Season's Shift...

It always surprises me,

just how much the seasons creep into my painting.

Perhaps I don't register the subtle changes in my day-to-day life.

That is why painting is so important to me.

Season's Shift.

Acrylic and Mixed Media on Plywood Panel.

50cm x 50cm.

A Visit To My Favourite Garden...

On our holiday to Cornwall, we visited one of my favourite places, the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Garden in St.Ives.

It is such a beautiful space, perfect for sketching and relaxing.

Even when it's crowded, it's still a calm and tranquil oasis of calm.

Everything has been left exactly how it was, I love peeking in the studio window...

This is the actual room that Hepworth died in, due to a tragic fire.

It felt a little bit eerie sitting here while I was sketching.

You can still see the smoke damage on the vase above the mantlepiece.

(Here's a fine example of my daughter helping me with my photography!)

This is the luckiest cat in the whole of Cornwall!

Here's one of my sketches...

Harrogate I Love You!

A few weeks ago we had a family trip to Harrogate.

The first place we visited was Space Vintage And Retro.

(As you can see the hubby was excited!!!)

Why o why didn't I buy the dinosaur dress!?!

(I have that Tretchikoff picture at home, I found it at a charity shop a long time ago for £5 and my parents thought I'd gone mad!)

When I saw this window display I had to buy the book because I'm obsessed with Baba Yaga.

'The House With Chicken Legs' by Sophie Anderson is a great read, even though it's meant for young adults I really enjoyed it.

And then, of course, we made the pilgrimage to Betty's Tea Room.

I must have gazed at that window display for a good fifteen minutes!

(If it's cauliflower shaped, does it count as one of my five a day?

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Anna Gillespie: 'Dwelling' Exhibition At Gallery Steel Rooms:

If you get the chance to visit 'Dwelling' by Anna Gillespie at Gallery Steel Rooms, I really can't recommend it enough.

When I opened the door, the atmosphere in the gallery space was incredible.

The figures loomed towards me, and I felt such a mixture of emotions as initially the figures felt imposing, but quickly seemed imploring, isolated, even though they are presented in a group..

This sense of disparity is palpable, and I was not surprised that this installation entitled 'What It Takes' explores the issue of displacement, and the political plight faced by refugees.

Gillespie's second installation 'Dwelling' explores the opposing theme of home and belonging, and reflects on her childhood home in the 1970's.

The very personal themes of vulnerability and of being trapped in a claustrophobic environment juxtapose dramatically next to 'What It Takes'.

I love the profiles and textures on these pieces.

I also became fascinated by their feet!

I couldn't resist sitting down and having a sketch...

What also struck me about Gallery Steel Rooms is how they support female artists.

I hate labelling artists by their gender, but sadly the representation of women artists is still an important issue that should be tackled in the art world.

Gallery Steel Rooms should be congratulated for their excellent work and exciting programme of exhibitions and events.

Dwelling.

Anna Gillespie.

Gallery Steel Rooms.

30/6/18 - 1/9/18