Associate Member of The Society of Women Artists

I can't tell you how thrilled I was to receive a letter back in May to inform me that I had been elected as an associate member of The Society of Women Artists. I have a great admiration for this society and have been submitting work each year, each year being fortunate in having some work selected for their Annual Exhibition at the Mall Galleries in London, along with selling each year.

The Society has a limit of 150 members so to be part of this is such a great honour. Each year of being selected has been a great achievement in itself and made me even more determined to work harder for the next in the hope one day the dream will come true. This year it happened and it still feels somewhat of a dream. With all 6 paintings being accepted, three will be hung at this years exhibition.

I find inspiration on a whole new level since submitting work into various exhibitions, even though on many occasions not succeeding. The initial feeling of disappointment, wondering if it's all worth it and wanting to give up soon changes to a renewed determination to succeed, with the realisation that my work needs to be of a better standard if I want to make it, so I begin again. This in turn leads you into experimenting, pushing your boundaries that bit further each time. I would always encourage any artist to do this, keep trying, dreams do come true if you work hard enough. 

Selected for Mayfair Art Exhibition

I'm absolutely thrilled to have had three paintings selected Essex Art Club and to be showing in Mayfair again. I have been busy doing various things of late, but this is one exhibition I do my utmost to enter. The Essex Art Club is one of the two Art Societies I belong too, a wonderful inspiring and friendly organisation

Above are the three paintings that were selected. These will be for sale along with some unframed original paintings in the browser. In a while I'll be off to help hang the Exhibition, another experience I'm very much looking forward too. Do try and get along to see the exhibition during next week if you are in London, it's a lovely gallery with a varied collection of contemporary and fine art. See previous post for details.

 A very special thanks to both  Steve Evans and Rita Willaert  for the use of their wonderful photographs as ref for the portraits.  Please take some time and enjoy browsing through their work. 

Essex in Mayfair ... Art Exhibition

Essex Art Club
Patron: Ken Howard OBE, RA, RWS, ROI, RBA, Hon NEAC
President Tom Coates: RP, PPPS, PPRBA, PPNEAC, RWS, ROI

Presents it's 114th Art Exhibition.

Selected works of art by the members of the Essex Art Club.

 

 www.essexartclub.co.uk

The Essex Art Club is a long standing society having the who's exhibiting members having included artists such as Sir Winston Churchill, Sir Frank Brangwyn and Sir Alfred Munnings.

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.

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. 

Selected for Exhibition..

Essex in Mayfair

Two Paintings Selected.....

I am so delighted to have had 2 paintings selected by the Essex Art Club for the Essex in Mayfair Exhibition.

After much encouragement and persuasion from some wonderful friends I finally entered my first Exhibition. The standard is very high and I didn't for one minute think I would get in. So to have 2 out of the maximum 3 selected, and it to be my first time is even more special, I am so lost for words. Along with this I have also had 6 browser mounted works selected.

I will be attended the private preview  tonight, Monday 14th, and the Exhibition will run for 1 week until the 20th June. It would be fantastic to see anyone there if you are in the area. There will be a wide selection of work and media by some amazing artists, so you won't be disappointed.

I want to say a special thanks to all those friends who have been there, continually encouraging and made me believe in myself, especially over the past year. Pat & Chris Southcombe who have made this a special year for me, Joanna, Cathy, Melissa and Cindi to name but a few...and a special thanks to my partner Dave who has stood by me through so much...