Anthony Amos 1950 - 2010

In the November's issue of The Artist magazine there was an article on Anthony Amos. I had never heard of him before but I was immediately drawn to his paintings. These are not something that I would typically hang in my home, but I do have a love of boats (I know these are ships, but are still a form of boat). This scanned image doesn't do it justice, just as I am sure the printed picture in the magazine doesn't either.

Fishing Trawler

I really felt like I could smell the dockyard when I saw his paintings and I loved the looseness of his work. It has such an evocative feel about it.

Shipyard

You can read more about him here and see various images.

I am starting to feel better after a head cold which has gone on to my chest, so tonight I plan on doing more on my Paint Free class as it has taken a bit of a back seat lately.

Have a brilliant day, however you spend it.

Helen xx

A pretty flower to brighten the day

On my blog header it says 'artist and photographer' and for some reason I tend to post my art more than my photography. So here is one from my archives. I used to sell this as a print on ebay and it has been on wedding invitations, thank you cards and all sorts of things. I love gerbera flowers and I really love this picture.

Hope you are all having a good Tuesday xx

I just love crunching leaves.....

Happy Monday xx

Bridget Henry

I came across this video today and it has really interested me. In the last few days I have been intrigued at the process of printing either from wood or lino. It completely fascinates me and I really enjoyed watching the process.

I have a long long list of things I would like to try and this really is one of them. I love how you can use just a few colours and it makes an interesting print. I think there are starter kits you can buy......that's the thing with art, there are so many possibilities but they can be so expensive to buy the bits too!

I definitely want to have a go at this!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Helen x

Little Noise Sessions

Tuesday night I went to see Elbow at the St John-at-Hackney Church as part of the Little Noise Sessions. These were curated by Radio 1's Jo Whiley in aid of Mencap. All I can say is WOW!

Both pictures courtesy of Jim Templeton-Cross

The venue was beautiful and so lovely to see such an amazing group perform to such a small crowd. The last time I saw Elbow was at the O2 in March, so to be at such an imtimate gig with them was really a wonderful experience and one I will cherish.

They are running these small concerts for the rest of the week and I think there may be tickets still available for some of the gigs.

Art and photography are my passions but I would be completely lost without music!

Doodling and sticking

Last night I spent some time doodling, cutting out and sticking and I think I may have just come up with a Christmas card design that I actually like. I have a few ideas for more too! These will be sent to friends and family and if the response is good then I may just create some more for next year and sell them.

Gotta love Wallace and Gromit!

I love it when ideas start to bubble and you start off thinking of one thing and then before you know it it's developed into something else. I will use these old gift tags for the next idea....I knew I kept them for a reason.

Hope you are all having a good week. I am off to see Elbow tonight for the Mencap Little Noise Sessions - an intimate gig in a church.....really looking forward to it as I LOVE Elbow!

Take care xx

Glittery Sunday Afternoon

Today it was foggy and pretty miserable looking outside, so once I had done all the dreaded housework, I promised Daisy that we would have some creative time. Out came the glitter!

Five year olds and glitter are an interesting combination and I have a feeling I will be finding it everywhere in days to come!

Daisy really enjoyed herself and I did too - once I accepted the fact that it's nigh impossible for it not to get everywhere.

Hope you had a good Sunday too!

A wonderful weekend!

I had an amazing time this weekend at Catherine and Pete's wedding. They chose the most beautiful location in the Lake District for their special day and it was a truly wonderful.

Catherine and Pete met on holiday 22 years ago and she moved from Scotland to 'down south' to be with him. They now live in Preston and are just a truly lovely couple. It seems weird that after 22 years they decided to tie the knot but I am so glad they did. You could see the love between them shining through and I had many a tear in my eye. After 22 years both sides of the families knew each other so well, so the whole wedding was just a real happy, relaxing day (well except for Pete's nerves). It was strange seeing Pete who is normally so laid back, looking nervous.
As a wedding present my lovely Jim took the photo's and I assisted. I hope we have done them proud! (all these photo’s are mine….Jim’s are much better!)

They are off for a few days in the Lakes and then travel to Northumbria and as a surprise Pete bought an old V12 Jag for their trip. Seeing Catherine's face was just the best!

I feel privileged to have been at their wedding and I have known them almost as long as they have known each other. They are a lovely, caring and giving couple who have hearts of gold and I am overjoyed they decided to marry. Who says holiday romances don't last!

(I love the way Pete is looking at her in this picture)

Making changes

These last few months have been very up and down for me for various reasons. I guess with highs come the lows and sometimes I wonder why whatever you want becomes so difficult to achieve. I've wanted to bury my head in the sand, or migrate to a sunny, stressfree place where I can relax and have a 6 month holiday.

I wonder how other people cope with the constant day to day challenges of fitting everything in and still feeling like they have time to do little things for themselves. They say that getting what you want can be hard, but worth it in the end and I am really looking forward to that.

I am seeing some light at the end of the very long and dark tunnel and this week I have taken pro-active action to sort areas out in my life that were long over due attention. And it feels so very good. Taking control is empowering and wonderful and safe to say I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

I am hoping that when the stress that has been hovering over me like a little black cloud completely disappears that I will have more energy to focus on my creative side. And I am not kidding myself that I won't ever get little black clouds again as life is full of them, but it would be nice not to have some for a while.

And to add to my feelings of happiness at making life changes, I am off to the Lake District today to attend as a guest and assistant to the official photographer (aka Jim) of one of my oldest friends wedding. Catherine has been with Pete for over 22 years and tomorrow they finally tie the knot. I am beyond excited for them.

I hope you all have a fab weekend and that whatever you do brings joy and happiness to your life!

Helen

Ivan Vesley

I came across this video the other day and found it fascinating. Just goes to show that you can use anything to make a painting.

Hope you're having a good day so far.

Helen xx