http://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/en-UKMokoFeed10http://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/16/da217fcec47ed0c35c2cd093668d78_160x200.jpghttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/22/thinking-outside-of-the-box-7434089/tag:janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk,2009-11-22:/2009/11/22/thinking-outside-of-the-box-7434089/Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:57:23 +0100 <p>'Thinking outside of the box' is another 'buzz' expression that we began to hear about twenty years ago. The question is, what does this mean and how can we utilise this way of thinking in our daily lives?</p> <p>As usual, I come back to the 'apple exercise' where one of the goals is to observe the apple in many different ways. In ways that are not obvious when we first think of an apple. </p> <p>For the past few months, through a spontaneous and 'logically unconstrained' association of thoughts and feelings I have been working towards new ideas. The key words here are 'logically unconstrained'</p> <p>To let go of logical thinking, I need to move across to the creative side of my brain, and to do this, I need my daily warm up exercies<img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> This is when ideas, words and images suggest other ideas - but in a non logical chain reaction. When this happens, the key is to go with the flow, and not allow logical thinking to get in the way of what might be a completely random and exciting concept. </p> <p>Today's images are part of this free association thinking. </p> <p>One of the many subjects I love to paint is the human form, and so when I looked at this watercolour yesterday, I placed a couple of my lily cut outs onto it, which unto itself was a non logical association of thoughts. This in turn has given me more ideas, which will be part of the new work I am moving towards. </p> <p>Part of the 'nude with braid' series. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/283/4131283_f20f9e43c1_m.jpg" alt="jwr nude"></p> <p>With the addition of a lily cut out. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/292/4131292_2e66a4566a_m.jpg" alt="nov 19 005"></p> <p>The day begins with calm and sunshine in London, but I gather more wind and rain are on the way. </p> <p>A Bientot</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/22/thinking-outside-of-the-box-7434089/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>rochester-kentlondonthinking-outside-of-the-boxmedway-college-of-artsuniversity-for-the-creative-artsapple-exercisefree-associationjanet-weight-reed-artistcalla-lilycamp-school-kentnudehttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/22/thinking-outside-of-the-box-7434089/#commentshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/21/the-ongoing-creative-process-7424488/tag:janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk,2009-11-21:/2009/11/21/the-ongoing-creative-process-7424488/Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:24:45 +0100 <p>I can't emphasise enough how important the 'process' of creating art is for me. In other words, my real joy comes from the 'doing', the 'exploration', rather than a perceived outcome. </p> <p>Every now and then I will end up with an image which I am happy with. I have certain paintings that for personal reasons I would never sell - paintings that continually give me pleasure. However, on the whole, the myriad of work that I have completed and sold over the last almost fourty years simply represents a process and my own personal creative journey. In the 'letting go' of so much work, I am continually freed up to explore new ideas and concepts. </p> <p>At this moment in time, I am working on several ideas. That's just the way my mind works.<br> These collages are just part of a process to me. </p> <p>Yesterday I bought four small calla lillies, and made some rapid watercolour sketches from them. </p> <p>This sketch is spontaneous and loose on a large sheet of white paper. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/533/4128533_26c38c2637_m.jpg" alt="nov 19 004"></p> <p>I quickly recorded this lily on an interesting off cut of paper.</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/534/4128534_c709eb5631_m.jpg" alt="nov 19 014"></p> <p>I then took this water colour painted a few days ago</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/611/4128611_6f4bf61f2c_m.jpg" alt="fri 13 014"></p> <p>Having cut up the calla lilly sketch I made yesterday, I then arranged the pieces on top of the watercolour. Just another way to 'see' - Here are the results. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/538/4128538_96a1dad9f5_m.jpg" alt="nov 19 2 012"></p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/537/4128537_9c11f399b8_m.jpg" alt="nov 19 2 011"></p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/536/4128536_94150765cc_m.jpg" alt="nov 19 2 010"></p> <p>Happy creating everyone.</p> <p>A Bientot</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/21/the-ongoing-creative-process-7424488/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>creative-journeyrochester-kentlondoncalla-lilliescollagewatercolourmedway-college-of-artscreative-processcamp-school-kentuniversity-for-the-creative-artsjanet-weight-reed-artisthttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/21/the-ongoing-creative-process-7424488/#commentshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/20/recyling-art-7418326/tag:janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk,2009-11-20:/2009/11/20/recyling-art-7418326/Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:09:54 +0100 <p>For anyone who has enjoyed making art, they will know that for every twenty or more pieces of work produced, maybe one image satisfies the eye and soul....and so what to do with the work that we don't like?</p> <p>Recycle it. Just as I demonstrate through my 'apple exercise' how the apple can be seen many different ways, the same applies when it comes to recycling artwork. </p> <p>An Obvious way would be to use both sides of the paper. Less obvious, would be to put a colour ground over the old sketch, thus setting up a fresh start for a new image. Sometimes by taking a small 'mount/mat' (depending on what side of the Atlantic you live on!) and moving it around the unsatisfactory image, we can find a section that does please the eye. In which case cut it out and observe it from fresh prospective. </p> <p>Another superb way to recyle artwork is to make a collage. </p> <p>Basically a collage is a compostition of materials and objects which are applied to a surface using glue. In taking many elements, we produce a unifying composition, and a new whole. It's an interesting, and potentially exciting process. </p> <p>Yesterday I showed very colourful collages made up of sketches from my 'apple exercise' - Today's collages are also made up with apple sketches, but in this case, I have chosen a more muted pallette. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/865/4122865_fae5bc8641_m.jpg" alt="day 30 apples 036"></p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/863/4122863_6693f0b2a3_m.jpg" alt="day 30 apples 032"></p> <p>In the next two frames you will note that I have added a touch of strong colour to the mix.</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/737/4125737_f349dac96a_m.jpg" alt="day 30 apples 020"></p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/738/4125738_bf534ea432_m.jpg" alt="day 30 apples 016"> </p> <p>When I assemble all the different sketches, I cut them, and arrange them in such a way that they produce a balanced and harmonious composition. In other words I treat a collage in exactly the same way as I treat a painting. </p> <p>Producing collages is a great way to recycle and see differently. </p> <p>Another stormy looking beginning of the day in London, but compared with the floods that our friends in Cumbria and Scotland are going through, it's a fine day. Temperatures continue to be extraordinarily mild, and trees and plants are sprouting buds all over the place.