Media Today Online

Based in Barlow, Derbyshire, Diane Gilder has been creating wonderful pieces of textile art for many years. Design ideas come from detailed visual information collected through drawing and painting in sketch books and these are translated into wall hangings and framed pieces.

Diane has work in many private collections and has completed public commissions for Rotherham General Hospital, The Grange Home for Older People at Eckington and Gorseybrigg School, Dronfield. Rotherham Hospital also bought one of her hangings to take as a gift to their town twinned hospital in France.

The Art Room in Barlow, which is owned and run by Diane, is a unique space on the edge of Derbyshire a few miles outside the market town of Chesterfield. Nestling in a south facing corner of a newly created wild flower meadow, it houses a permanent exhibition of her work as well as hosting two textile art shows a year featuring the work of the Alive and Stitching group.

Alive and Stitching is a group of six professional textile artists who have been exhibiting their work together since 2001. Although they all work with textiles, each artist has a totally different approach resulting in exhibitions of an eclectic and dynamic mix of styles. See examples of their work on www.aliveandstitching.co.uk.

Committed to raising the profile of textile art, all members are experienced in working closely with clients who commission individual pieces of art work. These pieces can be found in homes, museums and hospitals around the country.

Built primarily as an exhibition space, the Art Room has become a micro learning centre over the past two years and it is possible to attend small workshops to acquire new creative skills in this delightful and intimate room. Some of the creative classes that are available are rag rug making, willow weaving, botanical drawing, book making, how to keep a sketchbook, picture making using hand or machine embroidery and how to be creative with your collected ephemera.

The Art Room is available to rent for suitable workshops and has a capacity for up to 12 people. Disabled lavatory facilities and parking are available as is a small but perfectly formed kitchen.

For more information visit www.dianegilder.co.uk, call 0114 289 0380 or email diane.gilder@btinternet.com

FAERIE-TALES
For Unique Sculptures.....
With an added Touch of Humour!

Through her company FAERIE-TALES Karen Williams is able to provide clients with unique, hand-crafted sculptures which reflect the spirit and character of the subject, rather than merely an accurate representation.

Karen is able to draw on her formal qualifications achieved at Nottingham College, as well as her experience gained over many years working in various mediums, as she explained in a recent interview:

" My work is all self taught and I deliberately avoided too much formal training so I could develop my own individual style. My sculptures are all ‘one-offs’ with no two identical. No moulds or patterns of any kind are used & no castings are made, so you are guaranteed to be getting a truly original highly collectable work of art."

For the past 8 years Karen has been able to take advantage of the tranquil, relaxed environment of her garden Studio to create unique sculptures made from recycled materials. Having then been treated to make them solid and weather proof, Karen's sculptures are equally suitable to peek out of a flowerbed or rest on your mantelpiece. In fact, Karen herself has some of the first few sculptures she ever made still in her garden.

"My sculptures are different from what most people think of as traditional outdoor sculpture. I work with wire and a variety of recycled material, including old jeans, t-shirts, curtains etc. The material is impregnated with a special established tried and tested resin that amalgamates and fortifies the material, which when it dries strengthens and hardens the sculpture making them suitable for both indoor & outdoor use all year round."

Karen's sense of humour is evident throughout the pieces of artwork she creates:

"Although you may imagine the sculpture to be delicate they are in fact quite robust. I hand paint the sculptures to look like metal, paying great attention to detail for example all the standing faeries are wearing large pants under their dresses. It’s amazing how many people have a sneaky peek under their dresses, so we really don’t want knickerless faeries….!!"

Happy to undertake commissions for sculptures ranging in size from 10” tall to life size pieces, Karen exhibits her work in galleries all over the UK and has also sold several pieces to the USA.

Although specialising in creating highly distinctive sculptures of Faeries and Pixies, Karen has also gained an enviable reputation for her work in producing quirky animals including dogs, hares, daft sheep, pigs.

Gloucestershire-based artist, David Brindley specialises in architectural and landscape compositions. His watercolour paintings of town, village and countryside scenes have become increasingly popular in the art world and demand has risen for his originals to be hanging on the walls of home owners and businesses in the local area.

David’s specialist focus on architecture and his particular attention to detail has seen him undertake many commercial and private commissions, including church paintings and village cricket ground views among many others. Capturing long lasting memories surrounding special buildings or places of interest, David Brindley has been wowing audiences with his unique watercolour originals for several years.

Architectural art enthusiasts can order original watercolour paintings of their very own home; a cherished reminder of the first home or current location, the quaint watercolours make for a superb surprise gift or anniversary present. David works from digital images that can be emailed or posted images, which can be returned upon completion.

Matchbox size originals are also available through David Brindley. The 10 x 8 cm designs make ideal gifts, greetings cards and advertisements.

Stunning handmade jewellery for all ages. Colourful, sparkly, and very light to wear. Each piece of jewellery is lovingly made using Mary's painted silks and reflects the light beautifully. Some jewelry is reversible with a different colour on the back. Perfect for special occasions like Valentine's day, Mothering Sunday, birthdays and Christmas - or just because it's full of colour, fun,and totally unique. Sparklyearrings, necklaces, rings, and more. There are also lovely sparkly cuff links for your Valentine.

Julie Spencer-Hunt truly captures the life and character of her subjects through her portraiture work and undertakes commissioned work from photographs and from life.

Julie has always drawn from her early years and this passion has grown to develop into a business, selling specialist limited edition and open edition prints and taking commissions tailored to the requirements of the client. The demand for Julie’s work has increased dramatically as has her passion and enthusiasm for the art movement.

Julie began sketching portraits at local fetes and craft fairs. However with increased popularity and demand for her work; today, a versatile artist, Julie undertakes portraiture work for a variety of subjects from children, pets and families to landscapes, seascapes and even fairies! Portraits can be requested in pencil, charcoal, watercolour, acrylic and various other mediums. Julie will e-mail the early stages of each portraits to the client, if they so wish, to show the development of the piece, resulting in a unique and personal lasting memory with a quirky likeness to the subject whilst being sensitive to individual needs.

Portraits can add value to the lives of subjects and their family or friends and can provide a lasting memory of a loved one, often more personal than a photograph. Julie takes great care to be sensitive to all your requirements. Prices on commissions are frozen until the end of February.

With the 2012 Olympics just around the corner and taking place on home shores, Julie is offering a special portraiture service. Clients can request and purchase a portrait of themselves or a friend on a windsurfer or taking part in another action sport: a unique twist on the common promotional material around for the Olympics but something that the subject will never forget. Its also the perfect time to order one of Julie’s windsurfing or kitesurfing prints to commemorate the Sailing Olympics.

Julie also runs adult classes and workshops, and has worked with children as well as undertaking portraits at schools, village fetes, craft fairs, weddings and other occasions.

Having built up an impressive reputation as a leading artist working with paint, either oils or acrylics, on canvas and watercolour on paper, Hilary Adair also draws with all sorts of different media, as she outlined in an interview for Media Today Online: “As well as painting I make prints, mostly etching with some silkscreen lino-relief and mono prints. I find that the two areas of painting and printmaking overlap and though very different are also complementary. If a painting equates to a novel, then an etching is more like a poem, with its own unique range of marks and textures.”

Both rich sources of imagery and mood, Poems & Music play a key role in Hilary’s artwork, an example of which you can see on her website: www.hilaryadair.co.uk where you will find some of her etchings of poems by Yeats, Frost and Coleridge, together with a watercolour based on Cavafy’s “Ithaca”.

Having spent time living in Greece, this exciting Mediterranean country influences much of Hilary’s work: “I have been connected with Greece for many years and remember clearly the first impact of that amazing light and the archaeology and casting Byron's name, as scratched by him, on the temple at Sounion and the sound of sheep bells and the scent of herbs underfoot.....it was all a revelation. I have made a lot of pictures of Greece, examples of which can be found on my website.”

It comes as no surprise to learn Hilary has carried out a number of commissions for private individuals, as well as iconic businesses, such as P & O which commissioned a set of 4 etchings based on Mediterranean images for their new cruise ship "Aurora"; with the Hilton Hotel and Intercontinental Hotel in Athens having both commissioned editions of silkscreen prints: “Whilst I am delighted to have my work displayed in corporate spaces, the individual collector is nearest to my heart.”

