw, Tracey Emin and Paula Rego: At the Foundling
Here is a link to the Foundling Museum.
Here is a link to my Blog on Blogspot 2007 entry about Paula Rego exhibition in Madrid, 2007. Paula Rego
This exhibition should be fascinating, since I am interested in the Foundling Museum with its paintings by William Hogarth among others, and have always wanted to go there but somehow never made the trip. Now I am definitely going. You can find out more about this philanthropic institution by looking at its website.
Paula Rego is one of the best artists working in London now. I saw an amazing exhibition of her work when in Madrid, at the Reina Sofia Gallery. She works in pastels very large.
Most people will be familiar with Tracey Emin's recent drawings, which have been shown at the Royal Academy summer show, among other places. I loved reading her column in The Independent every week, but now sadly I no longer take this newspaper (economy drive) so don't know if she still writes in it.
Mat Collishaw I am not familiar with.
My other small blog is at my new website, for Paulina Little
www.sportsportraitartist.co.uk
Monday, 15 March 2010
BATTERSEA PARK AFFORDABLE ART - MARCH 2010
VISITING THE AFFORDABLE ART FAIR ON THURSDAY LATE AFTERNOON
Finding the free minibus in Sloane Square was easy, but traffic holdups meant it took ages to get to the Park on Thursday evening.
The entry area had interesting photo etchings by Andrew Curtis - very large and black/white. I admired the successful results of what I know to be a very difficult and demanding technique of etching.
Inside the main tent was the usual huge collecting of gallery pitches, luckily mostly named and with a location so you could find London galleries easily. I admired the determination of those people who came from Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands etc.
The ceramics I liked are by Pat Armstrong who works in Lincolnshire. Her work is fired in a raku kiln, and the copper in the glaze results in beautiful reds oranges and golds.
Also the small square paintings in acrylics by Anthony Frost jumped off the wall with their brilliance and texture. They were on show at the Penhaven Gallery from St Ives.
Particularly liked the work of woman artists Sue Stone in the Grimsby based gallery called Gate Gallery. She had a small painting of French's - the famous pub in Soho. Very lively and fresh.
It was exhausting though, and there was nowhere much to sit down and rest. Everything very crammed together. Luckily it was not packed up with visitors and many of the stands had nobody viewing, so I did have a good chance to look carefully at the art.
Noticed a lot of money had been spent by some artists on the most elaborate frames, and even small oils had been framed under glass in some cases.
Prices quite low on the whole, from about £300, so if you subtrace the price of framing - perhaps £70, and the commission, the artists do not get very much.
I admired several works done of urban scenes at night, with a lot of red and black. Seems a fashionable subject at present. Saw some of these on the Amstel Gallery stands, from Amsterdam.
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
ACRYLIC PAINTING - AT RICHMOND ART SOCIETY
I went to a meeting of the Richmond Art Society last night at the Vestry Hall, Richmond on Thames.
The demo was about Acrylic painting, and was given by the tutor Sue Ribbans.
I am used to painting with acrylics, but found the talk very interesting. Sue Ribbans showed up her method of keeping acrylics wet, by making a home-made wet palette from a lidded plastic box lined with kitchen roll and covered with baking parchment.
The supports she uses vary from primed cardboard, heavy duty watercolour paper, canvas or hardboard. Primer is usually acrylic gesso which is white. To 'fight the white', Sue usually paints an underlying wash of blue or pink, or sometimes red.
She showed us her recent paintings and prints, some of which will be in the exhibition at The Bank Gallery, Chobham, Surrey, from 30 March to 11 April.
The demo was about Acrylic painting, and was given by the tutor Sue Ribbans.
I am used to painting with acrylics, but found the talk very interesting. Sue Ribbans showed up her method of keeping acrylics wet, by making a home-made wet palette from a lidded plastic box lined with kitchen roll and covered with baking parchment.
The supports she uses vary from primed cardboard, heavy duty watercolour paper, canvas or hardboard. Primer is usually acrylic gesso which is white. To 'fight the white', Sue usually paints an underlying wash of blue or pink, or sometimes red.
She showed us her recent paintings and prints, some of which will be in the exhibition at The Bank Gallery, Chobham, Surrey, from 30 March to 11 April.
Sunday, 28 February 2010
ESTORIC CAFE AT THE ESTORICK COLLECTION, CANONBURY SQUARE
The Italian cafe at the Estorick Collection is a charming place.
I can recommend it.
It was quite busy when I went there, at late lunch time last week. There are about nine little round, cafe-style tables.
My excellent coffee and Portuguese custard tart was served by Massimo, friendly and efficient, and Italian!
The food looked delicious, although by the time I was there, a lot of the serving dishes were almost empty, which shows how popular the food is!
I don't think it is licenced.
Outside there is a courtyard where you can have your food and drink, if the weather ever gets better this rainy 2010! We can only hope.
A lovely destination in a quiet and interesting corner of London.
I can recommend it.
It was quite busy when I went there, at late lunch time last week. There are about nine little round, cafe-style tables.
My excellent coffee and Portuguese custard tart was served by Massimo, friendly and efficient, and Italian!
