Happy New Year to you all... OK, 'tis a bit tardy of me I confess but as they say, better late than never. Since we said goodbye to 2016 (some say yay to that) and hello to 2017, my feet have hardly touched the ground as my paints squirted from their respective tubes and skidded onto their communal palette ready to be mixed, tinted, muted and generally hashed together to get the required shades and colours required for four bare canvasses staring back at me from the easels. Now completed, these blank canvasses have been transformed into a beloved barge, a bloke on a motorbike, shades of autumn leaves tumbling down the front of a turn of the century home and newborn twin boys. Commission work is wonderful as you never know what you are going to get next, and the eclectic mix of subjects presented helps me really challenges and stretches me no end. 

Having said that, I also love to paint what I love. And what do I love? For a start you can't beat people; expressions, personalities, characteristics; I endeavour to tease their inner persona from my painted people, whether they are known to you or not. There will be more sepia/black and white pastel paintings containing these timeless characters from a bygone era coming soon...

The other subject I love to paint? Anyone that knows me knows that I love food and drink - cooking or baking, scoffing  or painting the stuff. Yes, the little daily paintings are making a return, too, with some luscious combinations to make your mouth water. These will be sold mounted and framed ready to hang in your kitchen, dining room, restaurant, cafe... or any other unusual place to see fit to view it at your leisure.

If you are subscribed to my mailing list you will be the first to see these works and should you choose to buy one, get first dibs, too. Always fab for a special gift (birthday, anniversary, wedding... you choose the occasion) and don't forget we have Mother's Day round the corner followed swiftly by an early Easter, too. 

I shall bid you farewell for now as I am off to make preparations for my old-man-necking-his-after-work-pint pastel painting once I have set up my first alla prima daily painting of the year (who loves chocolate and strawberries?). Some special commissions to work on, also. Gosh, I love what I do. Lucky Kay *smiley face*.

TTFN 

Where has this year gone?  Didn't seem like two minutes since we were welcoming 2016 and now I think most people are happy we are nearing the end of what has turned out to be a bit of a rubbish year, really. Me included. I lost one of my dear friends to the dreaded Big C in August after a short illness. She was only 62 which is no age at all and had so many years left to enjoy her retirement but someone upstairs decided it was not to be. 

So it was with this in mind that I produced my 2017 slim kitchen calendar and have dedicated it to my dear friend, Joyce Hunt, and will be donating 10% of all proceeds to Cancer Research UK.  If you fancy buying one, they are only £6.95 each (more info here).  A really lovely addition to anyone's kitchen wall.  And should you wonder at all which famous artist you might share your birthday with, the calendar includes many of the great masters' date and year of birth.  Very interesting indeed to flick through the calendar to see the high concentration of artist's birthdays in particular months and none in others. 

Anyhow, apart from calendars I have been incredibly busy with commissions and have fitted a couple of daily paintings in as well - Basil & Tomato and Petit Dejeuner - both lovely foodie subjects. These popular little paintings are the subject of this year's calendar, by the way! Forgot to mention that earlier. I shall, of course, be doing more daily paintings in the new year so if you have any  particular food and drink combinations you wish me to paint feel free to let me know. I have also done some small daily painting commissions, too. Three particular items that sum up that person. These go down very well for special birthdays or anniversaries as they very specific to that individual. Lovely idea and worth thinking of as they are not too expensive, either. They come framed and mounted, too. Below is a small selection of some of the artwork I have completed so far this year - what an eclectic mix. Aside from painting my own art, commissions can bring a real diverse bag of subjects and you never know what you are going to get next. It is all good, of course, as it also stretches me as an artist. There are some more wonderful commissions to show you but they are currently under wraps as they are surprise gifts for people, many for Christmas. Don't worry I will ensure they are shared with you all once the recipient has got it hanging on their wall.

So this is where I am at currently, busy doing commissions around my family life and of course we have the run up to Christmas, too, which is always a frantic time both personally and professionally. This year, for the first time, we shall be sitting down as a family to eat our Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve, for a change, as recommended by a friend. She said it worked so well they will be doing it again this year.  That way it takes all the pressure off for Xmas day as there is enough going on with gifts, visitors, etc. Christmas day we shall enjoy a nice champagne brunch,  perhaps and a luxurious buffet later in the day.  A chilled Xmas day is in order this year. What are you doing this year?

