Introducing 'Lily of the Valley' Fine Art Giclée Prints for sale, Printed on Somerset Velvet Enhanced White Fine Art Paper 330gsm (Natural Woollen Felt Textured Finish) 100% Cotton and also available in Greeting Cards.
Since my last blog I have been occupied with caring for my family (health issues) and focussing on my greeting card/print collection. In May, 2022 I was invited to have an exhibition at The Garden House, Devon and managed to spend some time painting in the beautiful grounds, a magical experience.
I had a stand at the Shrewsbury Flower Show during the great heat wave!
I'm very proud to announce that my cards are now on sale at RBG Kew and Wakehurst Place (since February '23).
Recently I took part in the Open Studios as part of the Bishop's Castle Arts Festival, and enjoyed this experience immensely.
I have to apologise for writing this blog so late! I returned from France at the end of July with 33 kilos of luggage having experienced 3 seasons! My main concern was for the paintings to arrive safely and fortunately there were no leakages! It was hard to imagine when I left the UK in early March in the midst of the flooding nightmare, that I would be away for 5 months. The painting and nature has been a lifeline.
I watched with interest the growth and development of the sunflower crops and was finally rewarded by standing in amongst them mixing my yellows and gold palette. The landscape was lit up by the dazzling yellow heads in all their various shapes and sizes.
One memorable day, in the midst of painting a landscape behind a tall hedge, I was interrupted by an unusual sound and decided to go and investigate. As I peered round the hedge I came face to face with a tall Frenchman wearing a straw hat with a canister of weed killer on his back and various pumps. I don't know who was more surprised but was greatly relieved when he said he would return the next day to finish the job!
Painting in 34 C degrees was quite challenging and I was getting through the paint at the rate of knots. I was very taken with a Renault van which I was told was 61 years old the same age as the owner of a local vineyard. I loved the subtlety of the grey paint work.
I departed from Toulouse airport and arrived back in the UK to a grey sky and massive drop in temperature. I plunged myself back into the Shropshire life and spent some idyllic days painting harebells in a friend's meadow. It was a joy to see the variety of garden flowers and not to mention a favourite of mine, nasturtiums. I was fortunate enough to paint at Wild Bunch, cut flower company. https://wildbunchflowers.co.uk/order-flowers/
Since then I am currently taking part in a mixed exhibition at Red Dot Gallery in Painswick, runs until the 1st November: https://reddotpainswick.co.uk
I will be taking part in the Open Art Exhibition at Ludlow from 31st October until the 22nd November 2020.
Welcome to my blog and thank you for your interest in my work.
A few changes since April, mainly that lockdown ended here in France on the 4th May and I moved to a new area. I'm now living in the Tarn region, reminiscent of Tuscany with rolling hills, vineyards and crops. I'm staying temporarily at Puech Blanc (gites), friends of mine I've known for 30 years.
The visual highlights of May were the cherries and orchids.....no pesticides used here! A visual feast and fortunately I had enough paint to mix those glorious tones of black crimson and bright scarlet for the cherries.
I spent a few days painting the house, extremely challenging getting the shadows and light of the stone in 30 degrees and no shade.
As the house is off the beaten track I walked miles in the local neighbourhood, through vineyards and along dirt tracks....often getting lost. The verges are alive with butterflies and insects, alliums and scented broom.
I've adjusted to walking up into a field in order to make a phone call due to internet set up, often losing the connection and walking in circles until re connected!
I'm watching with anticipation the growth of the sunflowers which should be in full bloom end of July. I will have to ensure I have plenty of yellow paint. One disaster recently was when I finally received my paint order from the UK (7 weeks) with only 4 tubes of gouache instead of 20 tubes!
This month I'm planning to sell small originals from my website.
Wishing you all well.
Awoke to hard frost and blue sky, very good weather forecast for the day.
Packed the rucksack with art materials and various bottles of water and set off to the beauty spot I discovered earlier in the week. Drove for 12 kms round hairpin bends, my first experience of driving in this part of France, plenty of deep breaths.
Arrived in hamlet and walked for five minutes before entering a wooded track...clambered under a fence into the glade. The local church bell ringing...sat on a bank amidst the wood anemones next to a fast flowing stream in full sunshine, birds singing. I couldn't wait to remove my socks and start mixing the paint, enjoying the subtle violet pinks of the petals.
I managed to forget my hat so made a makeshift one out of two sheets of kitchen roll! The odd butterfly flew past my nose, Brimstone and Orange tip, exquisite.
I painted undisturbed for a blissful five hours feeling incredibly fortunate and joyful.