opposites attract

This a painting I have finished in the last couple of days entitled opposites attract. I find it hard when a gallery wants images for press releases four months before the exhibition starts. I am having a solo exhibition in May at Sarah Wiseman gallery entitled Birds and bunting. This will be the largest body of work I have ever had to produce but i am very excited about it. it will include drawings, collages and paintings



I wanted to mention the touring exhibition called Folk art and fairytales. Ten artists, including , Su Blackwell, Julie Arkell, Jennifer Collier, Rachael Howard and Jayne Lennard are exhibiting work which is based around storytelling, narrative, literature, poetry, fairy tales and folk art. It includes works made from metal, papier-mâché and textiles, as well as ceramics and jewellery. Here is the work of a few who are exhibiting.

Lowri Davies

Lucy Casson

Samantha Bryan

I will be back in a couple of days with some more great finds!

xx

It's TOASTie in here!

Everything is taking twice as long as normal so far this year. I had a strict diary/timetable planned for January and according to that I am 2/3 weeks behind, which is why I haven't been around much. You see, these blogs take me far too long, I haven't quite cracked it yet....I am also the worst person for getting distracted, and finding distractions! I can spend hours every night reading blogs, leaving comments and writing emails and something will have to change. Though I love it so my work load is suffering. I have new work coming in daily and I am way behind. Also, I am really excited that I am in talks about illustrating a childrens book and the time I am spending on this every night I need to start working on that. So for a while i will just be posting on a Wednesday, it will be a big one but just now I can only afford to spend one evening a week on it. I just need to get my head down for a bit .

I will leave you today with a few things I love this week!

people will always need plates.

Elly Wall ceramics







The colour combination in this print by Atelier Lzc (I pretty much love everything they do.)






This print by Beci orpin is on my wish wish wish list (I secretly think I am getting it for my birthday)

Wallpaper, I wish I knew where I found this I have just written "wood paper" in my notes?!?

and the wonderful world of Julie Morstad.

and finally the Toast sale, It is quite unbelievable!!!!

Goodnight, I'll be back soon xxx

I'm ready....

.....and waiting. I hear that snow is coming. My friends have it and I want it. If I wake up in the morning and there is snow I think i just might pee my pants. I have an important meeting tomorrow and won't be back for a few days. Good things are happening, I may be able to share soon. Also, little Miss Sunshine comes out tomorrow on Dvd, this film is heart warming and bittersweet and sent me on an emotional rollercoaster, but ended with me laughing out loud and crying simultaneously, go see! xxxx

This is a detail of one of the four commissioned paintings on Cornwall. This is Penzance including the Jubilee pool (an art deco masterpiece). I am still working on them even though I was hoping to have them finished last week. I can't show it all as I know the couple read this blog so just a sneaky peak I'm afraid.

I got shampoo in my eye today in the shower after swimming. I haven't done that since I was a kid. I know now why I used to scream! xx

Hygge

I love buttons so much. On my recent trip to London I could not help myself in Liberty, I just had to buy a few, they have some beautiful ones. The thing is I never do anything with them. At the moment they just sit in jars and bowls and tubes everywhere waiting for jobs.

So anyway......

I had a revelation today! I have never felt completely happy in my studio since moving in 18 months ago. I didn't ever have the time to paint it white properly so I have the remnants of a toddlers sky and clouds inspired bedroom. I really need to redecorate and reorganise but it is such a big job there is just no time at all at the moment. I know I should really make the time as it is the space i spend at least 10 hours a day in there it really should be as important as the rest of the house.

So what happened? What revelation?

I lit a candle!!!! That's all, not just any old candle but a 'never a dull day' candle a dear friend bought for me. The smell is Vine tomato, and love it so. It reminds me of greenhouses and Summer and on a day like today, that has not stopped raining, smells and hopes of Summer are more than welcome. I thoroughly recommend this candle, it is a bit pricey but worth every penny, the added warmth and light just finally made my studio feel like home. It has most definitely changed my mood today and my studio is 'Hygge' at last.

This is a Danish word that I have been brought up with. I don't think I have ever been to my Mum's house without there being candles lit and a real feeling of Hygge. For a really good explanation of the word, go here or here. This is also a great shop in London, and this is one of my favourite blogs. So there we go, Hygge in a nutshell!

And finally, this wonderful piece arrived today from the lovely Julie at Handmaid. It is so much nicer in the flesh and I have just the place for it. So a very good day was had by all. Thank you!

Oh and I nearly forgot last nights Joanna Newsom was magical. She is so so talented, her voice is truly unique and sounds more sophisticated live than on her albums. She played with a full orchestra which was mesmerising. If you have the chance to see her on this tour, go see, you will not be disappointed if just for her kooky nature and performance. Goodnight folks.

