Goings on at Gallery SCA

2012 brings a fresh approach to SCA

2012-01-18T12:32:00.002Z

Gallery SCA comes to you.

Is it to late for Happy New Year? What the heck, our best wishes to all for 2012. It feels a bit like coming out of hybernation right now, we have shaken off the flu bug (yuk!!) and done a few big stretches to get the blood flowing, we've looked back over 2011 and noticed how our burgeoning gallery has changed as it has grown, due in many respects to how you - our customers buy art. So we've hatched a few new plans. Here is the first one:

Try before you buy...
Viewing art in the gallery is a very different experience to to viewing art on your wall. By their very nature galleries are full of spot lights, large picture windows and painted in neutral colours. As a result the work looks fantastic. Often however when you get it home the picture just does not look right in your space. The lighting, natural light aspect, decoration etc has to be taken in to account.
Thats where Gallery SCA's try before you buy service is the first part of our new, FREE consultancy service and whats more we will bring the art to you at a time to suit you. This is just the first part of our new personal approach, keep an eye on the blog for more news over the next few weeks...

For distances greater than 60 miles round trip this service may be subject to delays due to logistics.

Autumn at SCA

2011-11-03T14:33:00.001Z

There's lots happening this Autumn at GallerySCA

Starting Saturday 12th November

The mulled wine will be on the hot plate and lots of fabulous new work to see from some of our favourite artists, including Julian Mason, J. Lesley Fisher and Erni Upton FRSA.

Julian Mason

Erni Upton FRSA

J. Lesley Fisher

We have lots going on for the build up to Christmas including Sculpture weekends, our very own Potfest, demonstrations and talks, along with special offers so keep an eye on the website and especially the blog to stay in touch. Print out this post to receive 10% off anything in the gallery on the Saturday 12th November.

Excludes any purchases made using OWNART interest free service

Ceramic insight

2011-10-19T16:05:00.000+01:00

BBC FOUR are currently showing an excellent series on British Ceramics essentially telling the story of our our place in the 'big picture' dealing with all aspects of contemporary ceramics as well as the historical side. It coincides with a major exhibition in Stoke on Trent about British ceramics. Its nice to know that several of our own gallery artists will feature in that exhibition and many others will feature in the Beeb's series. The link below will take you to the second episode in the series.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/i/b0162yb1/

Paul on top form

2011-09-21T14:37:00.002+01:00

Paul Priest (he of Ostinelli & Priest) gave a fantastic sculpture demonstration last weekend. We had an upgrade on the facilities as well!! I mean, how often do get to watch a masterclass in 17th century oak panelled surroundings...

Paul was on great form as usual, sharing all his tips and tricks

This rather handsome dog he built on the day will be raffled when he's been through the kiln

The one on the right and below is the -

'here's one I made earlier' ala Blue Peter moment...

Look out for more demonstrations coming soon.

SCA will shortly be starting art courses in all media with a whole host of different tutors so don't forget to register your interest soon if you want to broaden your skill base, try something new or just get inspired...

I told you we could post to anyware...

2011-08-11T14:28:00.002+01:00

Mant thanks to Peter Schorner for sending us these images from Vienna.

He was very apprehensive when I told him we could post a sculpture like this to Austria.

Although I was 100% confident it is nice to see the big fella in his new home...

The first step is choose the right crate and pack it in the right way...

The big bunny emerges from hibernation...

In his new home, luxury accomodation me thinks...

All I can say Peter is he looks fantastic and i'm sure he will be greatly admired

amongst your impressive collection. It's always a pleasure to meet such enthusiastic collectors.

10% off this Saturday - 6th August

2011-08-03T15:58:00.000+01:00

We're filling up fast...

New work is arriving everyday for the Summer show, print off this blog post and bring it along this Saturday to get 10% off anything you buy (excluding work bought with OWNART)

The latest delivery was from Penelope Timmis, lovely fluid vibrant work.

Pene is one of the hardest working artists I know, and it's no surprise that she has recently been elected both a member of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists and the Society of Women Artists, both accolades she richley deserves.

But theres plenty of other artists to see as well. We're bursting with new ceramics too.

So why not come and see us on Saturday, the weather is going to be rubbish anyway, and dont forget to print this off, you just never know...

Carolyn's gone all painterly

2011-08-02T13:18:00.001+01:00

Carolyn Genders dropped in with new work for summer today, and they are fab. The forms and patterns are trade mark Carolyn but some are a real step on in terms of layering and firing techniques. We have a real pot feast going on at the moment and they really add a new dimension. Come and see...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

No speech yippee!!

