Untitled so far...

None of my commissioned paintings were dry enough to work on today so I took the opportunity to make a start on my next original piece. This is 12" x 16" (30cm x 40cm) oil on canvas, and based on photographs that I took of part-bred arabs showing in hand at the Northern Arabian Horse Show in July.

The horse is a dark bay colour so I am using a mixture of raw umber and ivory black for the underpainting, along with titanium white. So far I have just very roughly sketched in the main areas of light and dark. As usual I have given no thought yet whatsoever to how I'd like the background... I never learn.

All three entries accepted into the Society of Equestrian Artists Newmarket Exhibition!

I'm very pleased that all three paintings that I submitted for the Newmarket SEA exhibition were accepted today; 'Rocket Science', 'Arabian Filly', and 'Cooling Down' will now be on display at Palace House, Newmarket, from the 1st-17th October.

The exhibition will feature a variety of equestrian artwork from a wide range of artists. I am disappointed not to be able to go and see it myself (bit too close to my baby's due date for an 8 hr round road trip!) as it promises to be a really excellent exhibition!

In addition to the 100s of beautiful original pieces available for sale there will also be a sale of charity postcards at the exhibition, raising funds to help support paraplygic rider Debbie Hounsome to compete at the 2012 Paralympics. Postcard sized original work in a range of media will be on sale for £30 each- an absolute bargain and a great cause too.

Entry is free of charge, the exhibition is open Monday to Friday 10am-5pm, and Saturdays 10am-1pm.

Exhibition News

Yarm Originals are holding an exhibition on the 15th November between 12:00pm and 4:00pm at the Parkmore Hotel, Yarm. I am looking forward to exhibiting some of my original work available for sale there but my presence will depend slightly on my unborn child who is due 5 days later! Work from a variety of local artists and photographers will be on sale, for further information please contact Janice Foley at enquiries@yarmoriginals.com

The Society of Equestrian Artists Newmarket Exhibition takes place from the 1st of October through to the 17th October at Palace House. In addition to 'Rocket Science' which will be appearing there, I have also submitted a further two paintings pictured above which will have to go through the selection process there next weekend- 'Arabian Filly', and 'Cooling Off'. Unfortunately I am a bit too weeble-like to make the 8hr round trip to Newmarket from here to attend the handing in day so Parcelforce are delivering my work to fellow artist Stephanie Greaves who has very kindly offered to sort things out for me at that end. I nervously await to hear that my paintings have arrived safely after spending a long time packaging them amongst much polystyrene and bubble wrap this morning! Please keep your fingers crossed that both Steph and I successfully get some of our work past the judging panel and into the exhibition!

Recent Commission

I always forget to update my websites with commissioned work as there is often a gap between finishing it, and the recipient recieving it as a birthday or Christmas present!

This is a recent portrait I did of an incredibly beautiful Friesian stallion. It was quite a challenge as the main reference photo I was working from didn't contain a huge amount of detail and was a little bit blurry; however the pose was such a striking one I could see exactly why the client was keen to use it and with the help of some good quality back up photos I managed to get it done!

Charity postcards, Yarm Originals, and other bits and bobs!

I have no works in progress to share at the moment as I'm snowed under with birthday/Christmas commissions and I wouldn't want to spoil anyone's surprise!

The Society of Equestrian Artists have asked their members to donate postcard sized work to be sold at their Newmarket exhibition in October, so I have recently completed my smallest painting ever, a tiny 5" x 7" oil on canvas board. The fundraiser is looking to raise money to support paraplegic rider Debbie Hounsome in her aim to compete in the 2012 Paralympics; all postcards will be for sale for £30 each at the exhibition- a great way to support a worthy cause AND grab yourself an original piece of artwork at a bargain price too! The exhibition takes place at Palace House from the 1st to the 17th of October.

I have found it a real challenge to get my work seen locally so I'm really excited to now have some of my original paintings available for sale on the Yarm Originals website. In addition to displaying the work of a number of local artists and photographers in online galleries, Yarm Originals also run exhibitions featuring work for sale which I am very keen to get involved in. The next exhibition looks likely to be around November time, perfect timing for people looking for Christmas presents but potentially bad timing for me on the new baby front given I am due in November... we shall see! You can keep an eye on forthcoming Yarm Originals news at Janice Foley's blog here.

In between painting I have been busy preparing my huge canvas for my next big project. Lots of layers of gesso going onto the linen to hopefully create a lovely smooth surface to paint lots of tiny details on. I am longing to get started but the need to get peoples' commissioned Christmas presents completed before the new baby arrives means it must wait!

'Cooling Off' Finished

Another finished painting, just in time to get my entry form off for the Society of Equestrian Artists Newmarket Exhibition which takes place in October!

'Acquiescence' has now been reserved so I shall be entering 'Rocket Science' (which is automatically accepted having been displayed at the Annual Exhibition in London), plus 'Arabian Filly' and this painting which will both need to get past a panel of exhibition selection judges in order to be included in the exhibition. Fingers crossed!