Doors open on Show 2 Exhibition #65

After a lot of planning and preparation I am one of eleven artists taking part in Show 2 of Exhibition #65 in the heart of Nailsea. The Town Council's property at 65 High Street has been redecorated and a lovely exhibition space created. North Somerset Arts are staging a series of 4 consecutive exhibitions over a period of 8 weeks to get this new venue off to a flying start.

Show 2 Artists decided to each create a special original artwork on the theme of 'North Somerset through our eyes'. We have transformed a series of 8 inch square canvasses and these now form our 11 prizes in a FREE DRAW to say thank you for taking the time to visit our show. They are only going to be hung together for the 2 weeks of our show before being separated for ever.

The show opened it's doors on Wednesday 25th April and runs until Sunday 6th May, with the draw being conducted by Nailsea Town Councillor Claire Hunt at 4pm on Saturday 5th May. The Private View on Friday 27th April was a huge success. We would like to say a very big thank you to all our guests for coming out to support us.

Show 2 brings you painting in all mediums a diverse range of styles and on a variety of surfaces. We also have some beautiful ceramics, glass, jewellery and greetings cards on sale. If that wasn't enough, there is a very moving and powerful glass art installation by the talented artist Claire Hall - a series of art glass works based on the theme of mental illness to promote understanding, awareness and discussion. 

There will be regular painting demonstrations which gives you an opportunity to see some of the artists at work too. Don't miss out on the opportunity to see a great show and pick up your entry to our special free draw.

For more details and to download a brochure go to northsomersetarts.org/exhibitions

A creative challenge

A year in the life of portbury church

I'd been looking for a new venue for a new art class and was introduced by some friends to St Mary's - a 12th century church at Portbury (near M5 junction 19) and I have fallen in love with this lovely building. The people who care about it have been so welcoming. It is full of history and has such a beautiful ambience, my class love it.

As well as holding classes there I am looking forward to using the church and it’s community as creative inspiration for an exciting new project. I am going to follow them to record a year in the life of this fabulous place in sketches and paintings. Follow our journey through the next 12 months as I discover life behind the scenes. 

New beginnings

A creative retreat in Cornwall

What better start can you have to a year than to see in the New Year in St Ives and then spend the whole of January in Cornwall painting? I have really got to understand what it means to be ‘in the zone’. After a year full of learning it has been so important to go away from everyday distractions and apply all that learning.

Back to basics

My Foundation year with Trevor Waugh BA SGFA

I decided in 2016 that I needed to take things back to basics and find a foundation course to suit me. I found Trevor Waugh and spent a fantastic year learning Atelier style. It is just the beginning, but I feel as I go forward now I am building my art on much stronger foundations. Trevor continues to mentor me as I start off on my new career.

I'd highly recommend a visit to Trevor’s website to view his wonderful work – trevorwaugh.com

The images show a selection of the work I did during my foundation year. Exploring the elements of design in particular Shape, Tone and Colour.

...and the rest is history

A lifetime in watercolour

Art has been my life in so many ways. Watercolour painting in particular has been with me every step of the way and has got me through some of the toughest times as well as giving me so much joy. I have exhibited my work for years but the future is different. I have enjoyed my career directions but now my own art is taking centre stage. It’s up to me to make it work.