SOLD...SOLD...SOLD...

......and just when I though it couldn't get any better...

..Having just spent a lovely long weekend staying with my dear friend Jaytee in the gorgeous market town of Kington in Herefordshire, where we went 3 days on a life workshop which had a wonderful teacher who was extremely inspiring...I come back to the news that I'd sold the remaining paintings that were selected into the Essex in Mayfair Exhibition. Well what a phone call that was, I'm still taken aback by it. I've never sold all work in an exhibition before so needless to say, am thrilled to bits. 

For the first this year, if we had work selected , we were also able to sell our cards as well. Apparently I sold quite a few, so another added bonus.

It's very hard to describe the feeling you get when you sell a painting, and the inspiration that brings with it, to want to grab your brushes and paint more, there really is nothing like it.  Now I need to get working on the next collection amongst other things. We have the Ilford Art Society "Art on the Railings" on September 15th, so lots to do.

I really would like to say a very big thank you to all the people who have purchased any of my work, and to my partner for the support in allowing me the time to live my dream.

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. 

Society of Women Artists .....

I am honoured to have had a painting selected again this year:

***The 2012 SWA 151st Annual Exhibition***

 28th June to the 7th July

The Exhibition was opened yesterday at a private preview by

HRH Princess Michael of Kent

 ***

 

 Society of Women Artists

Mall Galleries

Ilford Art Society Summer Exhibition in the Dovecote

Make A Wish...

  It's not often I redo a painting or even use the same ref photo. I find I almost never get that same inspiration as the first desire to paint it, but this one was different. There was something about this little boy, original photograph taken by and kindly shared by Steve Evans. I had also lost concentration for a moment while painting the original for my video on YouTube, so I needed to repaint it...

Hence ...

"Make a Wish" repainted and on show at the

Summer Exhibition at the 

Dovecote Gallery

Valentines Mansion & Gardens
Emerson Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 4XA,UK.

1st-29th July
Open from 11am-4pm
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays

Free entry and suitable for all ages.

Available for sale through the Dovecote Gallery Exhibition...Contact me for further information.

* * * * *

  I have 4 painting included in this Exhibition as part of the Ilford Art Society. The Exhibition goes on for 3 months in all, showing work from 4 different Art Societies, a photography club and a marquetry group. There will be 2 groups showing each month from July through September, sharing a wide range of style and media. 

* * * * *

The gallery is in the grounds of the Valentines park, mansion & gardens. A lovely day out for all the family.

The house was built in around 1696 for Elizabeth Tillotson and her family, after the death of her husband, the Archbishop of Canterbury and has since changed hands many times. The Council acquired the house in 1912. Since then it has been home to wartime refugees, a hospital, a public health centre, and a council housing department. After sitting empty for around 15 years the house and gardens have been restored with Redbridge council and Heritage Lottery funds . 

 ***

 A wonderful day out for all the family.

Visit the Gallery, Mansion & Gardens and the new Gardener’s Cottage Café.

Please visit the website for more information:

Valentines Mansion & Gardens

Emerson Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 4XA
E-mail: valentines@redbridge.gov.uk
Bookings and general enquiries: 020 8708 8100

***

Robin Berry's new book "Compendium of Watercolour Techniques"

Catching up.....

I've had a few people ask what I've been up to as I've not updated my blog for a long time. I do update my Facebook page as much as I can and on a more regular basis than here, and am embarrassed to say I sometimes forget about my blog and the fact that of course not everyone is on Fb.

......So please accept my apologies for, lack of posts and acknowledgments and answering the comments that people have kindly left on other posts. I'll add some of the posts I have put on my Fb page, so if you've already read them there, please ignore the duplicating.....

Now where to start....When I look back, although I get frustrated at times, I've had a really good year so far. It started with the surprise inclusion of three of my paintings into American artist Robin Berry's new book "Compendium of Watercolour Techniques"

I had been approached along with many other artists by a publisher. They had seen my work on another site and "Would be delighted if i would contribute some examples of my work for possible inclusion in the book". Of course I was the delighted one and sent them off. I was absolutely thrilled around a year later to find my work had indeed been included, 3 paintings in all.

The book is published under different titles in the USA and UK, "Watercolor Secrets" is the USA version, but as I understand is the same on the inside.

   I couldn't feel more proud to see my work in this book, let alone be included along side award winning artists such artists as Robin, herself of course , Ruth Harris, David Poxon, Paul Jackson, Gerad Hendriks to name but a few. There has obviously been a lot of hard work put into this book and it's one I would highly recommend.

I will do a  more detailed write up on this book later, but will end this post with a very big

*THANK YOU* to Robin. 

“Art on the Railing”

“Art on the Railing”

Ilford Art Society Spring Exhibition 2012
Saturday May 12th

A Parisian-style display of artwork along the railings of Wanstead High Street . Original works of art, many by established professional artists, will be on display and for sale by members of the Ilford Art Society.

