So, to that end…I have been working on my latest lino cut this morning. Now, firstly…it’s been a while.  I had to abandon the last piece I was working on as I over cut basically, and ruined it. I may try and rescue it at some point when I have time. This is what I am working at the moment, and decided to base this design on one of my leaf illustrations, and keep it as simple as possible. As you can see I am using the bench hook my husband made me, which is brilliant. This was his own design, and he knocked it up in an afternoon, and it’s perfect. I can cut away safely without putting my fingers in any danger.

Recently having purchased new water colour paints, it was a natural progression that I would get out my books on traditional Japanese and Chinese art and see what I came up with. The style and motifs of traditional Japanese art lend themselves very naturally to a rendering in water colours. My last water colour piece and this one take their inspiration from specifically Japanese art. This work in progress is based on an 18th century silk weave wall hanging featuring many of the traditional and symbolic motifs of Japanese art; water, peacocks, parsley etc. I won’t go into a lengthy explanation of why I like this particular art form, or why it inspires me, because in truth, it speaks for itself, and anyone familiar with traditional Japanese and Chinese art will understand completely.  How could fail to be impressed and taken over by the deceptive simplicity, beauty and symmetry of Japanese art.

Sadly, I was hoping to have this finished by now, but due to my little girl being ill, I have not spent much time in my studio this week, and most of my painting has been done at night by the light of lamps (hence the glow). However, I plan to finish this by the end of the week. This and my recent flowers painting are just the start of what will be an ongoing series of water colour pieces. Originals and prints will be available to buy.

Tarafly

Louise Knight Richardson (Dearest Jackdaw)

Deborah Champion (Champignons)

Marc Bowyer-Brigs (Marc BB)

Yep, the BIG 5o. Now, many dread this point in our lives, many fear it, and many I know lie about their age. Well, I say…Bollocks to that! I am 50, YAY…50!!! This is HUGE, and something to celebrate not mourn.  Because you know, in this day and age 50 is the new 30, some of the cool and most interesting people are 5o or turning 50 this year, Barack Obama, Mary Portas, Ricky Gervais, Sheryl Crow, Jodie Foster etc,  the list is endless. That’s not to say being 50 in this country as a woman isn’t crap, ageism here is rife, and possibly the worst in the world (other than the States). In France a woman of 50 is still an icon.  Also, ageism persists in the art and design world. Believe me, if you aren’t under 35 and one of the cool kids, people are not interested, I say…bite me!

But, I digress. I am dead excited and, proud of myself. Times were I thought I would never get here. Truth is, I have a somewhat colourful past and to say I ‘lived’ is a bit of an understatement. The expression ‘been there, seen it and done it all’ pretty much sums up the case.  However,  I have achieved quite a bit thus far, am happily married (ten years this year) to a lovely man (who is still his in 30s’ by the way ;0), a beautiful six year old daughter, a lovely home and a thriving business. Despite the current climate and the doom and pervasive gloom, life is good.

So, here are my artistic (personal will be posted elsewhere) goals and objectives for 2012:

• Back to basics: create more original artworks using traditional mediums, water colours and oil pastels etc.
• To have my work featured in an art & design publication
• To publish my own zine.
• To continue with my children’s book
• To expand my art shop to include a new line of hand pulled prints on paper and Moleskins using lino and woodcuts.
• To produce more digital artwork using my Wacom and ‘Illustrator’, ergo more prints in my art shop as part of it’s expansion.
• To improve my photograph skills
• Enter at least two competitions this year.

And, to make sure I don’t forget, as a ‘visual reminder’ I have hand written them out on Valentina’s fabulous  2012 Goals Page (which you can print yourself as it’s a downloadable as a pdf).

For Christmas, I bought myself a new water colour set. It’s been a long time since I used any water colours, though I still have the ones I used as a teenager and student. That’s not to say I haven’t done any water colour style artwork, I generally use acrylic paint in a wash style or my inks. Anyway, I treated myself to a 48 half pan set by Winsor and Newton. I decided to do a small A5 piece first and keep it simple. I took my inspiration from traditional Japanese Cloisonne work, and created a stencil style flowers design. I really, really enjoyed doing this piece. So, to that end I have stepped up and ordered myself the significantly more expensive 24 half pans Schmincke  Aquarell Watercolour Set.  (which hasn’t arrived yet…grrrrr). So, here it is finished. This is photographed (not that well, poor light), not scanned and I am also including some step through shots as well.

Abi specialises in Brand Communication via design, photography, styling and marketing, essential for all businesses – from large organisations to a workforce of one –  she helps businesses achieve a suitable “tone of voice” that speaks to their target audience. Abi offers tailor made packages that range from a full brand overhaul to a simple product styling so there’s something to suit most budgets making it easy to avail yourself of her wealth of experience working with large high street retailers, online businesses and independents.

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