Paintings can't be forgotten . . .

Even though sales were good at the Art Barn last October, I still can't overlook the pictures that we had to bring home and which make life a bit congested in my studio!

Artifex Gallery in Sutton Coldfield asked if I would be interested in offering them some work following an exhibition there with the Art Circle in 2012.  So I went along in January and took a few for them to look at, which led on to them having five paintings.  Hopefully the next stage is for people to buy them! 

Approaching galleries is a tricky business.  I visited the Affordable Art Fair in London last year and really enjoyed myself!  It's a wonderful opportunity to see lots of different galleries under one roof. I contacted a few afterwards having chatted with the owners, but sadly only one responded.  That leaves me wondering whether to try again?  It probably won't get me anywhere but I think I will . . .

 

And this week I have entered the David Shepherd Wildlife Exhibition!  When artist friend Nat Singleton told me about it, I have to admit I didn't think I had any paintings remotely connected with wildlife - and then I thought of my seagulls!  Birds are allowed!  Well, we will wait to see. 

A New Year . . . .
Sorry to be so slow in wishing you lots of joy in 2013.  I think my New Year resolution must be to write more blogs!

2013 has begun in a different mode. Some of the ideas that I plan to develop this year are sculptural!  I recently purchased some paper clay from Scarva Pottery Supplies in Ireland following a chat with sculptor Mark Tilley. My reason for this is to create figures that represent the elderly in care, who so often have little to do. They are not of anyone in particular but hopefully their attitudes indicate an emptiness in life.  'Sustaining the Person Within', our Arts Council funded project, is holding its Exhibition this year. Kathryn Pettitt and I, along with the people who have assisted us during the project, like our photographer Richard Pearce, will be reflecting on the work we have been doing with elderly people in residential care homes and day centres. The exhibition will start at Solihull Arts Complex on 20th May.

Well, my first experience of paper clay was not as creative as I had hoped - I quickly realised that I have little patience for the armature stage and just want to get on with the figure.  So I adopted a few short cuts, stuffing parts with newspaper and propping other bits with the occasional metal rod as I went along.  Sorry Mark, after your brilliant demo, I'm sure I will regret it in time!

So far I have three figures on the go, and this is one of them . . . . .

I will keep you posted on their progress!