At this time of the year I am a bit more reluctant to be outdoors unless the weather surprises me and is reliably pleasant, which is uncommon in December! However I take great pleasure from the small things around me at home that I have accumulated because they interest me. Their shapes, colours and their meaning to me. Inevitably a new composition for a painting emerges which makes me see them in a new light(often literally). This is one I am working on at the moment, rich colours emerging from the dark space. Not quite finished yet.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy and peaceful New Year!

Anyone who has seen my paintings will be aware that I have a passion for still life compositions! I often get asked why I find them so interesting to paint. I have recently read a book called Thunderclap by Laura Cummings largely about the artist Carel Fabritius of “The Goldfinch” fame, where the subject is discussed.

“Still Life is where nothing more and apparently nothing is happening”. “life stilled”.

It is that essence of tranquillity that I find so beguiling. I am trying to create an intimate space where the focus is on everyday objects that have a simple beauty and grace. A calm space in a busy world where you can enjoy just the present moment.

I will be exhibiting in the following exhibitions. Both are at the lovely Denbies Wine Estate Dorking Surrey.

The painting A Fine Combination will be in the Dorking Group of Artists Exhibition. 13-15th October. Wine and Olives will be in the Surrey Hills Artists Exhibition 16th-29th October.

Artists have to dogged in their determination to reach their goal, be it mastering a new medium or selling a painting that has taken ages to reach fruition. As described in the book “Think like an artist” by Will Gompertz, Thomas Edison, inventor of the light bulb, wrote of his thousands of experiments that led to his Light bulb moment, “I have not failed 10.000 times, I have not failed once. I have succeeded in proving that those 10.000 ways will not work. When I have eliminated the ways that will not work I will find the way that will work.

Creativity is an iterative process of refining until you get to the point you wish to. That lovely moment when you see that you have painted what had been in your minds eye, or that your painting is finally finished, is worth all the effort along the way.

This painting of an elaborate chandelier of a Hibiscus flower will be in the Surrey Hills Exhibition at Denbies Vineyard October 16th-29th.

Self Expression

Art is a form of self expression, I read. I certainly think so. When I choose a subject to paint and bring the painting to fruition, I am thinking is it “me”. Does it feel right and does it express my personal view of the subject. If not, I know that I need to keep going until it is! I find this works for me and gives me more satisfaction than trying to emulate another artist’s style, much as I admire them. I have learnt a great deal from studying other artists work and am inspired by it, but I try not to copy it. Interpreting what we see is so individual. The complexity and extraordinary idiosyncrasies of the human character is what keeps art endlessly interesting!

Having recently taken my painting “Doughnut Treats” up to the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, I was reminded of the story of how JMW Turner had turned up at the varnishing Day of the Summer Exhibition, in his time, and felt his painting was not standing up well against Constables entry. So, not to be outdone, he painted a bright red Buoy in his sea which contrasted strikingly with the green of the water. Since then adding a splash of red to a painting has been associated with Turner.

I have just been painting this complex Little Gem lettuce leaf, thinking it would be good tonal subject. However I felt it lacked a certain something as I approached finishing it, so I have added a splash of red with a radish, and it has worked a treat. It also fits in well with the title. “Little Gem.” I just have to wait to varnish it now.

I have just been notified that my painting “Doughnut Treats” has been selected for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. This is something I have had on my Bucket List for a while so I am delighted! It will be such fun to attend the Varnishing Day reception and Private view in London. What a real treat!

The theme for this years exhibition is “only connect”. This painting of doughnuts reminds us that a treat is a good thing but that too much of a good thing has it’s consequences. Hence the scales and the price ticket. There is a connection between actions and consequences. I love doughnuts but I don’t wish to look like one, so best kept as an occasional treat.

I am fascinated by the uplifting Japanese philosophy of Kintsugi at present. Literally meaning to join with gold. It is a reminder to remain optimistic when things break, be it something physical like a pot or something non-physical like a relationship. It is about the acceptance of imperfections and flaws and the beauty to be found in simplicity. Missteps in life can create resilience and a mended pot can be even more beautiful than the original.

I will be exhibiting in the Surrey Hills Artists exhibition which starts at Denbies Vineyard Gallery on Monday 8th May 23 until Sunday 21st 2023.

My favourite time of year, it’s been a slow start but there is lots going on in the next month or two with fast approaching exhibitions in my mind. I have had a painting accepted in the first round of the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition so I am hopeful that it doesn’t get culled in the next round!

I have just visited the Ditchling Arts and Crafts Museum in Sussex. What a gem! A very interesting exhibition of Craft pottery by Shoji Hamada, a contemporary of Richard Leach and also some woven textiles on display, small but beautiful sums up this museum, well displayed and in a charming rural village I found it inspirational. I am working on various nature inspired paintings at present, both oils and watercolours which will be in The Dorking Group of Artists Spring exhibition 27th April to 1st May at Betchworth Village Hall.

Happy New Year!

Last year was a rather frustrating year for most of us I think, after all those stops and starts during Covid we expected to get on with life with new enthusiasm in 2022. However the news put paid to a lot of that. But all things change…. hopefully for the better this year with a rather more calm and optimistic outlook.

I currently have a few of my oil paintings on show at the South Street Gallery in Dorking. Some calming and uplifting still life subjects. Just the sort of thing that we need to contemplate at the moment. This is a lovely little gallery and framing shop run by Vicky Kirby full of intriguing art work, jewellery and ceramics. I will also be exhibiting with both the Dorking Group of Artists and The Surrey Hills Artists in the spring. I will keep you posted.