Parallax Art Fair

Thrilled to be showing 3 new works along with other members of the Society of East Anglian Watercolourists at the Parallax Art Fair 25&26 February.

The Governor  ©Stephie Butler

FREE TICKETS

Samba & Jazz all day

a De Ritz restaurant with great deals

and a chance to

win a £1000 spend on unique art and design

 Parallax Art Fair is Europe's largest artist and designer fair with over 210+ exhibitors and 7000+ works of fine, decorative and applied arts all under one roof. Over 16000 people attend the event in London and it is free entry.  

Chelsea Town Hall, Kings Road, London, SW3 5EE

Saturday 25th February, 11am-5pm

Sunday    26th February  11am - 5pm

www.parallaxaf.co    @parallaxartfair

New paintings....

In between doing a workshop in Holland and demos for art clubs I've also been working on some new paintings. This one was a little different to my usual stuff and a bit of a challenge as well.

On a recent trip to "The Gambia" I managed to collect lots of reference material and am eager to work from them, this one was taken at Serekunda Market. Sure bought you back to the real world when you see how some people live from day to day. This lady was selling soap powder for washing clothes, little bags of it. Each day the people go to the market to sell whatever they can make or acquire hoping to make enough to feed their families for that day.

There were lots of times along the way I wasn't sure it was going to work, it is true that it makes a difference if you work from your own reference, it has a different meaning to it . I think it all came together in the end.

Painting Holiday at Bandouille . . . 2015

Come paint with me in France 28th Jun - 4th July 2015

www.francepaintingholiday.com

Last year I spent a glorious week as the guest teacher  of a portrait watercolour group at the beautiful Bandouille in France and am thrilled to say I will be back there again in 2015 teaching watercolour Portraits and Wildlife.

Bandouille A heavenly place to relax and paint .

Bandouille is a beautiful stone building, part of 12th century monastery and part 18th centuary farmhouse. 24 acres of the most beautiful surroundings, consisting of a 12 acre lake with outbuildings and barns, along with the remains of the original church, the magnificent monastery dome, two smaller lakes, fields and orchards.  I can't put into words how lovely it was to stay and teach at Bandouille. Bix and Drew go over and beyond making you welcome and comfortable in their  home.

www.francepaintingholiday.com

Redbridge Arts Association Summer Exhibition 2014 . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Art in the Park runs form Wednesday 2 July - Sunday 31 August
Three exhibitions in total consisting of two groups each for three weeks.

02 JUL - 20 JUL    Fullwell Cross U3A  &  Redbridge Photographers Association
23 JUL - 10 AUG   Ilford Art Society  & Redbridge Art Group
12 AUG - 31 AUG  St Teresa's Art Group  & Redbridge Marquetry Group

Diverse range of subject & media incl watercolours, oils, acrylics, marquetry, wood turning and photography. Come along and speak to some of the artists, enjoy the experience and vote for your favourites.  

Dovecote Gallery
Valentines Mansion & Gardens

ACCESS
Designated car parking spaces are provided for disabled badge holders.
The mansion has level access throughout, with a lift to all floors.
Width restrictions apply to larger electric wheelchairs. Please call ahead of your visit for advice and assistance.
For access advice call +44 (0)20 8708 8100.

GARDENER’S COTTAGE CAFÉ
Open everyday between 10am and 6pm (or sunset during winter months).
Please note that the Café will be closed on Mondays in December and January.

GETTING THERE Tube Gants Hill Underground Station (Central Line). 5 minutes walk. Rail Ilford National Rail, direct line from Liverpool Street Station. Bus Take bus routes 396, 128, 179, 123, 296, 167 from Gants Hill Underground Station and 128, 296, 150, 396, 167 from Ilford National Rail to stop ‘Valentines Mansion and Park’. Cycle Cycle to the mansion through Valentines Park. Cycle racks are provided at the mansion. Road Easily accessible from the A406 (junction for A12) and the M25 (junction 27 for M11, and follow on to the A406 East). Car parking is available at the mansion. Car parking charges (With effect from 1st October 2011)
up to 1 hour: 70p / up to 2 hours: £1.30 / all day: £3

Essex in Mayfair . . . .