Please come along, browse the art, chat with the artists about their work. We always welcome new members so feel free to ask any questions. There will be leaflets available for you to take away should you be interested in joining us.

Venue Address:
Wanstead High Street, London London, 

(Either Opposite Somerfields 

or just turn the corner into Woodbine Pl)

On:
May 12, 2012

Time:
09:00 am - 16:00 pm

* * * * *

 More information can be found by either visiting our website www.ilfordartsociety.co.uk 

or emailing us at info@ilfordartsociety.co.uk

 * * * * *

  

"Face of Africa"...SOLD.....

Face of Africa

 

    "Face of Africa"

 

Selected & Exhibited at the Mall Galleries by the  

Society of Women Artists

Shortlisted for the

Ken Bromley 

Cover Competition 2011

 

I was very fortunate last year to have had two of my paintings selected by the Society of Women Artists for their 150th celebratory exhibition at the prestigious Mall Galleries. One of the paintings "Wistful" sold at the exhibition. The other "Face of Africa" Sold last week as a result of the exhibition. I would like to say a special thanks to the Society for giving me the chance to be a part of the exhibition.

* * * * * * * 

* * * * * * * 

Make a Wish....Video...

Make a Wish

***

It is a long time coming and took quite a long time to edit as well. I didn't realise how hard it would be to video myself. Quite nerve racking at times, but at the same time so enjoyable. 

(Special Thanks to babasteve for generously sharing his photos)

I have made this in response to lots of requests from friends wishing to see how I work, especially painting portraits. Special friends that have supported me in my journey, this is for you with my thanks.

Make a Wish Video 

I've tried to share some of how I work in this video. Unfortunately because of the way I work there isn't any time to stop and change the angle of the video camera, or zoom in at various times. I also found once played back that I need to work on better lighting. it was quite a dark day, raining most of the time, which didn't help. It has left the painting a bit washed out, but i've shown photos of it at the end of the video which is nearer to the original. the other thing I found difficult was to talk as well, hence the music. Something else to work on for the next one.

*****

I work in various ways depending on mood and subject, this is one of the ways. Although you obviously need to learn techniques, I do believe a lot of it comes from how you feel. You need to feel what you are painting, which is what adds that something extra to it. 

I know this not a professional masterpiece, but I do hope you enjoy watching this and that it helps even a little on your journey in watercolours.

*****

I welcome you to join me on my Art Page on Facebook.

Ken Bromleys Cover Competition ....

I was so thrilled this morning to find I have been short listed for this years

Ken Bromley Cover Competition.

with my painting 

"Face of Africa" 

     This was one of two paintings, one of which sold, that had been selected for the recent SWA Exhibition at the Mall Galleries. I'm still thrilled to have been part of the Exhibition and to have been short listed now for this is fantastic....

***Face of Africa***

Vote Now! 
for your 3 favourite paintings

Ken Bromley Art Supplies Cover Competition

It's amazing how inspiring it is, not only to be in amongst such wonderful art, but just to look through the many different styles and levels of other artists who have entered. It always leaves me want to pick up my brushes or maybe something new and having a go....

"Time to reflect"

  I entered this competition a few years back with "Time to Reflect" and came 3rd. In fact it was the very first time I had entered anything. I have watched how the standard of entries has got higher each year and this year I think they are even higher. Looking at the entries I'm still amazed I even made it this far, I'm certainly finding it very difficult to choose my 3 favourites.

I would urge anyone, no matter what level or where you are on your journey to enter anything and everything.. As I've found out this year, you never know until you try... and you'll be amazed at how inspirational it is to have even entered....

SOLD "Sunday Morning"

I was thrilled to get a phone call to say that this painting had sold at the Dovecote gallery Summer Exhibition.  I hope the new owners get as much pleasure out of it as I did painting it. Thank you....

Since I last shared this painting on my blog it has had a little change to it, just a bit more detail to the newspaper and some touches to the face...Unfortunately I didn't take another photo of it. I also made a change to the title, previously it was "Morning News".....

SOLD.... at the Mall Galleries, London

...

Wistful

Sold at the Mall Galleries, London

.....

I was absolutely thrilled and stunned to see a red dot on my paintings, one of two that had been selected to be included in the SWA Society of Woman Artists 150th Celebratory Exhibition at the Mall Galleries.

 

Unfortunately I was unable to attend the opening as I was away on holiday, but a friend had told me on return that it had sold. I went up to see the exhibition on Tues as I also wanted to have the pleasure of watching Ann Blockley demonstrating. A fabulously talented lady who does wonderful things with watercolour and mixed media, and is so inspiring. What a wonderful day it was. 

The Exhibition runs until the 9th July..

So if you haven't visited yet you still have time. 

It's a wonderful and very inspiring Exhibition, 

and i'm so proud to have been part of it. 

.

Society of Women Artists 150th Celebratory Exhibition 2011......

Two paintings Selected......

I am absolutely thrilled to have had two of my paintings selected for the Society of Women Artists 150th Celebratory Exhibition 2011, at the Mall Galleries, London.