2011-07-26T16:05:00.001+01:00

Last night was the opening of the 45th Church Stretton Arts Festival, and as this years guest artist I figured a speech might have been on the cards, but thankfully David Mace opened the show and said some lovely words about me and the gallery and left me in the clear just to discuss my work with individuals. It was great to see so many of you there, I have some 20 pieces on show and some sketch sketch books and studies showing working methods etc...

Before the crowds arrived.

The picture on the right - 'last light on the tracks' is actually a winter scene
that I have been developing for some time maybe not ideal for a summer show but
I had to include it as for me its been a really successful piece, images on the website soon...

Eh up Gill's glass is dry, better get that topped up - thirsty work all this talking...

I never noticed how green the walls were when I was hanging the show...

The festival continues until August 5th http://www.strettonfestival.org.uk/

Never got to know you!

2011-07-21T12:19:00.003+01:00

This magnificent hare (2 feet tall!) by Elaine Peto has lasted all of two days on display. I will be shipping him to Vienna at the weekend. Elaine's work is always highly sort after...

Other work by Elaine newly on display includes this cheeky Saddleback...this rather noble ram...and this fantastic Guernsey cow & calf...
Posted by Jon...

On a wet Sunday afternoon:

2011-07-17T14:53:00.001+01:00

Jon got on with some painting with a little light entertainment from Betty.

Bomber behaved himself and stayed out the way.

I threatened to do a little tidying up in Jon's studio, but he insists it's his organised chaos so I left them all to it.

The house seems full it the moment of work waiting to go to the Church Stretton show. Jon has finished his frames -

and will start putting them together tomorrow. We have to hang the show next Saturday. Don't forget the P.V at Church Stretton school is next Monday evening from 7pm. Hope to see some of you there.

New on display...

2011-07-14T14:13:00.001+01:00

New work on display all the way from Sweden. I've just opened the box and wow! Fabulous new sets of tea bowls from Stefan Andersson each set comes in it's own hand made box, hmmm...

I was asked.....

2011-07-05T18:44:00.001+01:00

on Saturday by the Shropshire Art Society to judge their summer show.

I had a very pleasant hour in St Mary's Church looking at a wide range of art work and selected my favourite. That was the criteria set, nothing else, it's still on for another week so get along and see it if you can.

Remember the lobster painting that was being auctioned for charity? We found out recently that it raised £950,50 and was brought by the head waiter from the oldest Michelin starred restaurant in Britain, The Waterside Inn. I wonder if it's on display there? Might be a good excuse for a visit.

On Sunday we travelled over to Rufford which every year holds a ceramic fair open to the public. It was a glorious day in a great setting. We had lots of work to pick up and manged to speak to some artists new to us as well.

We collected work from Elaine Peto. You will see this beautiful hare in the gallery very soon...

Ready to go to Cardiff

2011-06-24T09:22:00.000+01:00

Jon has been busy finishing off his paintings and sorting out the frames ready to go to the Albany Gallery in Cardiff for their summer show. Having finished getting work ready for them he is now starting on a new set of work for our gallery. He has a show there in September.

This piece shows the under painting that goes on, it's finished nearly now and whilst the composition remains in place the colours are totally different. This one is for Church Stretton Arts Festival.

I've been playing in the pottery throwing some big platters and having a bit of fun with the surface finishes.

This gives you an idea of the sort of surfaces I'm after. I like the idea of light on dark.

And new work has come in from Jill Jeffrey's. She is a member of the Pastel Society and her work will be on show from next Saturday alongside new work from Gary Long and new ceramics from Emily Myers.

We are off this weekend to collect a load of new ceramics from some of our favourite artist's. I'm really looking forward to it!

On Sunday...

2011-06-06T11:48:00.000+01:00

We had a private view in the gallery with the artist Carol Baker. Carol is a fantastic landscape artist and brought her touring show of paintings of Scotland to the gallery. It was an opportunity for anyone to meet Carol and she showed her sketch books and discussed with visitors how she developed her work.

While that was underway I took a little time out to do some throwing in the pottery, the big one would make a great salad bowl, it's about 25cm high. I've been having a bit of fun playing with the slips aswell.

And for breaks I got my cobble patio's underway in the veg patch. I wanted somewhere for my little table and chairs. I love placing the cobbles but I need to be faster before the sand and cement mix dry up!

