Untitled 12.

What do you think when you come across a painting titled “UNTITLED”? Personally I think it is a rather lazy approach, the least the artist could do is come up with a few words, however random they may be. This blog is called “untitled” because I have no idea what I am going to talk about and that is often how I begin painting, no plan and no idea. I sometimes start with collage to lead me in to a composition or colour palette and tend to overwork it resulting in a dreadful mess at which point (when it is dry) I usually sand it back. Then I start again with a few remnants to lead me forward and this is my favourite part. I can repeat this whole process several times over before I arrive at something I like.

However my recent work has changed. I have become very interested in symmetry and am using ecoprints to create otherworldly images of weird plants and insects. It has been suggested they are reminiscent of Victorian specimen books and botanical drawings which gave me the idea of compiling an album with removable pages. This current work is very different to anything I have done before but it feels right for me at this moment in time. I have finished three A2 size panels on board but the rest will go into my album which is very much work in progress.

I decided after the June Open Studio event that I would concentrate on developing my ideas rather than producing a finished product. This has resulted in very little painting but a lot of experimentation and I have produced some gorgeous effects on paper with a variety of techniques including rust, cyanotype and gelli printing. These make great covers for my handmade concertina books that make perfect pocket sketchbooks, they start from £5 and come in three different sizes. Every one is different in the same way that all my cards are individual and unique, original art handprinted and finished for the price of a cup of coffee.

I am still a guide in Sally-Anne Ashley’s ARTHOUSE and last month a fellow member Felicity Robinson shared her process of using inks to create vibrant organic abstract art. She is inspired by natural connections and runs an impressive selection of workshops and retreats both at her home in Malvern and elsewhere, Felicity’s website is well worth a look www.felicityknappstudio.org and she is also on instagram.

I was inspired enough to buy a set of Dr. Martin’s Bombay Inks and have been playing on and off resulting in a series of very colourful small abstract still life drawings in silver gilt frames. These will be on show and for sale at this year’s EVA exhibition Magic Memories in September at Riverhill Himalayan Gardens in Sevenoaks. There are 22 artists exhibiting, several are new to the group this year. It promises to be a diverse and interesting show with some pop in workshops. Check out www.riverhillgardens.co.uk for full details.

I am about to embark on my second year of Creative Shift and wondering where it will take me this year. After a busy summer of running workshops and open studios I want some time to myself. I have prepared a journal in readiness and throughout the course I am going to keep a play concertina book to see how my work develops. I shall be posting my progress on social media as usual @janesherwoodartist.

Lastly if you would like to visit the Eden Valley Artists Magic Memories exhibition in Sevenoaks it is open from 10th-21st September Wednesday-Sunday 10am-5pm. My drop in ecoprinting workshop is on Sunday 14th September 2pm-4pm and I shall be stewarding on Wednesday 10th in the afternoon and Wednesday 17th in the morning. I look forward to seeing you there or you can always message me if you fancy an arty chat in my studio.

Best wishes JaneS.