What a great Summer this has been

It’s sort of sad to think that the summer is drawing to an end…but it’s been a cracker

After the two art trails , it was time to think about the next thing on the arty calendar

Rayleigh Windmill

The month of July was not the best in terms of weather . But in the few days it was ok, it was a privilege to be able to show my work to the public And THANKYOU all who came said hello and bought some of my work.

Halpern Gallery

A trip to Chatham and the fabulous Halpern Gallery was next on the cards.

Great cafe in both Rochester and Chatham

And the gallery space was excellent.

As a friend of mine has said…it’s so nice to have your work in a proper white walled gallery.

It is also very flattering to be showing alongside other amazing artists with a variety of styles and media.

As this was quite some distance to travel, I went on the train with my fellow exhibitor and friend Sharon Stone….and no not the Hollywood actress.

I haven’t been back to Chatham since college days (I carried out an Illustration degree in Maidstone) And Rochester since my teaching days on school trips.

It was so interesting to explore the Cathedral without being preoccupied by keeping an eye on my wards and see the ancient and intriguing architecture of an historic part of Kent

We also visited The Old Navy Docks at Chatham…too much to see in such a short time so luckily they allow another return in 12 months. Which we have done. Would deffo recommend

So what was next?

Ahh yes, being part of an exhibition at another venue I have never been to or heard of.

That’s one of the unexpected bonuses of being an artist who is looking for opportunities, you find little hidden gems and visit places you would otherwise never have seen.

Thames Chase

Unfortunately I couldn’t make the pv as I had been busy all day doing something very exciting!

But more of that later

This August meant we were able to get away too

A break away we had needed for sometime. We visited Devon and stayed with our friends in Dorchester, who were celebrating their Silver Wedding anniversary

And a fantastic time was had by all

This year we were fortunate to celebrate our Silver Wedding anniversary. And yes, I know you get less for murder

Rather than buying each other gifts we decided to make something

I painted a cradled board with irises, the flowers used to symbolise silver wedding anniversaries, in acrylic and silver leaf.

My lovely husband Peter, made a beautiful linoprint and framed in a bespoke frame Beautiful and secretly made. He’s a keeper that’s for sure

That face there, is a very happy one. Our two sons bought us this as our anniversary present. Peter, although initially sceptical, loved it

I think you can tell from the picture what I thought of it

Prowse Restaurant

You know how Social Media gets a bad wrap? This time I can only praise it.

I saw a call out for artists work. Contacted the owner of new local restaurant Prowse. Cat the owner liked my work and has agreed to hang two pieces.

They’ve offered a fabulous space for artists to exhibit their work in a beautiful setting Can’t wait to go for a meal soon

And if all of that wasn’t enough…highlight of late summer Old Leigh Artist Market

Old Leigh Artist Market

The weather was kind and so were the fellow artists, friends and customers

Love this event and get so much from it.

Made some excellent sales too. So thank you to anyone who visited and especially if you supported me by buying something

And now to another exhibition that I am delighted to be a part of

“Eccentric Concentric” at Rayleigh Mills Arts Centre

This is a space big enough to exhibit some of my larger pieces. I think they look really good together. Most of them were painted as a series or collection.

Who else is unsure of what to call work painted in a similar vein? Anyway “Eccentric Concentric” is the title.

I’ve also been sent pictures of visitors in front of my work…and I didn’t know them. Touching and a validator for continuing what sometimes feels a lonely and daunting pursuit

Southend Art Club Demonstration

So exciting to be asked to demonstrate for the Southend Art Club members

Images above are some of the members’ work, completed after my demo, inspired by the techniques and materials I used

I decided to produce an intuitive piece of work on canvas using alcohol inks, acrylic inks and acrylic. Subject matter were brambles and hedgerows.

(See my Instagram for a reel of highlights from the demo @mrso1234rs)

As if all of that wasn’t enough, the final Art Trail of the year is here

Southchurch Art Trail

This is the second year of this artistic event. Proud to be able to be a participant again. And even happier to be in my fabulous venue Grumpys Diner. Hosted by the ever fabulous Kerry. What a gem of a place

Thanks to the tireless work, determination and love of art from the organiser Karen Mitchell, this event has grown from strength to strength

Looking forward to a good brekkie before a day of art strolling and chatting on the walkabout day day soon

And now to the best thing I’ve done in ages and something which has inspired me to do a bit of learning

Southend City Jam 2023

Way back in the year, I thought I’d take a punt and apply for a chance to paint at this event

Little did I know that this was going to be the largest street art event in Europe, with 200 artists from across the globe participating

I had met one of the organisers, Karl Sims, back in March and knew he was doing a big wall piece as part of the Chelmsford Concrete Canvas. I created an Openreach box based on The Marconi Ponds in the city as part of that event too He suggested I go for it. )Thanks to @flippingzombies aka Candy Joyce for her continued support)

Urged on by my pal Sharon Stone, I went for it

When I found out I had been accepted, I began planning my work

I decided to continue with my usual subject matter flowers

I made the brave decision to use spray paint and do this freehand

I practiced furiously but part of the wasn’t sure until the day how it would work

Having painted that large before, for murals and school play backdrops.

I, therefore, wasn’t daunted by scale, just technique to be confronted by the meticulous planning and complexity of my next door neighbour Sharon Stone (Check out her work on her instagram page @sharon_stone_art) Well I started to doubt myself!

I decided to spray a poppy, the flower of Essex

Limited palette, simple shape and bold colour were an intrinsic part of the design

Firstly, I was surprised at how quick it was to spray. And then how I found it. Yes there were bits that my in experience really showed, but on the whole I think it was ok

I did use acrylic, posca pens and brushes but less than I thought I would

It was so lovely to be surrounded by fellow artists. Learning from them, chatting with them and most importantly laughing with them

Most of the group were female too, which was hugely empowering

Thanks so much to all of you guys for your support

When I completed my painting, I was surprised by the reaction of total strangers. I could overhear their conversation. They were unaware that I had painted the work. So many complimentary statements and some even took photos of the painting. One or two of them even took their photos with the work

The guys who organised this amazing event, Steve Hart and Karl Sims, we’re so encouraging. And even said that I could be a good spray artist. I’m flattered of course but also a little disbelieving

If you’re interested in visiting, my work along with lots of other local artists, is at Elmer Square, Southend, outside The Forum

I think you can agree, the summer has been truly magical, memorable and busy

It’s been enjoyable and exhausting . I have made some great connections, learnt so much, met truly inspirational people and made some sales too!

Southend Art Club Social Media

I am relishing my role as Social Media Secretary for Southend Art Club

Lots of hard work initially, but so great to support the work of local talent and enthusiasts

It’s been really interesting being a member of a committee looking at how to engage members and ensure that this historic club continues to thrive

But there are more challenges in front of me

Watch this space for more info on @castlepointartistopenstudios Exciting times

And exhibitions and fairs too!