And this one dug more holes in the garden whilst this was all going on!

This week.....

2011-05-22T14:42:00.000+01:00

we got some beautiful new jewellery to sell. It is made by a lovely lady called Hajeong Lee who is Korean and used to run her own jewellery shop in Korea. She is working over here now and I was amazed how fine and beautiful this jewellery is. It is all hand made in porcelain and has exquisite details. Here you can see a collection of necklaces and earrings.

And here hair pins - I used to use these when I was a student but mine were plastic, I never found any this precious.

Jon has been busy out and about collecting images and sketch's from around Church Stretton ready for their art festival.

These images are from either side of Caer Caradoc on a windy and sunny Sunday morning.

This piece has been finished but I'm not sure if it's going to the Albany Gallery in Cardiff or the Arts Festival, I'll let you know.

I really love this painting which is being completed now, it has a real peaceful feel to it. I think it reflects the fact that Jon is getting up really early to paint. He loves the peace and quiet at the start of the day. (5.30ish - far too early for me)

We have had some new work delivered by Paul Priest who posed nicely for the camera. I will get a couple of good shots of the rearing horse he dropped off, it's massive! Paul is going to do a demonstration for us later in the year. He is an amazing hand builder - I'm really looking forward to learning how he does it.

And any free time is being used to sort out our new raised beds. Jon has put up a temporary fence to stop Betty digging in them. It's too late in the season to put in some of the veg I want to grow so I'm going to get a couple of great flower beds going this year instead and plan properly for next year. The flowers around the house are out in full bloom.

Betty is getting bigger and faster all the time. She has started doing that mad spaniel thing of racing around in circles for no reason what so ever - the rest of us just look on, hoping she will wear herself out!

Just before it got busy.......

2011-05-07T11:29:00.000+01:00

I manged to get a set of photo's of the gallery set up for the new show.

It is a great mix of work in both style, scale and form.

Above are small thrown sculptures by Pam Salter

and below is a set of three bowls by Vicky Shaw.

I managed to get some pieces finished in time aswell.

Some were smoke fired, here they are emerging from the ashes...

We have some large thrown forms from David Jones which are really striking.

As always we have wine and some nibbles out for the P.V.

Jon had a small stash of some recent work

ready to go to the framers. I left it out for the PV, it look quite nice tucked under the window.

And a new sideboard from Cleo Fallows with a great design on the front - court jesters in dance and conversation -

"does my bum look big in this!"

"you dancin? you askin?"

And this beautiful image comes from the centre of a thrown platter by Ben Brierley, the colours are amazing, created in a woood fired kiln.

I really enjoyed the P.V, it was great to have so many old friends together and to see so many customers on the night, it got really hot in the gallery. We ended up spread outside and on the grass!

'We're only here for the vino!'

Final deadlines.

2011-05-04T11:12:00.000+01:00

I've been making some small pieces which I'm firing now and Jon has been finishing off several paintings for various destinations, both of us have been getting ready for Friday night.

I have sawdust fired a few pieces. I have always enjoyed the subtle effects it creates especially on red clay.

And these two have been having lots of walks to try and wear them out!

Whilst walking Jon has been drawing and collecting images ready for his next set of work.

The next deadline for Jon is the Church Stretton Arts Festival. I imagine he plans to keep a lot of the work local to here for that exhibition.

Getting ready for a P.V

2011-04-04T10:47:00.000+01:00

The next private view at the gallery is on Friday May 6th and Jon and I are both getting ready for it. I've started working on a few small pieces and Jon is finishing off a few images.

The show is loosely based around students and lecturers who have worked, or are still working at the School of Art and Design - University of Wolverhampton. I studied my B.A & M.A in ceramics there along side Ben Brierely and Emma Rogers. I think all of my lecturers are showing and lots of former students who are still making and working. These three paintings are by Jan Brewerton, Jan did her foundation at Wolverhampton and is now married to Andrew Brewerton (obviously!) who was Dean of the Art Faculty.

Latest work

2011-04-01T11:24:00.000+01:00

New paintings arrived yestarday from a chinese painter. He lives in China but was here visiting his daughter and popped to show Jon his work. He studied western art at university and these paintings are an interesting mix of two cultures. I think they are beautiful. The photo's do not do them justice!

Jon is painting an unusuasl subject for him, a lobster! He has been asked to donate a painting to a charity art auction taking place at the Dorchester in London. All of the top Michelin star chefs are going to be there and some are cooking the food so there are a method to the maddness!