</p> <p>A Bientot</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/20/recyling-art-7418326/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>floodscumbriachinese-collagecamp-school-kentmedway-college-of-artslondoncollagescotlandrecycling-artuniversity-of-the-creative-artsjanet-weight-reed-artistrochester-kentapple-exercisehttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/20/recyling-art-7418326/#commentshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/19/the-many-ways-to-see-7411859/tag:janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk,2009-11-19:/2009/11/19/the-many-ways-to-see-7411859/Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:05:50 +0100 <p>During the workshop yesterday I was reminded that it's easy to become 'static' in the way we view our model. We tend to 'see' the subject we have chosen to paint, in one way, in the way that it is presented to us. </p> <p>I made the suggestions yesterday that as part of the warm up process, we look at our quick fire images, and cut out areas that we like....which can allow us to see the subject quite differently. This also helps us to be less 'precious' with out work. </p> <p>Collage is another way to see differently.</p> <p>First used at the time of the invention of paper in China around 200 BC collage can be an exciting art form. </p> <p>From the french word (coller to glue) it is a work of art made from an assemblage of different forms, thus creating a new whole. At the beginning of the 20th century collage was brought back into vogue by the likes of George Braque and Picasso. </p> <p>One of the key components to my 'apple exercise' along with becoming consistent, and technically more proficient, is to open our eyes to the many, many ways to see the apple or any other object. </p> <p>Today and tomorrow I will be showing collages that I have made from my 'apple sketches' In these examples, I have cut the sketches, and placed them on a background. </p> <p>These collages are made up from sketches where there is a lot of colour. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/860/4122860_afdc68d4f5_m.jpg" alt="apple collage 020"></p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/861/4122861_81afa1ae30_m.jpg" alt="apple collage 022"></p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/862/4122862_1fe8c57c32_m.jpg" alt="day 24 apples 008"></p> <p>Those reading this blog will know that I am working on new images. In reminding myself of the collage work, this opens my eyes to many more possibilities. </p> <p>Remember it's all about the way we 'see'</p> <p>Very milky, stormy clouds skudding by my window in London this morning, but still oh so mild!</p> <p>A Bientot</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/19/the-many-ways-to-see-7411859/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>kurt-schwittersbetty-whiteapple-exercisecamp-school-kentcollageseeing-differentlyrochester-kentgeorge-braquejanet-weight-reed-artistuniversity-of-the-creative-artspablo-picassomodernismmedway-college-of-artshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/19/the-many-ways-to-see-7411859/#commentshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/17/more-pears-7402351/tag:janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk,2009-11-17:/2009/11/17/more-pears-7402351/Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:22:49 +0100 <p>I am off this morning for the second part of my workshop titled 'White on White'</p> <p>For today I will leave you with more pears to contemplate. A watercolour exercise and a collage. </p> <p>First for Miza. Here is the watercolour pallette I have been using for over twenty years. It has nice deep wells, which are perfect for the 'juicy tube paints' that I mentioned to you in yesterday's comment. You should be able to find pallettes similar to this through most dealers. I use the middle section to mix gouache. </p> <p>The pallette</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/722/4118722_d1a25f1d08_m.jpg" alt="christeve 1 002"></p> <p>Pear watercolour exercise. - I sketch out the pears, and indicate the shadows and stalks. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/724/4118724_e27b04f0e2_m.jpg" alt="pears 14th May 005"></p> <p>I begin to add colour to the pears. - Note that the local colour of the pears reflects into the shadows.</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/732/4118732_4db2097391_m.jpg" alt="pears 14th May 008"></p> <p>I strengthen the dark shadows on the pears.</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/733/4118733_3052398d99_m.jpg" alt="pears 14th May 011"></p> <p>By throwing colour behind the pears into the negative space, it gives more interest. Again note how the colours are moved around the image, which gives a sense of harmony and balance. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/734/4118734_3391bc6bae_m.jpg" alt="pears 14th May 015"></p> <p>I then take scissors and make a collage from some other pear sketches. Why not?</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/758/4118758_6bd86b9281_m.jpg" alt="11-14 001"></p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/759/4118759_6011525089_m.jpg" alt="11-14 002"></p> <p>Have fun exploring your creativity today. </p> <p>A Bientot</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/17/more-pears-7402351/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>collagemedway-college-of-artsrochester-kentwatercolouruniversity-of-the-creative-artspearscampt-school-kentjanet-weight-reed-artisthttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/17/more-pears-7402351/#commentshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/17/seeing-the-world-as-a-jigsaw-puzzle-7396772/tag:janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk,2009-11-17:/2009/11/17/seeing-the-world-as-a-jigsaw-puzzle-7396772/Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:22:41 +0100 <p>In order to 'see like an artist' we need to move beyond the concept of drawing or recording objects as we perceive them in life. An artist is almost oblivous of what it is that they are actually painting' Rather their focus is on where light and shadow intersect.</p> <p>I always say that visually the world is like a jigsaw puzzle, made up of infinite shapes of lights and darks. Recognising this, is to see like an artist. </p> <p>In Betty Edward's book, 'Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain' published in 1979, she uses the following exercise, which demonstrates clearly how the 'jigsaw puzzle' theory works. </p> <p>Take a photograph of a portrait and draw it. For many people this exercise can prove to be challenging. However, if we take the same photograph and turn it upside down, our peceptions are changed. All of a sudden we are looking at shapes of light and dark, in other words a jigsaw puzzle, and consequently people carrying out the exercise are amazed at how positive their results are.</p> <p>It's all about the way we see.</p> <p>In my following fast flowing exercise of a white lily, I have used negative space to reveal the shapes of the lily. As I painted the flowers, I focused my energies on the shapes that the flowers and the negative space around them produced. </p> <p>First frame - working on white paper, I make a rough sketch.</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/736/4116736_304a454c66_m.jpg" alt="fri 13 009"></p> <p>In this frame, I immediately begin to put paint around the lily shapes.</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/737/4116737_74e5009856_m.jpg" alt="fri 13 010"></p> <p>Here I suggest the lily stamens with a quick dash of colour</p> <p><a href="http://" title="fri 13 014"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/741/4116741_6f4bf61f2c_m.jpg" alt="fri 13 014"></a></p> <p>In the final frame it is clear that the lily shapes are revealed because of the colour in the negative space around each lily. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/745/4116745_874484a04e_m.jpg" alt="fri 13 3 007"><br> The following exercise is an excellent example of seeing the same image differently. </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/paint/4116749" title="PAINT"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/749/4116749_861e4cc488_m.jpg" alt="PAINT"></a></p> <p>I had what I call a 'breakthrough' day yesterday, which can only come about by allowing myself to warm up and focus on my observation skills. It's called practising what I preach!<img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>A Bientot</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/17/seeing-the-world-as-a-jigsaw-puzzle-7396772/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>liliesuniversity-of-the-creative-artsnegative-spacejigsaw-puzzlecamp-school-kentmedway-college-of-artsrochester-kentbetty-whites-bookhttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/17/seeing-the-world-as-a-jigsaw-puzzle-7396772/#commentshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/16/colour-negative-space-7383530/tag:janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk,2009-11-16:/2009/11/16/colour-negative-space-7383530/Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:26:51 +0100 <p>On what looks like the beginning of another stormy day in London, I thought I would post a colourful apple exercise.