Hold The Front Page! Mrs B Has A Newsletter!

 

I hope that you don't mind me mentioning, but a couple of months ago I started a monthly email newsletter.

Each month I'll keep you up to date with any Mrs B news, shop updates and any other shenanigans that might pop up.

So if you fancy curling up with a brew and having a good old catch up, please go to the sign up form at the bottom of the home page on my website.

x

Thank You September...

 

I took this photo on the morning that I nervously waited for my new Art & Design Foundation group to arrive at the beginning of the month.

It's the same every time, those butterflies in the stomach, even after twenty-six years!

September is a really important month for me, probably because it's a New Year in many ways for us teachers.

I feel so lucky to work part time with students who are on the cusp of their creative careers and adventures, it's such a turning-point in the lives of these future artists and designers.

This is the month that makes me reflect, as I talk to them about some of the fundamental aspects of living a creative life. I need reminding of these things too, it's so easy to forget.

The first statements that I always write on the board before the students arrive are:

1. Make misteaks.

2. We cannot give you the answers but we can give you the questions.

I must admit that sometimes I feel more like the Riddler and not the tutor, these two statements are the fundamental corner stones of being a Creative.

And even after all these years, as a tutor and a painter-textile-artist-person I still have to remember that it's okay to make it up as I go along!

So thank you September for reminding me about these important lessons, I shall miss you until next year ...

X

Back In The Studio...

 

Things have been pretty busy around these parts of late, my teaching has started again and I've been organising new bits and bobs for my shop in time for the Christmas run-up (eep!)

But after a while that familiar twitchy feeling creeps up on me and I know that I have to get out the paints and do something that's creative.

I had no plans for this painting but I had primed a panel ready because I knew that I would have to splash some paint around soon or I would go 'pop'!

I really enjoy making little Instagram stories as I paint, which really surprises me because I'm not one for being in front of a camera.

I think that it feels different though because I'm just talking and the camera is pointing at the painting as it develops - it really seems to keep me company as I'm perched on my rickety stool for hours on end!

For the majority of the time this was a definite 'Papa Bear,' but the bear's expression and personality kept shifting all the time (which is another reason why I love Instagram stories so much, because you quickly forget how the painting used to look).

One head scarf later, and she's really a force to be reckoned with - a true Matriarch!

I've still got lots to do, but I have thoroughly enjoyed painting this bear and I'm having such fun experimenting with lots of different media.

Wishing you a very creative week chucks X

PS If you'd like to see some of my (rather rambling) Instagram stories, I've saved them as highlights here.

Hastings (Part Two):

Directly across the road from the wondrous Made In Hastings shop is A.G Hendy & Co. Home Store

Every inch of this shop is beautifully presented and curated, it's like walking into a museum, and it's much bigger inside than it seems on the out.

I literally didn't know where to look next!

 I really, really wanted that wooden egg crate!

Just look at the ostrich feather dusters!

Sorry that I haven't written much this time but I think the photographs speak for themselves!

I hope you enjoyed our little mooch around.

X

Hastings (Part One):

A couple of weeks ago we found ourselves in the beautiful seaside town of Hastings.

We have never been there before so we arrived nice and early to have an explore...

 

There is so much street art, I cannot resist photographing it all, much to the annoyance of my poor family!

Look at these adorable dogs painted on the fake windows!!!!!

I am a sucker for a grubby seaside shop sign!!!

And then we turned a corner and we happened upon Made In Hastings. 

You know when you walk into a shop and it has that magical feeling inside?

I had read about this amazing shop a few years ago and it was one of the main reasons that I had wanted to visit the town.

To say that I was excited is quite the understatement!

(I can't show you what I bought I'm afraid because I did a little bit of Christmas shopping!)

Every inch was filled with delight upon delight...

I hope that you have enjoyed our little pootle around, I'll be back soon so we can look around some more!

X

Mrs B Has A Newsletter!

 

For a really long time I have wanted to write a Mrs B newsletter. 

Just something that you could read with a cup of tea and a biccy (custard cream for me please, natch!)

I thought that once a month I could let you know about any shop snippets, sneaky previews, workshop news and general bits and bobs.

I also wanted to make a monthly 'mixtape' on Spotify for you (I've already made the playlists for the rest of 2020, it's great fun!)

If you'd like to sign up you will also receive a welcome email with a free printable (but I'll leave that to be a surprise!)

You'll find the sign-up button at the bottom of the home page on my website here.

I'd also like to thank Leona from Indie Roller who helped me so much and to my fellow Rollers for all their support - cheers chucks!

I hope you enjoy reading your newsletter!

X

The Harley Gallery Open Is Open!

On Friday me and me hubby visited the Harley Gallery Open Exhibition.

It also meant that I could have a lovely catch-up with the fab Louise from Hope & Elvis because we were both lucky enough to have work selected for the exhibition. (Yay!)

I think that the curation is so impressive because there is such a wide variety of styles and disciplines on show, but there is still a sense of cohesion and 'visual flow'.

I loved this little painting of Kermit by Ashley Allen.

'Self Portrait From A Travel Card'

Alistair Mavin.

 This piece has a real 'wow' factor, both in scale and technical precision and dedication!

We were both a little bit excited to see our work on this sign!!!!

(By the way, just look at Louise's skirt.... love it so much!)

The artist herself looking at her two pieces of embroidered screen prints 'Toys 1' and 'Toys 2'.

Yay!

Big up Asher!!!!!!

When we visited, the winners hadn't been announced, but if you pop over to the Harley Gallery's social media you'll be able to see the winners (and very worthy they are too).

'Kingfisher. Blue Lobster' (Detail.)

Lucy Stevens.

I am a HUGE fan of this artist and it was lovely to see her work 'in the flesh', the colours and composition of her work is simply stunning.

'Aging With Grace' (Detail).

Isaac Hepworth.

I just had to show you a close-up of this, it's a huge portrait that has been created with pastel and coloured pencil - how amazing is that!

'Flamingo' (Detail).

Jo Morley.

Love! Love! Love!

(I have only included a few pieces from the exhibition because I don't want to show you everything in case you're visiting - hope that's ok chucks.)

Here's me hubby, acting all natural-like, next to my painting!

Ha! Ha!

Here's my little painting of 'Icarus' Sister'.

Then we had to end our visit with an ice lolly from the Harley Farm Shop (it's become a bit of a tradition now I think!)

So lovely to see you again louise, can't wait to come along to a workshop soon!

I highly recommend a visit if you can, there is also a beautiful gallery shop, farm shop, cafe and nearby garden centre if you fancy making a day of it!

Harley Open

1/8/20 - 1/11/20

(Please check their website for opening times etc.)