Apparently as he is donating a piece of work we could attend the evening but unfortunately, for me at least it's on a school night! I'll take photo's when it is really finished, he has only just started.

My pottery

2011-03-29T09:37:00.000+01:00

We have both been working hard finishing off my pottery and it's now ready! I can't wait to start playing in clay again, it's been a few months since I've had the time or space.

It feels like a great space and the stove should keep it really warm in the evenings. Hopefully I'll have work for the private view opening on Friday 6th May.

Found a space for this large painting by Jon in here as well.

It is a year or so though since I've had a throw on the wheel!

Jon has been painting in his studio as well ready for shows coming up.

There's a certain young lady keeping him company in here, Betty is finding all sorts of bizarre places to sleep, last night it was the bottom shelve of the trolley!

I'll post images of work as it gets completed.

New Cards

2011-03-24T09:44:00.000Z

We have had some of Jon's paintings turned into cards which are now for sale in the shop.

He has chosen some of his favourite work, some of the original paintings have sold, some are still for sale!

This piece is a small 'sketch' , Jon is developing this into a larger painting.

This is a beautiful watercolour painting, Jon does a lot of working out ideas in watercolours.

This original has sold. It was completed in pastels, the colours are fantastic.

The Gun ride has sold but Jon still has the original water colour which is beautiful. He painted it really early in the morning after we had camped the night in this spot near by Haughmond Hill

This was a particular favourite of mine, initial ideas were painted and collected whilst we were on holiday in Wales with friends.

The back of the cards have the details of the original painting and if it has been reduced show the image in it's normal composition.

Come and have a look, there are eight in total and the colours and textures are much stronger on the actual cards than they appear here!

Work underway!

2011-03-21T14:56:00.000Z

You can see Betty here helping me with the garden, she is very good at digging - just not quite in the right place!

Jon has started painting in his new studio. He is finishing a piece ready for this show at Ford, he has to give the oil paintings plenty of time to dry before they can be framed.

Everybody showing was asked to relate their work to the collection 'A Shropshire lad'. It's open to the public Saturday and Sunday days - ask Jon for details.

It's all local artists who are showing, lots who have shown with us so I am really looking forward to seeing everyone at the P.V.

New arrivals!

2011-03-16T12:09:00.000Z

As promised a few examples of latest work by Jon, he has been busy sorting out his studio but has been developing ideas.

I love the colours in this one, it's only a 'sketch' all be it in oil, we'll see which one's get moved forward into final designs.

New arrivals from Carolyn Genders - great shapes balanced with beautiful surfaces. Carolyn hand coils and forms her work and then layers up slip colours which she scratches back into once a little dryer. The final pieces are burnished to give a soft sheen.

Carolyn has written a book on surface texture and design which I use in my art department. A very talented lady!

And the last new arrival is our Betty! - Quite a handfull at the moment, once all jabs are done I'm sure she will be making appearances at Gallery SCA.

Bomber is not too impressed at the moment!

Time for a change

2011-03-07T10:27:00.000Z

We had a shift round last week and have changed the layout, Jon doesn't need to paint in the gallery now as he has a studio at home.

Our lovely Saturday girl likes it!

Jon has been inspired by having a new studio, he was up and out early collecting images, I'll get some photo's up this week of his current work in progress.

I also get to have a pottery! I have waited a long time for that.

We have been planning our shows for the remaindar of the year, a little late I know but we got distracted by a house move. First P.V of the year will be in early May with work from lecturers and graduates from the School of Art and Design at Wolverhampton. This will include Emma Rodgers, Mel Price, myself (if my pottery is finished) David Jones and Pam Slater and many more. I'll get some images up when I have the final confirmations. Right now though we have just hung a 'Works on Paper' show so you will find some stunning watercolours, pastels, woodcuts and etchings etc.

Home Improvements!

2011-03-03T16:08:00.000Z

We have acquired this lovely old fireplace for the gallery to help people envisage how the art work would look at home, that was the idea!

We could have sold the fireplace ten times over by now! It does have a certain charm to it.

Regular visitors to our gallery will have met our Bomber, he is shortly to be joined by Betty! Look out for her too!

Getting going!

2011-02-03T16:34:00.000Z

For January it's been quite a busy time but finally Jon has manged to get back to the easel and started some painting again. It seems like a long time but it's only been about two months.

I love it when he paints in the gallery, the smell of the turpentine he uses with the oil paints is one of my favourite smells.