“Most of my pictures are available for purchase, with prices starting at £75 for small etchings and going up accordingly.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, OR TO DISCUSS YOUR INDIVIDUAL COMMISSION REQUIREMENTS CONTACT:

Hilary Adair
Painter & Printmaker
Conifers, Clanville Road, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5PD
Telephone 01643 708525
Email info@hilaryadair.co.uk

Caricatures by Chris Ryder

Chris has been working as a caricature artist for 10 years at venues throughout the UK and has steadily gained more and more popularity. Chris is a delightful lady who you will find a pleasure to work with whether it is at your function or working with her on your own project. She is based in the Midlands which makes her ideally placed for many locations for On Site work. Chris regularly works in Birmingham, Manchester, Solihull, Worcester, Shropshire, Stafford and London. She will travel to any location within the country.

If you wish to use Chris at a function you will undoubtedly find her charming. Not only is she skilful in her artistry but she is a very pleasant and socialable lady. Her caricatures are generally kind as you will see in the gallery which usually means that everyone is very pleased with the results. Check out her testimonial page to see the satisfaction of her clients. Chris is available for a variety of location work such as weddings, parties, special events, charity functions, corporate events, balls and dinners.

Chris appears regularly at the National Cartoon Festival in Shrewsbury.

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Brand new informative article coming soon

BARN GALLERIES is a family business founded in 1991 with our first exhibition, ARTSPACE. The distinctive rural setting of our ancient barns and gardens attract over 6000 visitors every year. BARN GALLERIES came about as a result of a passion for sculpture shared by Bridget & Ian Fraser, Lucy Irvine joined in 1995 as creative and artistic director.

Excellence has always been our aim: we only show work by professional working artists. We aim to encourage artists’ careers and to help clients to build informed collections of contemporary work. We show an exciting mix of established artists alongside promising graduates. We look for excellence and energy in artwork: it’s as simple and as difficult as that.

ARTSPACE in May, biennial from 2012, is our major event but we host a growing, vibrant programme of exhibitions and cultural events. Collect in the country – studio ceramics, handcrafted Indian textiles, Daler Rowney awards, retrospective for the renowned William Newland - all hosted by BARN GALLERIES.

We offer: opera nights, poetry readings, workshops for adults and children and en plein air painting groups enjoy days here. The Free Range Poets meet monthly; Summer Living charity fair in June; barn dances; film & television shoots –
We continue to expand our repertoire and become more ambitious every year.

Barn Galleries founded ARTSPACE INDIA in 2000 together with Bobbi and Mitu Mukerjee. With the assistance of The British Council, several ARTSPACE artists enjoyed cultural exchanges which continued until 2010.

Barn Galleries has curated many visual arts events elsewhere. For many years we curated the Riverside Gallery at the Henley Festival. Here we introduced large scale sculpture for the lawns, poetry to the programme, ran workshops for children and instigated the free of charge open morning for everyone. Barn Galleries also curated Sculpture Gardens for the Cookham Festival in the grounds of the John Lewis Partnership’s Odney Club, Cookham. We annually take space at London Art Fairs

The barns, built 1705-1715, surround the central farmyard and are typical of timbered Berkshire barns used for threshing and storage of grain harvest. Very few such barns now exist in their original state. The timbers may have come from the shipyard at Wargrave and one old section of timber threshing floor remains. High doors to north allowed laden wagons to enter then exit, unladen, via the low doors to south. The flint barn housed carthorses with a sloping cobbled floor to keep cobbles dry for horses and a hay loft above. Original smithy now demolished. A full history of these barns is available

Our flock of Black Welsh Mountain sheep graze happily, chickens, ducks, cats and dogs carry on with their days unperturbed by our many visitors.

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Mike Mosedale
London Cartoonists

Located just south of London, Mike Mosedale is a well established cartoonist and illustrator with a wealth of experience. Much of his time is spent working for newspapers, Advertising Agencies, Public Relations groups and publishing houses.

Mike studied Graphic Design at college in the late 70s and early 80s specialising in illustration. After graduating he set up a graphic studio with a fellow college graduate working for several years producing visuals, designs and finished artwork for a variety of clientele.

Over the years Mike was increasingly called upon to produce illustrations and cartoons. By the 1990s this became a full time occupation working for various local and national companies. His newspaper cartoons have appeared in the Times, Sunday Times, The European, The Economist, The Sporting Life, The Evening Standard, The Telegraph, The Independent and The Times Educational Supplement. His cartoon strips have also run in a wide variety of trade magazines. He has also illustrated numerous books and children’s sections of weekend papers, produced greetings cards, both seasonal and general for some of the major manufacturers and been commissioned to produce caricatures for the well known and now so well known, usually as company presentations for retirement, promotion or landmark birthdays.

Mikes cartoons range from spot cartoons, editorial cartoons, topical cartoons, teaching or educational cartoons, office cartoons, business cartoons, computer cartoons, medical cartoons and law cartoons. He also specialises in quick turnaround cartoons, usually being able to complete them in less than 2 hours!

For more information visit www.londoncartoonists.co.uk, give Mike a call on +44 (0)1435 872133 or email mike@londoncartoonists.co.uk

Garry Ravenhall portraits

Boasting over 30 years experience as a professional Artist, it comes as no surprise to learn that Garry Ravenhall’s distinctive artwork, dealing with subjects ranging from landscapes and portraits to more challenging figure compositions, is treasured in homes across the world from the UK to New Zealand..

Having graduated from the University of Reading with an honours degree in Fine Art in 1985, Garry moved to East Anglia where he has lived ever since. Over the years Garry has not only achieved a fine reputation for painting the Suffolk countryside and its people, but has also become acknowledged as a highly respected teacher of Art and Art History, a senior moderator in A level Art and an examiner in Art History.

Most of Garry’s work is painted on canvas or canvas board in oils or acrylics, although some of his smaller work, for example his landscape work from the Yorkshire Dales or the Lake District, was carried out in watercolour on watercolour paper.: “I occasionally use pen and wash and although my work is largely figurative, I also lean towards semi-abstraction at times.”

Garry welcomes commissions of all sizes, as he explained in an interview for Media Today Online: “Much of my work is painted to commission, with the project varying from notebook size for watercolour studies through to my largest commission to date, a painting for Ipswich Town Hall which was over 15 feet across.”

When it comes to pricing, the size of the pictures is irrelevant: “The price of the work will hardly be affected by the scale of the painting as it is just as time-consuming to paint a picture a few inches across as it is to paint one several feet across. The same love, passion, artistic experience and skill is applied whatever the size. A bigger painting simply calls for a bigger paintbrush.”

Having successfully completed a great many commissions for private individuals as well as corporate clients, Garry is able to draw on his extensive experience of painting portraits of people and animals, as well as landscapes to offer his clients unique advice to ensure the finished piece of artwork will not only meet their expectations, but in many cases exceed them.

With Christmas just around the corner what better gift to give someone special in your life than to commission a unique painting of their favourite pet, or a house, building or place that brings back fond memories. A wonderfully unique gift that will be treasured for many Christmases to come!

To discuss your individual commission requirements contact:

GARRY RAVENHALL – PORTRAITS
TEL: 01473 327 207
EMAIL: garryravenhall@hotmail.co.uk
WEBSITE: www.garryravenhall.co.uk

ALLAN WILLIAMS – Artist & Illustrator
Now Accepting Commissions for Pet Portraits

Recognised for creating artwork that engages the viewer at different levels, Allan Williams’ distinctive artwork is figurative, highly detailed and features illusionistic, or “trompe l’oeil”, effects.
Working mainly in acrylic or oils on canvas; water-colour and acrylic on paper; and digital prints from computer generated images, Allan’s portfolio also includes illustrations, cartoons and caricatures. Allan commented: “Some of my pictures could be termed “surreal” – particularly the ones that develop from a chance arrangement of images or those which are suggested by forms created by blowing ink across a sheet of paper. The puns in the titles reflect the deliberate visual ambiguity of the images. In contrast, other works are acutely observed renditions of nature, such as my paintings of Covehithe and Benacre.”

Based in Suffolk, Allan Williams has achieved an enviable reputation for his commissions, both for private and business clients; having recently completed a lottery funded project Before London 2012 in which he recorded the pre-development London Olympic site in paintings, together with portraits and sound recordings of older people who have lived and worked in that area.

Allan offers a unique personalised Portrait Painting service, allowing you to have a portrait painted in the style of a famous artist. Allan also paints house portraits - from town houses to country cottages. “What better way to capture that special moment at your wedding, or other special occasion, than with a bespoke portrait, which I can undertake from live sittings or photographs.”
Why not commission Allan to paint a lasting memento of your wedding day? Or commission him to paint your own, or a friend’s, house in oils or watercolours? Or you may want him to paint a favourite or unusual landscape. With prices starting at just £300 for a watercolour on paper, and £500 for an oil painting on canvas, here’s an opportunity for you to give a truly special gift this Christmas, that won’t break the bank!
Allan reproduces many of his paintings as limited edition giclée prints, signed and authenticated, many of which are for sale, as are his original paintings.