The Essex Art Club will once again be showcasing selected works by it's members, in their Spring Exhibition at the lovely gallery in Mayfair.

Join us . . . 

54 The Gallery in Shepherd Market is a wonderful bustling little square in the centre of London, full of restaurants, unique shops and a wonderful atmosphere. 

The Exhibition will be opened by our president and renowned Artist Tom Coates, on the 24th March at 6pm.  

The Exhibition is open all week from 11:00 am until 7:00 pm, apart from Sunday 30th when it will finish and close at 4:00pm

Please come and take a look at the delightful selection of works that will be on display. Works of Art will be available to purchase, framed and unframed along with a selection of cards by the EAC artists. 

to find out more about The Essex Art club or to join our membership, please visit the website at www.essexartclub.co.uk 

The Little Ballerina

After not wetting my brushes for almost 2 months over Christmas and the New Year, I was getting desperate to get painting again.


When you think you might be a bit rusty, try and relax and enjoy it. Tell yourself it doesn't matter if it doesn't turn out, after all you don't have to show anyone if you don't want to, you're doing it for you.

Redbridge Arts Association Summer Exhibition 2013 . . .

 *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *  

Dovecote Gallery
Valentines Mansion & Gardens

ACCESS
Designated car parking spaces are provided for disabled badge holders.
The mansion has level access throughout, with a lift to all floors.
Width restrictions apply to larger electric wheelchairs. Please call ahead of your visit for advice and assistance.
For access advice call +44 (0)20 8708 8100.

GARDENER’S COTTAGE CAFÉ
Open everyday between 10am and 6pm (or sunset during winter months).
Please note that the Café will be closed on Mondays in December and January.

GETTING THERE Tube Gants Hill Underground Station (Central Line). 5 minutes walk. Rail Ilford National Rail, direct line from Liverpool Street Station. Bus Take bus routes 396, 128, 179, 123, 296, 167 from Gants Hill Underground Station and 128, 296, 150, 396, 167 from Ilford National Rail to stop ‘Valentines Mansion and Park’. Cycle Cycle to the mansion through Valentines Park. Cycle racks are provided at the mansion. Road Easily accessible from the A406 (junction for A12) and the M25 (junction 27 for M11, and follow on to the A406 East). Car parking is available at the mansion. Car parking charges (With effect from 1st October 2011)
up to 1 hour: 70p / up to 2 hours: £1.30 / all day: £3

Selected for Society of Women Artists Annual Exhibition 2013

Looking to the Future

This is the 2nd painting that I had selected by the Society of Women Artists for their 52nd Annual Exhibition 2013 at the Mall Galleries.

I grabbed a quick photo before it went off to the framers so not a brilliant shot.
 

I would also like to say a very big thank you to Karl Lindsay for allowing me to use photo as ref for this painting. Please visit his website and see his amazing photography at his website. www.karllindsayphotography.com and also on his Fb page HERE

Two paintings Selected ...... Society of Women Artists Annual Exhibition 2013

Two paintings Selected......

I am absolutely thrilled to have had two of my paintings selected for the

 Society of Women Artists 

152nd Annual Exhibition 2013 at the Mall Galleries, London. 

 This is the 3rd year in a row I have had work selected by the SWA and it still can't believe it's happening to me. If ever you are in doubt about entering your work anywhere, just follow your dream, it does come true.

One of the two paintings that were selected for Exhibition.

Special thanks to Steve Evans for the use of his photo as ref for this painting. 

*    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    * 

Society of Women Artists 

Founded in 1855, the society has had a unique history dedicated to promoting art by women. The Annual Exhibition at the prestigious Mall Galleries, The Mall, London, SW1, showcases a stunning and eclectic mix of artwork in all media. The Society encourages variety and versatility and features some of the finest contemporary women artists from all over the world, thus sustaining a reputation for excellence.