I have lots to look forward to in 2017 - both artistically and personally. I am reaching the big Five Oh. Can't believe it, I still feel about thirty! This means all my contemporaries will be 50, too, so lots of parties are in store, I suspect. On a professional level, watch this space as I will be doing a particular painting with a texture twist. I have a feeling that once I have done this one and people get wind of what has been created, I will be doing more of them... can't tell you yet, though, but I am so looking forward to this project.
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In case I don't get chance before the festivities begin, I would like to wish you all a peaceful Xmas (I know it's only November but better ear;ly than not at all) and I hope for a healthy, happy and prosperous 2017 for everyone. Heaven knows we could do with it after what this year has brought us. Bye bye 2016.

TTFN.

Gosh it's been ages since my last waffle, so thought I had better get to it. Been a couple of months since my previous ramble because I have been so so busy with commission work.  My newsletter will be out soon so you can see what I have been up to. If you wish to subscribe so you don't miss out on anything follow this link and get your email address typed  in that form!

Getting your artwork framed is this month's issue of ramble. I think it is an important part of buying art as it can make or break your painting.  As superb as your painting may be on it's own merits, without a frame it will be "missing something". A bit like when a lady (or anyone who likes applying the stuff)  puts make up on her eyes, she is 'framing" them  - whether she is conscious of it or not - to make them stand out - choosing colours and the way in which she applies it to enhance her look.  And so it is with art. Putting a frame on your painting will really make your artwork look a million dollars. If it is done correctly, that is.

Framing need not be expensive - if you are on a budget they can be bought in variety of sizes, shapes, colours, finishes from almost anywhere although do check the quality as it may end up not doing very much to help your painting shine, in fact if you make a rubbish choice for your beloved artwork, you could ruin it all together. And we don't want that. No. We want people to walk into your home and say "Wow, I love your painting!" They may not notice the actual frame or mount surrounding it, but be assured that in it's supporting role it will be doing it's job perfectly.

That is where the bespoke framer comes in. Having your artwork professionally framed is not as expensive as you might think, either.  There is a wide range of prices depending on your budget and the framer will  work with you and have a plethora (now there's a word) of finishes, widths, colours, etc to make your frame - and they come with lots of advice on how to choose the best one for your work to ensure it plays it's supporting role to the max for that "Wow" factor.  Whether you want a frame that is similar to others you already have, a frame that is sympathetic to your home decor, a traditional or contemporary one, you can bet the person framing your artwork will be taking it all in as he helps you pick out your choices. Remember, he does this day in day out and knows what goes well with what.

My framer, Mike, at www.cheshireframing.co.uk, where I take all my art for clients and for myself, always works WITH me to ensure we get the best frame for the latest effort off the easel that I waltz in with. He spends time going through frames, and we will often photograph different frames on the work to send to clients for their input, too, and I just love getting that call  "It's ready" because I can't wait to see the finished product. I am always amazed at the transformation from the lovely painting I dropped off the other day, to the fabulously framed piece of art (he seems to turn it into) that I take away to be hung on the wall. Not once have I ever said "oh, not sure about that", he really knows his onions. And his frames.

So next time you consider buying an unframed piece of art, think on; take it to your local framer and let them work their magic so you, too, can have that "wow" painting hanging on your wall.

TTFN
Kay

Spring is in the air and the daffodils and tulips are out in force to let us know the warmer weather is coming. Yippee, about time, too.  I've even painted a tulip or three this month myself as well as doing my commission work and  little Daily Paintings which will be available to buy, framed and mounted, very soon. Anyhow, welcome to this month's waffle which will be focusing on why we buy original pieces of art. Why do we? What does it do for us?  Well, owning original art has numerous benefits believe it or not. Here's a few ideas you may or may not of thought about:

• To start with art improves our quality of life.  Yes, sounds a bit deep doesn't it, but it's not. Not really.  All you have to do is think about the difference between a room with bare walls and one with walls full of art. It personalises and humanises the places where we live and work.  Art revives lifeless interiors - homes as well as businesses-- and transforms them into unique, beautiful and engaging environments.
  
  
• Artists lead modest lives because producing art is far more important to them than having lots of money - I think this is where "the starving artist" notion originated from. Most artists have second jobs, too, in order to help support their income.
  