Smell Summer! xxx

"Happy harbour"

We had a weekend of entertaining and visiting so last night we cosied up for a couple of films. My choice was June Bug. I have been wanting to hire this for months, seduced by the cover. DO judge a book by its cover. What a charming little film. It is character based film where the main character is an art dealer who is going to meet her in laws from a quite different culture for the first time. I loved it. Some of the stills were art themselves. So recommended. Then we watched Miami Vice. At this point I promptly closed my eyes and fell asleep!!!!!!!

Tonight, I am going to see the lovely harp playing, talented singer that is Joanna Newsom at The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester. I think it's going to be wonderful, I will let you know. Until tomorrow x

More spiced tea vicar?!?

Hello everyone and welcome to the International tea party, organised by the fantastic Risa.

I bravely posted a photo so here I am having my first cup of tea of the day from my favourite little mug by Royal Copenhagen. Lo and behold I realised I don't own a proper tea cup. How utterly un English of me!
To make up for that I am wearing my favourite Orla Kiely teacup wellington boots to the party.

Later I am going to serve some spiced apple tea (dead easy) in these Moroccan style glasses from Ikea.

SPICED APPLE TEA
Makes 6 glasses
Ingredients:
2 pints boiling water
3 tea bags
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups 100% apple juice or cider (cider is nicest!!!!)
Cinnamon sticks

Directions: Add tea bags to boiling water. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags. Stir in sugar until dissolved. Add apple juice/cider and reheat. Pour into mugs. Add a stick of cinnamon to each.
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!

and I am longing for this lovely cosy by one of my favourite embroiderers Poppy Treffry

I would love a nice slice of cake or a biscuit or two but NO I am on a major diet so that in six months time I can fit into a wedding dress in July.
I hope everyone is having fun, off to finish some painting. Warm wishes to all xxx

Wine?

Come join the virtual tea party tomorrow. To find out more visit Risa's blog. This vintage illustration is delightful. I'd like a glass of wine rather than tea I think!

`There's PLENTY of room!' said Alice indignantly, and she sat down in a large arm-chair at one end of the table.
`Have some wine,' the March Hare said in an encouraging tone.
Alice looked all round the table, but there was nothing on it but tea. `I don't see any wine,' she remarked.
`There isn't any,' said the March Hare.
`Then it wasn't very civil of you to offer it,' said Alice angrily.
`It wasn't very civil of you to sit down without being invited,' said the March Hare.
`I didn't know it was your table,' said Alice; `it's laid for a great many more than three.'
`Your hair wants cutting,' said the Hatter. He had been looking at Alice for some time with great curiosity, and this was his first speech.
`You should learn not to make personal remarks,' Alice said with some severity; `it's very rude.'

See you all tomorrow. Project catwalk has just started again. That is it now every Thursday for me. There are not many programmes I watch but I love this!xxx

Sara rocks

I have just been sorting through our photographs of Paris that remind me of this.

Sara Fanelli, one of my favourite illustrators......ever!

She fantastically combines drawing with collage with such charming results. This book Pinocchio, is my favourite book of hers, they are all amazing, but this is pretty thick and has 190 pages of illustrations.

Off to spend the rest of the evening on the sofa after a very productive but tiring day!

Goodnight x

Sky high

It is getting there......slowly, the sky has so far been about six different colours and I am still undecided on the dark after looking at yesterdays post where the sky was not yet started and white. There is something missing, something is not quite right! I included this photo mainly for the surroundings for Lesley (not the greatest work spaces) such mess! It has to be a weekend project for me I honestly can't think straight with so much going on around me. Speaking of which, here is my monthly CD stack. I like to listen to the same albums over and over so that I am so familiar that I almost shut off and don't hear it anymore, it is just comforting sound and I can concentrate fully on painting. I could not ever live without music! Talking of which I have been singing Baby its cold outside in my head for weeks now!

Thanks Shari! I loved your version though! xxx

Back to work

It feels good to be back in the studio again properly, even though it is a real mess, I don't have the time to spend a day tidying it, because believe me it will take a day.

I have a commission going on at the moment for a couple who came to see me a few months ago. I am painting four 90x90cm based around Cornwall. The places are special to them and are of Marazion, Newlyn and Penzance. This is the final one which I am hoping to have finished in the next few days. Deciding on compositions has been dificult, the four are being hung together so have to be fairly different but still work as a set. I will show you all four hopefully by the end of the week. Thought you might like to see the process again.