Allan went on to say: “I am delighted to announce the launch of my new promotion to accept commissions for pet portraits, so keep an eye on my website, www.allanwillians.net , to see some examples of my animal drawings and paintings. These unique works would make an excellent gift for someone special in your life.”

FOR AN INFORMAL CHAT ABOUT YOUR COMMISSION
REQUIREMENTS CONTACT:

ALLAN WILLIAMS – Artist & Illustrator
Tel: +44 (0)7791 308 673
Email: mail@allanwilliams.net
Follow Allan’s tweets at @awartwork
Website: www.allanwilliams.net

Teresa Bavington-Barber - Artist
commissions Welcome

By drawing on her natural artistic talent, Teresa Bavington-Barber has been creating stunning artwork for over 20 years. Self-taught, Teresa’s work consists of mixed media pieces ranging from landscapes to flowers, all of which are depicted in an array of textures, as she outlined in an interview for Media Today Online: “I am inspired by nature and have deep fascination with colour and texture taking my inspiration from nature and using a variety of materials to achieve my aim.”

Having diversified her artwork to include Stitch Pictures 4 years ago, Teresa has successfully completed commissions for both private and business clients in a wide range of subjects from portraits through to paintings of houses, businesses, as well as places that have a special meaning to the client: “I have recently completed two or three commissions to paint pictures of specific beaches which conjure up happy memories for the clients.”

Teresa added: “Whilst I am happy to visit the client’s home or business, I can also undertake a commission from a photograph of the subject or from colour swatches that co-ordinate with the room in which the artwork is to be placed. Armed with this information, I will then produce two or three rough sketches for the client to peruse and select.”

Whether you want a majestic painting that will reflect your company’s brand or you simply want a painting of your home for you and future generation of your family to treasure, Teresa can make it happen!

FOR AN INFORMAL CHAT ABOUT YOUR COMMISSION REQUIREMENTS
GET IN TOUCH WITH:

Teresa Bavington-Barber
7 Willoughby Road, Ipswich IP2 8AP
Tel: 01473 602006
Email: teresabb@ntlworld.com

TOM CLARK – STONE CARVER
Commissions Welcomed!

Boasting over 37 years experience as a master stone mason, Tom Clark has built up an enviable reputation over the years. His love of stone carving led him initially to become involved in monumental masonry; later going on to undertake an apprenticeship at Chichester Cathedral, which empowered him with the necessary skills to become an ecclesiastical mason, as Tom explained:

“I became self-employed in 1981 and over the years have worked on many large and interesting restoration projects including St. George's Chapel in Windsor, Westminster Abbey, The National Gallery, The Public Records Office in London and Ely Cathedral.”

It wasn’t until the early 1990s that Tom’s focus shifted onto the development of his own sculptural pieces, inspired largely by travels to India and Egypt as well as his love of medieval art: “My original designs sell to private and corporate clients worldwide and through a number of galleries across the country.”

Today, Tom lives and works in his 16th Century Hamstone house at Hurst Barton near Martock, Somerset, the grounds of which host a collection of workshops: “The Workshops have not only supported a number of collaborative projects I have undertaken over the years, but also provide the perfect environment for students who attend my courses in sculpture and stone-carving. Also on location is a Showroom where my sculpture and carvings are on permanent display and which also houses a select number of exhibitions through the year.”

Over the years Tom has successfully completed many prestigious corporate projects, ranging from small hand carved detailed Islamic tiles for a hotel project in the middle east, to sculpture work for a wedding chapel in Japan and two twelve feet high standing lions for a hotel foyer in Egypt.

This year Tom travelled to India where he gave children at the Hunar Ghar School in rural Rajasthan, advice on how to become a successful sculptor, as well as visiting Mr. Ganesh L. Bhat, a leading Indian Sculptor who had received the Karnataka State Award for his artwork.

FOR AN INFORMAL CHAT ABOUT
YOUR INDIVIDUAL SCULPTURE NEEDS – CONTACT:

TOM CLARK – Stone Carver
Hurst Barton Studio, Hurst, Martock, Somerset TA12 6JU
Tel: 01935 822833 Email: tom@tomclarkstonecarver.co.uk
Website: www.tomclarkstonecarver.co.uk

HELEN SLATER
Taking Glass Sculpture to another Level!

Armed with an MA (RCA) qualification in Glass & Ceramics from the The Royal College of Art, together with a BA (HONS) in 3D Glass & Ceramics from Sunderland University, Helen Slater combined this with her natural artistic flair to set about carving a name for herself within the art-world, specialising in Glass Sculpture.

Helen’s innovative designs have earned her commissions.for both private individuals and corporate clients, including The Cabinet Office, Private Companies and Universities. Helen is able to produce a variety of pieces from one off corporate awards, on an annual basis, to unique private commission for both interior and exterior, as she outlined in an interview for Media Today Online: “Through continually experimenting and developing my glass casting techniques I am able to tailor designs to suit individual preferences for any commissioned pieces, even down to colour matching the glass used to suit the setting.” One of the unique qualities of Helen Slater's work is that each piece is carefully handmade and totally original, no two pieces are ever quite the same.
Exhibitions at which Helen has showcased her distinctive Glass Sculptures include: The Affordable Art Fair, Battersea, London; Melting Point, Contemporary Applied Arts Gallery, London; Outside Art, Coventry and Blast, Zest Gallery, London.

Helen has also been able to draw on her past experience as a Lecturer at Oxford Brookes University, Studio Assistant for Rebecca Newnham, Glass Mosaic Artist, Part-time Lecturer - Middlesex University, together with her present job as Part-time Lecturer - Oxford & Cherwell Valley College to provide a wide range of Courses/Workshops on glass sculpture including:

Glass Drawing 1 Day Course: Students are shown how to produce an individual A4 glass drawing, together with mould making, packing and firing schedules required to design and produce a glass drawing, which can be displayed in a variety of ways; wall mounted, on a display stand or hung in a window.
Fused Glass - Make your own Jewellery, Coasters or Wall Hanging: This introductory course to fused glass is intended to suit anyone with an interest in glass. No prior experience of working with glass is necessary as the course caters for all levels.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON COURSES AVAILABLE OR TO DISCUSS YOUR INDIVIDUAL COMMISSION REQUIREMENTS CONTACT:

Helen Slater
Unit 19, Langston Priory Workshops
Station Road, Kingham, Oxon OX7 6UP
Mobile: 07763 117 492
Email: helenslaterglass@aol.com
Website: www.helenslaterglass.co.uk

GILLIAN HULSE

Designer maker Gillian Hulse has a studio near Wells in Somerset where she creates her collections of kiln-formed glasswork for the home. Her work ranges from large wall panels and curved arcs to bowls, dishes and small hangings. Gillian’s designs are often inspired by land and seascapes and feature night skies, gardens, fish and dragonflies. Her collections of more contemporary pieces demonstrate her love of sumptuous colour and intricate pattern.

Gillian’s commissioned pieces include panels for doors and windows, splashbacks, mirrors and tiles. She also specialises in house pictures which are designed to be wall hung or are also available as curved freestanding panels suitable for display on a table or window sill.

Gillian works mainly with Bullseye and dichroic glass and incorporates a range of different techniques which include the use of metals, bubble powders, glass paint and fibre paper. She frequently experiments with new materials and techniques to create different effects within her work. She is a member of the Contemporary Glass Society and also exhibits regularly with the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen.

Gillian will be exhibiting at
The British Craft Trade Fair in Harrogate
on 15th - 17th April 2012

Gillian is very happy to discuss making pieces to commission for your home or as a special gift. For more information about Gillian’s work please visit her website www.gillianhulse.com call 01749 679967 or email: gillian@gillianhulse.com

THINK…Unique, Handcrafted Model of your Pet
THINK…CHRISTINE WILLIAMS - MODELMAKER

Specializing in creating accurate scaled models which interpret our landscape, our heritage and the natural world, Christine Williams has earned an impressive reputation over the past 25 years for creating distinctive models, ranging from interactive topography, replicas and architectural reconstructions to larger than life experiences of natural history.

“My fascination with models began in my schooldays. At college I began using models to explain my ideas when studying 3 dimensional design. Going on to practice exhibition design, I used models to develop a design and usually managed to ensure the exhibition included at least one model. Eventually I gave in to my passion and specialized as a Model-maker.”

