Patchings Festival 2022
I am excited to be exhibiting/demonstrating at Patchings for the first time this year! I have attended several times as a visitor amid much excitement and enjoyed seeing all the professional artists stands and watching them work, so its thrilling to be going as an artist this year. Here is the link, hopefully Ill see you there!
A new Highland Cow oil painting on the easel - work in progress
A new 80 x 100 cm oil painting on canvas. This was the second layer of oils. This piece is going to be very rich in blues and teals, with layers of translucent colour building up to a really intense finish. The Highland Cow will be resplendent in shiny gold and blonde waves. That is the plan- ill let you know how it goes! This piece will be available for sale on my website when finished.
Deer Painting on Canvas
I have been working on these two for a couple of months and they are just about finished, bar any tweak i do this week
Setting up for the Rainbow Cow Painting Workshop today
I’m lucky in that when I run a Sunday workshop at Sharpes Pottery Museum, I’m able to set the room up the evening before so that it’s not such a rush in the morning. The volunteers very kindly get all the tables and chairs out ready for me too -all much appreciated! Here is my room almost ready for today’s Rainbow Cow workshop. Today we have a group of people who booked the workshop privately on a date to suit them all. They are all beginners and that doesn’t matter at all! You can do the same, if you want me to organise a group event, maybe for a birthday party or a hen ‘do’ just get in touch and I can tailor a workshop day to your requirements.
Derbyshire Open Arts Trail! 28-29th May 2022 - Melbourne Event!
I’m delighted to be part of a group of fantastic artists holding an ‘open studio ‘ exhibition as part of the above event this year. We are lucky enough to be holding our collaborative exhibition and ‘meet the artist’ event at the brand new Creative Melbourne art gallery in Melbourne, Derbyshire DE73 8EJ. The gallery is a wonderful space, on three levels and we are taking over the first floor on both days. We are Sujata Allen, Teresa Barlow, Jane Bevan, Amanda Hughes, Susan Olumide, and Kate Westwood (and me ). Please pop along, we will all be there, there will be one or two demonstrations of work in progress and we would love to see you. I’ll give you the link to the Trail Event and you can use the map and do the whole trail if you like. Our spot in Melbourne will be the most Southern point on the trail map, so you can start with us and then come back at the end again, exhausted on Sunday if you like :D We will all have things available to purchase but, will be just as happy to see you if you are simply coming for a nice day out! It will be so nice to be out sharing our work and seeing people again this Summer. When you get to the Creative Melbourne Gallery, come upstairs to the main gallery-its like a hidden treasure up there, tardis-style- bigger than you think!
This photo was taken at the Creatiove Melbourne ‘Splash of Colour’ exhibition last month.
Jet-setting Labradoodle Bailey arrives in the Netherlands!
In fact the original Bailey was already there- it was his portrait that had to cover the miles, hitching a ride with some good friends , arriving safe and sound . Here he is on the wall with the beautiful muse in attendance! Thank you , Emma for sharing this fab photo!.
Stringing a canvas.
How I string a canvas ready to hang (and what to do with the widgets!)
Sorry about the orientation :) this is a reel borrowed from my instagram page . I do get asked which canvases I prefer so here is a link to my current favourite ones , This is my affiliate link, so you will receive a 10% discount through using it and they pay me a small commission which all helps towards the paint costs, without affecting the price you pay.
Art studio mugshots!
Its just me and my cow! This one is just getting ready for a coat of varnish and took the opportunity for a quick snap! I love this one, she’s super-colourific which is just the way I like it!
Buying an original piece of art - 10 reasons why you should.
Detail from ‘Bluebell Season’ 2022 Sue Gardner
1) When you buy an original painting or sculpture, whether directly from the artist or through an art gallery, you are helping to support the arts and perpetuate original art-making, which makes the world a better, more enjoyable place.
2) Original art carries all of the texture and original mark-making from the artist’s hand and has a much more tactile quality than a reproduction print. There may be lumps, bumps, scratches and heavy brush marks and even finger marks all adding to the uniqueness of the artwork.
3) There is a cachet to owning the one-off original, there is only one available, and it’s yours.
4 ) An original painting will usually carry the signature in paint on the front of the work, and a certificate of authenticity so you have all the official provenance, in case you decide eventually to sell the piece of art.
5) An original piece will accrue in value over time, so that when you are buying an artwork, you are making an investment, rather than just filling a space on your wall as you might with a print.
6) Original pieces of art are collectable. When you purchase from an artist, you become a collector of their work. If you really love the paintings by the artist and follow them, it’s exciting to see new pieces come onto the market.
7) Original art seems to bring enlivening energy to a home, perhaps its the excitement of owning a one-off piece by an artist that you love, or maybe the piece carries with it some of the heart and spirit that caused the artist to create it. Either way, its always a positive addition to your living space.
8) A painting is a truly elegant way of bringing your own taste and style to a room, when you choose a painting that resonates with you, it’s a bit like playing your favourite music, your guests will immediately see what you are all about.
9) Originals are a talking point and a focal point. The clarity of colour and variety of texture grabs the eye and can be a great conversation starter
. 10) The sheer joy of owning an original that you love will make you smile every day as you look at it.
Buying original art - what to look for
Here are a few items to take into consideration when thinking about buying a piece of original art.
1) Choose a painting that really calls out to you, youll know when you definitely love a painting. Unless you are spending huge amounts on a piece that will be kept under lock and key, you want to be able to enjoy your painting every day as it hangs in your home. So trust your own taste and if you love and need a particular painting, it is never going to be the worng purchase.