  
• Original works of art have certain energies about them that reproductions and mass-produced decorative items simply don't have. You know just by looking at it that another human being has made it, and not a machine.
  
  
• An impressive or extensive personal art collection can be likened in microcosm to that of a great museum, and certainly increases the esteem of the owner among his or her peers. In fact, many of the great personal art collections either end up in museums or become museums in and of themselves. 
  
  

• ​Art that has been commissioned for personal reasons, be it a portrait, landscape or abstract piece, will often be handed down the generations of a family.
  
  

• An original work of art reflects, enhances and sometimes even magnifies the personality of the individual who owns it. Yes, believe it or not that Zinsky original hanging on your wall speaks volumes about you. 
  
  
• Owning original art has unequivocally positive effects for those who own it.  Don't you always feel more uplifted every time you look at your Kay Ashton on your wall?
  
  
• Art makes people proud to live and work where they do. They point to their own pieces and their workplace art collections with pride. Seeing original art in the halls, lobbies and offices of their corporate headquarters has unconditionally positive, productive, inspirational and uplifting effects.
  
  
• Art is environmentally friendly, energy efficient and easy to maintain. It does not increase global warming, use fossil fuels or need to be serviced on a regular basis, and it's certainly not just another expendable commodity destined for the landfill once it outlives its usefulness. Art never outlives its usefulness. In fact, it only gets better with time.
  
  
• For business people who like to make profits, either directly or indirectly, know that many people decide where to spend their time (and money) based on the art that businesses have on display. For example, commercial spaces such as restaurants, hotels and meeting places often attract people because of their impressive art and interior decor.
  
  
• For those so inclined, art can be used to signify wealth, success or power and can even be used to intimidate. For example, imagine a CEO's office appointed with a big bold, vibrant, dynamic painting hanging on the wall directly behind their desk, and two imposing larger-than-life sculptures strategically placed around the office. Anyone who sits and meets with this individual must also contend with their art. So if you want to impress your clients, commission your local artist to create some powerful art to hang in your office.
  
  
• Children are fascinated by art.  It  prompts them to ask questions and encourages them to fantasise, imagine, explore and expand their perceptions of reality, and to dream of unlimited possibilities.  Art teaches children how to be creative and have fun with life and gives them permission to do so as well. It is extremely important for helping to develop their imagination.
  
  
• Art is a powerful form of expression not only for the artists who create it, but also for those who own it because allows people to express their individuality and to represent their beliefs, feelings, hopes, convictions and philosophies. Yes, powerful stuff!
  
  
• An original work of art is not only visually appealing, but it also radiates the personality, abilities, creativity, insight, inspiration, technical mastery, attitudes, and at it's best, the brilliance and genius of the artist who created it *coughs loudly* and those who own art are able to experience,  be inspired and uplifted by these qualities whenever they look at their preferred pieces of art.
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• Art stimulates conversation, dialogue and interchange even between total strangers who might never otherwise say a single word to each other. It gives people permission to share thoughts, feelings, ideas and impressions that they might not ordinarily share.
  
  
• Across the country and around the world, artists move into troubled or blighted neighborhoods or parts of cities that have fallen on hard times and revitalize them with their artistry. Property values increase, new businesses move in and the overall quality of life in those areas improves immeasurably. Sooner or later, the public at large discovers these wondrous transformations, and in some cases people actually travel great distances to visit these creative oases. Think Banksy for starters. Street artists that do wonderful 3-D creations, sand artists who make perfect sculptors on the beach - the list is endless.  In other words, buying art and supporting artists serves far higher purposes than simply decorating your walls. Your ongoing support provides artists with the means to continue improving the quality of life for us all.  

I, for one, cannot think of anything better to do than create art. Doing an oil painting or sketch for someone and seeing their face at the finished piece is, for me, priceless. And for people to want to buy my art that I have created is immeasurable, it really is.  Above all, making people happy through my artwork is the best reason to make more.

Kay

What a rubbish start to the new year! OK, it didn't snow (well, it tried) but we have had enough rain to float Noah's Ark, we've lost such legends as David Bowie, Lemmy and Terry Wogan and the dreaded winter bug has been doing it's rounds.  Whilst the weather was rubbish I kept myself busy painting, starting new commissions, finishing off certain pieces of artwork and starting new ones.