152nd ANNUAL EXHIBITION
2013

MALL GALLERIES

The Mall, London SW1

27^th June Thursday – Saturday 6^th July
  Daily 10 am – 5pm
(3pm close) on last day

HRH Princess Michael of Kent is the SWA Patron, and will open the exhibition at the private view to be held on Wednesday 26th June. www.society-women-artists.org.uk

Little Africa...

                This is one I started towards the end of 2012 only just getting the first wash down, then not picking it up again until 2013. The object of painting then was not only of course portrait practice, but more so to get the brushes wet again after the Christmas holidays. 

I'm not sure if it always works, leaving it so long. Sometimes the moment has gone from the painting, the inspiring thoughts you first had when wanting to get it onto the paper. I find I'm usually better to start it again with renewed freshness.

Pure Watercolour
140lb Arches NOT Paper
Mostly W/N paints
Ref photo courtesy of WetCanvas

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Not sure how long these offers will last, so don't leave it too long before you order. 

 

Save £7 off the price of a printed book of my paintings

follow the link and enter SAVE7 at checkout on the "payment options" page!..

 

Buy another book the same 

and get

50% off the 2nd one.
Look for this image at the bottom of the

"place the order page",

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Watercolour Dreams by Stephie Butler |

 

 

Make Your Own Book

Make sure any offer are showing in balance before you confirm payment, they will not adjust it after the order has been placed.

Best in Show.......

"Best in Show"

I was both shocked and elated recently when I was asked to go to attend a presentation and meeting, as one of my paintings, "Make a Wish", had won Best in Show at the Redbridge Arts Association summer exhibition. 

Make a Wish

 This is a first for me at an exhibition so it still hasn't sunk in and i'm so very proud.. To cap it all off I was also awarded with this beautiful fine wooden box of 120 Derwent Colour Pencils, kindly donated by the Derwent Cumberland Pencil Company, thank you so so much to Derwent for your generosity. 

Redbridge Arts Association consists of six groups: 

Ilford Art Society
The photographers 
U3A Art group at St. Theresa’s 
U3A Fullwell Cross Art Group
Redbridge Marquetry Group
The Redbridge Art Group. 

Each year with the hard work, planning and dedication, and of one particular lady, Nora, and the generosity of Redbridge Council kindly allowing us the use of the wonderful listed building, we are able to put on a Summer Exhibition in the old Dovecote in Valentines park, Redbridge. As we didn't have so much space this year in the Dovecote, the art was displayed over three months in total, with each two groups showing their work for one month. As a member of the Ilford Art Society, I was part of the exhibition showing in July. Visitors to the exhibition each got the chance to vote for their favourite  painting if they wished to do so. Apparently because of length of time and the numbers who voted it has taken this long to sort out the winner. My thanks again to Nora for all her hard work, it's very much appreciated. 

This is a wonderful building and location to hold an exhibition and I hope to be part of it again and for some years to come. I will post the dates later in 2013 for the next one and hope you may be able to join us there. 

Special thanks to Steve Evans for the use of his photo as ref to the painting.

Princess Zahrah ....

I can't believe it is so long since I last updated my blog, and just when I promised myself I would post more often. I have a number of things on my easels, and they tend to stay there until I am happy that I want to do no more to them. This portrait of my granddaughter is one of them, and as I started this some time ago you may have already seen this on my facebook pages. I'll still post it here as I know not everyone goes to Fb and i'm often asked to share how I paint portraits. The trouble is I get so engrossed in painting them I forget to stop and take photos of the different stages, so there are not too many photos of this one.

This is Princess Zahrah and came about as I was sorting and filing photos. I have so many of  my little princess, but just had to stop and have a go at this one... Not quite so orange looking in real life, or maybe it's just my monitor. 

This was the stage after the initial washes were done.