Maybe needs a focal point? I might add a seagull perched on a boat. (Talking of perching I loved Lisa's post, and use of alliteration) This is just the first layer of paint, the sea needs either a darker or lighter shade over the top, but I will decide on the final colour of the sea when I decide whether the sky is going to be light or dark. To make these decisions about a painting I quite often need to be away from the painting and visualise it with my eyes closed. I have my best ideas when I am lying in bed in the dark, works for me!!!! :)

If anyone is interested I watched a film last night called Russian ark.
Since meeting my fella who makes films, I have learnt to look at films quite differently and really look at how it is made. Just as I would look at a painting or anything else I would look at how it had been constructed but I have never viewed film like this. So anyway, this is an amazing film as it is filmed in one shot! No editing involved at all, The ultimate directors cut. Imagine how difficult that is, 2000 actors getting it right in one 90minute sequence. It looks beautiful too and if you are interested in Russian history or Art it is one to watch.

The lovely Julie helped me out big time last night to finally get a banner put up here. I have been trying to figure it out by myself for weeks now and all it took was a simple email.......or six! Thanks again. I also treated myself today to one of her pieces she has up on Etsy. I can't wait to receive this from her. Lovely work!

Happy rest of Monday to you all xxx

Hello again!

Happy new year to you all! I hope it is a prosperous one for everyone!

I am feeling a little overwhelmed, confused and generally out of sorts so far this year. I have so much to catch up on I don't know where to start. If this year is as good as last then it will be amazing but I just know I have to be a lot more organised. I have exhibitions galore, commissions, solo shows, gallery stock ups and a wedding to organise. I am not at all being negative about it all just simply swamped. I know I need to start sticking to a routine and try not to be sidelined by reading blogs and generally spending too much time on the computer. Gosh it feels so good to write this stuff down, it feels the first step back into reality and my head is already clearing.

New Year in Paris was not really the dream I had hoped. Everything that could go wrong did. We were flying out on New years eve and our flight was delayed by 2 1/2 hours so we only just made it there in time for New year. We spent midnight up at Sacre Coeur but then there was real trouble in the crowd so we left rather scared and in a hurry. The following day the crowds everywhere were unbelievable so we didn't get to the top of the Eiffel tower. I didn't fancy a five hour queue, Sorry Sean. Then Tuesday when we had planned a day of galleries, they were all closed!!!!! Sean wanted to see the Mona Lisa and we had both been really looking forward to the Herge (Tintin) exhibition at the Pompidou. Most shops were closed too. So there we go, and there are so many stories I am leaving out.We can look back and laugh at least.

There were some really special moments though, like the Japanese guy that cut out this silhouette of Sean and I in one cut and just 4 minutes. We were in Montmartre and he sat us down and started cutting. People were fascinated and we suddenly had a crowd of about 40 people watching, it was so surreal but a lovely moment I shan't forget. The likeness is uncanny in parts and flattering but it is undoubtedly us! What talent this guy has and we only paid 10 euros.

I also discovered a fun little company whilst there called Madamemo. One of the dolls came home with me.
I am enjoying reading and catching up with all the New year blogs and it is helping me get back into the land of living as I feel the last couple of weeks have been a bit of a blur! It is taking time though. I really love 3191!, the new project from Mav and Stephanie, and I have my eyes glued to a few items on the Kim family auction. Go and check it out if you haven't already.

I spent yesterday tidying, organising and clearing my studio so now I am raring to go! Really!!!!

I may be back later with some photographs or tomorrow. Happy Friday xxx *Smiling again*

Happy, happy

Happy Christmas to each and every one of you. Thank you for the great support and kind words. This is just a short one to say that really. I have lots to do this evening as being Danes we celebrate tomorrow. To learn a little more about our day, go here.I can't wait to get dancing around the Christmas tree later in the evening. A very old tradition. Off to Paris for New year so I shall be back early january. Love to all, God Jul xxxxx

A walk in the derbyshire hills

How did she get there?

A walk in the hills

How did he get there?

too many marshmallows

My friend Amy spoiled me with this beautiful Tord Boontje vase cover for Christmas. I also got spoilt with two more books and an amazing Russian salt and pepper set. My batteries have run out for my camera. Not having too much luck with it at the moment. The books I will share with you tomorrow. One is really really special. My camera did not do this Tord Boontje vase cover justice so I had to use this one. It is just so delicate and will take pride of place on the mantelpiece when the decs come down.

Today I made this.



Boy did I have fun making this today, but feeling a little sick now. I'm afraid it was one marshmallow for the snow and one for my mouth. Without showing off it really does look way better than this photo in real life. It is sparkly and really colourful. New years resolution....buy a new camera!