</p> <p>This exercise shows the impact of adding colour into the 'negative space' - the space around the actual object being observed. </p> <p>Before I show the apple exercise, here is the classic example of negative space, 'is it a vase or two faces'?</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/500/4113500_9615908a12_m.jpg" alt="NegativeSpace-Vase"></p> <p>Here is my watercolour of the apple set on a white background. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/470/4113470_9af8289e36_m.jpg" alt="hampton 011"> </p> <p>Observe the changes as I begin to apply paint into the space around the apple. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/471/4113471_3633186861_m.jpg" alt="hampton 012"></p> <p>Every time more colour is added, the whole image changes. It is vital to understand both in life and in art, that when we make any change, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, everything changes!</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/472/4113472_26648af724_m.jpg" alt="hampton 013"></p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/476/4113476_82336724b4_m.jpg" alt="hampton 014"></p> <p>Understanding negative space as a painter can help us to understand the negative space in our life. </p> <p>I have often observed artists when painting a portrait struggle with the nose. They will keep adding more paint, scraping it off, adding more, until in the end they have a mess. When in fact, all that's needed is a shadow next to the nose, and voila - there's the answer.</p> <p>In our lives we can have a problem that we continue to try and fix using the same method or approach over and over again, when often the answer, like the shadow next to the nose, is not so obvious. Once seen and recognised the solution can be very simple and effective<img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p>It is now 'bucketing down' (translation for readers in other countries, raining hard) in London! </p> <p>A Bientot</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/16/colour-negative-space-7383530/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>bucketing-down-rainuniversity-of-the-creative-artsmedway-college-of-artcamp-school-kentapple-exercisenegative-spacejanet-weight-reed-artistlondonrochester-kenthttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/16/colour-negative-space-7383530/#commentshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/15/stormy-skies-7375910/tag:janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk,2009-11-15:/2009/11/15/stormy-skies-7375910/Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:49:30 +0100 <p>Yesterday stormy weather enveloped a great deal of the United Kingdom. The sort of weather that we used to see only once in a great while, but which has now become more of a regular pattern!</p> <p>Of course this gives the likes of me opportunities to observe the wonderfully dramatic skies that come with such storms, and so my warm up exercise yesterday was, you guessed it, 'stormy skies'.</p> <p>I used an old sketch as a 'ground' to work from. Keeping old sketches is a great idea for just this purpose. Don't throw them out, use them again to 'play' with - you might be surprised at some of the wonderful effects that can be achieved this way. </p> <p>Here is the old sketch I used to work from</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/108/4110108_3274dfed0b_m.jpg" alt="11-14 003"></p> <p>I add a mix of burnt umber and prussian blue watercolour and then 'bleed' permanent white gouache into the mix while it is very wet and juicy. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/113/4110113_a0754fe164_m.jpg" alt="11-14 005"></p> <p>In a storm like yesterday clouds move rapidly and are thick and milky...in fact I could have made numerous sketches in a very short period as the skies changed. </p> <p>In these images I indicate the tops of trees which were blowing wildly. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/114/4110114_da9072dbea_m.jpg" alt="11-14 006"></p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/116/4110116_888f4821f9_m.jpg" alt="11-14 008"></p> <p>Stormy weather always has an affect on me. It seems to give me a great deal of energy, and so along with painting, I also cleaned the flat, and then later in the day my good friend Jane Carter joined me for supper, after which we watched Strictly Come Dancing, which I love<img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>I met Jane a about three years ago when she attended a workshop I was giving. A very fine botanical artist, Jane wanted to loosen up, and so she came to me!</p> <p>I was so pleased when she showed me the following six little 'warm up' sketches of skies. Using an inexpensive paper, and left over paint on her pallette Jane produced the following images. As she put it, by using this paper and allowing herself to play with paint it freed her up to explore more possibilities. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/118/4110118_2846f964f3_m.jpg" alt="janet carter 003"></p> <p>This morning the sun is shining in London. Hopefully it's the same in other parts of the UK so that people have time to clean up after yesterday's weather. </p> <p>A Bientot</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/15/stormy-skies-7375910/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>stormy-weathermedway-college-of-artsrochester-kentunited-kingdomskyscapescamp-school-kentjanet-weight-reed-artistwinsor-newton-watercoloursuniversity-of-the-creative-artslondonhttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/15/stormy-skies-7375910/#commentshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/14/a-coiuple-of-pears-7370673/tag:janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk,2009-11-14:/2009/11/14/a-coiuple-of-pears-7370673/Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:50:00 +0100 <p><strong>For the next two weeks I am working on artwork which needs my full attention, and so I will be posting my 'warm up' exercises each day.</p> <p>In an ideal world I would have a life model come to my studio and do very fast poses, which I still find to be the best way to warm up. However, for now I will continue to use what is around me. Today a couple of pears. </p> <p>The model:</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/083/4107083_d330c9ae72_m.jpg" alt="fri 13 3 008"></p> <p>Remember you can use any materials at hand for this exercise - newspaper, envelopes, paints, pastels, magic markers etc. I am using white water colour paper along with watercolour paints. </p> <p>First frame - I sketch out the pears in a neutral colour.</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/085/4107085_8578299d3e_m.jpg" alt="fri 13 3 009"></p> <p>In this frame I had transparent colour, leaving my highlight areas as white paper. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/088/4107088_57baf7864f_m.jpg" alt="fri 13 3 010"></p> <p>Here I add burnt umber, allowing some of the lighter colours to show through.</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/087/4107087_9345187d79_m.jpg" alt="fri 13 3 011"></p> <p>In the final frame, I add a little permanent white designer gouache to intensify the lightest areas. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/089/4107089_5f59083fc2_m.jpg" alt="fri 13 3 012"></p> <p>Watercolours are transparent - designer gouache is opaque which allows for some interesting effects. During the Golden Age of watercolour painting, the likes of John Cotman often used what was called 'body paint' within their watercolours, which in fact was white gouache. </p> <p>I used to give a lecture on the history of watercolour painting, and so maybe I will write a post on what is a very interesting subject. </p> <p>From my window this morning, I see dramatic skies. Perfect for my warm up exercises today! Given that the UK is an island nation, weather moves very quickly, producing fantastic skyscapes. With today's storms the skies will be exceptionally exciting to observe. </p> <p>A Bientot</p> <p></strong> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/14/a-coiuple-of-pears-7370673/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>john-cotmanskyscapesmedway-college-of-artshistoryuniversity-of-the-creative-artsisland-nationpearsrochester-kentjanet-weight-reed-artistgolden-age-watercolour-paintingpainting-exercisehttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/14/a-coiuple-of-pears-7370673/#commentshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/13/the-models-in-our-kitchens-7364847/tag:janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk,2009-11-13:/2009/11/13/the-models-in-our-kitchens-7364847/Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:28:02 +0100 <p>Amazingly, I often hear people say that they don't know what to paint, when usually we can find all sorts of beautiful models in our kitchens. </p> <p>My watercolour exercise today is of a bowl of apples. </p> <p>Here is the model: - </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/931/4103931_1301faeefd_m.jpg" alt="day 14 apples 001"> </p> <p>For many years I have offered my 'apple exercise' to help artists of all disciplines to achieve consistency in their work. I have met so many people who after a workshop are all fired up to go home and explore their creativity, and some do for a short poriod, but then life gets in the way!