2) Decide whether you are looking for a painting in a particular medium. Your chosen type of piece will probably dictate your presentation options. For instance, an original oil painting would typically be framed without glass.. Works on paper such as watercolour or soft pastel paintings are framed under glass, Oils and acrylics on canvas may be framed or hung unframed, gallery wrapped (painted sides)
3) What is your budget? As original art generally holds or increases in value you are making an investment. You might acquire a piece from an emerging artist at a very preferential price before he or she becomes sought-after, and the prices go up accordingly. Or you might want to buy a piece from an established artist who is selling at higher prices, and choose to look for a smaller piece from that artist depending on budget restrictions. If you work out a firm budget before you start it will give you a clearer idea of how and where to begin hunting.
4) Where will you hang your original painting? Whether your piece is framed traditionally under glass or on a stretched canvas over a wooden frame, you will need to by mindful of temperature and humidity fluctuations as these can warp the wood. Although most modern paints and inks are very lightfast , it would still not be advisable to hang a painting in direct sunshine for a number of years just in case .
5) Measure your space carefully - if buying a larger piece, its wise to really measure your available hanging space as measuring with the eye can be rather deceptive.
6) Budget for shipping costs in needed, and for framing your new piece if thats what you plan to present the work.
7) You will need to arrange for the painting to be covered by your home insurance before you take it home.
8) Is your desired painting ready to hang or will you need to organise framing initially before you can place the piece in your chosen spot
9) Is provenance paperwork supplied with the piece. A certificate of authenticity is very nice to have and many artists will supply this for you upon purchase. Is the painting signed on the front or the back? As long as the piece bears the signature of the artist it does not really matter, but you may have a preference
10) IWhen you are intending to buy from an artist that you dont know well, you can usually find out a lot by cdelving into their website and social pages to get a feel for their practice and their values. You can check their recently sold paintings and get a feel for how well their work is selling and for what prices currently.
Vegan Silk Scarves
These are new vegan silk scarves, printed with my original artworks.
I have a Westie and a Scottie design too! You can view all the new designs here
A New Forest Painting on the Easel 91 x 61 cm
I love painting the woodlands that surround our home, trying to capture the wonderful calming and healing properties of spending time in the woods.
Three new paintings this week
Pensive Moorland Magic, Beinn Eighe, and Hawk Moor Prince all finished this week and available for sale.
New paintings this week - on the easel!
This week I have three new deer stag oil paintings that will be available on my website once finished. Size and price information to follow…
My vegan friendly silk scarves featured in Vegan Life Magazine!
I was extremely pleased when I was tagged in a post by Victoria Featherstone Pearce this week on Instagram! It turns out she has featured my cruelty-free silk alternative scarves in Vegan Life Magazin this month. Of course, I am absolutely thrilled, as I spent ages and ages trying to find a way of producing these and the easy option would have been to use real silk, however, the process they use to get real silk real is barbaric so I won’t have anything to do with that. Instead, I’ve managed to find a fabric that is almost like the real thing - soft floaty and beautiful, and man-made. I have my original artwork printed on this fabric which is then hemmed by experts and then sent out to the lucky recipient.
To celebrate this bit of welcome press coverage I have revamped my collection and added the option of a printed presentation tin to match. Have a look at the newest designs here. And if you want to have a look at the magazine, I’ve linked it in the image below!
A bright and colourful Labradoodle portrait!
Here is my latest commissioned painting, a lovely Labradoodle portrait ready to be varnished and then travel to his new home in the Netherlands. When I paint a pet I seek to capture the fun and personality in the dog. As you know my eyesight doesnt allow for small detailed pieces, but Im always happy to be let loose on a big colourful expressive pet portrait!
The Beauty of a Cow in a Field
vibrant colours
Take a minute to get lost in this captivating painting of a cow basking in a sunny field. Painted in vibrant colours, explore nature's peace through this original artwork.
I am currently open for painting commissions and can work with you to create your own ideal Highland Cow painting with glazed colours tailor-made to your home. Lead time is approximately 4 weeks,
close-up details
Little Red buggy - Citroen 2CV
Anyone who knows me, knows that I am obsessed with these cars! this is the first time I painted one though, and I have no idea why it took me so long! I have owned four (2cv and Dyane 6) in my younger days and I think its about time I had another. Unfortunately they are a bit more pricey thses days! In fact we all had one, My mum had a couple of white ones (Harvey and Alice) , My Dad had several including Jessica the first one who I then had as my first car after passing my test. My Nana had one , and I had a few :D
My last one (Suzie) collapsed in on herself as I got out of the driving seat, one day. There was a crease down the centre of the car and she folded inwards! Id still like another one though, perhaps with a galvanised chassis!
Two new Highland Cow canvas prints released this week.
‘Glencoe’ new print now available i
‘Banchory’ print available in my online shop
If you're a fan of Scottish Highland Cows, you'll love these new prints! Available on premium fine art canvas in a variety of sizes, these prints are made with high-quality materials that ensure the colors are just as vibrant as the original painting. I had a blast creating these cheerful and fun pieces, and hope that you'll enjoy them just as much!
My big lifesize cow painting
I wanted to put an everyday object next to her for scale :D
This is Rosslyn and she is huge! 120 x 150 cm and is sold.
Check out my ‘Originals’ page for newly available paintings, or ask about commissioning your own huge cow painting!