Christine also provides a highly professional Refurbishment Service in which she will clean, repair and upgrade existing models, returning them to their former pristine condition.

Whilst to date most of Christine’s work has been commissioned to be displayed in museums, heritage centres, wildlife trust visitor centres, zoos and aquariums, in a recent interview for Media Today Online she outlined her plans to launch into creating small models of pets and animals for private clients: “I am really excited about the prospect of extending my portfolio for private clients to include pets and other small animals”.

FOR AN INFORMAL CHAT ABOUT YOUR INDIVIDUAL COMMISSION REQUIREMENTS CONTACT:

Christine Williams
46 Beverley Gardens, Ashburton, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ13 7BN
Tel: 01364 652094
Email: info@willsmodels.co.uk
Website: www.willsmodels.co.uk

ANGELA PERRETT

Having successfully achieved a B.Ed. (Hons) degree in Art & Design at Southampton University, followed by 3D Studies at Rolle College Exmouth, Angela Perrett enjoyed a successful career as Head of Art at Glenmoor School Bournemouth, before undertaking a post as an Adult Education Tutor. After which she was selected as Head of Art/Head of Performing & Expressive Arts Faculty at the Queen Elizabeth’s School Wimborne; going on to encourage others to unleash their artistic talents as an Art Tutor on behalf of the Brain Support Injury Trust Pottery workshops.

By drawing on the wealth of expertise she had gained over the years, together with her natural flair and artistic talent, Angela felt the time was right to ‘go it alone’ as a professionally qualified artist who, as well as selling her own creative artwork, is also happy to accept commissions from corporate and private clients.
This year's ‘Open Studio’ was a great success, giving art enthusiasts an opportunity to see Angela’s stunning artwork in her working environment and you can view some glimpses of the work exhibited at website: www.angelaperrett.co.uk.
Angela explained: “I feel my work is best viewed in the place that it was created. Hillview Studio is surrounded by the nature that inspires a great deal of my work. The working environment enables me to explore paint/mixed media; glass and clay on an ongoing basis, the kilns being housed separately in a smaller studio.”
“Peering through the density of tree trunks to a backdrop of bright blue I notice the contrast of light on a carpet of leaves. I use my camera and sketchbook with minimal media to capture these scenes. Back in the studio, having gathered a wealth of visual material I begin to explore marks on a variety of surfaces. Time is spent with under-painting and then I return to my multi-layering processes.”
“Please come and visit me here to view the latest work and find out how it was created. Below are some of the other exhibitions where my work can be viewed.”

Highcliffe Castle, 15 September - 6 November 2011 as part of the 'Collections' exhibition

Peacock Gallery, Poole 6-21 November 2011 BAC Annual exhibition

Forest Arts Centre, New Milton 23 November - 21 December 2011 as part of the 'Themes from the New Forest' exhibition

ANGELA PERRETT
Hillview Studio, Linwood, Ringwood BH24 3QT
Tel: +44(0)1425 472462
Email: angandart@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.angelaperrett.co.uk

THINK………..UNIQUE, BESPOKE TATTOOS
THINK…….Gentle Mick’s Tattoo Studio

Gentle Mick’s Tattoo Studio ticks all the right boxes for people looking for unique, customised tattoos. Founder Mick Edwards has been a tattooist for twenty five years and his business partner, Rick Parker is also an experienced body artist of some nine years and together they have established Gentle Mick‘s as a leading tattoo studio, visited by many regulars, their friends and family.

The company undertakes work for customised designs, together with hundreds of flash work, which is displayed on walls of the studio. Rick added: “We are happy to advise and talk through your requirements with you.”

Gentle Mick’s Tattoo Studio also offer a full range of body piercings, using only top quality jewellery and complete confidentiality is assured.

As you would expect from such a quality-conscious organisation, Gentle Mick’s Tattoo Studio works strictly inline with current Health & Safety Legislation for all tattoo and piercing work carried out.

Therefore, it comes as no surprise to learn the company has built up an enviable reputation over the past 20 years for providing professional, quality tattoos to meet the client’s specific requirements.

AFTER CARE
In order to prevent infection and ensure you do not damage the tattoo, it’s vital that you carryout the following aftercare for your tattoo:

Keep the dressing on for 3-4 hours
Gently wash, then pat dry
Do not recover
Wash daily and apply a small amount of TATTOO GOO (available from us in the shop)
Do not scratch or pick the scab

Having relocated to bigger premises at 154 High Street, London Colney in November 2010, the company welcomes both new and existing customers. A new website is also being developed at www.gentlemicks.co.uk which will feature some of the company’s designs and work.

To avoid disappointment it is advisable to book an appointment as business is booming!

GALERIE BISSELL

GALERIE BISSELL ticks all the right boxes for art lovers looking for unique original paintings of wildlife in their natural habitat, created by the leading artist Lauren Bissell, founder of Galerie Bissell.
A member of the Hilliard Society of Miniaturists and Marwell Art Society, Lauren has exhibited her artwork in a number of galleries and is a regular contributor to the art exhibitions at Marwell Zoo Arts Society.

Born in Birmingham and now living in Bournemouth, Lauren is also a keen photographer, as she explained in a recent interview: “My paintings are based on photographs I have taken myself.”

Visit her website: www.lhbissell.com to see a wide selection of paintings of Big Cats, Birds, Mammals, Primates, as well as her interpretation of Canterbury Tales and spectacular landscapes including Stour Mist – the river Stour in Dorset and Stour Dawn – Dawn on the River Stour, Dorset.

Also on her website you will find her latest work including stunning paintings such as Sasha – a white Bengal Tiger; Little Red Who? – a Timber Wolf; Mtoto – a cheeky Chimpanzee and The Forlorn Hope – a delightful painting of a special moment being shared by a female Oran-u-tang and her baby.

As well as offering photo-realistic original paintings Lauren also sells prints of her unique artwork, which is available in oil, acrylic or watercolour.

In conclusion Lauren added:“I am delighted to have been accepted as an exhibiting member of the Artists for Conservation, the world’s leading artists group supporting the environment.”
TREASURE HUNT
SPECIAL OFFERS ARE AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE GALLERY
but you'll have to search the site to find them!
Lauren Hayes Bissell
GALERIE BISSELL
987a Wimborne Road, Moordown,
Bournemouth BH9 2BS
Tel: 01202 779 930
Email: emquiries@lhbissell.com
Website: www.lhbissell.com

Innovative Artwork & Print Workshops
Secure Top Award for
MARY GILLETT

Throughout the year, the Directors at Media Today Online select organisations that have best demonstrated a proven ability to go that extra mile in not only meeting but exceeding the needs of their clients. Therefore, in line with this philosophy, it gives us pleasure to announce Artist MARY GILLETT, has been selected to receive the ONLINE AWARD FOR ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2011, an independent Award Programme recognised both locally and nationally.

Media Today Online is always keen to bring attention to those who are providing a product or service that stands out from the crowd and deserves to be appreciated not only by our readers, but also by a wider audience.

Having studied fine art at Bristol, before going on to complete a PGCE, Mary then made the decision to specialise in printmaking on the postgraduate diploma course at Brighton. Mary has for the past 22 years lived in Devon, where she spent her childhood. It’s against this dramatic backdrop that she planned, set-up and resourced three innovative Print Workshops. The most recent being her exciting Tamar Print Workshop, situated on the edge of Dartmoor near Tavistock, close to the Tamar Valley - a World Heritage Site; from which visitors can explore the heart of Dartmoor, only a few miles away, together with nearby Cornwall, with its windswept beaches and coastline. Mary commented:

“Everyone is welcome to my Workshops - from accomplished printmakers to absolute beginners. I provide a supportive, inspirational environment where people from all backgrounds can learn new skills and develop their work in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Numbers are limited and so personal attention is guaranteed.”

“I specialise in etching and this, one of the most exciting of all printmaking techniques, is often the starting point for further exploration into other forms of printmaking such as monoprint, collagraph, carborundum, drypoint, and linocut.”

Boasting over 25 years' experience of teaching printmaking and renowned for her unique approach, Mary also works closely with schools, providing projects which experiment with various printmaking techniques and drawing or painting projects which put emphasis on, or incorporate, elements of the current area of study in the curriculum. “I run regular evening classes on Wednesdays and morning classes on Thursdays. I also tutor day sessions on various weekends and organise tuition for sixth formers and special groups by arrangement. Longer printmaking courses take place at intervals throughout the year. A list of attractive local farmhouse bed and breakfast accommodation is provided and there are plenty of places to eat out locally in the evenings.”