This is the first time of entering an international exhibition, so to say I am thrilled is an understatement. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the family and friends who have and continued to support and believe in me, without them I wouldn't have gotten this far.

150th CELEBRATORY EXHIBITION

THE MALL GALLERIES

LONDON SW1

1 to 9 July 2011

HRH Princess Michael of Kent is the SWA Patron, and will open the exhibition at the private view to be held on Thursday 30 June. The Exhibition then runs from 1 to 9 July 2011 (closing at 1pm in the last day.
www.society-women-artists.org.uk

The Chigwell School Charity Art Show.......

The exclusive Chigwell School will be holding a charity Art show from Wed 11th May. A combination of pupils art together with various art works from local Art Clubs, to be hung and displayed in the schools Art Gallery.  I was thrilled to be asked if I would like to submit 2 painting to the event.

All commissions on sold work will be donated to the Chigwell Riding Trust, which was the first riding centre for people with special needs in the world. It has been established in Chigwell for forty five years.

The private view and sales evening will take place on 

Wednesday 11th May from 6.00pm to 8.30pm. 

The exhibition will then open to the public

from 

Thursday 12th May to Friday 10th June. 

If you would like to view the exhibition, please email Mr Edwin Aitken (eaitken@chigwell-school.org)

to make an appointment.

* * * *

Flower of Dreams....Sold

I was so delighted to find my painting Flower of Dreams sold at the recent Essex in Mayfair Exhibition which was opened by professor Ken Howard OBE .

                                  This was one of those paintings that just happened.

  Flower of Dreams....SOLD

From a previous post:
"Starting with the centre of one, no pre drawing, just pigment & water, I stopped looking at the flower in my hand and merrily carried on painting....I was in another world for a while and my imagination did the rest. I think they still have a resemblance of Roses, but for me they are more of a flower of dreams"

Selected for Essex in Mayfair Exhibtion.....

I have had  all 3 of my entries selected for this Exhibtion....

Tonight we have the private view which will be opened by  
Professor Ken Howard OBE RA,
a truly great artist. It will be an honour to meet him.

The Exhibition is on for one week, so if you are in the area please come along, you'll not be disappointed by the amazing level of artwork on display.

"Wistful"

Pure Watercolour

by Stephie Butler

On display and for sale at the 

Essex in Mayfair Exhibition

Fire & Ice.... Voted favourite painting and SOLD

Last week I went along to our Art Society in Ilford for the AGM and Xmas celebrations. The last but one meeting this year.

We were asked to take a painting along, where they would be displayed so all members could vote for their favourite..I was so surprised and thrilled when Fire & Ice was voted in 1st place, and recieved a very welcome gift voucher for the local art shop. Thank you to all the members for this....

I then got an even bigger surprise from a gentlemen who had fallen in love with it and wanted to buy it....There is nothing more rewarding than to sell a painting no matter the price. the fact that someone admires your work so much that they want to hang it on the wall of their home is a feeling I can't describe.

This was one of the 3 new mask paintings I did for the my recent Exhibition and had become my favourite. I hadn't had the pleasure of hanging it on my wall yet and was sorry to see it go so quick, but seeing this gentleman's face when when I agreed to sell it some how made up for this. I knew it was going to home where it could be enjoyed and appreciated..

Kington Gallery....The Exhibtion

Finally getting a moment to catch up here and let you all know how the Exhibition went.  Well where do I start...It was an amazing time, a fantastic opportunity and a wonderful experience.

For any artist to have a Solo Exhibition is always a great opportunity and an honour. That anyone would want fill a whole gallery with my work was something I never imagined would happen, and meant so much. I have a special lady to thank for that. Janet Thomas, the owner of the Kington Gallery

, a wonderful artist and a true friend, and someone i will always be grateful too. 

*****

The Kington Gallery

4 Church Street, Kington, 

Herefordshire

HR5 3AZ

Phone 01544 231581   Email kington-gallery@homecall.co.uk

***** 

 

Click here to see Ruth's work

We spent all day arranging paintings, and re-arranging them :)...Ruth Harris, another wonderful artist and friend came along to support and help us, we wouldn't have got it all done without her...Huge thanks to you Ruth.

 
 

We had a fabulous 2 weeks with sales of both paintings and cards. 

To finish of the Exhibition I gave a demo of how to paint Portraits in Watercolour in a looser style, and what a wonderful day it was... I've always wanted to teach, to be able to share with other artists what i've learned so far, so there was nothing more rewarding than seeing other artists so inspired by the demo, they were eager to pick up a brush and have a go themsleves.

Janet kindly set up some tables with everything needed for them, what a fantastic idea and we had so much fun.. It all worked so well, as this enabled them to retain more of what they had learned as they are immediately trying it for yourself, so can ask questions while I was at hand.....almost a workshop as well..



I received such wonderful feedback from this demo on my teaching, which was so invaluable to me, as you always wonder if your going in the right direction. This too was another great opportunity for me and I'd like to thank everyone who attended.