February this year is a wee bit longer as it is a leap year, so beautiful spring is delayed, but only slightly, so before we can welcome the spring blooms (well, some of them came out in November!!!), this month we have Valentine's Day where the florist's suppliers triple the price of red roses just for the 14th February, so the florists have no option but to follow suit.  So, is it worth getting these flowers for just one day at hiked-up prices, especially when they last no more than a week if you're lucky? You would be much better off  with one of  my red rose art prints: it will last you a lot longer and I don't inflate my prices just for one day - they remain competitive all year round. Talking of our floral friends, I am hoping to concentrate more on flower oil paintings this year;  especially my favourite ones and who knows, might be a spot or two of raindrops on there. I have ideas whirling in my head... 

Alongside all this, I am continuing with my commissions, so if you have any special birthdays coming up this year, a portrait or a special piece of commissioned art is always a winner, a special gift and an original piece of art at that. Have a look at the Feedback and Testamonials page on my website for ideas, and to see what other happy customers commissioned for their loved ones (some for themselves, too)

Not content with keeping busy with all this, I have started doing small Daily Paintings which will be available to  purchase soon. This is an exercise whereby I do a small oil or pastel painting from life (known as alla prima) and work for no longer than an hour, just doing one a day. I have built myself a special "shadow and light box" and painted the inside matt black, put a hole in the top and shine a lamp in onto the objects I want to paint to the best light and shade. It is not easy as I usually work in layers (each paint layer has to dry before the next one can go on) and it is a very forgiving medium as you can alter and correct until you are happy with it. Not so with alla prima as you are completing the painting in one go; working with wet paint into wet paint which can end up like mixed mud if you are not careful. So far I have managed to make my meringue's resemble dirty snow (mixed mud)  however the strawberries turned out ok, and make my oranges look a bit dodgy (mixed mud)  but hey ho, it's all part of the exercise and I hope to improve with each piece of art I do. I will be posting these small Daily Paintings on my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram  pages so keep your eye out..

I have also just completed my GENTLEMEN'S CLUB oil painting which, I have to say, was very well received by everyone. I started this oil painting last summer, I think, and just about got the underpainting and first layers done when commissioning came flying in, so they, of course, take precedent as there is usually a deadline to work to.  I am  so pleased that it went down well  as it was a challenge to do - the reflections on the glass of the pocketwatch and the multi-faceted cut crystal and it's contents. The cufflink belongs to my husband, John, which are actually blue sapphires and not rubies. The pocket watch is also John's; it was a gift from his dad at his army passing out parade in nineteen-nought-plonk. This painting is the third in the Fancy Glass series of oil paintings, SANGRIA WHATEVER THE WEATHER and HOT TODDY being the other two. Gentlemen's Club is now available to buy, as are fine art prints and high grade box canvases.

Keep your eyes peeled on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest paintings and if you are not already following me then go and click those buttons. Happy February and I hope you get your heart's desire this Valentine's Day!

Kay  

Happy New Year everyone! Where did 2015 go? It seems to have whizzed by - and no wonder, I had a very busy time of it. When I look back over the year, it will be best remembered (for me anyway) for my SAA (Society of All Artists) Artist of the Year for Flowers & Garden's Category win for my oil painting Ena Harkness.  An achievement I am incredibly proud of. Our trip to London where we met other members of my family at London Islington's Business Design Centre was a memorable day.  Aside from seeing all the wonderful SAA artists such as Vic Bearcroft, Kirk Glander, Sharon Hurst and Mike Skidmore whom I follow on social media (among others), trying my hand at all the various craft stalls, etc, it was truly something else to see my handiwork hanging alongside other winners. It was even more astonishing when I saw the guest judge from The Big Painting Challenge, Lachlan Goudie, surveying the artwork, including mine. The following month's SAA magazine featured my artwork, too. Rather chuffed.

​More memories were made for me when my Hot Toddy painting was featured in Artist's and Illustrator's Magazine. The editors were going through the Artist of the Year entries and my artwork captured their eye, so in the mag it went. Happy days. It did not get shortlisted for that particular award but I was more than happy with my painting being seen by thousands in a national art magazine.

Sangria Whatever The Weather, another competition entry, was shortlisted on the Ken Bromley Art Supplies website and the winner chosen by public vote. All the bribing in the world via my friends, family, man on the street and strangers in our local Asda did not ensure my winning position. 