Having been singled out to receive the AWARD FOR ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2011 serves as a distinguishing factor, that ranks MARY GILLETT amongst the best in her field, as well as acting as a seal of approval to prospective art collectors.

A professional of thirty years and award winner at `Originals`, London`s largest printmaking show, Mary regularly receives glowing reviews from leading publications: “Her etchings of Dartmoor have a strength and a presence that allow them to stand forcefully alongside paintings, and they communicate their message in the most cogent way possible." (Jenny Pery, Devon Life).

Commenting on receiving this accolade, Mary went on to say: “I am thrilled to have been singled out for this award. It coincides with the current surge in people’s enthusiasm for printmaking, and I am very appreciative of the opportunity it presents to spread the word further about my printmaking courses, and about my own etchings and paintings.”

MARY GILLETT
Tel: 07817 165 856
Email: mary@gulwork.wanadoo.co.uk
Website: www.marygillet.co.uk

SCARLETT ART

Caroline Walsh-Waring manages to juggle her busy home life which includes her husband, 2 children, 2 black Labradors and 2 cats, with her successful career as an Artist, as she explained in a recent interview: “Over the 12 years of our marriage we have moved from London, to Jersey in the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and for 6 months in Meare, near Glastonbury and to Frome in January 2009. Since moving back to the mainland life has really taken off for all of us, my husband has started a new business as an Independent Financial Advisor, the children are settled very happily into local schools and I seem to be busier than ever with painting and exhibitions which is great but very time consuming!”

Having studied for 3 years at Great Yarmouth College of Art & Design, Caroline then undertook a 1 Year Foundation course - Studying several aspects of art and exploring different media including Interior Design, Graphics, Textiles, Fashion, Ceramics, Printmaking, Etching, Painting and Drawing, Photography, History of Art and Lettering. Added to this she also boasts a Certificate of Foundation Studies, A Level Lettering, Diploma in Textiles, plus spending four years at Wandsworth Further Education College where she Studied Still Life, Life Drawing and Drawing and Painting.; during which time she also went on tutored painting holidays.
With this wealth of academic qualifications behind her, it was in 2004 that Caroline took that leap of faith to set-up her own business Scarlett Art enabling her to work as a full-time artist.

“I specialise in surreal and abstract paintings and welcome commissions from private and corporate clients. Whether you have a boat, building or a particular view or place you would like painted I will gladly give you a free quote to complete the work. Prices vary according to the size and complexity of the work but you often find these things work out far less expensive than you might imagine.”

Visit website: www.scarlettart.co.uk to see a selection of Caroline’s original work, greetings cards or prints available to buy securely online, with prices ranging from £2.00 to £950.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Caroline Walsh-Waring
Scarlett Art
The Limes, 45 Keyford, Frome, Somerset BA11 1LB
Tel: 01373 452136 Email: scarlettart@btinternet.com
Website: www.scarlettart.co.uk

GEOFF HUNT
Marine Art

Acknowledged by Artist Partners Ltd as ‘one of the world’s finest painters of 18th and 19th Century ships’, GEOFF HUNT lives in Wimbledon: his studio is aptly situated on the site of Admiral Nelson’s housea at Merton Place.
Having gained his academic qualifications from Kingston and Epsom Schools of Art, where he studied Graphic Design from 1966 to 1970, on graduating Geoff gained hands-on experience working for a couple of years in advertising, before establishing himself as a freelance artist and designer.
It was Geoff’s love of ships that led him to take up the post of Art Editor for the popular Warship quarterly journal, from its inception in 1977 until 1979. As he outlined in a recent interview: “I find ships awesome, fascinating, and slightly frightening.”

1988 saw Geoff form a highly fruitful partnership with Patrick O’Brian, bestselling author of the ‘Aubrey-Maturin’ novels. Already well-known as a book cover artist, he went on to earn more widespread success through his naval illustrations which adorned the covers of these novels.
Through his research for paintings Geoff has become a leading authority on naval history and ship architecture of the period and has a special interest in the ships and commands of Lord Nelson. It comes as no surprise to learn that Geoff has forged a successful career exhibiting across the globe.
Geoff has undertaken a number of prestigious commissions over the years including that requested by Rear-Admiral John Lippiett, Chief Executive of the Mary Rose Trust, to paint an artist’s reconstruction of Henry VIII’s famous flagship. The painting was finally completed in January 2009 after nearly 200 hours of extensive and meticulous work.
Most of Geoff Hunt’s work is created to commission but occasionally there is a piece for sale from the studio. Geoff is a member of the Royal Society of Marine Artists and the Wapping Group of Artists and regularly exhibits with both societies.
Details on commissioning an original work from Geoff Hunt and illustrations of a wide range of his limited-edition artist's prints are on the following websites:

www.artmarine.co.uk
www.mysticseaport.org
www.marineartists.co.uk
www.mallgalleries.org.uk

Geoff's latest book, The Sea Painter's World, has just been published by Conway /Anova Books (www.conwaypublishing.com)

Mike Mosedale
Cartoonist & Illustrator

The chilling impact of the credit meltdown and resulting recession sent shockwaves throughout all sectors of the marketplace affecting businesses of all types and sizes; with some of the country’s leading businesses having ‘gone to the wall’. Despite the recession being officially over, many businesses are still struggling to keep one step ahead of their competitors. One way of getting a message across in simple terms is to use a cartoon, as founder of London Cartoonists, Mike Mosedale explained in a recent interview:

“I’ve worked for a number of years for newspapers, magazines, advertising agencies, design groups, public relations companies and clients direct. As an extension of editorial or political comment, a small pocket cartoon works just as well as a series or larger colour cartoon can promote a product or service. Turnaround for the finished product, can now with modern technology, be very rapid. “

Mike is able to draw not only on his academic training in Graphic Design, specialising in illustrations, which he achieved in the late 70s and early 80s, but also on his natural artistic ability:

“Having graduated and taken time out to travel, I then set up a graphic studio with a fellow college conspirator, which was based south of London. Following which I enjoyed several fruitful years producing visuals, designs and finished artwork for a wide diversity of clients.”

Mike has successfully completed many prestigious commissions in the past, with his Newspaper cartoons, which for the most part are apolitical, though often topical, appearing in prestigious publications such as the Times, Sunday Times, The European, The Economist, The Sporting Life, The Evening Standard, The Telegraph, The Independent and The Times Educational Supplement. Mike’s innovative cartoon strips have also received acclaim, having run in wide variety of trade magazines, ranging from motoring titles, Travel, Law and medical and insurance: Mike added: “I have also illustrated numerous books and children's sections of weekend papers including The Young Telegraph and Mega in the Saturday Times, as well as having produced greetings cards, both seasonal and general for some of the major manufacturers.”

Therefore, it comes as no surprise to learn that Mike has also been commissioned to produce caricatures for the well known, and not so well known – usually as company presentations for retirement promotions, etc.

TO DISCUSS YOUR INDIVIDUAL COMMISSION REQUIREMENTS
CONTACT:

Mike Mosedale

Nick Hebditch Fine Artist

Paintings and prints of recent travels, including Venice, France, Spain, London and the Thames. Architecture and landscapes.

For many years I have been fascinated by architecture and buildings and this has led me to visit wonderful places such as Venice, Paris, Barcelona and the South of France. My most recent trip was to the Amalfi Coast. I have painted everything from the weathered walls or doorways to the wider views of several buildings through to cityscapes. I have often been drawn to paint buildings and bridges beside water as in the Grand Canal, the Seine or harbour scenes. For a long while I became preoccupied by the architecture of London and more particularly views of the Thames at Night. The theme of buildings reflected in water so recurrent in Venice seemed echoed here on a larger scale.

Sometimes my passion for colour resurfaces, along with a more intuitive, looser working method. Using mixed media I build up images using collage and a variety of materials including acrylics, oil pastel and pencil. The end result is a fusion between the observed view and an interplay of colour, shape and pattern. I continue to be drawn to London and am currently working on a number of paintings focusing on the City of London, including Liverpool Street Station, nearby Leadenhall and Spitalfields Markets. Also my general love of natural landscapes, resulting in plain air paintings of the Medway Valley and of North Yorkshire, have begun to complement the architectural subject matter.

Much of the range of my work and details of forthcoming exhibitions can be seen on my website www.nickhebditch.co.uk. Many of the originals are for sale and there is also a collection of high quality archival prints available. Prices for originals range from £100 to £1000 and from £35 to £90 for unframed prints. Please contact me if you wish to enquire about availability of particular paintings or you have any other questions. I can usually arrange for pieces to be framed and delivered to most destinations fairly quickly. I am happy to show you these or further examples of my work at my studio in Tonbridge.