</p> <p>I suggest that by setting up a small table, which doesn't have to be moved, and then picking a fifteen minute time period in the day that works for you, you set the stage where the creative process can be explored. </p> <p>If you do this for just thirty days, three things will happen. You will achieve consistency.<br> Your confidence will build and your work will get better. Most importantly you will begin to SEE as an artist.</p> <p>Feel free to use newspaper, inexpensive wall paper lining or old envelopes. You can use paints, crayons, magic markers, anything at hand. This will free you. It will remove the fear and tension that often prevails when faced with an expensive piece of paper, and allow you to PLAY. </p> <p>My watercolour exercise using the apples in a bowl. </p> <p>First frame - I have used a broad brush to indicate the composition. I am working on white paper. This might be where you want to stop. Remember this is an exercise of exploration, and so anything goes<img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> I could easily see this image blown up on a large canvas. It would be very effective. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/932/4103932_b082fc4364_m.jpg" alt="day 14 apples 002"> </p> <p>In this frame I add more colour and use alizirin crimson to indicate the darker shadows in the red apples, while leaving a cadmium red for the lighter areas....with the green I use a darker green for shadows etc. Note that all white areas are dry white paper. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/933/4103933_0f3e948cad_m.jpg" alt="day 14 apples 005"></p> <p>In this frame, note that I have moved the colours from the apples around the image, indicating green and red in the edge of the bowl. Moving colour around, along with the basic composition are ways in which to achieve balance and harmony in an image. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/935/4103935_f7d9254b53_m.jpg" alt="day 14 apples 008"></p> <p>In this image I show a detail from the finished sketch, which I could see being made into a large vibrant canvas. It's just another way to look at the work. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/936/4103936_ddf137c947_m.jpg" alt="day 14 apples 009"></p> <p>Try to remove all expectations as you approach this exercise. Doing this, will open the way for you to enjoy the creative process. </p> <p>This morning in London, we actually have a gentle steady rain, something which has not been experienced for quite some time! However, it is supposed to be very stormy later on. An excellent day to be painting indoors<img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>A Bientot</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/13/the-models-in-our-kitchens-7364847/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>apple-exercisejanet-weight-reed-artistconsistencyuniversity-of-the-creative-artskitchenlondoncreative-processcamp-school-kentrochester-kentfifteen-minutes-a-daymedsway-college-of-artshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/13/the-models-in-our-kitchens-7364847/#commentshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/12/observation-observtion-observation-7356624/tag:janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk,2009-11-12:/2009/11/12/observation-observtion-observation-7356624/Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:13:37 +0100 <p>Over the next two weeks I will be working on artwork that needs my full attention. In the meantime, I will show some of my watercolour painting exercises, to remind people of the importance of 'playing' a little each day, and how in doing that, observation skills are honed. </p> <p>I reminded myself yesterday when giving a workshop to a group I see just a few times a year, how important it is to allow oneself to play for fifteen minutes before actually tackling a painting. It's based on exactly the same principle as a dancer limbering up or an athlete stretching. </p> <p>Use newspaper, or inexpensive rolls of wall paper lining, anything that doesn't matter. This will free you up to experiment and play, and ironically this is often when our best work is produced, because all fear and tension are removed! </p> <p>My set up up with the finished water colour</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/177/4101177_8d1a1cb1ee_m.jpg" alt="Day 9 apples 020"></p> <p>First stage - working off white paper, I sketch out apples in watercolour. If you want to sketch out in pencil or magic marker even, go for it...the following frames are simply guidelines. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/170/4101170_39fe953c31_m.jpg" alt="Day 9 apples 008"></p> <p>I now add some of the shadow tones and throw in a dark colour behind the setup revealing the white cloth. You can use any colour you want. The key is to observe the tones/shadows.</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/171/4101171_d75fab64ae_m.jpg" alt="Day 9 apples 011"></p> <p>I now introduce red into the apples and the stripe in the fabric.</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/172/4101172_11383e2c34_m.jpg" alt="Day 9 apples 013"></p> <p>In this frame I bring burnt sienna into the shadows, which warms the overall image. Note that when I add a colour, I move it around the whole image, thus producing a sense of harmony and balance.</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/176/4101176_18037f4288_m.jpg" alt="Day 9 apples 016"></p> <p>For the finished frame I have introduced a little cadmium organge. Note that all the white areas are dry white paper. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/189/4101189_8332978b89_m.jpg" alt="Day 9 apples 019"></p> <p>Rain and wind are forcast here in London for the next five days, and so this is an excellent time to set up a little table somewhere, which doesn't have to be moved. A place that you can go to each day and 'PLAY' with your creative spirit. </p> <p>A Bientot</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/12/observation-observtion-observation-7356624/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>rochester-kenttutorialfifteen-minutes-a-dayuniversity-of-the-creative-artsjanet-weight-reed-artistmedway-college-of-artsworkshopapple-exercisehttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/12/observation-observtion-observation-7356624/#commentshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/10/the-story-of-a-painting-7346534/tag:janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk,2009-11-10:/2009/11/10/the-story-of-a-painting-7346534/Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:31:41 +0100 <p>I am off early this morning for workshop, and so today will leave you with the following images. </p> <p>These are two very large oil paintings, where a lot of white is indicated. In this first image I worked off a 'ground' as described in yesterday's post.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/090/3579090_57c2bd068c_m.jpg" alt="img374"></p> <p>In this image, I began with a formal monochromatic underpainting. </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/914/3500914_ebab17505b_m.jpg" alt="img017"></p> <p>A fast watercolour sketch of white objects...leaving clean white paper for the highlights. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/916/4090916_34039a7329_m.jpg" alt="white on white 011"></p> <p>And this ones for fun. It is Christeve the Cat marching with Geese. All the white is clean white paper.