To top off my year of artisty "stuff" I was approached by a representative from Help For Heroes Charity. A lovely lady called Elaine who asked if I could donate any artwork in order to raise funds for the charity, and in particular, HeroesArt, a part of the charity that uses art for therapy for our veterans. I gladly donated Elodie (African Lady) and Pink Winter Rose. I was overjoyed to be informed that both pieces of art were sold at their Annual Charity Ball auction, raising £495. Result.

And what next? Commissions abound, which have arrived in all guises. There is now a dedicated page on my website  for commission work for anyone who fancies getting their own unique piece of art done. I do not know what I am going to be asked to paint next. I have so far done artwork ranging from an adorable pussycat (Brucie) to Blackpool Seafront, from kids jumping in the waves (Jump and Isaac & Daisy) to the Liverpool Skyline in Coxwain's Dawn.  You will find all these on my Feedback & Testamonials page and you can purchase prints of Coxwain's Dawn, too.  As well as dividing my time between the artwork I am inspired to do and the commissions I receive, I think it is a good way of stretching one's artistic ability and gaining valuable experience along the way. You never stop learning, do you, whatever you are doing. I am happy that I am doing what I love and learning more all the time. I consider myself incredibly lucky to be able to do this from home, around my family commitments with the love and support from them and my friends.  I hope it continues into 2016 and beyond.

Aha! So now I can see where 2015 went. Whether your 2015 was a memorable year, like mine, or whether you are glad to see the back of it,  may I wish you good health, prosperity and happiness in 2016. 

Catch you soon.

Kay.

Well what a summer it's been. And where do I start? At the beginning, I guess. The beginning of the summer, that is,  and my long-anticipated trip to the SAA's It's All About Art event in London last July. Family and friends descended, with myself, to the Business Design Centre to see my painting, Ena Harkness, hanging in all her glory at the Exhibition and of course to collect my promised Artist Of The Year (Flowers & Gardens Category) Award (see previous blog). Except it didn't happen. Nope. No award - just a "well done" from the SAA Chairman, John Hope-Hawkins. Oh. That wasn't what I (and an army of other category winners, including a tearful little girl who had won Junior Artist) were lead to believe, in letters and emails we received. There were five awards presented only, given by the lovely Lachlan Goudie. And that was it. Many faces were looking at each other quizzically, wondering when we would be getting our awards once these five were handed out. It soon became clear that we weren't getting them... many unhappy winners who had travelled from all over the country to attend and collect their award for their winning artwork. Still, it was a good day and it meant I got to spend a whole day with some family and friends whom I don't get to see that often. So all was not lost. But I was fuming inside. We had a lovely meal at Bill's (all thirteen of us) in Islington, but the service was crap -  that's another story entirely.

Upon returning home to Cheshire I penned a letter to the lovely SAA Chairman whom I had met on the day, letting him know just how I felt and wanted an explanation as to why lots of people were invited to the Business Design Centre from all of the UK only to arrive all excited but leave disappointed.  The following day we had gone back up to our caravan on the outskirts of The Lake District when I received a phone call, not from John Hope-Hawkins but from the Managing Director, Richard Hope-Hawkins. To say he could not apologise enough was an understatement. He was genuinely angry that the awards ceremony had been cut down to a few winners and not all, and no-one had thought on to let him or The Chairman know. Now, on their website they have a list of Principles that the SAA stick to and a Personal Guarantee by the top man himself which reads `"At the SAA we pride ourselves on offering the best possible service and support to all who love to paint. We love to receive ideas from members and to hear about your painting activities. However, de spite our best efforts, sometimes things go wrong. We can only put them right if we know about them. So please do contact me if you ever have any cause to complain about any of our services or products. We will sort it out" signed John Hope-Hawkins.
Despite the fact that the clock could not be turned back and the upset and disappointment be undone, Richard apologised unreservedly and doubled my winning £100 of art supplies to £200, with a promise that nothing like this would ever happen again. What else could he do? Not a lot really. All I wanted was an explanation and an apology for their monumental cock-up at our expense.  In my book the personal phone call of apology went a long way in showing me that yes, sometimes they do get it wrong (even on a grand scale) but they have stood by their Chairman's Personal Guarantee and done their best to put it right. And will I be entering any of The SAA's competitions in the future? Damn right I will. After all, I have a personal guarantee that if I have any problems in the future to call his direct line. And believe me, I will.

