Here is a section from my latest painting "Holding Back The Years" based on Mick Hucknell's lyrics from Simply Red. I began with the idea of catching memories with colour, a glimpse of the past and was keen to try out some glazing techniques with fluid acrylics. It was great fun building up the layers of gorgeous reds, oranges and golds, I lost all sense of time. You can see the finished framed painting (90cms square) on the gallery page and it is for sale. I couldn't have dreamed of doing this even 6 months ago. My work is developing constantly now that I am putting into practise what I have learned from Sally-Anne Ashley on her course Creative Shift. She offers you the tools to navigate your creative process with a structure that is personal to you, it is magic.
I also have a new series of work based on Nigella, Love in the Mist or Devil's Heart as it was known in the eighteenth century according to Mrs Loudon the author of "The Ladies Companion to The Flower Garden". A delightful publication that sadly is beyond repair so I am using the pages as collage in my paintings and for several new card designs (see below). I love using collage as a starting point for much of my work, it is often hidden under the layers but sometimes little snippets pop up here and there. It reinforces my interest in history and memory. Just this week I have started some experiments using sunflower heads to print with PVA glue and then dipping the print into powdered graphite, a very messy business with potential, watch this space.
I have been invited to join EVA, www.edenvalleyartists.co.uk based in and around Edenbridge in Kent and am taking part in a group show called "Glimmers" in The Garden Room at Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Sevenoaks, from 18th-30th September. See www.riverhillgardens.co.uk for opening times and travel details. I shall be demonstrating eco printing and offering visitors the chance to take away their own mini eco print on Saturday 21st September between 1.30pm and 5pm. I shall also be stewarding the exhibition on Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th September in the afternoons (1.30-5) if you fancy popping in for a chat and the chance to see the glorious range of arts and crafts by EVA members. A great opportunity to do some early Christmas shopping and have a walk around the magnificent gardens.
Over 200 visitors came to my Longmeadow Open Studio in June and so many people asked if I do workshops that I am developing a few. I can take up to 3 students at a time and am thinking about the following titles:
Make Your Own Explosion Book: Learn paper folding techniques and make a book with a hardback cloth cover to take home in 3 hours.
Card & Book Making Techniques: Learn easy ways to make professional looking cards, concertina books, altered books & more. Take home your creations from a 3 hour workshop.
Eco Printing on Paper: Gather plants from my garden & print with them using a rolling press & homemade iron and copper mordant. Make a variety of prints to take home. 2 hours.
I will announce more details in the new year, the 2 or 3 hour workshops will probably be in May, July & September. If you are interested in any of these please let me know .
Art on a Card now has some new designs. Each card is original, every one is different. See the full range on my gallery page. They will be for sale at Riverhill and also direct from me. If you want to pop in to Longmeadow please let me know you are coming by making an appointment.
I will welcome you with a cuppa and a chat and if the weather permits a walk around the garden and studio.
That's all for now. See you in November.
Best wishes JaneS.
Comments