Blog 2: Where has the Summer Gone?

Subtitled, what do artists do in the summer holidays?

Thank you for reading this blog. I hope you are having a good summer and that you may find peace and refreshment. Its very hot here in Kent and a deterrent to many exertions! Suddenly I am aware that the summer is nearly over - schools go back next week and many of the things I planned to do remain outstanding. People say, as does the ancient book of Ecclesiastes, that there is a time for everything, so what have I been up to?

I had two weeks in beautiful Dorset at the beginning of July, and have been taking it a bit easier since. Saying that, I had a massive clear out and rearrangement of my studio, so I have more room to work on larger paintings on the back wall and to experiment with mono-printing. Because of the heat – a few weeks ago the studio reached 35C, and today 25th August is at 28C! – it took me over 2 weeks to complete. Now I am beginning to get used to the new space. Same size (14 x 12ft) but with an extra trolley for paints and other kit, move a cupboard and table, and room to paint again. Physical space also mirrors our mental and spiritual space - room to breathe and perhaps why many of us love being outdoors. What do you think?

Deborah showed me the basics of mono-printing in Cornwall and I decided to continue. So I have bought a book on printing and am playing around – different methods give such a new result in relief. Its what appeals to an abstract artist. I never could predict results as a therapist of course, and there would often be surprises, both encouraging and more challenging, same in art. I’ve also taken predominately inks and pastels out with the plein-air (outdoor) painting group on a Wednesday as its lighter and doesn’t stress my neck so much. The sketches can also act as inspiration for larger paintings -there are now two on the back wall in the early stages - see first photo on the left above.

It is all part of keeping the creative spark alive. I was listening to the actor Michael Sheen talking to a young female actor about her training. He went to Drama School and she learned on the job, but still has a Bafta. Whereas her friends were taught to analyse their every move and intonation, she has acted instinctively since she began age 7! I wonder if a similar situation might be observed in art colleges? The discussion roamed around the fact that the work we do includes our life experiences, the people we meet, the art we love, and who we are past and present. Having grown up in a loving, but quite strict home, I value my freedom immensely - to think, to believe, to create and express myself - to name a few. What freedoms or other qualities are important to you? you can reply here

The summer also brought checkups. Mine stable, my husband’s problematic, but its not clear what is happening at the moment. I can’t say too much now, but he has seen a consultant and is due further assessments for us to have a fuller picture. What it does do is shift priorities, and give the awareness of our need to enjoy things whilst we both can together. I am not painting any the less, but may not be able to plan as far ahead, or do as many exhibitions as in the past. I imagine some of you may relate to this from your own experience, and it doesn’t help me to think too much about the future -better to live each moment to the full.

So what am I up to!? In addition to time in Dorset and a few days out, we have been to several art exhibitions! No surprise there then.

Tate Modern for the Expressionists: Kandinsky, Munter and the Blue Rider: early abstract painters, many from Germany beginning a movement that has continued to be both loved and challenged. Its on until 20 October 2024.

Wells Art Contemporary: an annual exhibition during August, held in the Cathedral with some very thoughtful sculptures ‘Hear no evil…’ 3 sculptures for see, hear and speak no evil -timely given our current situation. Also 24 small books made in clay with inscriptions from the cathedral, testament to the thousand of visitors and worshippers since it was built in the 13th century, as well as 2D artwork in the cloisters. We stayed over for 2 nights and enjoyed wandering around England’s smallest city and the fabulous gardens of the Bishop’s Palace. I will post a few photos below.

Royal Academy Summer Exhibition: every year, in the news, know some folk who had work in this year, always interesting.

I have also been to a couple of Art Societies, in Cranleigh and Ansty, to demo abstract painting, and working with inks. We had a lot of fun. Two more bookings for next month. You can book me for a group through Art Profile here.

Next week, I will start back at the Fine Art Professional Development group in Sevenoaks - fortnightly in a peer group of 12 artists, run at postgrad level -a place to discuss, encourage challenge and otherwise support each other in art. Last year was great, this year I will be working a a new series of abstracts.

For another week, I have 2 paintings in Chatham at the Halpern Gallery. I have been longlisted in two national/international competitions this year. Am waiting for the shortlist of the Visual Arts Open 2024 to be published soon.

So time to relax, time to think and have a clear out, holiday, exhibitions and now back to painting and some writing this autumn. How was your summer?

Let me know what you think about blog no 2. Thank you, Elaine