For some reason I find it a bit more difficult to get a likeness with the grandchildren. I wonder when we are painting someone so close to us we know them too well. It's not so much a problem with drawing them out, but when it comes to painting and choosing colours that's where I tend to lose it a little.  

I have decided as much as I can, to start using more of my own references. I'm so grateful to generous photographers for sharing photos, but I recently found I couldn't enter into a competition as the ref used wasn't my own.

Before I start I usually block out the background in photoshop so i'm not distracted by it, then I print it. I'm finding as I'm getting more experienced with drawing portraits I don't worry about the need of the ref to be the same size and can draw it in a different size if needed. I can never emphasize enough how important drawing practice is, I know how valuable I have found it to be and when I actually started to listen to others telling me so and doing it, I'm amazed how much i've improved.
 

Here is where it still sits. Some opinions are, that it is done, i'm not to sure on that yet. I know I still have to darken a few touches here and there, like the inner mouth area. Although it doesn't show to well in this photo, some of the areas in the hair are a touch darker and probably not quite so orangy. I do need to add some more wispy bits to the hair as well. It also need warming and more variation in the skin tones. I often see skin painted with the same colour but in different tints, you need to use colour as tone as well and that is what this is lacking at the moment.  It's also on hold at the moment as with Christmas almost here I have lots of other things on the list to finish. 

Portfolio book published and on sale....

          So..yet again I haven't kept up with posting here, but I have been busy painting and stuff, along with daily life, adding the bonus of the arrival of another gorgeous new grandson into that as well.

                Self publishing a portfolio of works......This is something like lots of other projects that is still on the to do list. Until recently that is, well actually like only a few days prior to publishing this on Blurb, talk about last  minute. It started when a good friend of mine Ruth Harris, pointed out that I may have missed a great offer on RedBubble. Seems they had teamed up with Blurb to give away a chance for you to publish you own book, and all for free other than P&P and any extras you decide on, which is where you have to restrain yourself. It's only a small 7 x 7inch, but still, it's free, so who's gonna not do it. 

 Watercolour Dreams, a creative journey.....

        

Watercolour Dreams by Stephie Butler | Make Your Own Book

I spent a few days and late nights getting this put together and only just made the deadline. I have to thank Ruth so much for being at the other end of the email system. She was answering questions non stop as I was working on it, saving me so much time, as she had all ready been through it all and finished hers. You can see Ruth's book Here. please take a look, it's full of her gorgeous floral paintings.......

 It covers some of my work over the last couple of years, just a little part of the journey so far and I've tried best to incorporate everyone's  favorite pieces. Once I started on this project I must admit I did get a little hooked. I've always loved playing around with design, setting things out etc, and soon found I had to stop myself and get back to the basics of this as I was running out of time. Maybe I won't leave the next one until the last minute, that way I get to enjoy playing with it more, probably won't but the thought is there anyway.....

For Sale...

          The initial reason for having a portfolio is to be able to share your with others, especially those paintings that have already sold. It will come in especially useful when showing prospective clients looking to commission work, and having it sitting on the table at Exhibitions for everyone to browse would be very nice as well, so I may think about a larger version. 

Using these self publishing companies  online gives you the opportunities to be able to sell your books as well. although you do have to purchase one yourself before being able to do this, but who wouldn't want one after all the hard work that you put into doing it, and it is your work after all. 

I have made it available for sale if anyone is interested and it's also available as an ebook HERE too. Would love to know what you think of it if you have the time to leave a comment or email me it would be very much appreciated. 

I really did get so much enjoyment out of putting this together, and even if it is only for me, I'm still proud of it. It gives me a real sense of what I have achieved over the time it covers , so it really doesn't matter if I don't sell any to anyone else, I really don't mind at all, what I do hope though is that you enjoy browsing through it.

Now to achieve something else from the long To Do list :)

Hidden Tears ...SOLD

SOLD at PV of Essex in Mayfair...

