Tag: creating

artwork planning painting acrylics

The end of the Summer Warwickshire Open Studios this Weekend 5 & 6 July ‘25

artsandcraftsv

What a wonderful summer to host the annual WOS! Thanks to all my friends, neighbours and students who have travelled to see my exhibition in the Warwickshire countryside!

The watercolour paintings have proved very popular with the theme of English Countryside Hedgerows, and associated gift cards both hand painted and printed.

The sun has streamed in as I’ve chatted to visitors, or sat and painted. It’s being an excellent use of time and situation.

Come and visit on our final weekend, there’s plenty to see!

artwork planning painting acrylics

Public Art and It’s Benefits

artsandcraftsv

Having visited the newly erected Birmingham Light external exhibition in Victoria Square on Tuesday in central Birmingham, and seen the fantastic array of artists work (Pear) – I hope that more councils will see and understand the many benefits of involving artists to create artwork that brightens up large public areas!

I relaxed in the seating areas and soaked up the atmosphere. I witnessed visitors slowing down, pausing, enjoying the newly found breathing space in the busy business area of the Second City in England. The range of 2D artwork providing something appealing to everyone.

Thanks to Central BID , and Colmore BID, together with Ruth Millington, for their funding and vision. I hope other councils will take your lead.

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council is hosting Surreal Solihull from 6 March to 30 May in central Solihull town when it will be moved to Shirley, finally coming to rest in Chelmsley Wood by the end of the year.

Victoria Square, Birmingham. May-June 2025
artwork planning painting acrylics

Organising as an Artist

artsandcraftsv

Artists can’t get out of having to spend time organising so many things in order for an art event to do well! It’s a full time job! Did anyone tell you?! So now you’ve found out!

Time away from sketching out ideas and creating is at times frustrating but it has to be done. I don’t know about you, but social media and emails take up so much time. As artists we need to see positive results from our time outlay. Whilst we do these things we’re not being paid, so, when we do sell an artwork – behind that price is also the hours spent doing admin and finding out new outlets that might be interested in our work.

Making a sale means you’re supporting a creative and all she or he has done behind the scenes. So, thank you to all you supporters – you mean the world to us! 🖼️

artwork planning painting acrylics

Birmingham Open 2025

artsandcraftsv

I’m thrilled to be taking part in Birmingham’s Open this year with the theme of Light! My acrylic painting on linen named Pear will be on public display from May to June in Victoria Square, Birmingham, UK.

Pear was created a couple of years ago as I love mixing and contrasting colours; playing with effects created by laying different shades together.

I have a studio in my house this time, whereas in my previous house it was adjacent. I find I run upstairs with ideas and “I’ll just do…” far more often now. Some artists find it beneficial to leave their home and paint elsewhere, here I can loose myself for hours at some point each day. When I have a solo show to work for it’s 9-5!

Come and visit Birmingham Open from 20 May to end June 2025!

#BirminghamOpen25

@colmorebusinessdistrict @shoppinginbham @millingotn_ruth @birminghamlightfestival

Pear. Acrylic on linen40 x 50cm.
artwork planning painting acrylics

Pre-amble for Mini Watercolour Paintings and Designs

artsandcraftsv

It’s been a beautiful couple of weeks of teaching art and also creating my own mini paintings and card designs ready for the summer event in Warwickshire this year!

Researching English summer hedgerow plants and flowers and looking forward to the warmer weather! I’ve been taking joy from drawing and planting in these joyful colours!