</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/209/4094209_01a8e6c472_m.jpg" alt="img517"> </p> <p>A Bientot</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/10/the-story-of-a-painting-7346534/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>rochester-kentjanet-weight-reed-artistmonochromatic-underpaintingchristieve-the-catgeeseuniversity-of-the-creative-artsmedway-college-of-artshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/10/the-story-of-a-painting-7346534/#commentshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/10/more-about-white-on-white-7342004/tag:janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk,2009-11-10:/2009/11/10/more-about-white-on-white-7342004/Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:32:54 +0100 <p>With watercolour painting leaving white paper to indicate the lightest areas gives a real sparkle to the image.</p> <p>In these calla lilly images all the white in the image is dry white paper. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/178/4094178_d5cedcf544_m.jpg" alt="calla lillies 2-3 013"> </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/177/4094177_d81c6fac4b_m.jpg" alt="calla lillies 2-3 007"> </p> <p>When painting white objects in oil, I like to use burnt umber, yellow ochre or burnt sienna in the underpainting, which even if completely covered, will give substance and warmth to the finished image.</p> <p>In this large oil on canvas, part of a series I painted a long time ago, the foundation block for the painting, was a monochromatic underpainting using burnt umber, yellow ochre and white. Without the underpainting the finished image would lack substance. </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/102/3579102_039b165128_m.jpg" alt="img370"></p> <p>Working from a 'ground' whether in watercolour or oil also gives depth, warmth and substance when painting white objects. </p> <p>In the following very quick sketch of a white lilly, I am working on a cadmium orange 'ground'. When I work this way with water colours, I 'ground' paper ahead of time so that it is completely dry when I begin to paint the image. To achieve white, I use designer gouache permanent white. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/407/4095407_4d8f706f96_m.jpg" alt="white on white 013"></p> <p>It looks quite grey and overcast today with showers forcast, and so a lovely day to paint!</p> <p>A Bientot </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/10/more-about-white-on-white-7342004/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>medway-college-of-artsyellow-ochrewatercolouruniversity-of-the-creative-artsjanet-weight-reed-artistmonochromatic-underpaintingburnt-umberunderpaintingburnt-siennaoil-paintingcalla-lillyrochester-kenthttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/10/more-about-white-on-white-7342004/#commentshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/08/white-on-white-7334267/tag:janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk,2009-11-08:/2009/11/08/white-on-white-7334267/Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:21:13 +0100 <p>For the next two Wednesdays, I will be giving workshops in London titled 'White on White'</p> <p>Given that I am known as a 'colourist' - this theme came as quite a surprise to the organisers!</p> <p>Today I was playing with water colour and white objects and came up with the following sketches: What I hope they demonstrate is just how much colour and tone there is when we place white objects against a white background. </p> <p>Garlic.</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/915/4090915_806dd58112_m.jpg" alt="white on white 009"></p> <p>White objects on a white cloth. Note that in this monochromatic water colour, it is the tones of light and shade that reveal each white object. </p> <p><a href="http://" title="white on white 012"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/917/4090917_dbfe46eafd_m.jpg" alt="white on white 012"></a></p> <p>This exercise is excellent in moving towards an understanding that tone is every bit as important as colour in creating a painting. In indicating the tones throughout the painting we get more of a sense of the overall harmony and balance of the image. </p> <p>Traditionally underpaintings were painted in this manner. There is a saying that if the underpainting works, then the over painting in colour will work. If however, the underpainting/composition does not work, no amount of fiddling around with colour with correct it!</p> <p>Here is another example of a very large oil on canvas I painted many years ago...For this series of paintings, I began with monochromatic underpaintings. 'Quilt on Wicker Chair'. </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/094/3833094_3d59cd9434_m.jpg" alt="img031"> </p> <p>It looks a little misty this morning, but it's supposed to be another sunny day in London. </p> <p>A Bientot </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/08/white-on-white-7334267/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>university-of-the-creative-artsjanet-weight-reed-artistvaluegarliccolouristwhite-on-whitemonochromatic-underpaintingtonemedway-college-of-artrochesterhuehttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/08/white-on-white-7334267/#commentshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/08/remembrance-sunday-7329270/tag:janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk,2009-11-08:/2009/11/08/remembrance-sunday-7329270/Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:54:52 +0100 <p>Remembrance Sunday is the second Sunday in November, the Sunday nearest to 11th November which is the anniversary of the end of WW1 at 11a.m. 1918. </p> <p>I don't think any sane minded person wants or condones war, but I do know that it is vital that we remember those who gave, and continue to give their lives so that we might experience freedom. </p> <p>People of my age will undoubtedly know heroes from WW2 within their own familes. In this post I want to talk about my own parents experience during that war, and at the same time remember those that died along side them. </p> <p>On October 2nd 1942, my father was serving in the Royal Navy on the cruiser HMS Curacoa. The Curacoa's job at that time was to escort the Queen Mary, which was carrying 20,000 American troups from the 29th Infantry Division to Glasgow where they would then join the allied forces.</p> <p>The Curacoa</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/819/4087819_e4cf6e5c54_m.jpg" alt="curacoa"> </p> <p>Using a zig-zagging technique to confuse U-boats in the area, it was later said by those on the Queen Mary that the Curacoa seemed to be too close for comfort to the hulk of the massive ship. </p> <p>In fact, the Queen Mary hit the Curacoa and sliced it in two. Moving at 25 knots, policy dictated that the Queen Mary could not stop to pick up survivors. It was too dangerous as the threat of U-Boats was always present. </p> <p>My father was one of just a few survivors from the Curacoa. Many years later, sitting in my beautiful little cottage garden in Wales, totally free and at peace, I read a book about this incident, and it was then that the real impact of what so many young men and women experienced during that and all the other terrible wars, hit me. </p> <p>Here is the cover of the book covering the incident. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/820/4087820_b0f59c9060_m.jpg" alt="5161D8W90BL__SS500_"></p> <p>My Mother was a nurse with the VAD, and was stationed at Halar Naval Hospital in Portsmouth during the Normandy landings (D Day 1944). She was one of 140 young nursing members of the VAD waiting to treat the thousands of wounded soldiers and sailors who would be brought there from the battle field.</p> <p>My Mother says that during the 24 hours prior to D Day and the injured arriving at Haslar Hospital, there was a complete silence - they were totally unaware of the huge manouvres taking place. To this day she marvels at the discipline and organisation shown at that time. </p> <p>By telling these two stories, it helps me to understand why it is so important that we remember all the young men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice. </p> <p>By remembering those who have given so much, it also helps me to be grateful for the freedoms I have today, and the importance of not wasting any of this precious life. </p> <p>A Bientot</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/08/remembrance-sunday-7329270/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>crickhowell-walesjanet-weight-reed-artisthms-curacoaunviersity-of-the-creative-artsqueen-maryamerican-troups29th-infantry-divisionvadhaslar-naval-hospitald-day-landingsroyal-navyportsmouthhttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/08/remembrance-sunday-7329270/#commentshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/07/mentor-friend-jean-frohling-miss-julie-7324294/tag:janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk,2009-11-07:/2009/11/07/mentor-friend-jean-frohling-miss-julie-7324294/Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:36:50 +0100 <p>I painted this portrait of Jean Frohling about twenty years ago during an important turning point in my life. </p> <p>An 'ala prima' painting, (painted in one sitting) it is oil on canvas. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/548/4084548_5fbde9fd3f_m.jpg" alt="img358"></p> <p>I do believe that sometimes people come into our lives at just the right moment, and this was definitely the case with Jean Frohling. </p> <p>We first met, when Jean and her daughter Laura came to a workshop I was giving at the Chester County Arts Association. It was during the period when I had made the decision to 'step out on a limb' and live and work in my studio. At this time the building had no heat and running water, but I knew that if I were to rent a flat and keep the studio, I would have to get another job which would detract from my work as an artist, and that was not an option. In short, it was a defining moment for me. </p> <p>Jean, a top notch interior designer, commissioned me to produce paintings for the many projects she was working on. Work which I was most grateful to receive. </p> <p>She became a good friend and mentor in the real sense of the word. Fifteen years older than me Jean had a wealth of experience, and was able to guide me through some real mine fields. She became a teacher and counselor, and it was through her support and encouragement that I was empowered to move forward, and achieve the goal of making my studio habitable. </p> <p>With her fantastic sense of humour and ability to cut through all the nonsence, Jean was a life saver for me. I will always be grateful for her help and love.</p> <p>Today she, and her daughter Laura, are living in Asheville, North Carolina...a beautiful area. I do hope that I see Jean again before either one of us departs this zone!</p> <p>Yesterday I met my friend Tony and returned his hat<img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> and then went to another theatre production at the Rose Theatre in Kingston. This time it was 'Miss Julie' by August Strindberg. </p> <p>Written in 1888, sex and power dominate Strindberg's scandalous masterpiece. Dealing with class, love/lust and the battle of the sexes and the interraction among them, it is a story for all times. </p> <p>However last night's production, in my view, failed to inspire. Nevertheless, I am delighted to have such a lovely theatre just ten minutes from where I live. Having been in my flat for almost one year, I can now begin to really enjoy the many attractions right on my door step.</p> <p>It is another beautiful sunny day in London.</p> <p>A Bientot </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/07/mentor-friend-jean-frohling-miss-julie-7324294/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>rochestermiss-julieteacherrose-theatre-kingstonchester-county-arts-associationjanet-weight-reed-artistaugust-strindbergasheville-north-carolinainterior-designmentoruniversity-of-the-creative-artspowersexhttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/07/mentor-friend-jean-frohling-miss-julie-7324294/#commentshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/06/sid-the-boxer-tony-s-hat-7317586/tag:janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk,2009-11-06:/2009/11/06/sid-the-boxer-tony-s-hat-7317586/Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:23:49 +0100 <p>Going through portfolios yesterday I found this sketch of 'Sid the Boxer'.</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/599/4080599_efbc67a8de_m.jpg" alt="sid the boxer 009"></p> <p>When I first moved to London from Wales in the autumn of 2005 I stayed in Barnes, in south west London. </p> <p>I found a bench in a little park between Barnes and Mortlake, which sits right on the river. It was there, while making some water colour sketches looking up river to Chiswick, that I met Sid the Boxer.</p> <p>It was a picture perfect morning. Other than some people sitting on a bench on the other side of the park, I was alone. After an hour or so, the group got up and began to walk towards me. All of them, except for one very big man with a can of beer in his hand, walked down to the river bank. The big man came directly towards me and asked, as you do "You wanna paint my portrait"?</p> <p>Surprising him, much more than he had surprised me, I said, "yes - sit down at the end of the bench I will paint one portrait for you and one for me".</p> <p>It turned out that Sid the Boxer had spent most of his life in jail, specifically Wandsworth Prison, where, as he put it, he had respect from both the black and white inmates because of his prowess as a boxer. When I met him, he was living in a half way house. When I asked him what he had been in jail for, he said "attempted murder" Apparently, Sid who came across to me as a gentle giant, was also capable of serious outbursts, especially when too much alcahol was involved!</p> <p>He was in his fifties, had been born into a 'travelling' family and had a daughter, who he hadn't seen or heard of in over thirty years. Clearly at one point he had been a very big, fit young man and a promising boxer. It was also clear, that through the accident of birth, Sid the Boxer's choices and options in life and been very limited. </p> <p>After I painted the two portraits, Sid asked me if I had gone to a special school to learn to paint. I told him that I had gone to art college in Rochester, Kent. His response was that he had gone to the Borstal youth prison in Rochester! So there we were two people with very different life experiences, sitting on a park bench enjoying one anothers company.</p> <p>I will always remember and be grateful for meeting Sid the Boxer, and often wonder where the portrait I gave him is hanging today. Maybe it's in Wandsworth Prison, who knows!</p> <p>The second part of this post is about Tony's hat.</p> <p>I began a portrait of my friend Tony Morris several months ago, and kept his hat so that I could work on that part of the portrait without him having to sit. Given that winter is just around the corner, it occurred to me yesterday that I should complete the painting of the hat so that Tony can wear it. </p> <p>Here's where I left off a couple of months ago</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/600/4080600_6e5e9aabea_m.jpg" alt="tony"></p> <p>Here's the painting after working on the hat yesterday.</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/598/4080598_195a662230_m.jpg" alt="sid the boxer 008"></p> <p>I still have much work to do in the back ground. I will show again when completed. </p> <p>Another lovely morning in London, with more seasonal temperatures. </p> <p>A Bientot</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/06/sid-the-boxer-tony-s-hat-7317586/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>barneswandsworth-prisonborstal-youth-prisonchiswickboxingmortlakeuniversity-of-the-creative-artsrochesterjanet-weight-reed-artisthttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/06/sid-the-boxer-tony-s-hat-7317586/#commentshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/05/howard-thorne-adze-mixxie-7310685/tag:janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk,2009-11-05:/2009/11/05/howard-thorne-adze-mixxie-7310685/Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:28:26 +0100 <p>Two names were mentioned in yesterday's post on the subject of feng shui - Adze Mixxie and Howard Thorne. Both men, now dead, played a very important part in my life.