Monday I spent a most wonderful evening at the opening preview of the Essex in Mayfair Exhibition. I really enjoy these occasions as it's a chance to chat with lots of other fellow artists, catch up on what they've been doing and how they are getting on. There is such a wide variety of artists working in various mediums and subjects, means the work is so interestingly different, always making for great topics of discussions. 

The exhibition was opened by Tom Coates, as our president Ken Howard is away. Tom is a wonderful artist and a very entertaining gentleman all round. He chose a wonderful landscape painting of London which was awarded the Ken Howard prize, and the rest of the evening we tested the wine of course and admired the art work on display. 

I was thrilled towards the end of the evening to have sold one of my paintings. The highlight for me being to actually meet the buyer. I'm always intrigued to know where the paintings are going, what appeals to them about it, why they want to buy it. On this occasions I chatted with the lovely young lady for quite some time which was thoroughly enjoyable. We talked about the collection I was working on "Children of the World", what grabbed me to paint these children in the first place,  the emotions I was trying to get across to the viewer and why, which she totally understand having the same love for Africa. It was really so wonderful to talk with her.

 "Hidden Tears" part of the Children of the World collection

 The Exhibition is still open until Sunday

54 The Gallery

Shepherd's Market

London

W1J 7QX

Mayfair Exhibition...

3 paintings selected for Essex in Mayfair....

    Each year the Essex Art Club put on a summer exhibition and the last few years, along with this one, it has taken place in a beautiful little gallery amongst the bustling streets of restaurants and cafe's in Mayfair, London. Members are invited to submit up to three paintings for selection process and I was thrilled to have had all three selected again this year, along with 5 unframed mounted originals. 

Ken Howard is the president and usually honours us with opening the Exhibition. This year unfortunately he can't be with us, but we are fortunate to have the very talented Tom Coates stand in for him. It's full of a mix of wonderful artist work where most is for sale.

 54 The Gallery

Shepherd's Market

London

W1J 7QX 

It really is a lovely place filled with so much atmosphere. Do try to visit if you are in the area. It is open from 11am - 7pm apart from the last day when it closes at 4pm. nearest tube Green Park Station

In Silence Shortlisted......

.... for Ken Bromleys Cover Competition 2012.

Am absolutely thrilled to have made the shortlist of Ken Bromleys Cover Competition 2012.

This painting seems to be bringing me lots of luck.

Please take time to visit Ken Bromley's page to view the wonderful display of art where you can vote for your 3 favourite  paintings. 

  *** Voting closes on Monday 13th August at 3pm ***    

Prints, canvas & cards of

"In Silence"

 now available from both

 

 

SOLD at the Society of Women Artists Annual Exhibition

"In Silence" SOLD......

 Having a painting selected by this prestigious Society is in itself a great honour, to have someone admire your work enough to buy it as well is just overwhelming.

It had been a very hectic week in many ways, which meant I sadly missed both the private preview and seeing the demo by Caroline de Peyrecave at the Mall Galleries, a demo I had been looking forward to so much ......But I did arrive home from being away, to hear a wonderful message on my answer phone from the president of the SWA Sue Jelley, informing me that my painting "In Silence" had SOLD...... It couldn't have been a better ending to the week.

* * * * *

  

I would like to say a big thank you both to the 

Society of Women Artists for selecting my work.
And to the wonderful person who bought it. 

Thank you so much.

Society of Women Artists 

 Founded in 1855, the society has had a unique history dedicated to promoting art by women. The Annual Exhibition at the prestigious Mall Galleries, showcases a stunning and eclectic mix of artwork in all media. The Society encourages variety and versatility and features some of the finest contemporary women artists from all over the world, thus sustaining a reputation for excellence.

  * * * * *
 I did manage to get to the Exhibition on the final day, although my painting had already been collected by the buyer. I knew before I set out that it wouldn't be on display but I didn't mind, I was on such a high having sold it, and it is one exhibition I now look forward to seeing so much. The exhibition shows such a wide variety of talent in so many different styles and mediums that it cannot fail to inspire any artist, and is probably why it is one of mine and countless other peoples favourites. It should be a must see on any one's list of exhibitions to see.

