Blog

Art Kudos International is an on-line juried competition.  Twenty three countries were represented in the 2011 competition. I was thrilled to find out 'Break Through' was a finalist.  The 80 x 80 cm painting has now been sold.

I am now approaching my third week of a course at The Curwen Print Study Centre, based in Linton, Cambridgeshire.  I decided early on this year to acquire a better understanding of print making.   I don't wish to change direction away from oil painting, but I thought a course in the basics of every type of print making would challenge me.  And challenge me it does!  So far I have spent my time learning to lino print and how to print using a collagraph.  The course is intensive but such a treat.

These are my attempts at lino plates

I will be displaying a new oil-on-canvas paper painting at The Cambridge Drawing Society in October. 2011.

Shifts, oil on canvas paper, framed in birch wood.

A lovely surprise that Moody Marshes is a showcase round winner in the Artslant London juried competition.  I will wait and see what happens...

From mid-November I will have 6 paintings on show at The Cass Business School, Northampton Square, London EC1V 0HB.  The paintings will be displayed for 6 months and will be available for purchase.

Cambridge Christmas 11 is shaping up nicely.  I started this event in 2008 and it has grown steadily since then.  This year I decided not to exhibit due to other work commitments, but I am organizing it.  There is now a website and I am delighted to reveal the invitation, designed by Alison Hullyer and hot off the press!

From October 2011 I will be represented by Cambridge Contemporary Art.  I am very excited about this and I am looking forward to exhibiting some of my oil on wood panels during their Christmas exhibition.  Watch this space:-)

I am a big fan of David Hockney and loved this recent BBC interview with him.  He hits the nail on the head when he talks about how we really look at the world.

This year I will not be exhibiting at The Cambridge Christmas 11 show but I am organising the annual event for fifteen local arts and crafts professionals. On Monday 21 November 2011 from 4 pm until 9 pm you will be able to purchase work from the local talents of:

Katharina Klug, Ceramicist
Amanda MacPhail, Ceramics
Daniela Stief, pottery
Alison Tait, stained glass
Claire Howieson, Jewellery
Abi Cochran, Jewellery
Tricia Taylor, Jewellery
Janet Powell, Jewellery
Marieke Hordyk, Jewellery
Rebecca Ilett, Jeweller and Sculptor
Birgitte Bruun, Silver Jeweller
Hannah Collins, Bespoke Jeweller
Jessie Hymas, Textile Designer
Roxana De Rond Illustrator
Anna Nilsen, Children's author and illustrator
Alison Hullyer, Printmaker
Rhiannon Thomas, Textile Artist

For more information keep an eye on the Cambridge Christmas 11 website.

I have been away for the last few weeks visiting Lazio and Umbria. During my travels I made a special trip to see one of my favourite paintings. The Calling of St Matthew, by Caravaggio hangs in the San Luigi dei Francesi church in Rome. Having seen it in magazines and books for so many years and then to see it in all it's glory was truly wonderful. Caravaggio's use of light and drama is awe-inspiring. Three of his paintings sit together; The Calling of Saint Matthew is the one on the left.