The SAA was not the only competition I entered this year and so far my oil painting "Sangria Whatever The Weather" has been shortlisted in the Ken Bromley Art Supplies Cover Competition. The winning artwork will be featured on one of their catalogue front covers and it was all done by public vote so `i pestered everyone to death to get online and vote for me. Whether I have won or not we will find out in the next week or so. Their is some pretty strong competition amongst the eclectic mix of artwork, so it is anyone's guess. I am just pleased to have got to the shortlisted stage!

The industry magazine Artists & Illustrators magazine have also ran their own Artist Of The Year competition (they're all at it, so one has to make hay whilst the sun shines) and of course with my category win with the SAA, `a probably over inflated ego spurred me on to enter a few more competitions. Why not? Why not indeed. So I have entered my oil painting "Hot Toddy"  and to my amazement it has been featured in the September Edition of their magazine in their gallery (page 41 - go and buy a copy!), along with some other entrants paintings. I can remember how delighted I was when The Artist's magazine's website, Painter's Online, featured my Juicy Lemons n Limes in their Paintings Of The Month way back in 2013, but I was overjoyed with this one - a real magazine that people can buy, take home and read. Wow. The winner will be announced in October. So watch this space.

And in between all this I have been beavering away with commissioned pieces, to. The completed ones you can see on my Feedback & Testimonials page. And I am currently in the midst of revamping the website to sell only original paintings and limited edition prints. It's all go!

After an eventful first half of 2015, who knows what the rest of the year has in store? Well for one thing it will definitely be more painting. That reminds me, I need to order some supplies from the SAA website...


Catch you later

Kay

 Welcome to my latest waffle about all things art - well, some of it at least. I shall start with the programme that was aired on BBC2 a few weeks ago about the Royal Academy Summer Art Exhibition. A very interesting programme it was, too, It showed us the process the judges go through in choosing the chosen art to adorn the walls for the exhibition and it focused on a few artists in particular who had entered. Some got through, some didn't and their happiness/disappointment was aired for us all to see as the cameraman zoomed in on their faces as they opened the email from the RA telling them whether they had got through or not.
Throughout, the programme showed us various works that were to be part of the exhibition and the different artists that were responsible for their "spaces" to put the art. Having watched the programme I decided to post my views regarding the artwork chosen on the SAA Art Group Facebook page:

 "Just watched the Royal Academy Summer Art Exhibition programme that was on BBC2 the other night. I really "get" that it appears to be an exhibition for everyone, art is for everyone, like the SAA, and that is definitely evident in the artworks that got through to the exhibition. But really, a grey triangle WTF? I thought some of the works were so bad, it undermines talented artists. And Tracey Emin's "Hare"? If I had put that forward it would have been rejected!!! Beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder but for heaven's sake, some of the stuff hanging on the hallowed walls of the RA were utter crap I see far better works of art from all genres on the SAA FB page day in day out. Works that inspire, works by clearly very talented artists, works that deserve their price tags when sold. All In my humble opinion, of course."

Well, I expected a few "likes" and maybe an odd comment dissing my view. This, it turned out, was not to be the case. The post set off a right rollocking debate with all different members posting their views and also some extremely knowledgeable members getting in on the debate, too, giving explanations for some of the more wacky work and the meanings behind it (grey triangle!?). Of course art is very subjective and like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. but most people were in agreement with my post and wondered what planet these judges were on. However, the debate did open up the mind to somewhat, reading differing views on the exhibiion and individiual pieces and it was a real eye opener for me I have to say. It helped me to look past the initial strange piece of artwork and try to understand what the artist was trying to portray; the meaning behind it and so on. However, after looking at all the artwork online I stood by my original comments, but it has definitely broadened my view, whether I like the art or not.
If you wish to view the entire collection in this year's Royal Academy Summer Art Exhibition, it is free to visit for all if you can get down to London or failing that, see it online at https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibitions-and-events. Keep your eye out for the controversial grey triangle. Who knows, I may enter a red circle for next year's exhibition - just to see if it gets through...

