Hello and I hope you are well. 2023 has been a good year, very exhausting but good fun. I seemed to have packed a lot in and it’s always good to look back and see what I have achieved. My work has been developing and in my last few pieces, I’ve been drawn to pushing the abstract nature of my work. I want to give hints of landscapes but with nothing too specific. I’m hoping that this leaves the viewer with the decision of what they see rather that signposting my intentions too firmly. As ever, it’s all about capturing moods and atmospheres.
Visiting the largest Vermeer exhibition
In May I was lucky enough to get tickets to see the Vermeer Exhibition at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. It was the largest collection of Vermeer’s paintings in one exhibition. They had gathered most of Vermeer’s paintings together from all over the world. The exhibition was excellent and I was able to get so close to the paintings. His attention to detail was fantastic and the quality of light in his paintings was breathtaking. Definitely a once in a life time experience.
In June, I took part in the SEOS for the second time. I love being involved in this event as it is a great opportunity to meet people and fellow artists. I had some wonderful conversations and it is always lovely to hear people’s responses to my work. I had turned my lounge into an art gallery and was joined by two wonderful creatives; Jan Beesley with her beguiling abstract photography and Jayne Luscomb’s beautiful silver and enamel jewellery. This year there was a great increase in footfall and we raised £218.50 for the Red Cross Ukraine with tea and cake sales. I will be taking part in the SEOS next year in June 2024.
In July, three of my paintings were chosen for this summer exhibition. The show featured 18 Sussex based artists and was at the Victoria Pavilion in Uckfield. There was a lovely range of work on show, from paintings to pottery. It is always a gamble answering an open call for a show and I was delighted to have my paintings included.
Limited Edition Fine Art Prints
In August, I took a leap and decided to invest in having a selection of my paintings turned into limited edition, signed art giclée prints. The big decision was which paintings to choose to turn into prints. I decided to work with my favourite paintings and will be adding to my selection in the future. If you would like me to create a print of a painting let me know and I will add it to list of prints to be made.
Gallery 35 At the beginning of September, a new art gallery opened in Cranbrook, Kent. Shirley Jenner, who owns the gallery, approached me asking if I would like to display a selection of my paintings and prints. Of course I jumped at this fantastic opportunity. The gallery is located on the high street and has a range of local artist’s work on display. It is a delightful venue and I’m so pleased that my work has been included. If you live in the area, do pop in as it is well worth a visit.
Crowborough Arts Open Studios
September was proving a busy month this year and for the weekend of the 2nd, I took part in this event. I was at Caroline Martin’s gorgeous venue. Along with Caroline’s beautiful abstract paintings, Yolande Beer was showing her distinctive pottery. We were blessed with fantastic weather and it was great to show my work further afield.
UK Fluid Art Events September 26th
This was a big one, the first ever UK Fluid Art Event. I helped organise the event along with fellow artists, Julie Vatcher and Monique Oliver. The aim behind the day, was to bring together fluid artists based all over the country. It took place in Newent, Gloucestershire. Throughout the day, I was running 3 flip cup landscape workshops. It was a massive task to organise but well worth all the effort. I must admit that by the end of the day, I was so tired that I could hardly speak and I felt like I had been run over. We did have a fantastic day and received some really lovely feedback from everyone who attended. We will be running another event next year. Watch this space.
Abstracted landscape courses 2024
I love creating landscapes and with my abstracted landscape course, I want to share this passion. You will use fluid art in an advanced way and learn to ‘pour with intention’. I will teach you to combine the wonderful paint effects you can achieve with fluid art into an abstracted landscape. I have tweaked my landscape course, aiming to provide a one-to-one course. This will give me the chance to really focus on your needs. However, if two friends want to take the course together, I’m happy to run it for two. I also sell Gift Vouchers for my course and these are valid for a year. All the details of my course are on my website.
Lastly, thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout the year. This support comes in various forms from purchasing my work, watching my Youtube videos to even just a ‘like’ on my social media platforms. Everything is appreciated and helps me to continue creating. Do take care and have a lovely Christmas and New Year. Chris x