The food looked delicious, although by the time I was there, a lot of the serving dishes were almost empty, which shows how popular the food is!
I don't think it is licenced.
Outside there is a courtyard where you can have your food and drink, if the weather ever gets better this rainy 2010! We can only hope.
A lovely destination in a quiet and interesting corner of London.
ESTORICK COLLECTION ISLINGTON LONDON
VISIT TO ESTORICK COLLECTION, CANONBURY SQUARE, LONDON N1 2AN
On my list of things to do, at last made the effort to go to Islington, to see the Estorick Collection, because of my interest in showing movement in my art, my paintings and photographs. The emphasis of the collection is on Italian Futurists.
I urge you to along, its a lovely gallery. Easy to get to, from Highbury and Islington on the Victoria Line (tube), then a short walk.
Canonbury Square itself is worth the walk, as it is elegant, lined with what seems to be early 19th century town houses, with a grassy bit in the middle - but as it was raining (again!!!) I may have got this bit wrong, didn't stop long to look.
The gallery itself is in a town house, and you enter through the back door via a little patio garden where you can sit and have a coffee on a nice day.
There are specific exhibitions and a permanent collection.
A looked at the current exhbition: "On the Move, Visualising Action", from 13 January to 18 April 2010.
You can see a typical 18th century painting of a horse race at Newmarket, all the horses with legs spread out in the accepted manner of depicting galloping. I noticed that nearly all the spectators are on horseback too, and galloping along at the side, to keep up with the racers. A slightly later work done by American native people (don't know the politically correct way of referring to these groups) showed the horses in a much more lifelike way.
Loved the two lino cuts by Sybil Andrews and the two by Cyril Power (shown by courtesy of Osborne Samuel Ltd). The printmaker Sybil Andrews's work I have admired many times. Sledge Hammers, 1933 is particularly excellent.
In this gallery, there is a work by Giacomo Balla, 1912, called The Hand of the Violin.
The wedge shaped painting, in oil, shows the hand in at least five different positions, and the brush strokes are small, almost elongated dot-like and repetitive, in browns and yellows on a warm brown background, with just a little pale pink and green.
This particulary interested me because I had just been drawing the hands of a pianist, Tom Donald, the previous Wednesday evening.
Tom Donald plays with the Iota Group and Buckingham Band at Berties Wine Bar, Wimbledon. It was inspiration to see the painting and relate it to my efforts to capture the hand movements of him and of the two guitarists, and Mark Buckingham, who plays the sax.
Throughout this house, in each of the six galleries, there are beautiful wooden benches, which looked hand-made and hand carved. The theme suggests the 20s or 30s style, almost Art Deco. The gallery attendent (I think they are all volunteers) told me the benches were made by somebody called Edge, and are much admired by visitors.
PHOTOGRAPHS
There is useful information in each gallery about the exhibits. In particular I noted the famous photograph by Lartique called Bichonnade Leaping 1905, and work by Siskind, 1954, called Pleasures and Terrors of Levitation - 4 images.
Harold Edgerton has photos on show, including Swirls & Eddies - Tennis, 1939 and several earlier photographs.
On my list of things to do, at last made the effort to go to Islington, to see the Estorick Collection, because of my interest in showing movement in my art, my paintings and photographs. The emphasis of the collection is on Italian Futurists.
I urge you to along, its a lovely gallery. Easy to get to, from Highbury and Islington on the Victoria Line (tube), then a short walk.
Canonbury Square itself is worth the walk, as it is elegant, lined with what seems to be early 19th century town houses, with a grassy bit in the middle - but as it was raining (again!!!) I may have got this bit wrong, didn't stop long to look.
The gallery itself is in a town house, and you enter through the back door via a little patio garden where you can sit and have a coffee on a nice day.
There are specific exhibitions and a permanent collection.
A looked at the current exhbition: "On the Move, Visualising Action", from 13 January to 18 April 2010.
You can see a typical 18th century painting of a horse race at Newmarket, all the horses with legs spread out in the accepted manner of depicting galloping. I noticed that nearly all the spectators are on horseback too, and galloping along at the side, to keep up with the racers. A slightly later work done by American native people (don't know the politically correct way of referring to these groups) showed the horses in a much more lifelike way.
Loved the two lino cuts by Sybil Andrews and the two by Cyril Power (shown by courtesy of Osborne Samuel Ltd). The printmaker Sybil Andrews's work I have admired many times. Sledge Hammers, 1933 is particularly excellent.
In this gallery, there is a work by Giacomo Balla, 1912, called The Hand of the Violin.
The wedge shaped painting, in oil, shows the hand in at least five different positions, and the brush strokes are small, almost elongated dot-like and repetitive, in browns and yellows on a warm brown background, with just a little pale pink and green.
This particulary interested me because I had just been drawing the hands of a pianist, Tom Donald, the previous Wednesday evening.
Tom Donald plays with the Iota Group and Buckingham Band at Berties Wine Bar, Wimbledon. It was inspiration to see the painting and relate it to my efforts to capture the hand movements of him and of the two guitarists, and Mark Buckingham, who plays the sax.