When pressed ( blood out of a stone when he is painting ) Jon says he is exploring weather, the seasons and temperature though colour and composition at the moment.

Pop in and have a look to see what he is up too, I really like the preliminary sketch for Bardsey Island.

We have also had a delivery of work from Christy Keeney, these great heads held on wooden plinths. They have a real cubist feel to them.

We are slowly planning our shows for the year, as we get confirmations I'll post on here.

Phil Rogers

2010-12-20T09:10:00.000Z

We were delighted to be approached by Phil Rogers and asked to show some of his work.

We have a range of work, various sizes ans looking at them first hand the glazes really are beautiful. I remember looking at Phil's work when I was studying ceramics many moon's ago!

Saturday was a very busy and a very snowy day at the gallery, slippery underfoot and cold outside, still looks lovely though.

We ventured further out in the snow on Sunday and had a cold walk up Town Brook in Church Stretton, with hot chocolate at the top it felt really Christmasie.

New arrivals in the jewellery department

2010-12-11T18:02:00.000Z

We got a delivery of some new jewellery from Karen Warner this week. We have some necklaces in colours I've not seen before and they look great!

These necklaces are made with swarovski crystals and have hand made silver clasps.

The great thing about Karen's work is that we can order necklaces or bracelets to be made bespoke for you. You can chose the size, shape and colour of the crystals, the lenght of the piece overall and what type of clasp you prefer as well.

We have loads lighting up our Christmas tree.

I have one of these bracelets in clear and it never fails to get comments, they just sparkle!

The Christmas Show

2010-12-04T12:48:00.000Z

Work has been coming in from all over ready for the Christmas show.

Jon has been busy hanging everything all week, sometimes not as safely as I would like!

We have had new work in from Ostelli & Priest

and work by Francoise Dufayard has arrived. The black slip in her work is so intense.

Jon has loaded up the windows aswell so there is loads to see.

With the Christmas show we are offering everyone coffee, chocolates and mulled wine, it's nice to take your time looking around.

My favourite piece in the gallery at the moment is this polar bear by Emma Rodgers, I like the movement and the colours.

We did manage to get some time off last weekend and took ourselves off for a run in snowy Wales with the dog, it really was beautiful.

P.V at our place

2010-11-20T12:17:00.000Z

Last night we opened a new show of work by Emma Rodgers and Erni Upton.

Some really great pieces by Emma with a new mix of chocolate black clay and porcelain.

And some cheeky monkeys for the window!

Albany P.V

2010-11-13T16:29:00.000Z

Friday night we drove down to Cardiff to attend the opening of the Albany Gallery's 45th Christmas Show. Jon has work in this show and it was a good chance to catch up with Mary, Elizabeth and the rest of the team who run the gallery.

We stayed here at The Beaufort Guest House, I would recommend this place. I'll be staying here again!

From Beaufort you could walk into Cardiff centre, through the park or around the edge of the castle. The castle walls are lined with beautiful carved creatures from all over the world, this one is my favorite.

We had a look round the town centre early on Saturday morning before heading home. The atmosphere in the centre was great as later in the day rugby was being played in the Millennium Stadium: Wales v South Africa, South Africa just won!

Moreton Hall Art Exhibition

2010-11-12T08:13:00.000Z

This private school holds an Art exhibition every two years and proceeds from sales go to their Art Foundation, providing opportunities for their artistic students.

We arranged for the large hares by Emma Rodgers to be shown here along side the smaller version. They looked great set up on a plinth.

Even though I know them so well, seeing them from a different angle was fantastic. Unfortunately after this weekend they are off to their new home in Derbyshire. I should be happy we sold them!

The show was held in the school hall, they had a lot of work on show and some of it by artists who have shown with us.

This is a bull by Emma in clay which was also at the exhibition. Emma's show at Gallery SCA opens on Friday evening - our P.V runs from 5.30 - 8pm.

Day Off?

2010-11-07T17:07:00.000Z

Sundays should by all accounts be rest days but it does not always work like that!

We started the day with a run on the Long Mynd with Bomber, whilst here Jon always takes photos of the weather to use in his work.

After that a visit to the gallery to get things ready for a Christmas display. We have got in some minature wooden Christmas trees which can ordered at any given height. I found these great minature bubbles to hang off them. I adore the mixture of colours!

There are also wooden decorations to hang off them. They are made from eco friendly wood supplies.