Apart from watching documentaries about art exhibitions, I have been doing a bit myself. Art, that is. I have been jam packed with commissions and still am; my own paintings taking a back seat for the moment. I enjoy doing commissions as you never know what you will get next. Something which I think stretches me further out of my painting comfort zone. You can view the latest two commissions on my Feedback & Testamonial page, of which both recipients were delighted with my painted interpretations of their requests. Pay particular attention to the comment made by Paul from Blackpool regarding "The Little Beach With Dad (Rhosneigr)". A very touching tribute to his late father. Brought tears to my eyes.

 I am currently working on a pet portrait, a gorgeous pussycat called Brucie - she is nearly finished, and then it is straight onto another romantic beach scene (think A Kiss On The Beach) in graphite and then I will be doing two panoramic views of a nearby famous port. Oh, and have to thrown in a beautiful butterfly painting for a very special young lady who will be nine year's old in August. Watch this space.
 

Well, what can I say? Gobsmacked was an understatement when I saw the cardboard-backed brown A4 envelope on the kitchen table. I had only popped out to the supermarket to get a few bits and wasn't gone long. Typical of our postman. I could wait in all day for a parcel or letter to arrive and the minute I leave the house, he appears. It's as if he is watching the house, waiting for me to leave.  Today he had an extra special envelope to deliver once I had gone out.
My name and address were handwritten on the envelope and I was totally baffled as to who it could be from. Instead of any sane person who would open it, I stared at it, trying to guess the sender. I even asked my husband who it could be from. I eventually opened the envelope to find the letter, certificate and two complimentary tickets for the event. I had to read the letter twice before it actually sunk it. I handed it to my husband who read the letter and certificate, too. Yes. It was true. My oil painting, "Ena Harkness" had won the Flowers or Gardens Category of the SAA Artist Of The Year 2015.  Or I should say I had won the competition, the painting hadn't won the competition because it didn't paint itself. It is a cracker, even  if I say so myself.

And it is because I, and a lot of others, thought "Ena Harkness" was (and still is) a cracker that I entered it in the SAA Artist Of The Year competition just before Christmas last year. I subscribe to the SAA (Society For All Artists) where I receive a monthly magazine, and can download my artwork onto their website for all and sundry to have a nose and leave comments should they wish. They also sell a decent array of art supplies, too. It also mentioned the upcoming All About Art Event 2015 and the competition that runs alongside it. Hmmm. Ena Harkness is as good as any and it's ALL MY OWN WORK, so I filled in the online form, paid my small fee and downloaded the image and forgot about it... until a letter arrived in March of this year telling me that my artwork had been selected to go through to the next round of the competition and could I post the original off to the SAA so it can be judged in person. Luckily, the artwork was hanging at my friend's house five minutes up the road so wouldn't be a problem to post off.  I just had to get it framed first to show it off in it's best light. So off I trotted to my friend, Joyce's house to tell her that I needed her beloved "Ena Harkness" back for a while...


The painting was a gift for her sixtieth birthday. I wanted something special to mark this landmark event (!) , so decided to paint a picture and I had a good few months in which to do it. It was summertime and she is a November baby, so lots of time to do it. John (my husband) and I had been round to their house a few weeks earlier and because the weather was scorching, we sat in the garden. And, like you do, we were admiring the flowers, plants and in particular the roses in their garden. Joyce's husband, Sid, just happened to mention the Ena Harkness red rose in the corner of the garden that wasn't in bloom yet, but what a beautiful velvety rose it was when it was. A very old rose it was, and they had transported it down from their native Scotland twenty-five years earlier and it was as beautiful as ever today, and it was one Joyce's favourites. DING!!! (This is my brain getting in gear). I quietly asked Sid to let me know when "Ena" was blooming so I could come and photograph it, as I would like to use it as a reference for a painting. No problem he said. And kept to his word. 


