http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 Exhibition in Portugal 2008...an occasional discourse and diatribe Wed, 09 Jul 2008 07:41:54 +0100 a-n rss generator a-n The Artists Information Company and contributors edit@a-n.co.uk technical@a-n.co.uk http://sites.a-n.co.uk/img/logo.gif http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 ...it's still manana in Portugal, so no news yet...it's unreal that when the gallery first contacted me via Axisweb they had no idea that my work is partly influenced by the Portuguese landscape. I'd spent some time there on my uncle's estate pruning his vines.One side of my family is Portuguese and the gallery is near to where they used to live.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 ...last Wednesday after a friendly chat on the phone, I emailed the gallery as agreed, with the 10 images for them to select what they want to exhibit/sell, as agreed. Not heard a thing...so I emailed yesterday to ask if they had received my email...still no news...it's the manana manana way of life out there. The important thing for me to remember is they like my paintings...I'm just keen to keep things moving forward...... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 This is difficult for me...I may have to walk away from this gallery. When I suggested in my last email to the gallery I put in writing what we had discussed in our phone conversations as a form of contract that we could all happily agree with, after making any changes if need be, there has been no communication from the gallery.Without some form of contract, I am not prepared to send pictures abroad. I don't wish to push anything with the gallery as I don't want to lose this opportunity of exhibiting. I just like to think I'll receive a positive response soon...... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 It's Friday!...philosophical Friday. Time to reflect...if I don't exhibit this year, maybe a gallery will consider exhibiting my work next year...or sometime in the future. Ultimately, as the artist, I'm not in control where or when my work is seen in a gallery and by remembering this fact I am encouraged because above this, I create the work...and the shopkeepers/galleries rely on the artist.Is the artist the chicken or the egg? I like to think the egg...... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 Monday...it's a beautiful day. Good and not so good news...had a short email from the gallery (at last) but there's a delay with the new gallery space where my paintings are to be shown...they'll get back to me. Some idea of a date would have been really helpful to me...manana, manana...... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 Pippa, my cousin in Portugal, has just reminded me of the family friendship with the Regos...all in the past now, but her grandmother often had tea with Paula's mother and also visited their summer house at Ericeira near Cascais and Estoril.Pippa's seen many of Paula Rego's exhibitions in Lisbon and still sees 'Strange dwarfish people in Portugal just like some of her models'.Pippa's mother, my aunt, and her two sisters knew Paula until she moved to London and the Slade in the 50's and met a fellow student...and then there was the scandal...... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 ...time to move on. It's culturally dead here. Sadly, for many in the UK with disposable income their highest aspiration is to own a 4x4 and an American fridge.Preparing to sell the house...lots to do...... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 White, white paint, white walls. Flat trade matt white...such a lovely paint and such a lot of walls to cover...I can't help being distracted into using my large wide brush for mark-making on an epic scale...then developing the image into a pristine flat matt white wall. We can all paint a wall white but this does remind me that it's the process that matters....and while I'm painting inside the box there's time to think outside the box...developing my thoughts along the lines of a series of landscape images relating to our planet. Having just painted two large white circles on a white wall, I'm thinking of naming the series Plan8...perhaps a predominantly white series...... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 Water, water, what a great day!...up and out early to witness the storm. Just the two of us on the beach looking across the wild horses getting absolutely drenched...fantastic...Nature in all her force and fury and beauty just cannot be replicated...only witnessed and remembered for future paintings...wonderful...... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 Restored the garden of two octogenarian's this morning...pruning all their neglected roses for health, strength and shape. It's always a pleasure when clients really appreciate what I do for them in their garden. But, all the time I was wanting to paint...but painting alone just doesn't pay the bills. If the exhibition in Portugal actually happens I will be able to spend more time doing what I love best...creating...painting...... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 Going sailing next week...for two days, but only if this low pressure increases. My sketchbook is always in my head, just hoping my head won't always be hanging over the side...?!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 The pickled Emperor's new clothes. There's a pickled fish in the papers today, 'worth' a lot of money. There are banks in the papers today in a pickle, worth nothing. Pickle...a funny word...a funny world...... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 Sailing from the Hamble was wonderful...a westerly force five with beautiful ever-changing views. The 'Blue Lady', a 34' Hallberg Rassey gave us an incredible unique experience. Mass in medieval Domfront, Lower Normandy on Good Friday and Easter Sunday...then to Chantilly for reasons that cannot be divulged at this early stage.Rich experiences waiting to be released in paint...... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 It's rare I get to see my brothers...but Michael, who lives abroad, has just left after a short stay. A British colony centred around managing and making money where many have been adversely affected by the corrupt banking world. He is one of the few not motivated by money. It's The Boat Race today and as Founder and President of The Bermuda Rowing Association (BRA) he'll be standing on Hammersmith bridge in the wind and the rain.It's the corrupt art world that concerns me, where 'taste' and 'fame' can be determined by certain bankers and corporate bodies with too much money and influence...this is one of the reasons why I give paintings away.Ultimately, it's creating the work that matters.