2024 what’s in store?

Is it me, or do we all wonder what is in store for the rest of the year?

Planning and organising is sometimes difficult and is always time consuming. However for my first exhibition of 2024 it was a little odd

I’d almost forgotten about it…oops!

We’d booked the venue and date so long ago. (Note to self, Get a proper planner)

Luckily, my fellow exhibitor, Sharon Stone (and yes she really is called Sharon Stone and no she’s not the Hollywood star) was better prepared than me, she reminded me and then the fun and games began

How to decide a name for the show?

As we both love colour, it was quite an easy decision…Chroma

Next to work out dates and details.

This should have been very easy, however….we were going away for a much needed break from the day to day rigours of life. And even more frustrating for Sharon, I’d forgotten the dates we were away and that this February is a leap year.

Why should any of that matter?

It matters when you create a poster and event page with dates, share on social media and start your promo. (Another note to self…check and check again…don’t just wing it!)

We had a fabulous trip away; Lake District, Edinburgh and Northumberland

On our return, the necessity to get organised, was imperative. The venue was easily accessible and relatively easy to exhibit at

Sharon and I hadn’t been able to get together to curate the exhibition, so there were nervous moments where we hoped each other would be accepting and happy with our selection of exhibits

However neither of us needed to worry.

Our paintings worked harmoniously and the show was put up in record time

Between Sharon and I, we decided to hold a “Meet The Artists” event

The invites went out, and on the morning of the event, we waited in trepidation, worried that no one would come

We needn’t have.

Lots of friends and a number of those we didn’t know came to support. And I even sold a painting and some greetings cards

I know I had the best time. I hope Sharon did too

An event like this boosts your confidence. It does so by confirming that you’re doing something worthwhile and that others appreciate your endeavours.

I think we can agree that this doesn’t often happen in our day to day lives, so THANK YOU

Actually I’ve forgotten, this was not my first exhibition of 2024

I was part of a charity exhibition at Two Tree Gallery. A fabulous event with a very worthy cause at it’s heart

A really well attended opening ensured a successful event for the gallery and charity too.

And of course is always a good way to chat arty stuff and catch-up with pals

January has been a very long month, this should allow us all reflection and the opportunity to plan. But how many of us actually manage that?

Easter should see the end of my teaching three days a week. (Or May be not!??)

This has been a really interesting and creative time for me but it’s definitely limiting my opportunities to make my own work.

So far I’ve managed a commission (portrait don’t you know) and a series of small abstracts

Not much to show for nearly two full months. That should all change after Easter and my goodness it needs to, as I’ve got an exhibition with another friend in May, and it’s a big space to fill

The desire to create new work is itching at the back of my brain and I’ve got some ideas I need to get down. Yet time, or lack of, is the enemy here

Hopefully there are a number of exciting things going to be happening over the next few months. Applications have gone in for events and plans are being finalised for upcoming exhibitions etc but as yet nothing concrete. More news when I know myself

Meanwhile, I thought it was about time for a change of paintings which are being exhibited in local restaurant Prowse

So off I trotted to put up some different mixed media abstracts. This is a great venue to show my work in. And I’m in great company with many more local artists too

The owners are very supportive of the artistic scene and clearly have a good eye. Thank you

Unfortunately we’ve not been in to eat as of yet, but the reviews are very good and on my visit today, the food looked and smelt amazing

Plus it’s full of great art too! I would say that though wouldn’t I?

Half term is this week. That should give me an opportunity to do some painting and I’m very much looking forward to it. Let’s hope I get some done hey?

In my next post, hopefully I should have a clearer plan of what’s happening for the rest of the year.

I do hope it’s as good, if not better than last year and the challenges are as exciting

Watch this space