I am a regular exhibitor at galleries around the UK and abroad, including:

The Mall Galleries, London
Whittington Fine Art, Henley
The Blackheath Gallery
The Broadway Modern Gallery, Worcestershire
Bedford Street Gallery, Woburn

Nick also showcases his artwork at a number of Art Fairs including Dubai, Chelsea, AAF Battersea and Bristol.

I have been commissioned for many private and corporate projects including three Royal Caribbean Cruise Liners and a London Underground Poster.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nick Hebditch on Tel: 01732 362233

Email: nick.hebditch.@btinternet.com or website: www.nickhebditch.co.uk

NICOLAS PEGLITSIS
Distinctive…. Original…. Unique
Paintings & Drawings

You only have to glance at some of the breathtaking paintings Nicolas Peglitsis has created of his beloved birthplace Larnaka in Cyprus, where he was born in 1938, to feel the pride he has for this beautiful Island. It was at the age of eight that Nicolas moved with his family to England, where he was to continue his academic career atGrammar School, obtaining the necessary qualifications to enter the medical profession.

However, when his passionate interest in the arts, particularly the visual arts, moved him to spend much of his spare time painting, he was delighted when the Royal Academy in London accepted one of his oils, painted when he was eighteen, for the annual Summer Exhibition. This proved to be a catalyst that encouraged Nicolas to give up his medical studies to pursue a career in painting.

To this end Nicolas then enrolled at Goldsmith's College, London, where he furthered his studies in art going on to gain the necessary qualifications to became an Art Teacher, a position he undertook as a means of supporting his wife and family, whilst he continued to paint. In 1976 he found himself financially able to give up his teaching career to become a fully professional painter. Since then Nicolas hasn’t looked back, as he outlined in a recent interview:

“I have undertaken many successful commissions in oil and watercolour from both private individuals and corporate clients and as you can see from my website these included paintings of animals, including paintings of world renowned jockeys Peter Scudamore and Richard Dunwoody riding their favourite horses, as well as Yachts and portraits. On the website you will also find an array of still life paintings, together with black & white drawings reflecting the rich heritage of historic places such as Shakespear’s Birthplace, Newark Castle and Stokesay Castle.

Therefore, it comes as no surprise to learn a leading Japanese company in Tokyo liked Nicolas’ work so much that the company requested him to create a piece of artwork which they subsequently used in their official logo.

Listed in the Art Section of ‘Who’s Who’, Nicolas is happy to discuss yourspecific requirements to commission artwork, which may involve him making a visit to see the subject being painted, or he may well be able to undertake the work from a photograph.

To arrange an informal discussion please contact:

Nicolas Peglitsis
Tel: (+44) 01702 353146
Email: nicolas.peglitsis@btinternet.com

ROSIE BIRTWHISTLE – ARTIST
Bespoke Commissions Undertaken for
Private & Corporate Clients

Rosie is an extraordinary artist who has spent many years developing a personal style which contains surrealist, narrative and abstract elements.

She studied Fine Art at Brighton and the University of Sussex and Art Education at Reading University.

This and a lifetime of practice has led to this current opportunity: for the first time her oil paintings will be available as digital prints on canvas. Originals are still available, but producing prints means her unique ideas, illusions and images are available to a wider public at more affordable prices.

Her paintings are absorbing works of art: imaginary mazes, puzzles and patterns. Patterns make good symbols for our complex lives: repetition and rhythm, harmony and balance, broken patterns, fragments and re-connections.

There are extraordinary patterns visible in Nature, and just as they have been an inspiration in the past for Persian carpets and Celtic art, these patterns provide a fundamental aspect of the art of Rosie Birtwhistle. Her paintings are in this way visual metaphors for Life, offering insight and opportunity for reflection.

Recent work involves a more abstract exploration of the 3D and low relief possibilities of these ideas, a new and unique line of development that is intriguing and beautiful.

Over the last 30 years, Rosie has showcased her dramatic artwork not only in London and the South East, as well as locally, but also further afield in Los Angeles, Cologne and Stockholm.

To see these paintings visit her website - www.omniart.org.uk - where you will see which of her paintings are available as canvas prints.

If you think you would like to commission me to work with any of the above concepts - please contact:

ROSIE BIRTWHISTLE – ARTIST
1 Medway Drive, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 4NB
Tel: +44 (0) 1342 327578 Email: rosie@omniart.org.uk
Website: www.omniart.org.uk

Tony Williams - SWAc

Coming from a family of artists, Tony was born in 1946 in Wimbledon, where both his parents had been at Art school. He trained at Sutton Art School where a passion for drawing and design led, not at that time to painting, but eventually to becoming Creative Director for a national ad agency.

During the Foot & Mouth crisis of 2001, and whilst watching a tourism investment wilt under government restrictions, Tony finally made the leap of faith into painting. He was hoping for a miracle but found that it was just going to be a huge learning curve involving many years of intense and full time self teaching: “I am now able to pass on all those techniques and methods of handling paint, so painfully learnt, to my students in the teaching studio.”

Working full time in oils, Tony is continually searching out the pure techniques of painting which excite the eye, using them to express his love of the local landscape and coastline, and finding graphic elements of heat, light and atmosphere which can be compressed into a new contemporary impressionism.

An Academician of the South West Academy of Fine and Applied Arts and winner of the £1,000 prize, Tony has lived in Devon for forty five years and now has paintings in many private collections in the UK as well as the USA, Luxembourg, Switzerland, France, Germany and the Channel Islands. Therefore, it comes as no surprise to learn his work has been chosen to represent the United Kingdom in International Art magazines, published worldwide and he is a regular feature writer for The Artist magazine in the UK.

Tony has his own gallery and teaching studio at his North Devon home, where he runs classes in oil painting.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

TONY WILLIAMS
Tel: 01769 581177
Email: tony@tonywilliamsart.co.uk
Website: www.tonywilliamsart.co.uk

ADRIAN SMITH

Born Marshfield in the Cotswolds 1946 – Adrian trained at the West of England College of Art, Interior Design Department, where he studied Heraldry, Interior Design and Calligraphy. He has exhibited at a number of prestigious Galleries including the Royal Society of Marine Artists, The Mall London.

Adrian has also had a life long-time interest in Long Case antique dial restoration and has also exhibited his paintings at the Penzance Arts Club, Morvah School House, St Elwyn’s Church, Hayle, The Roundhouse and Capstan Gallery, Just Fine Arts, St Just, Out of the Blue Gallery, Marazion, Davison – Thomas Fine Arts, Penzance and the Lander Gallery Truro.

A former civil servant now retired, in a recent interview he describes his work as: “Exciting, painting seascapes and landscapes in an Impressionist/abstract style encapsulating Cornish light and life whilst still maintaining the originality of the subject”. With the development of his artistic style having taken place over many years, he has now become more fully established since moving to Cornwall and being able to concentrate “full time” on painting. Adrian lives with his partner and three cats in a former tin mine Captain’s House at Tremorran, Botallack, near St Just, where he has as open studio. Largely self taught in regard to his ‘painting’ he has a wide and diverse experience of life.

Adrian commented: “My pictures are un-repressed moulded from the very landscape of Cornwall. I attempt to show my appreciation for natural beauty and to try and feel for the diversity of all life forms which have their homes here. Increasingly I am drawn to the pagan roots of my being, embracing the soul of the landscape and the energies contained within.”

“Betwixt and between describes the way in which I feel about my artist place in society. My pictures are created out of personal enjoyment…. when the spirit moves my tools of paint, canvas, brush and knife move as intermediaries in the fixing of transitory image”

A signwriter, gilder, calligrapher restorer, Adrian is now concentrating as an “en plein air artist” painting pictures without the constraints of financial concerns or other pre-occupations. This new found freedom has resulted in Adrian creating a profusion of pictures, which have sold consistently of late; examples of which can be found on website www.tremorranart.com.

Adrian also offers comfortable accommodation at Tremorran on a Bed & Breakfast basis, details of which can be found by contacting:

Adrian Smith
TREMORRAN
Botallack, St Just, Penzance, Cornwall TR19 7QJ
Tel: 01736 787169
www.tremorranart.com

AUDREY LAYCOCK – ARTIST

You only have to glance at some of Audrey laycock’s magnificent paintings to recognise that she is a gifted and talented artist. Mainly self-taught, Audrey received great encouragement from Art Group Tutors and Adult Education classes, where she achieved an 'A' Level in Art as a mature student.