With camera fully charged in hand, I went round to their house when Joyce was at work and Sid was home. The magnificent velvety petals were majestic in the hot summer sun. I had an idea for water droplets so asked Sid to get the watering can and fill it with water. I set up my camera's "burst" feature (which takes a quick burst of photos one after the other") and whilst he sprinkled the roses with the water I clicked for England. I think I came away with over one hundred shots. But it was so worth it when I saw the pictures. After much filtering, deleted, sorted and cropping my plethora of images, I eventually chose the picture I wanted to use.  Now at this point, most artists would tell you that they went back round to the garden  and sketched the roses in plein air, did a squillion study drawings followed by a sketch to sort composition, then a watercolour or acrylic to sort out tonal values, etc - a process many professionally trained artists go through before they do their final painting. No. Not me. Self taught, pretty much. I printed the picture off, drew it onto the canvas and off I went. It was a real work in progress and as any oil painter worth their salt will tell you (professionally trained or self-taught), took weeks due to the various layers you paint to build up the picture, adjusting as you go.  Eventually it was finished and I couldn't wait to present this gift to one of my oldest and cherish friends (note: she is not the oldest, our friendship is rather old, spanning over 25 years). The birthday came and I raced around to her house with it. Of course, she was overjoyed and it has taken pride of place in her living room ever since.

Until I turned up in March and asked for it back, that is. The painting is done on box canvas so was never framed as I had painted the sides of the canvas to integrate the whole thing. But now I felt it needed framing to show it off
Cheshire Framing was my framer's of choice because Mike is so helpful and his prices very reasonable, especially with the professional quality framing he does.  We went through just about every frame going before settling on the black and silver one. This guy obviously knows his onions because I believe the framing of it really helped to bring out the water droplets in the painting. And it obviously made quite a splash with the judges as it was the winner!

What next?
So it's off to the SAA's All About Art Event in London in July. Luckily my lovely cousin, Diane, and her family live in Greenwich so John, Jean-luc and I will be staying over for a few days so we can enjoy some famiy get-together time before hopping on  the tube over to Islington.  I am so looking forward to attending the event itself as I have never been to one of these things before. I cannot wait to see all the different paintings, events, stall, artists - I am so excited. This is my sweet shop. My own personal sweetie "Ena Harkness" will be exhibited over the entire duration of the event which is three days from 23rd July 2015 alongside all the other category winners and we will be presented with our awards on Saturday, 25th July at the event. I do not know who will be presenting the award but I do know that Lachlan Goudie, the judge from the BBC's The Big Painting Challenge, will be there, as will some other wonderful artists whom I have followed on Twitter (and may I add that they follow me, also, ahem!) so am really looking forward to meeting them. Might even get a selfie with Lachlan, who knows?

Sounds like the title of my life, never mind my feeble attempt at a title for my blog. My blog. Me. Blogging. Blogging? Who came up with that and what does it mean anyway? In my day it was called a diary and we did it with a pen in a book on a daily basis and hid it from everyone because it was personal. Today, it is done on line for all to see and even comment on! Crikey how times have changed. In fact, they are changing a little too quickly for me, trying to keep up with all this technology as well as paint pictures is a bit of a handful. But I will give it a go.

I have been a busy bee of late but have just enjoyed a fortnight's break as the kids are off school and we spent the first week of that in the beautiful Lakes District where the weather was extremely kind to us indeed (unlike my friend who went the following week and was greeted by torrential rain and even snow at one point). We had a wonderful time. The second week at home consisted of sorting out wardrobes, clothes, cupboards, drawers,  shopping, planning decorating, all for when our boy goes back to school.

And that is when I pick up my brushes again to continue with my work in progress stuff which currently consists of some still life oil paintings I am working on and a very special commission for someone. And its going to be a cracker I can tell you. Watch this space.

Work I have recently completed were mainly commissions which you will find on my Testamonial/Feedback page and of course my Old Blokes In Boozers pastel paintings which are currently for sale (go to gallery). Originals and prints, mounted, unframed.

There is also my Grapes In A Wine Glass oil painting which I recently completed after much faffing about with the background. My husband (who is my most honest and fiercest critic) really didn't like the original background of the painting and told me so. I sat and look at it for a while and decided to get a second opinion, so I sent a photo of it to Jeff Rowland (superb artist and friend) to see what he said. He agreed with John. So back to the easel I went and after a few different tries and further opinions, I finally settled on the one I have today. It also gave me a chance to sharpen the focal point of the painting through glazing for further depth, the stripy grey background hopefully being subtle enough not to distract the eye from the grapes! What do you think?

Well that's this week's waffle. I am off now for a well deserved cold glass of wine (well, they do say "paint what you like, and I LIKE wine!!?!) with my husband's home-made Indian chicken skewers, passanda, popadums with my homemade onion salad and yoghurt mint sauce.
Have a great weekend everyone.
Kay xx
:-D