Three French Abbeys

abbaye-notre-dame-de-senanque

This is probably one of the most famous lavender fields in all of France. It is cultivated by the monks of the Abbaye de Sénanque and blooms in early summer. By the time we got here it was all over. We hadn’t intended to come but the road from Venasque to Gordes was closed at Sénanque and we could go no further, so we turned around in the car park. That was the nearest we got. Continue reading “Three French Abbeys”

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Signs Of Chillida

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Last time we visited Lottie in Toledo she showed us this sculpture by Eduardo Chillida, hidden away beneath the city walls and previously overlooked. It’s called Lugar de Encuentros V (Meeting Place V); it’s like an open hand, positioned low to the ground, immediately inviting, waiting to hold you. I instinctively wanted to climb inside but I had to wait my turn, others were already in its embrace. Continue reading “Signs Of Chillida”

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Above & Beyond

This striking mandala-like collection of foliage was a recent visitor to our workshop. As the winner of the Blake Prize (an Australian art prize in honour of William Blake) it had been on a world tour and its frame was in need of some TLC. It is Above & Beyond by Janine Mackintosh, made from Eucalyptus leaves, linen thread and bookbinder’s gum on canvas and it measures 120 x 120 centimetres. It reminded me of another circular piece that I often see on my way into work each day. Continue reading “Above & Beyond”

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Green, Yellow & Grey With Pink & Cream

David Stubbs has a small oil painting in this year’s Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. It is titled Green, Yellow & Grey with Pink & Cream (Dutch Pots III) and it sold almost straightaway, though others are available at The Rowley Gallery. David’s painting has been reproduced as an RA card.

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Painting & Shopping In The South Of France

I like to travel and paint in France. It’s a big country full of surprises and contrasts. There are beautiful places to see in the north, east and west but I feel most alive in the south. It’s the light and the colours and the scent of the herbs in the hills. I even like it in the dark and cold of winter. Continue reading “Painting & Shopping In The South Of France”

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Open Studio

Chris Keenan, potter and friend of The Rowley Gallery, is hosting an open studio along with fellow ceramicists at Vanguard Court, 36-38 Peckham Road, London, SE5 8QT. The private view is Thursday 1st December 5-8pm. Then Friday-Sunday, 2nd-4th December 11am-5pm.

Pictured here are a set of celadon and tenmoku beakers. See more of Chris’s work on his website.

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