Tomorrow is the second to last of my Christmas painting deliveries, over in Derbyshire. I am combining it with a little trip over to see my very best friend up in t'hills. We will do lunch and swap presents and talk and talk and talk and laugh a lot, its been too long!!!! I am trying to see as many of my friends as I can before Christmas as I have been rubbish and not sent or made a single card this year. It is of course much nicer to see people anyway, To those I don't, I'm sorry, you are in my thoughts. xxx

All wrapped up!

I am feeling a bit overwhelmed by everything at the moment. I had the greatest time in London with my Mum. We arrived, we dumped our bags, we headed to Liberty. Amazing, lights, wood, fabrics, smells my senses were working overtime. Several purchases later and one wedding outfit found, we surged on. We drank hot chocolate sitting outside, we ate Sushi, we went to the show at the Palladium, we found a charity shop open on the way home at 10.30 at night, we had a wee tipple outside a pub, we had very sore feet!!!!! Sore feet begged for comfier shoes on Saturday so a quick trip to a shoe shop was in order, a new spring in my step and off to Harrods food hall we went, we bought, we smelt, we walked for many many miles, we bought said wedding outfit, we went to a Scandinavian restaurant, we shared Smorgasbord and beer! We walked home. Portabello Road On Sunday, we bought lots in Graham and Green, we went to Spitalfields, we bought more gifts, we raced for the train, we played cards, we slept, I had a fabulous time Mum, hope you enjoyed your Christmas present weekend. Lots of love xxx

I have suddenly realised I am not at all ready for Christmas, or I am ready but I have so much more I want to do. I had an urge to bake today and have started some biscuits for friends. We are doing the rounds on Saturday, so we go bearing biscuits. For those who know me, know that the baking girl is the one I want to be butnever have the time to do more than cook dinner at night. I also have a gingerbread house to make before Friday for one little boy. I cheated and have bought the basic structure fro Ikea food shop but am planning to fill it with sweets and goodies and decorate the outside. This inspired me. I started wrapping presents this afternoon, I am good at makinga mess. I was wallowing in paper, ribbon, buttons and lovely stuff. But look at that floor!!! There was a little circle in the middle of it all for me!

I found this great paper in Hobbycraft. I thought I could make great cards with it and each persons initial as their gift tag. Also the paper you can just see under it is old wooden tape measures.

First few wrapped, many many more to go!

The soldier above is my favourite thing I own and I have two. My Mum gave it to me just last year but it has been with us for as long as I have been alive.

Sorry for the lack of photos of London, would you believe I forgot my camera. I also forgot it last night for the 80's night which I will have to tell you about tomorrow as there is lots to do still tonight. We were well and truly spoilt by our good friends. Thank you.

I hope people are enjoying this busy time for us all. It is hard to step back and appreciate the wonderful time that it is, but today whilst wrapping presents I have thought about that person for the 5 or more minutes it took. I smiled a lot!

See you tomorrow xx

Prawn cocktails and Campari?

I'm back from London, WOW! Had the best time! I will have to tell you all about it tomorrow as we are rushing out to an 80's dinner party at our very special friends' house. I can't wait to see what we are eating. Will be taking my camera for show and tell and we are also swapping presents and one lovely girl will be receiving this!

I have decorated my tree this year with my favourite colours. I am happy with it but somehow just doesn't feel like Christmas. Back to Red next year!

Until tomorrow xxx

These are a couple of pages from my sketchbook. This is where it all begins. As you can see there is a little more detail in these but the basic compositions derive here. Unfortunately at this time of year I don't get out there much, weather permitting, however there is something quite satisfying about rain splodged pages. I have hundreds of these sketches which I am considering getting mounted up for sale so watch this space. I definitely prefer them raw without colour but the colour can remind me what time of year I was there.

I am off to spend my night planning my trip to London. I am not normally so organised but this time there is so much to do and so little time and so many wedding dresses to see and try :) x

These are on their way to Wills art warehouse. They are doing so well with their Christmas show they have requested more. I may be sending more tomorrow depending on what I get finished tonight. It really is non stop. I am really feeling the pressure now and have made the decision to work crazily this week but wind it all up on Thursday night for Christmas. I have people to pay attention to, presents to buy, holidays to organise, cards to make, paintings for gifts to paint etc,etc,etc.

Reverting back to my older style. I love the freeness of painting like this.

We have booked the flights to Paris for New year. I cannot tell you how much I am looking forward to it. A few days exploring, discovering, visiting, but most importantly relaxing before a busy January beckons.

Bye for now! x