The Royal Academy Summer Art Exhibition and other Ramblings

 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.