</p> <p>I met them in West Chester, Pennsylvania at a critical time in my own life. Recently divorced I was living and working in my studio. Viewed has having gone mad by many of the locals, the fact was I had gone 'sane' for the first time in my life<img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p>West Chester, Pennsylvania was a very conservative town. Governed by the 'good old boy republican contingent', it was very wary of anything or anyone who was different! Today it has opened up in many ways, including the fact that my dear friend Carolyn Comitta is now the first female, democrat mayor of the town, ever! </p> <p>Adze Mixxie was a gifted astrologer. Way ahead of his time, he was the first person I knew to talk about the importance of the internet, antioxidants, feng shui and much more. He practised tai chi every morning, and all in all was a fascinating human being. </p> <p>I painted this oil on canvas of Adze about twenty years ago - 1.8m x 1.2 m. After his death in 1996 I lost track of where the portrait was. Then about six months ago it was shipped to me in London<img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/472/3712472_f2fe318810_m.jpg" alt="img030"></p> <p>Howard Thorne was a fantastic 'sign painter' of the old school. His original signs must be worth a great deal of money today. He had been a war artist in WW2, and was making installations long before it became the vogue, as well as being a prolific painter and all round creative. </p> <p>For years I would observe Howard and his work from afar. I always felt too nervous to introduce myself to him. Then one day when I was living in my studio with no heat and running water, - a day when I almost thought I could give up the ghost, a letter was put under the door. </p> <p>It simply said - 'I have just seen some of your portraits, and whatever you do never stop painting!' signed Howard Thorne! Even as I write this I am moved. That letter came at exactly the right time and heralded the beginning of a wonderful friendship, which continued to his death in 1995. </p> <p>Before I left the United States to return home in 1993, Howard asked me to paint his portrait. I was the only aritst he had ever allowed to do this. I painted the portrait in his studio with one of his contemporary canvases behind him. A very special moment for me. </p> <p>Howard died in 1995, and had left all his body parts to the University of Pennsylvania medical school. At the funeral, which my son Jarrod attended in my absence, was the portrait of Howard draped with the American flag to honour his time as a war artist in WW2. </p> <p>The portrait is an oil on canvas approximately, 1.2 x 1 m</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/486/3712486_1864f0105e_m.jpg" alt="img355"></p> <p>I am so grateful that both of these men played such an important part in my life. </p> <p>I looks like yet another beautiful day in London. </p> <p>A Bientot</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/05/howard-thorne-adze-mixxie-7310685/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>astrologerantioxidantswest-chesterdemocratpennsylvaniarepublicansccaa-west-chesteruca-rochesterjanet-weight-reed-artistcarolyn-comittauniversity-of-pennsylvaniahttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/05/howard-thorne-adze-mixxie-7310685/#commentshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/04/do-the-principles-of-feng-shui-work-7303877/tag:janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk,2009-11-04:/2009/11/04/do-the-principles-of-feng-shui-work-7303877/Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:26:46 +0100 <p>Within the context of the group 'Hopechild1' fellow blogger 'Stmms', posed the questions - 'Do you have a favourite Building and is there something in feng shui'?</p> <p>My first experience of working around the principles of Feng Shui were twenty years ago when I was given free rein by architect, Carl Massara to transform a large 100 year old building in West Chester, Pennsylvania. </p> <p>Massara had done an amazing renovation on the building, with a view to renting the spaces out as offices. However, after a year where there was no interest at all from prospective tenants, he came to me with a proposal. </p> <p>He gave me three months to transform the building with my art work, at which time there was to be a grand opening. If tenants signed up after this event, then I would be given a free studio space in the building along with my fee. I love a challenge and so agreed to do this. </p> <p>Before starting work on a mural, I asked my friend Adze Mixxie the astrologer if he would come and look at the building. Adze, always ahead of his time, was already talking about the benefits of feng shui. He immediately said, this building is on a 'sick site' </p> <p>With his guidance I painted the following oil on panel, 8 x 5 meter mural in the very beautiful, 13 meter high atrium. Within the mural were hidden many symbols representing the history of the town, along with astrological symbols which Adze felt would benefit the building. Note some of my recurring image themes also feature in this mural, i.e. peacocks, birds of paradise, humming birds, and calla lillies. </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/331/3366331_3bd603bc91_m.jpg" alt="img029"></p> <p>He then said, that the large cross beams which hung beneath the glass roof, would have to be broken up with mobiles. One of the key princiiples to feng shui is keeping the positive (chi) energy flowing through a space. Any dead ends, or beams can interfere with this flow. </p> <p>This is where another wonderful friend and artist Howard Thorne came into play. He suggested that I use 15 cm housing insulation, which could be easily cut with a jigsaw and at the same time be very light. That's when I got the idea for three 6 meter hanging kinetic mobiles. In other words mobiles that would gently move as air circulated through the antrium. I call these three mobiles - 'humanoids'</p> <p>Here is a picture of them in situe and another of the installation process. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/284/4073284_c8248850c6_m.jpg" alt="img055"></p> <p>By the way the reason we are looking up, is because Howard Thorne, (who was in his early seventies then) was at the top of the ladder!!)</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/287/4073287_3adbe558b3_m.jpg" alt="img473"></p> <p>The bottom line is that once the mural and mobiles where installed it was as if some magic had taken place. People were already signing up to rent spaces, and by the time we had the gala event three months after I began work, all offices in the building were rented. </p> <p>Adze always said, that what we had done was merely a temporary fix. That were the mobiles to be removed, the energy in the building would change. Several years after installation they were removed, and everything did change! </p> <p>It turned out that there had been an Native American Indian burial site in the area of the building - and so I feel that Adze was right. </p> <p>Since this time, I have used basic feng shui principles in my living spaces, and it really does make a huge difference to my general well being. </p> <p>A Bientot </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/04/do-the-principles-of-feng-shui-work-7303877/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>astrological-symbolsmobilesadze-mixxie-astrologerpeacocksronovaltionkinetic-sculpturejanet-weight-reed-artisthoward-thorne-artisthumanoidshopechildburial-sitewest-chester-pennsylvaniagrand-openinginstallationhumming-birdsflowfung-shuicarl-massara-architectkentic-mobilesgala-openingbirds-of-paradisenative-american-indianchicalla-lilliesmuralprinciples-of-feng-shuicamp-school-kentjigsawwell-beingoffice-spacemagicmedway-college-of-arts-rochesterpositive-energyhttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/04/do-the-principles-of-feng-shui-work-7303877/#commentshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/03/the-different-phases-of-life-7297057/tag:janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk,2009-11-03:/2009/11/03/the-different-phases-of-life-7297057/Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:41:46 +0100 <p>I have just read a post from 'Mala', one of my fellow bloggers, who talked about how when her family was young she had enjoyed with great gusto all the different events that parents celebrate alongside their children. In recognising that particular phase of her life is in the past, she is now able to enjoy her life today. </p> <p>About a year and a half ago, my then 86 year old Mother, became ill. For the most part my Mother has always enjoyed very good health, and so during this past year, the knowledge that she is permanently housebound, and unable to do the things that she has always taken for granted, has come as a huge shock to her body and mind.</p> <p>It struck me when I read Mala's post, that if we are to enjoy each season of our lives fully, we must move on from the past. Once again it's all about living in this day, and not days that have long gone, or days yet to come. </p> <p>It has been very good for me to be with my Mother during this final chapter of her life. It has allowed me to see my own life more clearly, along with understanding more fully exactly who my Mother is.</p> <p>I will be 64 in January and, although I feel extremely well and am fortunate to enjoy excellent health, the reality is that I have now entered a new and different phase in my own life. A phase that I am finding particularly freeing!