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 Another blog...the collective term for blogs is...load...a load of blogs. This is a load of blogs...well it is in my case...OK...so I'm a little bored today from painting white walls white...... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 After some discussion...I will wait about a month before I phone the gallery. Wanting to write an email, but in this case it's best to phone. Emails can be misconstrued and there is nothing like voice to voice conversation.With the delay in constructing the new gallery space there's been time to reflect...my paintings have always had a more European appeal and exhibiting/selling my paintings rarely happens and if I were to exhibit then Portugal definitely appeals to me.I absolutely hate approaching galleries and I don't think this is going to change...exhibiting may improve my 'gallery' confidence...I doubt it...... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 Exhausted...just finished turfing a clients lawn. This may have been my last garden project. No phone calls. My garden business may have to close. This is not unexpected and totally understandable in this uncertain economic climate. No one wants to spend money on their garden.It's all positive, as everything is pointing towards painting. At least I know already there is no money to be made in painting. Mark-making, colour relationship, proportion, where every mark matters, absolute complete honesty in decision making, then arriving in the zone where something else takes over...a beautiful state to be in...pure creation.This is what is important to me. This is all that matters...... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 Arts Council England south east, news issue no. 16 arrived yesterday...the RFO's (regularly funded organisations) have all won the lottery. Thousands and hundreds of thousands of pounds given away. Over £43 million pounds over three years for the south east.It's mostly a pleasure to enter these public art galleries and see the work displayed with such care. An experience sometimes negative, sometimes positive, sometimes provocative, sometimes dull and sometimes inspiring. When it's crap, that really is frustrating.I've re-read my blogs and can see I need to be more positive...as from now this will change and I will explain why I think I've been this way towards the 'art world'...  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 Just returned...from an early morning walk on the beach with Smartie. It cleared my head and got me thinking. It's too easy to be negative and I'm not a negative person. Striking a balance in this blog between discourse and diatribe has been an eye opener for me.This blog, this diary, is helping me to understand where I am in the art world. No one owes me a living and I am very fortunate to be in a position where I will be able to paint with fewer distractions. I've been stuck inside decorating this house to sell and to move to France. I'm an outdoor person and things will change for the better. We want to simplify our lives and add meaning and this is all a major change for me and my wife Emily...and Smartie...this is really where this blog begins...... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 It was just such a lovely civilised Saturday evening...with a close school friend, since the age of seven, his family and others...greeted warmly with champagne, quail eggs, canapes...and a string quartet in the drawing room. As we left in the early hours from their Surrey home, he showed me an oil painting he and his wife commissioned from me twenty years ago. They are both geologists and I remember wanting to evoke the feeling of the earth, striation and layering. It took eight months to complete. He showed me a specialist geolists tool within the picture that I had no knowledge of or intention of painting while creating the work. I do however, remember 'arriving in the zone' while painting. I so look forward to similar experiences again in my studio in France.It's morning, it's snowing and settling now...a killer sore throat and a cold...and it's all beautiful...... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 sabine7...seventhheaven...... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 Having restored, designed and built hundreds of gardens, I actually have grown to love weeds...and having read architecture for three years, I love playing with perspective that is incongruous and doesn't actually work...... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 Ever accidentally dropped a tin of paint down the stairs?...I just have. The mind, the imagination, the terror, is all focused in slow-motion.All I could do was stand helpless and stiffly on the stepladder, wide-eyed in stunned, expletive silence and observe the totally random bounce of the tin as it's acrylic white contents decided where to splish, splash, splosh, on the carpet on the walls and eventually on Emily's brown suede boots that had carefully positioned themselves in the perfect spot in the hallway below, to receive the final vestiges of wicked white dribble from this cantankerous tin and with particular evil impressive skill, land, perhaps even laughing, the right way up.Serendipity?...not!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 Seeking sanctuary...a safe place, a quiet place, a contemplative place, a comfortable place, a place to reflect for a few moments or as long as it takes. Similar size to a small garden shed and placed every mile or every five or ten miles by the side of the road in all countries, depending on the need of individuals. Simply walk in day or night, sunshine or rain, close the door, stand, sit or lie down.It's raining, you enter and select from a drop down menu on one of the surrounding screens the mood you are in at present. Enter any other thoughts, emotions, concerns. Relax, close or open your eyes and experience a contrived world of images, sounds and smells to lift you out of yourself and position you in a place where you feel more positive, more self-assured, more hopeful, more peaceful. When you feel ready to, press the screen in front where it reads,'Now return to your important life and try to remember you and everyone is an artist and everything is art'. The door opens and outside it's still pissing down with rain...... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 ...an OFF day today...another cold, another sore throat and a headache. OFF days are important to help balance the mind and body. It's often a natural physical response to having done too much.Van Gogh, Emil Nolde, Vasily Kandinsky, all had OFF days, so I'm in good company. Then again, so did Adolph Hitler, Himmler, Goering and Goebbels, so it's best not to compare...?!