To decorate around the base of a large tree in the window I've saved a collection of hand made glass ware from the makers Sanders & Wallace. The perfume bottles are great and come in so many diferent colours.

Only 7 shooping weeks to go!

When is a print not a print?

2010-11-05T13:55:00.000Z

We have work in at the moment by the Sudbourne Print Society. There are some great pieces! I particularly like St Paul's by Derek Chambers. This is a lithograph print.

When Jon was at the Own Art meeting last week they made a point of saying that the opportunity to buy a piece of art work interest free does not cover giclee prints. There was a little confusion over this.

A giclee print is a print produced by an electronic printer, even if it has a few hand finished touches it does not come under the heading of original art work.

Traditional printing methods however are covered by the Own Art scheme as they have been hand produced by the artist. The number of prints from an original block or surface can vary and this does reflect in the price.

Underneath is a woodblock print by Jonathan Kauffman. He is very clever in the way he uses the grain of the wood to his advantage in the production of the print.

To find out more about tradional printing methods look here.

Francoise Dufayard ceramics

2010-11-05T13:30:00.000Z

We are getting work together ready for our Christmas show which is always a mixed show.Work is coming in from all our favourite artists and we will be receiving some work from Francoise Dufayard which we are really pleased about.

We saw Francoise demonstrate her techniques at the International Ceramic Festival a few years ago and since then have brought a few pieces ourselves. She is a brilliant thrower/maker and compliments this with really strong finished surfaces, they have an almost painterly effect.

Looking forward to displaying this in the gallery!

Delivery Days & Open Evenings

2010-11-03T13:38:00.000Z

Loads of time gets taken up with these two things!

Jon does a lot of driving around, collecting and delivering work. This week has been particulary busy with two deliverys of his paintings for exhibitions.

Firstly to Cardiff, to the Albany Gallery for their 45 Year Anniversary exhibition, we plan to attend the private view for this show.

You can see some of Jon's work at The Albany Gallery here

And today Jon has an early drive to Oswestry. He is again dropping off some of his paintings for the Moreton Hall Foundation Exhibition.

We will be attending the opening of this show as well!

Ostinelli & Priest

2010-10-30T12:15:00.000+01:00

From London to Cornwall via a quick meeting with the lovely Gaynor from Ostinelli & Priest.

One of our customers had comissioned a pair of hares and we arranged to meet Gaynor Ostinelli at a services on the M4 to get these pieces delivered asap!

Pick a favourite!

2010-10-30T11:35:00.000+01:00

We always end up with favourites in every show.

Currently on display are four figure paintings by the artist Gary Long. This one called Nude III in oil is Jon's favourite.

When we went to meet Gary in Cornwall we got the opportunity to see his studio space. He paints from real life at least once a week and teaches life drawing at Falmouth University College of Art.

I studied here as well many moons ago!

You can see more of Gary's work here.

This is my current favourite, Navagero, one of Jonathan Kauffman's wood cut prints. This one interests me in particular because of the sharp lines of the boat contrasting with the movement of the water and the calmness of the image.

We have also got Annabel Thornton showing with us, for a short period of time her hare pictures are here sitting next to Emma Rodgers 6 foot hares!

All change!

2010-10-29T18:35:00.000+01:00

Busy day today - Jon met Mandy Molby, wife of retired Liverpool footballer Yan Molby in Liverpool to donate one of his painting to a charity auction for Claire House Hospice taking place tomorrow night. This is a children's hospice on the Wirral.

Jon donated a painting last year and raised £450.00 for Children in Need. I'll let you know how it goes this year.

While he was swanning around up there I spent the day re arranging the gallery to accommodate the work of three artists, Jonathan Kaufman, Maggie Banks and Annabel Thorton.

Jonathan's wood cut prints are exquisite, the way the grain of the wood is used to enhance the image is amazing. His use of composition is fantastic as well.

Annabel uses layers of colours and marks to develop her striking images. Tomorrow is a full day P.V so another busy day!

Off for inspiration!

2010-10-28T18:11:00.000+01:00

We had a fleeting trip to London this week. Jon had a quick chance to get some inspiration.

Not only from the Tate Modern but also the amazing weather!

We had to drop off work back to the Mall Galleries for the Pastel Society but found time to relax as well.

Jon spent the Monday with the Own Art people, learing the ropes, we should have this great scheme running in a couple of weeks.

I spent the day in the V&A Museum looking round the new ceramics displays.

My favourite area in the V&A though is the cast rooms, I find them fasicinating.