My favourite overall exhibiting artist has to to be Ann Blockley. who had this year won the HRH Princess Michael of Kent award for 'most outstanding watercolour'. I have always admired Anne's work but more so how her work constantly moves forward while she continually develops her style, this alone is a big inspiration to any artist on their own journey.. 

The individual artist who's work I chose for my favourite painting was of an African woman, "Mirror, Mirror" by Annabel Thornton. I was in awe the moment I saw the painting and wasn't surprised to find that is was the same artist work I have loved on my last two visits to the David Shepherd Wildlife Exhibition. Even so, there is so much to admire in this exhibition it's hard to single out the outstanding ones.

I've met and made so many friends and acquaintances in one way or another over the past few years due to art, so it was such a pleasure to be able to see some of their work that had also been selected for the exhibition as well.

I would urge any women artist, if you haven't already, to submit your work next year. This really is a wonderful Society that gives us such an opportunity. And if by any chance you don't get selected, or perhaps you don't feel ready yet, still go along to the exhibition, it will inspire you and show you the goal you need to head towards. 

SAA It's all about Art - Bristol

I was fortunate a couple of weeks ago to be able to attend the “SAA It's all about Art” at Bristol. I went along with a special friend Ruth Harris.  

Ruth Harris.."Cosmic Poppies"... SAA Amateur Artist of the Year 2012

Ruth has recently been awarded the 

“SAA Amateur Artist of the Year2012” 

with her stunning painting, titled “Cosmic Poppies”. This was the first time that Ruth had entered anything let alone win, so you can only imagine her joy. It made it even more of a special occasion to be able to attend the show, as fortunately it was within traveling distance for her this year.

As they had moved the show this year, and one was to be held in Bristol, this gave me the chance to combine catching up with some dear friends along with attending a fun packed day doing what we both love best.

 The only disappointing thing, especially for Ruth as a winner, as well as for both of us as we love to view the work of other artists, was that this year there would be no exhibition, it would have been so encouraging to Ruth to see her work hanging there along with the other winners. We all often doubt ourselves as artists along the way and something like this gives an artist so much reassurance and encouragement, as well as the inspiration to head further along that road. There were other much admired artist friends who also received awards, so it would have made the day even more special to have been able to view their work in real life.

 

Although initially, when I first walked in, I was a bit disappointed at the size of the show, especially having been to the London one in the past. I soon realised it was as full of the same excitement and inspiration as the London venue. From demo's, to mini workshops, to lots of tempting goodies to spend your pennies on, and lets face it, we artists don't need much encouragement to do that now, do we.

As there was only a certain amount of time to fit everything in, we chose carefully. We went for opting out of the comfort zone of watercolours which is the preferred medium for both Ruth and I, instead for the chance to try a different media, which after all is the aim of it. 

 This was from one of the workshops on offer. A quick try at pastels following along with tutor and demonstrator Vic Bearcroft.... I have tried pastels a few times but never really persevered with it. Being asked often to do pet portraits along with having a love of both pets and wildlife, I thought this would be a good choice, and Ruth relished the challenge as well. 

I found pastels work well for this subject, it creates a certain softness for animals especially when done on velour. It really is amazing how much these professional artists pack into these workshops, and I have much admiration for the amount they teach you in such a small time. Thank you Vic for a very enriching if not quick workshop, I really learned so much from it.

 

The SAA show really does have a lot to offer other than the obvious of being a great day out with friends. It gives you a chance to try something different, along with being able to get some sound advice from both the professional artist on technique along with expert knowledge on buying whats needed afterwards from the shop. We also had the chance to try other items , then purchase them if desired . Thank you SAA, I will certainly do my best to get there again next year. 

Please go take a look at the SAA website and the work of all the others winners. You won't be disappointing at the wonderful variety of art on display.

Artist of the Year 2012