NEW Surfaces and New Marks

Best of Show!

The Palace Art Fair, previewed on Thursday 6th October with great numbers of folk lining up to come in and see the new Pavilion built on the lawn of the Fulham Palace and the over 100 exhibitors. The quality and diversity of work is once again a credit to the selectors and it was an honour to be selected from the many great stands, as the "Best of Show" Awarded by the Fair team and Sponsors HEAL's. Check out the link to see the fair blog.

Work Sells Well at Brighton!

New work taken to Brighton sells well. Last weekend was a success in terms of commercial outcome and conversations had. It was a pleasure to see some of the developments in fellow artists work. Alex Slatter, Natalie Martin and Sam Lock to name but a few. It was also great having a fellow SEOS member there and a great stand it was, Clare Palastanga's ceramic work was a treat to find amongst the avenues of the fair.

I sold some of the new convex forms and will be posting an image of then in their new home once they are hung in Italy.

The studio beckons me this weekend as I conclude the concave forms ready to take to Fulham Palace for the Art Fair. This will be the first time they are seen, so take the opportunity to grab some FREE tickets and mail me, first come first serve.

Brighton Art Fair 2011

I will be showing on Stand 3 this year, next to the entrance one stall on from last year. So please as you either enter or exit stop by and say hello!

We will be hosting a little reception on the Private View night on stand, so if you would like to join us for a glass of something then drop me an email. I also have tickets, subject to them running out.... to the Friday evening and 241 tickets over the duration.

Making Rabbit Skin Glue

As part of South East Open Studios this year I am demonstrating on the 3 consecutive Saturdays. The first kicked off, this Saturday 4th June, with a short workshop on the benefits and properties of priming and working with Rabbit Skin Glue. I then went on to work with the vat of glue I had prepared to mix Gesso and prime my new surfaces. To be posted later. However as promised here is the recipe and step by step instructions.

I had a need for a large quantity so the measurements I use produce 2 litres of glue. The proportionate quantities are below for smaller amounts.

RABBIT SKIN GLUE

Measure 140 grams of rabbit skin glue granules

To a large heavy bottom pan, add 2 litres of water

To the pan add the rabbit skin glue and allow to stand for about 30minutes

You can turn the water to ensure the granules

are beginning to soften

Then turn the heat up on the pan, bringing it to a simmer,

stir ensuring to mix the solution to an even consistency

(non lumpy, pre-soaking helps reduce this)

Work in a well ventilated room, as the glue has a reputation to smell!

Once you have a smooth mix, bring the glue to a boil then reduce the heat

The glue is now ready to prime your surfaces; wood, linen, canvas or other

Paint one coat on with a broad brush and allow to dry

Once dry it is ready to be lightly sanded a second coat applied

if necessary and then primed with gesso or other priming agent

to give you your ground

Mixing Proportions

Glue 7 parts 35g 70g 140g

Water 100 parts 500ml 1litre 2litres

Further Demonstrations will take place on 11th & 18th June from 1.00-3.00pm

For full list of days I am open click here and for an accurate streetmap location

Open Studio Guides Are Here!

South East Open Studio Guides have been printed and distributed via: libraries, tourist information office, arts/craft shops and other venues across the region, also available as a download. If you wish to receive a copy, become a Friend of SEOS here or complete this form and get one in return

I am open for the three weekends and some days in between. For full dates click here. Invites to the Private View available so contact me should you like to come. I am open a couple of late nights to help those looking to take a country drive of an evening and happen across a studio! and refreshments are often uncorked.

I will be demonstrating this year. The processes of mixing gesso, preparing and finishing a surface along with creating my gestural marks upon the ancient recipe. I will release a schedule of the demos and gesso recipe upon request, so mail me.

Look forward to welcoming you in 24 days..... and counting.

Studio Clearing!

With the sun out, and early seasonal pollen hot and peppery in the air like a bowl of Aunty Maureen's soup. I have taken to the cool, of the studio to clear and tidy ahead of taking a long look at preparing for Open Studios in June.

And great news received today, that I have been accepted for the Palace Art Fair in Fulham London. between the 6th -9th October 2011. I have been allocated Stand 1, in the new Pavillion on the main lawn.

Mail me for more information on both events and to be put on the invitation list.