As well as receiving great satisfaction out of her own artwork, Audrey also plays an active role in supported other artists, having been a regular member of the Byfleet Art Group since it was founded in 1968, Audrey is currently the Group's Chairman and Programme Secretary. She is also the Organiser for The Local Artists, a group of 28 artists who exhibit twice a year at Weybridge Library.

As well as exhibiting with Byfleet Art Group, The Local Artists and Woking Society of Arts, Audrey has showcased her paintings at two exhibitions……. at the Showcase Gallery, Bramley and also Bourne Hall, Ewell.

Audrey’s artistic talent is diverse in that, having mastered the art of painting on silk, she enjoys producing paintings on silk, as well as designing and painting silk scarves in this medium, as she explained in a recent interview: “My love of flowers and nature make these favourite subjects for my artwork, for which I mainly use watercolours, but I also paint landscapes, seascapes and birds, in various media.”

To see a sample of Audrey artwork visit
http://www.surreyartists.co.uk or http://www.weyriver.co.uk

Audrey welcomes commissions from private and corporate clients -
To discuss your individual Commission requirements contact:

Audrey Laycock - Artist
Tel: 01932 401 327
Email: audrey.laycock@ntlworld.com

Museums and Libraries formally transfer to Arts Council England

CHRISTINE ALLEN

Christine Allen is an abstract artist who moved to Cornwall in 1985. Since then she has involved herself in a variety of creative fields, utilizing the skills gained from teacher training at Brighton College in the 70s, running art workshops and courses, working with both children and adults.

She formed her own company in 1989, which she ran for 10 years as a freelance Decorative Painter and Commercial Interior designer creating anything from personalised hand painted designs on children’s furniture, to trompe l’oeil murals, and skilled paint effects in both the domestic and commercial market.

Christine also worked with victims of strokes and other disabilities, and whilst starting an Art Therapy course in 2000 suddenly her own creativity became unlocked and a need to paint and express visually, thoughts, feelings and imaginings that lay filed away in her head was paramount. She became a full time artist and a long-standing co-owner of a successful Gallery in St Ives in 2001-2009.

Her mezzanine studio is in an amazing earth built building in an Eco Park on the wild North Cornish coast at Porthtowan. She has commissioned work on permanent exhibition in The Scarlet Hotel, Mawgan Porth and The Hotel Penzance. She has been exhibiting regularly in both mixed and solo shows since 1995 and as founder of Out of Place Art she curates exhibitions to showcase artists work for various venues. Christine has work in collections throughout the UK, Holland, Australia, Germany and USA.

“An image begins with something I have seen, a particular light, a glimpse, a word, something out of context, a piece of rusty metal, anything that creates a stir in my imagination. My paintings are not necessarily the result of a specific concept. The finished pieces evolve out of a process of continual change, hand and eye coincidences, and an innate knowledge of colour and composition. I like to explore the boundary lines between representation and abstraction, colour, geometric form, and paint itself.”

In 2011, Christine was asked for permission by Hart Publications to use one of her images, ‘Ordered Energy Blue series 1’ to be the cover for a new book, ‘The Politics of International Law’ which is now circulated world wide.

For more information visit www.outofplaceart.co.uk, call Christine on 07703 326889 or email chris@outofplaceart.co.uk

PAWPRINTS

Portraits of Animals in Watercolour and Prints was set up by Sarah Livingston in 2009. Sarah was born in South Australia and studied under renowned Australian artist Ruth Tuck, and is a contemporary of successful Australian artist Janet Ayliffe.

Sarah worked for many years in graphic design, specialising in posters for zoos. Her work can be found in collections as far afield as Australia, the Netherlands, Spain, France, Greece and the UK.

Sarah’s bold, bright and yet sensitive animal portraits show a strong sense of design which reflect her love of nature and understanding of the animals own strengths and their relationship with their surroundings.

Sarah paints a wide range of animals, from cats and dogs, to reptiles and monkeys and everything in between. She may also be commissioned to portray family pets and to date has made this an important part of her portfolio.

As well as portraits of animals, Sarah has also designed two wonderful festive greetings cards; one of the Polar Bear to represent the Northern Hemisphere and one of the Rockhopper Penguin to represent the Southern. Cards are available in packs of 10 with 5 of each design, plus envelopes, from just £10.

As well as beautiful festive greetings cards, Sarah has also designed a 2012 calendar, the perfect gift for animal lovers of all ages. The desktop calendar features a selection of Sarah’s favourite portraits plus some interesting facts about each animal and cost just £5.

Sarah also creates wonderful bold and colourful alphabet posters, perfect for brightening up any child’s room. Posters can be purchased as either a standard ‘My alphabet’ or you can buy a personalised version with the child’s name on the top. Posters cost from £35 plus delivery.

For more information visit www.pawprints.me.uk, call 01235 847749 or email mail@pawprints.me.uk

Based in the south of England, RD FINE ART supplies original paintings and limited edition prints, created by one of the country’s leading artists Ronnie Ireland.

In a recent interview Ronnie described his inspiration to become an artist: “I was born and raised in Glasgow. Due to long periods of illness during childhood, I found myself retreating into my own imaginative world, through my love of drawing. As I grew up, it became clear that drawing and painting were my passion Finally, a long held ambition was realised when I graduated in Drawing and Painting from Glasgow School of Art.”

Following Art School Ronnie felt he needed a wider context for his work and somehow managed to find time, in between teaching art, to embark on an Open University course specialising in 20th century arts; with the study of Music, History and Poetry giving a much wider range of reference to his work.

Ronnie’s work is to be found in collections around the world: “My approach is in many ways traditional, following the methods of the great masters of figure painting At the same time I have always been fascinated by the way the camera captures people in both still and moving images. In my work, I try to combine these two potent sources of inspiration to make intriguing images.”

Having given solo and group shows in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Harrogate and Brighton, Ronnie has delivered many successful commissions producing Allegories, Portraits or Figure Studies for private as well as corporate clients: “Whether highlighting a corporate message in the Board Room, or realising a treasured theme for an individual, I will be delighted to create a unique artwork specifically for you.

TO ARRANGE AN INFORMAL DISCUSSION ABOUT YOUR SPECIFIC ARTWORK REQUIREMENTS PLEASE CONTACT: RONNIE IRELAND, RD FINE ART TEL: 07836 763 386 EMAIL: ronnieireland2@gmail.com ALTERNATIVELY, VISIT WEBSITE: www.rd-fineart.com

Drury Art

David Drury has established himself as a leading local name in paintings in watercolour and limited edition prints in the Surrey region.

68 years of age, David Drury is an untrained artist, having never undertaken formal lessons. He originally worked in oil when in his teens but changed medium to watercolour in 2000 following his retirement from a career in computing. Once retired, David decided he would try something new and began to establish his self taught, recognisable style in the local area. Soon his watercolour paintings of landscapes and buildings through the strong use of colours were attracting attention at many local exhibitions.

During the last five years, David Drury’s work has received increased demand and he has sold over 400 originals, prints and undertaken commissions to order. His watercolours have exhibited in the local exhibitions of Pirbright, Byfleet and Woking. Apart from the local interest his work has been purchased by people all over the world including locations in America, Australia, Japan and, recently featured in an auction in Amsterdam.

A member of four local societies; Woking Society or Arts, where he is currently president; The Pirbright Art Group, Sunningdale and Byfleet Art Groups; David Drury is a well recognised and respected figure at local art circles.

For further information, please contact David Drury on 01483 764 548 or email david@drury-art.co.uk

Carol Mason
‘About Carol’

Located in the small village of Tiptoe in the New Forest, Carol Mason is a UK artist renowned for her paintings of animals, particularly horses.

Carol has done many things in her life but her main passions were music and art. She studied art at school and college but decided to follow in her mothers footsteps and became a hairdresser. Carol owned her own salons as well as ran a successful nightclub and would sit down and paint or go on a painting course during any spare time she could find.

When expecting her first child, Carol had a craving to start painting again. She realised it had been the one true profession she had always wanted to pursue and now that her children are grown up she is painting full time and thoroughly enjoying it!

Carol has always loved painting animals, but it wasn’t until her family bought horses that she became aware of their true natural beauty and got hooked on painting them. She now paints commissions of Horses, Pets, Children’s portraits, Public House signs, Trompe L’oeil (trick of the eye) and also still life.

Although horses are her preferred subject to paint, Carol also loves painting children, especially when it’s not a posed picture, she feels that seeing them when they’re playing and laughing makes for a more natural and interesting painting.

