Open Studio

It was a leap of faith to hold an open studio, but by every yardstick I can imagine it was a success - I was blown away by the many friends, artists, clients, and PAOTY viewers who made it along… you’re SO COOL! It was great to chat (instead of digital message) with people who had watched the TEDx talks, or my heat painting Jay Rayner on PAOTY. I loved being able to share the practice I’d done in the run-up, my cheatsheet, sketches, and answer questions on those experiences in front of the camera.

Models reunited

Cilla had fun reminiscing with visitors about her sitting for this practice portrait. She had no idea at the time about why it needed to be done in 4 hours, we’d been sworn to secrecy by Sky Arts!

Paul and Wes now - they feature in my most peopled painting to date, Industry. Can you spot them? Clue - it was a while ago, they both had different coloured hair, and one of them is A LOT smaller!

Sharon, artist & friend, came bright and early, stilling my early nerves, and choosing these from The Pony

Touching experience

Oil paintings are robust and tactile. While showing a partially sighted guest around the studio, I was really happy that she could enhance her experience of the oil paintings by feeling the surface. That canvas repair I had so carefully painted over in ‘Industry’ is apparently far more evident by texture than by sight.

Buying and selling artwork is a bit like matchmaking: I never tire of witnessing someone finding a spark of excitement from an idea that turned into a painting that they could fall in love with. I sold far more work than I was expecting, and owe great thanks to all the visitors, and my wonderful helpers, for your support. “The Pony” (a browser containing free work, and a raft of £25 sketches etc), was a great hit. I’d recommend it to anyone doing an open studio. Sometimes those cursory sketches can just hit the mark with someone… such as Val (see comments below) who chose a quick life sketch saying it would inspire and remind her to loosen up and get drawing. Thank you Val!

The best way to buy art? With a glass of mulled wine incoming!

What next?

Having such positive feedback, and finding that the themes resonate with people was exactly the impetus I needed, looking ahead to 2024. I’m no longer taking commissions from photos, but very excited to be receiving more enquiries to paint sitters (and recliners!) from life. I am starting an ambitious new series of paintings. So to everyone who took the time to visit, share your feedback, and buy work, a huge THANK YOU for helping with that! Check out my online shop, which is constantly updated with new work. The event discount OS15 will give 15% till Sunday 3rd December.

If you came, please do leave a comment below, by way of a ‘visitor book’.

VISITOR BOOK