somerset art weeks now open

The exhibition at Somerset Art Weeks opened on Friday evening (18th September). After two days of frantic hanging of paintings, we had a very relaxing private view accompanied by the lilting sound of latin guitar with the duo "de la luna" . In the photo, they are flanked by Steve Morris's chicken paintings.

The exhibition is in a 18th century congregational chapel (Rook Lane Arts) in Frome and I am exhibiting along with six other artists - Claudia Phipps, Carolyn Finch, Steve Morris, Sue Spurrier (my mum!), Alison Bundle and Sarah Fraser. It is an amazing space - very contemporary in a very old building. We have had lots of children visiting who have enjoyed our quiz and adding to our collage in the cafe.

Mulberry (who is a white park cow painted as a result of the jeep ride in my last blog) peeks out at you as you approach the doors of the chapel. At 150cm square he is quite a large beast. I am hoping someone comes who loves cows and has a very big house.....

Jeepers - a bumpy ride

I've had an exciting week visiting some Somerset cows ready for Somerset Art Weeks.

In Beckington, near Frome there is a gorgeous herd of organic Jerseys at Ivy House Farm. Geoff, the farmer introduced me to the bull of the herd with the caveat that Jersey bulls are known to kill the most people of any breed. I thought I would steer clear of him.

The cows were much more appealing to mingle with, although they did like to be scratched and want to lick my camera, which wasn't very conducive to taking photos of them.

Later on, after avoiding an torrential May downpour, I ended up near Street at Sharpham Park where Roger Saul has a gorgeous herd of White Park cattle. Marcus, the farm manager, offered to take me to see them, but I ended up driving the farm jeep (which is a first for my cow painting career) down a very soggy mud track. The cattle have the most astounding horns, which I was told they have no problem in using to protect their calves in the first few days after birth. Marcus was very kind and watched that those horns came nowhere near me as I crouched taking photos in amongst the cows.

I can't wait to paint them now......

Let the painting begin

I've got to get painting!

There are two big exciting cow exhibitions this year - the first is at a beautiful renovated chapel in Frome, Somerset (Rook Lane Arts). I am exhibiting with five other local artists ( including my mum!) in this amazing space. I can paint some really huge canvasses to fill the walls.

The second is an exhibition at Baxters Gallery in Dartmouth under the careful eye of Sarah Duggan, the owner. Her gallery is always full of quality pieces and I hope to paint some quality cows to add to her collection.

The last bit of excitement is that I might be getting a new studio - with some windows !!! It might revolutionize my painting - we'll have to wait and see.....