Carol considers there to be three main artists that influence her work; She is a hug fan of the 18th Century British Equine artist George Stubbs who was incredibly talented at capturing the beauty and movement of horses, another favourite is animal artist Thomas Sydney Cooper who mainly painted cows and sheep in the countryside, and another all time favourite is English landscape artist John Constable.

For further information please visit www.carolmasonart.co.uk, call on 01425 628680 / 07886 544436 or email carol@carolmasonart.co.uk.

ELIZABETH HIBBERD
EQUINE INSPIRATIONS

Based in Littlehampton, West Sussex, Elizabeth Hibberd is an animal portrait artist working with acrylic paints, graphite, charcoals and soft pastels to create beautiful pieces of artwork.

Elizabeth has been sketching from a young age and has always been interested in all animals, especially horses. She started painting a few years ago and would give the finished products as gifts for friends and family. After a lot of positive feedback of her work and with encouragement from her family and friends she has decided to offer her work to a wider audience.

Elizabeth is now offering finished paintings and drawings for sale and commissions of animals from your own photos. Commissions are currently head studies only, but full portraits can be discussed, and are painted on a first come first served basis. Paintings usually take around 2 weeks and drawings around 1 week but total time from ordering is dependent on workload.

Paintings are available on a choice of; box canvas, canvas panel or canvas effect paper depending on whether you want it framed and drawings are available on paper or board depending on what you want to do with the finished product.

A gallery of artwork is available on the website along with a full list of prices. For more information visit www.equinepaintings.co.uk

GILLIAN BURROWS

Currently located in Devon and London, Gillian Burrows is a landscape artist with a particular interest in the urban landscapes of London City. Gillian’s passion for London springs from her move to the East End 16 years ago when, as a graphic designer she took the bold step to start a fresh chapter in her life. It involved finding a new home and detaching herself from the world of designing and advertising to establish her own freelance studio.

Brought up in the countryside in Hertfordshire, Gillian’s parents used to take her to London as her father was a famous band leader and they used to stay at all the lovely hotels. It was then that her love affair with London began. Gillian had already started painting the area before she moved there but decided that she wanted to be where it was. From that point onwards her paintings became inspired by the people she saw daily weaving their way across the Thames and around the streets to their places of work, worship or entertainment.

Gillian mainly works with bright vibrant colours which have now become her trademark. She used to use a very limited palette often being subdued and dark. Her palette is now very bright and glowing, she loves putting her bright colours together because they give the effects of a positive and uplifting experience.

Gillian has been painting since the early 1960s and has been exhibiting her work since the mid 1970s. Gillian’s work is currently being exhibited at the Mile End Hospital and at the FSA building in Canary Wharf with more exhibitions coming up.

Gillian has established herself as a very successful artist and has also completed various commissions. Some of her collectors and corporate clients include Margaret Thatcher, The House of Lords, Bob Monkhouse, Duke of Westminster, St Pauls Cathedral, Canary Wharf and many many more.

As well as her paintings, Gillian also has an exclusive small range of blank greetings cards from her London Legacy Collection and her Hertfordshire watercolour collection available off her website.

She continues to paint the urban landscape of London as well as the marine scenes from her studio window. Gillian also holds small workshops from her studio from time to time. She is also working on some video tutorials which will soon be available to buy off the website.

For more information visit www.artistgb.com, give Gillian a call on 07768 857171 or email gillian.burrows@artistgb.com.

WICKED WILLOW

Established in 1995, Wicked Willow grow their own willow to produce special and unique items of beauty for the garden and home. Wicked willow hopes to capture some of the beauty and essence of the world around us when they use wonderful natural materials.

Joolz, the sculptor at Wicked Willow is highly experienced in developing ideas with her clients for both large scale and small sculptures. Each Sculpture is tailor made to the client’s requests, from wild and domestic animals, figures, mythical beings and abstract pieces. Prices vary subject to size or complexity.

As well as sculptures, living willow features are also available. These are wonderful additions for your garden with the choice of a large arbour to create a natural garden room and dining area, a bench arbour creating a cosy sanctuary, or a beautiful archway to create excellent entrances or garden divides. Living willow features are easy to construct and can provide great fun for all the family.

Wicked Willow hold regular sculpture workshops at both the nursery in Tiverton, Devon, and at your home, work or school, allowing you to release your creativity and have hands on, fun. The workshops allow you to make the sculpture of your choice and take your creation home with you.

Wicked Willow sculptures make amazing presents for birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions. They can also be beautiful and distinct landmarks to make your business or organisation highly visible.

For more information visit www.wickedwillow.co.uk, call 07969 554052 or email jdoncaster@hotmail.co.uk.

THE ART OF HAPPINESS GALLERY

It will be three years this month since Suzanne Crook took a leap of faith to establish The Art of Happiness Gallery, a platform from which she showcases her unique, inspirational artwork. In a recent interview Suzanne explained how art had enriched her life: “My art has brought me much joy and happiness. It fulfils a great need in me to be creative, to play and enjoy the wonders of the world around me. I appreciate the waves of the sea, laying in flower filled meadows and enjoying my being. Art gives me peace, stillness, fun, joy and happiness.”

Having lived in Cornwall for many years now, it came as no surprise that Suzanne chose this beautiful part of the country as home for her Gallery: “I feel very lucky to live in such a wonderful part of the world. I can see the sea from my studio window. It is always so inspirational, constantly moving and whatever the weather always looks beautiful. The land has it own enchantment, flower filled meadows, lush trees and woodlands and many sacred places full of beauty.”

Suzanne has successfully completed many commissions both for private and corporate clients, each piece being created to reflect the client’s unique specification. Whether you are looking for a distinctive piece of art to hang in the reception area of your business, or a romantic image for your bedroom at home, Suzanne will draw on her artistic skill and ability to create something quite special: “As the needs of each client are so unique, I work closely with all my clients to discuss colours, feelings, thoughts, memories, words and dreams before I start working on the project.”

Suzanne has also been blessed with the ability to see ‘Angels’: “Ever since I was a small child I have been able to see angels and they have helped inspire my work over the years, enabling me to create inspirational pieces of art that bring both myself and my clients so much joy.”

As you would expect from an artist held in such high esteem, Suzanne has displayed her artwork in a great many exhibitions, including the Folk Museum, Helston; Contemporary Gallery, Padstow; Summer Light, Falmouth Art Centre, The Riverside Gallery, Fowey, all of which are in Cornwall, as well as Lauderdale House, London and CATTO, Hampstead.

Why not visit the Pizza Express in Falmouth from 24th November – 6th January 2012, where Suzanne is holding an exhibition of her artwork to raise funds for the Pheonix Stroke Appeal.

To browse Suzanne’s latest news visit her on facebook: The Art of Happiness Gallery

Suzanne Crook
THE ART OF HAPPINESS GALLERY
Islington Wharf, Penryn, TR10 8AT
Mobile: 07878 551713
Email: suzanne@theartofhappinessgallery.co.uk
Website: www.theartofhappinessgallery.co.uk

Art & Design

Caricatures by Chris Ryder

Brand new informative article coming soon

“Betwixt and between describes the way in which I feel about my artist place in society. My pictures are created out of personal enjoyment…. when the spirit moves my tools of paint, canvas, brush and knife move as intermediaries in the fixing of transitory image”

Adrian also offers comfortable accommodation at Tremorran on a Bed & Breakfast basis, details of which can be found by contacting:

Museums and Libraries formally transfer to Arts Council England

CHRISTINE ALLEN

PAWPRINTS

Drury Art

Carol Mason
‘About Carol’

ELIZABETH HIBBERD
EQUINE INSPIRATIONS

GILLIAN BURROWS

WICKED WILLOW

THE ART OF HAPPINESS GALLERY

Art & Design

Caricatures by Chris Ryder

Brand new informative article coming soon

“Betwixt and between describes the way in which I feel about my artist place in society. My pictures are created out of personal enjoyment…. when the spirit moves my tools of paint, canvas, brush and knife move as intermediaries in the fixing of transitory image”

Adrian also offers comfortable accommodation at Tremorran on a Bed & Breakfast basis, details of which can be found by contacting:

Museums and Libraries formally transfer to Arts Council England

CHRISTINE ALLEN

PAWPRINTS

Drury Art

Carol Mason ‘About Carol’

ELIZABETH HIBBERD EQUINE INSPIRATIONS

GILLIAN BURROWS

WICKED WILLOW

THE ART OF HAPPINESS GALLERY

Carol Mason
‘About Carol’

ELIZABETH HIBBERD
EQUINE INSPIRATIONS