A big thank you from Longmeadow Studio

Mary and I have had the best time doing open studios with Art in June this year and I am sure Mary will join me in thanking everyone who has supported us. I would like to thank Mary for bringing her colourful glass and wisdom to Longmeadow, our different disciplines each compliment the other and Mary's sculptures looked stunning in the garden. We have got to know each other very well over the last few months and I think we make a good team, we are both keen to collaborate again next year. It took a lot of planning but it paid off with visitor numbers up by 50% on last year and our takings have exceeded all expectations. It was a joy to meet you and chat about art and gardening over tea and cake with a very big thank you to Jill Embleton who baked late into the night and at dawn to keep up with demand. Thanks to everyones generosity we raised £377.90 for Hospice in the Weald.

I must also mention Ken, my other half and trusty studio assistant who patiently helped and advised with the setting up that began in April! He also rose early each Thursday morning during AIJ to mow circular stripes on the lawn as well as practising his barrista skills when Mary and I were busy with customers. Many visitors lingered for a traditional cup of tea in a bone china cup with a slice of Jill's renowned rasberry bakewell whilst complimenting the art and our beautiful garden. It was a hub of creativity where friends met and made new aquaintances and many came back to repeat the experience. If you were not able to make it I am always happy to show you around, just message me or give me a ring on 01732 864354 to make an appointment to look at my sketchbooks and chat about the work over a cuppa with no pressure to buy.

A highlight was when Liz and her Ide Hill Nordic Walkers parked up on a damp and dreary morning for a bracing walk around Froghole and Chartwell before returning for refreshments and a private viewing of the studio, gallery and garden. Thanks also to Barbara Couch (my oldest friend) for bringing scrumptious chocolate brownies in addition to Jill's home made cakes. A good time was had by all despite the weather and many went home with glass, paintings, books or cards. The sun came out just as they were leaving.

Mary's garden sculptures proved very popular as did her smaller bowls and spinning mobiles. My signature painting "Holding Back the Years" has gone to its new home in Croydon. Visitors commented on the eclectic mix of work on show and were interested in my sketchbooks and the ecoprint demonstrations; children were keen to have a go and take home their very own print. My board books and little sketchbooks sold well and I am delighted to hear that my two favourites are going to Dusseldorf and America. I am running workshops throughout July on demand. If you are interested please do get in touch to book a date on a day and time to suit you, I need a little bit of notice to make sure I am fully prepared and check my studio is tidy. There are several slots available from the 9th-21st July including weekends.

JaneS Oil & Cold Wax on Arches Oil Paper

I have been stitching on playing cards and making them into little printing plates. You will have seen my experiments if you follow me on instagram @janesherwoodartist along with my rust prints and am becoming increasingly interested in the idea of symmetry - or not! I think this will rub off into making more books but my ideas are still forming at the moment. I also attended a 2 day oil and cold wax course with Margaret Devitt a prolific painter based in Sevenoaks, Kent. Margaret guided us gently through the technique and I came home with few colourful abstracts and lots of ideas. I met Margaret through Art in June and admire her talent enormously. Take a look at her website www.margartedevitt.co.uk where she shows just a few examples of her astonishing body of work. Margaret is happy to show you around her home studio by appointment, contact details are on her website.

I have added a few paintings to my website and removed those that have sold. Like Margaret I only show a small selection of my work just to give a taste of what I do. My books are very difficult to photograph and I cannot stress enough that if you would like to browse just get in touch via this website or my instagram to make an appointment. I love chatting about all things creative and am happy to share my techniques and processes with no pressure to buy. I am still a guide in The Arthouse which keeps me engaged and I have just signed up for www.sally-anneashley.com fantastic course Creative Shift for the second year running. I shall be exhibiting with EVA www.edenvalleyartists.com again at www.riverhillgardens.co.uk in Sevenoaks 10th-21st September 2025. It is by paid entry but do look at the website as there are several free entry options if you are a garden or historic buildings card holder. More details in my next newsletter.

It has been a busy year so far and I am looking forward to getting stuck in to some experimental work over the next few months. I wish you a great summer, whatever your plans and I shall be here if you want a chat or a workshop, just message me. My next newsletter is due on the last day of August. I hope you enjoy my ramblings but if you prefer not to receive my news please do unsubscribe.

Best wishes JaneS.