Journal

The Hepworth Sculpture Gardens, St Ives is one of my favourite places to visit in Cornwall. A beautiful secluded garden filled with sculptures and plants. Her studio remains untouched since she died tragically in a fire in 1975. I love the little chalet in the garden and the conservatory with potted plants and several 1960’s chairs. There’s something magical here, it feels as if Hepworth has just left for a moment.

This is a wonderful glimpse into an artist’s life as it’s where Hepworth lived and worked. 

This collection of paintings are inspired by my visits to the Hepworth Sculpture Gardens and are available at Ainscough Contemporary Art Gallery, Dartmouth.

 

Most artists have recurring themes within their work and this can be a good way to identify an artist, a bit like handwriting. I have many recurring themes and one is spots- one of the simplest forms of pattern making which I find really appealing.

I regret to say that I painted over the one with the spotty jug and apples but at least I have a photo. I’ll repaint it at some point and alter the colours.

 

 

 A couple of weeks ago I had the joy of visiting Tresco for a week as part of an artist’s residency with Gallery Tresco. This is around the 12th year that I’ve had this amazing opportunity.

The island is full of inspiration from the sumptuous Abbey Gardens to the many deserted white sandy beaches. I filled a whole sketchbook so I have plenty of ideas for my new collection of work which will be shown in Gallery Tresco from 18th May.

 

 

I’ve been working really hard on paintings inspired by my visit to the Leach Pottery, St Ives. I began by painting in a figurative way and as I progressed the work evolved into more abstract shapes. For a challenge and a change I used a muted palette as I instinctively go for vibrant colour – this was a chance to see what happens if I tune the colour down. The results are calm, quiet and considered paintings. I think I’m happy with them all, but it’s hard to distance myself from my own work.

Looking at them now I can see touches of William Scott and Georgio Morandi. I love both their work.

My aim within my work is to capture the very essence of a scene by simplifying it and using the power of colour to evoke positive emotions.

 

This week I spent a very enjoyable morning sketching at the Leach Pottery in St Ives. It’s the first time I’ve visited despite passing it by numerous times in the car.

The atmosphere was wonderfully calm and conducive to drawing. I’m really happy with my sketches and I’m aiming to use them for inspiration for a new collection of paintings.

This is the 4th year that I’ve designed the Christmas cards for Just Whippets Rescue. Each year they’ve sold incredibly well which is fantastic for both the charity and myself. I acquired my lovely whippet, Tess from Just Whippets around 4 years ago.

I’ve also designed a Christmas wrap, handprinted decorations, a bauble, tea towel and Christmas crackers….

 

Next Monday I’m having a show with my lovely friend, Victoria Bampfield-Hammond at Circa 21, Penzance.

We’ll be showing our original oil, acrylic and watercolour paintings, prints, gorgeous homewares, Christmas creations and much more. There really will be something for everyone!

 

The gorgeous hot summer we’ve had has inspired this collection of beach paintings. The heat, busy beaches, parasols and windbreaks have provided all sorts of colourful elements for my creativity.  I’ve also drawn on recent Cornwall sketches, memories of my childhood spent on Swanage beach and a family holiday to the South of France as a teenager.  Although simple, these take a lot of thought in order to to create feelings of calm, space, joy and nostalgia within the finished pieces.

The one below has been pre selected for the RWA Open Exhibition 2018. Fingers crossed it gets selected, I would be so thrilled!

This summer I’ve resurrected my sketchbook. Drawing from life is so therapeutic and engaging. I’m embracing the habit and making sure that the trusty sketchbook is frequently in my bag. Working from drawings rather than photos gives a completely different feel to my work, more quirks, less perfection, more originality.

In my last post I’d mentioned cutting up paintings that I’ve not been entirely happy with. Last week I cut up a couple more which weren’t working for me. The end results are quite different to my usual style but with my recent colour palette. I’m happier with these. I’ve stuck to the original titles which makes life easier and gives an inkling into the original piece. The one above is called Red Coffee Pot and the one below is Red Cup.

And finally Blue Fruit Bowl.

I love the frayed canvas edges, an accidental feature.

These are available so do get in touch for more details.