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 Saturday morning. Just sitting quietly in the roof space, listening to rain fall on the window panes. I love the rain, the simple sound of water, where my mind can gently meander and visualise the world outside and around me. Images never to be painted directly, but certain to find a place somewhere within the simplified, stripped-down watercolours for my new series in my French studio. Complexity and simplicity, areas of busyness and areas of calm. A continuing and important philosophy/psychology for my work, where the minds-eye naturally wants to move away from a busy image after a while to rest. Rather than move outside of the image entirely, there is space within the image, to find that subconcious calm we all ultimately seek. This all helps to balance and harmonise the work, ultimately giving and not taking anything from the mind of and the enjoyment of the viewer.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 St. George's Day...a special day today...Shakespeare's birthday...he also died on the same date...I married into an acting family...both my parents-in-law are Royal Shakespeare Company actors (Cherry Morris Murray sadly died of cancer three years ago, taken ill during a performance at The National...worth googling, because she was brilliant) and Emily was a professional actress too...being a quiet painter and occasionally surrounded by actors has encouraged me and given me more confidence to create and follow my heart. My old school too is celebrating today...St. Georges College, Weybridge...but more importantly...it's my mothers' birthday today!...mmmnn...some tiffin and a nice cup of tea...... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 ...an email just popped up from Danny Smith director of Jubilee Action and Jubilee Campaign...it simply reminds me, that so much that we do and concern ourselves with in the Arts is nothing really when compared to the suffering in some parts of this world. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 ...just returned from France. Things are moving forward. If this was a diary I would happily divulge more, but this is a blog, so I have to be careful what I write. The image shows a view from our meadow...the other views are even more beautiful. Painting in my studio will be heaven on earth...... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 ...seeking additional secure storage space in France...lots of bits and pieces; timber, pictures, books etc.The simplest, easiest and obvious option is to exhibit it all in a pretentious gallery and therefore have free storage for a month or two...and with easily attainable public funding, I'd be paid for the privilege...... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 I think we all do it...search the web sometimes and see where it takes one.There's a gallery named Redbill with some artists whose work I have noted: Jenny Ryrie (especially), Clare Chinnery, Amanda Roberts, Bill Kneale (especially) and Diana Heeks. Not the same or even similar to my own work, but they do all lean slightly towards my way of working...... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 Everything is on hold...my father-in-law has had a major heart attack. For the moment we are not selling or renting but staying here and carrying on with our lives...it's the right thing to do.It's been a roller-coaster ride for us for two months, continually adapting to situations...all out of our control. Time again to reflect and plan for our future...I will need to approach suitable galleries here in the UK and I'll still be painting in France and here in Southsea....and I'm very fortunate to have Emily, a respected journalist, as my personal editor!?http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.6600 ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 Thank you Lottie Curry for your very kind invitation to your degree show. I am touched.I have emailed you...... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 "I paint objects as I think them, not as I see them." Pablo Picasso...with acknowledgement to Amanda Roberts whose quotes are always inspiring. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546  "The artist must train not only his eye but also his soul."Wassily Kandinsky"Painting is pure creation."Graham Swain... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 ...just completed another garden project. The chap I employ is an experienced landscaper and a champion bodybuilder with muscles on his muscles on his muscles...he's French Canadian, in the RN for five years firing BFG's (big *ucking guns), escort to Prince Andrew for a short while and a real character. At the end of the day in a garden, I'm exhausted...and he's off to the gym to pump more iron!When I'm creating a painting, the line I paint may appear only to be a simple innocent mark, but the decision process involved to simplify this line becomes more and more complex as each day passes...http://www.eartharchitecture.co.uk/artist.htmlfirstly...   look at the         line_____                          ________________________                             then read between the lines...                          ________________________ ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 ...after 3 weeks in France...back to the harsh reality of life. Immediately summoned to Southampton cardiac high dependency unit where my father in law, an RSC actor has had a significant bleed in his brain (a stroke) after a successful triple by pass operation.We have been told to 'prepare ourselves'.Life is cruel...and beautiful too...... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 BIG day today...Emily is on The Ark Royal helping to launch BVT and I've decided to begin a series of watercolours related to emotion. They will be contemporary calligraphic mark-making using watercolour and oil pastel. Digital images will be taken to record the creative process at each relevant stage and posted on this blog as an unique record. This is something I've wanted to do for a while and now with so much emotion flying around there'll be absolutely no *ucking about... ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546 Day 1 It's been three days of sleepless nights and calm consideration to arrive at these first marks... An appropriate day to begin...our 7th wedding anniversary.Blog No 36 2 June 2008...just re-edited... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/412546