Ready, steady,go

April, May and June

Is it me or does it feel as if we’re hurtling into the summer?

Wasn’t it just Christmas like last month?

Anyway, it is what it is. With Spring having sprung, it’s time to really get those artistic plans up and running

Being a member of a club is invaluable. A community of likeminded people, enjoying the same sorts of things as you do, is wonderful

The club is an inclusive, supportive and educational group

We he’d our Spring Exhibition at Metal in Chalkwell Hall

Members clambered for the opportunity to exhibit and the standard and variety of work on show, truly didn’t disappoint

Awards were given in numerous categories and certificates handed out

The private view on the Friday evening, was so enjoyable. And it was topped off by the most amazing thing

I won “Best in Show” What does that mean? Well it means that my diptych “Composite” was selected as the best painting in the exhibition

The judging was expertly executed by Dr Mark Banting, an art historian and lecturer

His comments really summed up the reasons behind my practice. It’s always a great accolade to hear that your ideas and work are understood and appreciated by others and especially by someone of Mark’s experience and expertise

I couldn’t believe it

I’ve never won anything before, so the emotions were new to me!

Yet again another really successful event held by SAC

Congratulations to all involved and a big thank you to all those involved in the organisation

I don’t know whether you’ve become aware of my need to keep busy?

With this in mind, planning and organisation for my next project, started in earnest

“Semblance of Order” is a joint exhibition with my friend and fellow artist Rebecca Coleman

Rebecca is a local abstract painter. She and I both love colour, pattern, repetition of shape and geometry. So it made sense to collaborate

The title of the exhibition, just came to us in a flash. We seem to be ordered but as the title suggests, it’s a shallow veneer

Plenty of emails, WhatsApp messages and meetings ensued, and finally an organised exhibition was born

The fun bit is going to be putting this up

This will happen , directly after both Rebecca and I finish work (Photos to follow) A mad dash to ensure our work is shown in the best possible way

The exhibition runs from 2nd -31st May at The Forum Elmer Rd Southend on Sea

We have a “Meet The Artists” event between 11-2pm Saturday 4th May

“Love Letters Straight To Your Art”

I was contacted out of the blue by the organiser of this charitable exhibition

Vicki, the driving force behind this, collected the advertising/signage letters from the outside of the now demolished Army & Navy store in Westcliff

The Exhibition contains the letters adapted by lots of local artists and creatives, and other artworks reflecting nostalgic ideas of Southend on Sea

Only a little letter. But my goodness. The amount of layers of paint, colour and history

Application of paint and embellishment, led to the creation of a flashy F for Fireworks. This is part of the summer calendar for Southend

Looking forward to seeing all the variety of creations

All work is for sale and for charity

Go visit at The Ironworks from Tuesday 30th April and support a good cause

Artists at The Meadows

What a fantastic exhibition space. I am so delighted to be invited to exhibit my work for the month of May

I was asked to participate because of my participation in previous Concrete Canvas festivals

If you get an opportunity to visit, I can assure you, you will not be disappointed

Artist Markets

Every weekend in May there will be something happening

4th May, we have “Meet the Artists” at The Forum

Bank Holiday Monday , the always highly anticipated Old Leigh Artists Market on Strand Wharf

Then a Social Media intro led by me and en plein air demo led by the ever talented Sharon Henson, at Metal for SAC

And then the following weekends are fairs in wo different cities in Essex, Chelmsford and Colchester

Concrete Canvas is a Street Art Festival and the final weekend has a celebration with live painting, music and stalls selling arty goods. All in Bond Street Bowl

Made in Colchester, is a collective of creatives, who have collaborated to support one another’s endeavours and on this occasion provide an opportunity to meet the public and sell their creations

Art Trails

The whole month of June, my work will be showcased as part of the Brentwood Art Trail

This year I will be in Brentwood itself. My venue is Schmidt Kitchens. A really swanky kitchen showroom

More details to follow as there are still some areas to be finalised

And finally there maybe another chance to see my work in the beautiful village of Finchingfield in Essex at The Wonky Wheels Gallery

When all details are confirmed, I shall share them