OR
thoughts while enjoying the autumnal sunshine
Thank you to everyone who came along to my exhibition at The Church Street Gallery in Saffron Walden which finished last Saturday. I haven't been to collect the unsold prints yet or check exactly what sold . . . I was a little disappointed with how quiet the gallery has been, but then again I'm not sure what I expected to happen. Should I have waited until I had done lots of new work just for a solo show? Was it silly to agree to putting together an exhibition in only a few weeks?
Probably best not dwell on 'what-ifs'. A good number of prints including a framed 'Winter Evening in Bull's Wood' and lots of cards sold. And I've had some lovely positive messages from friends who did visit the gallery.
The past couple of weeks have felt like a watershed – between getting all my existing prints framed and exhibited and moving on to work on something different. I so want to do something a bit different! Is that a normal reaction after an exhibition?
And now for something completely different . . .
CUSHION COVERS
I'm introducing some printed fabric items into my online shop, starting with these printed linen slip-on cushion covers.
I have kept the price to enough to cover the fabric printing/making up the covers/p&p plus a little extra (after all I'm not giving stuff away!)and have decided to only sell them direct from my online shop rather than offer them at a trade price to shops/galleries.
I'd like to add further designs to the range, I can get the fabric printed in very small quantities and re-print the popular designs. Any feed back or suggestions of which of my designs you'd like to see adapted for cushions would be most welcome.
WATERCOLOURS
Some of you will know that I've wanted to get back into the habit of doing watercolour sketches. I very much want this to be a habit that becomes a small part of every day (not sure this will happen but the intention is there).
Earlier this summer I decided to treat myself to a brand new box of watercolours . . .
Earlier this summer I decided to treat myself to a brand new box of watercolours . . .
of course, I had to start by doing this . . .
and after a slow start I'm gradually re-engaging with painting . . .
I have rules -
no pencil or eraser allowed
the Ginger Studio Assistant got bored and didn't pose for long!
discovering that limited time is actually good
not worrying about just painting over bits that went a bit wrong
and discovering that my car makes a good studio while out and about.
I haven't painted today
. . . and the sun is out! . . .
Celia
xx
PS: it may be sunny BUT it is VERY WINDY!!!
just done, still wet
today's watercolour -
the view beyond our garden.
PS: it may be sunny BUT it is VERY WINDY!!!
today's watercolour -
the view beyond our garden.
Beautiful creations of an artist :) glad to hear you sold several items during the exhibition Celia. And it's good to yearn for something new, keeps the creativity flowing.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Time away from watercolours has made me more confident with them - strangely.
DeleteAnd I love doing the digital artwork for the fabric designs - nerdy techie stuff!
Celia, how glad I am to have had a late lunch today, and to have been checking blogland while waiting for the just-made potato soup to cool. Otherwise, would not have seen this brand new post from you so quickly.
ReplyDeleteI can understand your post-exhibit thoughts, and think you are doing some wise thinking. I loved seeing the images of your new prints online, and so wish I could see them in person.
I think that your cushion covers are splendid and that they will be very popular.
It's exciting to see your watercolors! I know what you mean about no pencil...although I admit to a bit of a cheat when I do my Christmas teacups...I use some light markings with Derwent watercolor pencils.
Do be on the lookout for an email from me later on today. xo
Thank you for your comment Frances. I'm really loving doing the watercolours!
DeleteHope your soup was good, I could have done with some after doing that painting late yesterday afternoon - the wind was biting!!!
Beautiful watercolours Celia. I love the spontaneity of them, how you have captured each moment. The dark dove grey colour is lovely. All very inspirational, like any naturally talented artist, you make it look so easy. Would love to be able to paint even half as well!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lisa. I'm trying to work fast so I don't get distracted by what the finished picture will be.
DeleteThe dove grey colour is Payne's Grey, every watercolour box should have some ;-)
I love your water colours - dabbled myself this summer and appreciate that they can be a bit tricky!!
ReplyDeleteYes, damn tricky! You have just go for it!
DeleteCelia, I think that is probably a normal reaction after an exhibition, which was splendid by the way! Your cushion covers and watercolours are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteA few people have said that. It must be what everyone feels, except for the ones who are too pompous to admit it.
DeleteLovely cushions and really great watercolours. It's always nice to have a creative change of scenery, I think it's a natural reaction for your brain to seek out something fresh.
ReplyDeleteYes, I think it must be. The exhibition nudged in then dominated my mind like a huge parked juggernaut! Glad it's driven off now.
DeleteThank you for sharing this on Facebook.( I'm lazy about searching out blogs to read now since google reader died)
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about needing a change. And about trying to discipline yourself to paint or draw each day. You are an example to us all...such lovely results from your watercolours. Thank you for sharing them.
Thanks for dropping by and for your comment. I've added your blog to my Bloglovin list - but it doesn't make it easy to leave a comment especially if I'm reading it on the iPad.
DeleteLove the cushion covers. Am surprised that the ginger studio assistant didn't offer to help with the watercolors by adding a few paw prints.
ReplyDeleteThank you Terry. He was outside and just walked off! Cats are so unco-operative!
DeleteHi Celia don't fret it's the normal reaction! The trouble with solo shows is that you invest so much emotional and physical energy into them that at the end it feels a bit of an anti-climax and a void is left.Think everyone needs a break from time to time to just play and enjoy their art ...I was having the same conversation with a printmaking friend yesterday! Interesting also that both of us have also dabbled in paint as a relief(!) from printmaking and it has now become a significant part of our work! I find after a few paintings I'm really desperate to make a block again! Have fun, enjoy and be proud. Your show looked wonderful! x
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, your comment has made me feel so much better and 'normal'. Yes, I'm starting to think about new prints already :-)
DeleteBut I think I'll also stick with the painting and see where it takes me.
I simply love everything! I keep meaning to get my watercolours out again and actually do something with them. I am so glad you got going with your new ones.
ReplyDeleteI loved your work at the gallery, it looked super. I think it's always hard after any exhibition, especially a solo when you haven't another artist to mull things over with at the end.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're having fun and success with the water colours, it's good to have a break and try other mediums; there's never enough time just to play and do different things.
Great cushion covers!
I loved your exhibition and your watercolours are sensational.
ReplyDelete