As I mentioned last month my entries for the Cork Street Open were my main concern this month. After being shortlisted for 2 paintings I was rewarded by having 1 of them hung in the exhibition a few weeks ago. This is the first painting I have had shown in a major London gallery and it has proved to be quite an inspiration to keep trying for other open exhibitions to see if I can repeat that success. I had a great evening at the Artist’s reception and was able to mingle with fellow exhibitors and celebrate with some close friends.
So, with that in mind I have produced 3 more paintings specifically for the ING Discerning Eye exhibition in October. These will have to be a little smaller that my usual 40 x 60 cm. format as the maximum framed size must be no more than 20”.
My mentor Paul has given me some invaluable advice and told me to look up last year’s winners on line and print out selections that seem to be on similar subject matter and then mix in prints of the paintings I have produced to see if they stand up to comparison in subject matter and visual impact.
I will let you be the judge and let you see what I have produced below – I hope the selectors think that at least one may be worthy of shortlisting. I have decided to submit 3 paintings again, of which 2 are of my latest ‘sky’ pictures and one of a lovely field of wild poppies that I could not resist trying to capture.
The other issue that has surfaced this month is that of continued studio space. The studios at Insight School of Art where I go at least once a week are up for rental renewal for next year together with fees for mentoring and I have to decide whether to carry on there or look for another location. If plans for a new studio/conservatory are realised soon then to some degree I could continue from my home base, but I have also applied to the Digswell Trust to see if I can join another group of local emerging artists and share a communal studio space nearby. This has the advantage of being part of another group of like-minded artists of various disciplines who would be a continuing source of inspiration and friendship, so here’s hoping!
One last thought – Paul has asked me to try a large set piece painting that would represent my current mode of work, so that is the goal for September, and I will write again next month about its progress.
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