Frames of Reference

En Plein Air

Getting into habits regarding working methods can be really liberating. You only have to think of Morandi and the way his limited subject matter and studio discipline created ultimate freedom for him. I have been used to making my landscapes from thumbnail sketches done in the landscape and then making my paintings in the “tranquility of the studio”, a well tried and tested almost Victorian attitude. Like Bonnard and others I find painting in front of the landscape impossible, there is simply too much information to process, and like lots of artists I will see detail too early and the resulting painting won’t work. Continue reading “En Plein Air”

Jonny’s Fellow Fifers

We’re a little late with this one. Jonny Hannah is presently exhibiting a series of prints, paintings and constructions at the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum in Jonny’s home town of Dunfermline, Fife. It’s a celebration of famous folks from Fife. Continue reading “Jonny’s Fellow Fifers”

Flower Power

Dear Chris, Please find below several photos of the flower prints being created. Continue reading “Flower Power”

The Savill Garden

Last time we came to Windsor Great Park we tried to visit The Savill Garden but left it too late and by the time we got here it was closed, so we promised to return before too long. This time we got here in time for lunch at the Savill Building and just inside the the front door, opposite the ticket desk and beside a Diamond Jubilee display by a local primary school I made a surprising discovery. Continue reading “The Savill Garden”

Fisher Center

Dear Chris….I saw some great places yesterday along the Hudson River: Rhinebeck, Tivoli, Germantown, Hudson the ex-whaling town. I took a look at Bard College and the Frank Gehry Performing Arts Space. Very impressive and shiny on a sunny day. Today off to Lenox, Massachusetts for a big book sale. Wishing you a great day, Chris. Continue reading “Fisher Center”

Jelly Green At Kensington Place

Kensington Place have now confirmed that they will be showing three new paintings by Jelly Green from Thursday 20th September. After 25 years they are taking down their large mural to make way for a new programme of changing exhibitions. This new display space will be known as The Art Wall.

It reminds me of another Art Wall I saw recently, by my granddaughter. See it here, and be sure to leave a comment!

Highgate Olympics

Dear Chris,…. France was so hot, too hot to think sometimes. I’m glad you had a good time in Cornwall. And refreshing sounds very nice…. I was in Kenwood on Sunday (19th August) and it was very beautiful. I saw this Olympic scene in an old shop window in Highgate Village…. maybe something for the blog? It used to be an old second hand bookshop but is now in between uses. Hope all’s well at Rowley, best wishes, Chris. Continue reading “Highgate Olympics”

Blue Sky

Dominic just sent me this photo. It’s the view from the back door of The Rowley Gallery workshop, looking across the yard and over the District & Circle line and out to the west. It was taken on the Saturday before last, August 18, which was the hottest day of the year. Such a blue sky and intense shadows, more like California than Kensington.

Frenchman’s Creek

We crossed the river by ferry from Helford Passage to Helford Village. The Shipwrights Arms was tempting but we passed by determined to return there at the end of our circular walk. The pub had recently fallen on hard times and been threatened with closure until a consortium of anonymous locals from around the Lizard Peninsula bought it from the liquidators. It is presently being run by volunteers. We wish them every success. Continue reading “Frenchman’s Creek”

Strands

This is the preserved skeleton of The Star Of Hope emerging from the sands on Ainsdale Beach. Most of the time it is covered, occasionally wooden stumps show themselves at low tide, then once every few years the sands shift and reveal this spectacular wreck. Continue reading “Strands”