Throughout this house, in each of the six galleries, there are beautiful wooden benches, which looked hand-made and hand carved. The theme suggests the 20s or 30s style, almost Art Deco. The gallery attendent (I think they are all volunteers) told me the benches were made by somebody called Edge, and are much admired by visitors.
PHOTOGRAPHS
There is useful information in each gallery about the exhibits. In particular I noted the famous photograph by Lartique called Bichonnade Leaping 1905, and work by Siskind, 1954, called Pleasures and Terrors of Levitation - 4 images.
Harold Edgerton has photos on show, including Swirls & Eddies - Tennis, 1939 and several earlier photographs.
IOTA CLUB, BERTIES WINE BAR, TOM DONALD
On Wednesday we went along to Bertis's Wine Bar in Wimbledon. Or it would have been in Bertis's Wine Bar except it is closed for refurbishment, so our favourite jazz group, the Iota Club, played in a cramped corner of the Prince of Wales pub, in Wimbledon Broadway. There are problems with playing in such a small space, especially as you have to sit very near the speakers if you want to do a drawing - which I did.
Tom Donald plays the keyboard, Mark Buckingham, the saxes and clarinet, Theo Buckingham percussion, and two guitarists whose names I do not know.
The group was in excellent form on Wednesday and it was rocking!
I sat and worked on some sketch drawings of the players, but found capturing the hands was particularly difficult. Movement is a constant challenge to artists.
I will have to look at more art that is concerned with movement.
You can check out the Iota Club at My Space and Face Book
www.myspace.com/iotagroup
www.facebook.com/pages/The-Iota-Group
Tom Donald plays the keyboard, Mark Buckingham, the saxes and clarinet, Theo Buckingham percussion, and two guitarists whose names I do not know.
The group was in excellent form on Wednesday and it was rocking!
I sat and worked on some sketch drawings of the players, but found capturing the hands was particularly difficult. Movement is a constant challenge to artists.
I will have to look at more art that is concerned with movement.
You can check out the Iota Club at My Space and Face Book
www.myspace.com/iotagroup
www.facebook.com/pages/The-Iota-Group
Monday, 22 February 2010
MULTITASK MULTISPEND MULTIWORRY!
Today its one of those rainy Mondays ...
Must
Pay for dishwasher (eBay)
Arrange for collection - try and contact son re this, because he doesn't listen to home phone messages left
Phone plumber re the above and hope he returns the call
Download photos from camera (find camera first) which I took of my latest painting
Work out a title for painting, and measure it, including frame, which it doesn't have, if you follow me.
Edit photos to submit to SLWA for Bankside exhibition - deadline this week
Fill in form for SLWA and try and get scanner to work, to scan it
Soak kidney beans because Bev is coming tomorrow
By tomorrow have to have kidney beans cooked, in time for Bev to show me how to make Jamaican red pea soup
Go to Croydon Art Society, for AGM meeting
and so it goes on...
Must
Pay for dishwasher (eBay)
Arrange for collection - try and contact son re this, because he doesn't listen to home phone messages left
Phone plumber re the above and hope he returns the call
Download photos from camera (find camera first) which I took of my latest painting
Work out a title for painting, and measure it, including frame, which it doesn't have, if you follow me.
Edit photos to submit to SLWA for Bankside exhibition - deadline this week
Fill in form for SLWA and try and get scanner to work, to scan it
Soak kidney beans because Bev is coming tomorrow
By tomorrow have to have kidney beans cooked, in time for Bev to show me how to make Jamaican red pea soup
Go to Croydon Art Society, for AGM meeting
and so it goes on...
Sunday, 21 February 2010
POLO PAINTING ON SHOW AT DULWICH, SOUTH LONDON
As a member of the South London Women Artists group I applied to show one of my paintings to be on display at Dulwich Library from 1 March next. I heard today that a painting, which I did en plein air at the Polo match at Windsor Great Park (Guards Polo Club) has been selected for this exhibition.
At the polo match I set up my easel last June, 2009, at the edge of the polo field, and managed to paint three small canvases.
There is a problem with painting fast moving polo ponies, of course! I usually focus on ponies going in one direction, then as each time the field of play moves in that direction, I try and catch the pattern of the ponies and riders.
Unfortunately I remember that on this occasion the players tended to play at the other side of the field. It was difficult to take photos to back up my painting because I forgot to pack my zoom lens!
Anyway the result is fine and you are welcome to come to the private view at Dulwich if you send me an email.
My web site will show the painting and the other two I completed, very soon.
Why not contact www.southlondonwomenartists.co.uk
At the polo match I set up my easel last June, 2009, at the edge of the polo field, and managed to paint three small canvases.
There is a problem with painting fast moving polo ponies, of course! I usually focus on ponies going in one direction, then as each time the field of play moves in that direction, I try and catch the pattern of the ponies and riders.
Unfortunately I remember that on this occasion the players tended to play at the other side of the field. It was difficult to take photos to back up my painting because I forgot to pack my zoom lens!
Anyway the result is fine and you are welcome to come to the private view at Dulwich if you send me an email.
My web site will show the painting and the other two I completed, very soon.
Why not contact www.southlondonwomenartists.co.uk
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