</p> <p>As a 'creative' this phase brings with it great promise. I think it was Picasso who said that an artists best work should be their last work. During the final phases of life, we can tap into all the knowledge, experience and information that we have gleaned over the years, and explore it more fully, without self imposed or societal restraints! Very freeing. </p> <p>Two quick sketch of woods in the autumn </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/175/4064175_a0e708d434_m.jpg" alt="landscapes 5 008"></p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/176/4064176_7e3e3f922c_m.jpg" alt="landscapes 5 009"><br> I leave here about lunch time to return to London. </p> <p>I expected to awake to rain in Kent, but so far sunshine and some clouds....and definitely a few degrees cooler, which I like. </p> <p>A Bientot</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/03/the-different-phases-of-life-7297057/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>societal-restraintshouseboundmindjanet-weight-reed-artistthe-camp-school-kentblog-landhelp-the-agedgood-healthfreeingfinal-chaper-of-lifecreativemothermedway-colllege-of-artschildrenbodymy-life-as-an-artistparentsphases-of-lifepicassohttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/03/the-different-phases-of-life-7297057/#commentshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/01/caravaggio-the-great-renaissance-master-7288658/tag:janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk,2009-11-01:/2009/11/01/caravaggio-the-great-renaissance-master-7288658/Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:15:16 +0100 <p>Among all the mundane and often depressing news, this weekend I came across a lovely article in my newspaper. </p> <p>A tiny self portrait of the great renaissance master Caravaggio, can be seen clearly for the first time after technology was used to peer through decades of grime. </p> <p>The tiny image is hidden in a carafe of wine in his 1597 oil painting, 'Bacchus'</p> <p>Here, along side the painting is the 'detail' of the carafe with the self portrait which appears in the reflected light that plays on the surface of the wine! Amazing!</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/952/4065952_ef38ab9f50_m.jpg" alt="caravaggio_2"></p> <p>At the beginning of the 21st century with our mobile phones, computers, iPods and generally more transient way of life, it's reasurring to know that the work of such a great master can still amaze and surprise us, four hundred years after his death. </p> <p>I am off to my Mothers this morning, back tomorrow evening. </p> <p>From my window it appears to be a beautiful day - with clear skies. Gone are yesterday's wind and rain. </p> <p>A Bientot </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/01/caravaggio-the-great-renaissance-master-7288658/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>depressing-newsmotherdeathmedway-college-of-artstransient-lifestylegreat-masterthe-camp-school-kentcarafe-of-wine16th-centuryrenaissanceipodstechnologymobile-phonejanet-weight-reed-artistdecadecomputersautumanrainbacchus-by-caravaggiocaravaggionewspaperuniversity-of-the-creative-artswindself-portraithttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/01/caravaggio-the-great-renaissance-master-7288658/#commentshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/01/alison-s-house-by-susan-glaspell-7284268/tag:janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk,2009-11-01:/2009/11/01/alison-s-house-by-susan-glaspell-7284268/Sun, 01 Nov 2009 09:51:23 +0100 <p>Yesterday I went to a matinee performance of the play 'Alison's House' by American born playwright Susan Glaspell. It was shown at the Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond.</p> <p>It was one of more beautifully performed and crafted plays I have seen in a long time. </p> <p>'Eighteen years since Alison Stanhope, the country's foremost poet died, now the house she worked and lived in must be sold. However, the house holds secrets, raising questions for her surviving family. Namely, is it right for the family to protect itself and its past, or does Alison belong to everyone'?</p> <p>Inspired by the life and work of Emily Dickinson, the play won playwright Susan Glaspell the 1930 Pulitzer Prize.</p> <p>Set on the last day of the nineteenth century, I feel that the play captured an American quality and spirit which we tend not to acknowledge or even be aware of at the beginning of the 21st century. </p> <p>Having been married into an east coast family, I was fortunate to know some much older American women who had the kind of spirit and tenacity shown by the women in the play, and the playwright, Susan Glaspell. </p> <p>Susan Glaspell, 1876-1948, along with her husband George Cram Cook, playwright and director were founding members of the 'Provincetown Players', an amateur group of writers and artists who at the beginning of the 20th century wanted to create a company committed to producing new plays by exclusively American playwrights. Among others, Eugene O'Neill was part of this exciting group of young artists. </p> <p>Most of them lived in Greenwhich Village New York, and spent their summers in Povincetown, Massachusetts, which sits at the extreme tip of Cape Cod. A wonderful area to visit. </p> <p>Given that this was such an American play, and I came away with the good feelings that I have when I think of this era in america and particularly the women with their amazing pioneer spirit, today I will show two very American paintings. </p> <p>I painted these in the United States twenty years ago. Part of a large series of work, they featured objects which symbolise my life in America at that time. </p> <p>This is a detail of a very large oil on canvas. All the objects, including the very old spinning wheel, were either owned by me, or other people who I knew. Quilts, a continuing theme in this series, symbolise a time in American when the early settler's values were still in tact.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/091/3579091_762652f0fa_m.jpg" alt="img363"></p> <p>Another large canvas encompassing gifts given to me by American friends. </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/110/3579110_3adacb0402_m.jpg" alt="img364"></p> <p>Well it's doing what they said it would do today, which means here in London we have much needed rain, with wind....a great day for staying home and relaxing. </p> <p>A Bientot</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/01/alison-s-house-by-susan-glaspell-7284268/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>matineeemily-dickinsonlarge-oil-on-canvasmedway-college-of-artsquiltsrochester-kentpoetcape-coduniversity-of-the-creative-artseast-coast21st-centurypulitzer-prizemassachusettsorange-tree-theatre-richmondrainprovincetown-playerslondonalison-stanhopewindsusan-glaspell-american-playwrightearly-settlersgeorge-cram-cook-playwrightsecretsgreenwhich-villagecamp-school-kentnew-yorkquiltingeurene-oneillnineteenth-centurytenacityspiritjanet-weight-reed-artistgiftsrichmond-surreyalisons-houseprovincetown-massachusettspioneer-spirithttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/11/01/alison-s-house-by-susan-glaspell-7284268/#commentshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/10/31/where-the-black-mountains-brecon-beacons-meet-7279234/tag:janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk,2009-10-31:/2009/10/31/where-the-black-mountains-brecon-beacons-meet-7279234/Sat, 31 Oct 2009 08:59:22 +0100 <p>I lived in the market town of Crickhowell which sits in the Usk Valley from 1993 til 2005. This is where the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons meet. Designated an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' and part of the Brecon Beacons National Park, people come from around the world to enjoy its particular beauty. </p> <p>I was never really interested in landscape painting, other than to make quick sketches for my personal records, until I moved to Crickhowell. What I found in this beautiful area was an ever changing and dramatically beautiful land and skyscape. There were times when the drama of it all was so intense, it took my breath away. </p> <p>Using some of my rapid sketches produced from my daily walks in the area, over the next few posts I want to explore more deeply the intensity of the feelings I experienced as I observed this ever changing colour and light.</p> <p>This view from Gelli Rhyd Farm - was from the Llangenny side of Tabletop Mountain. A very fast pen sketch. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/689/4058689_cf592b2c91_m.jpg" alt="landscapes wales 008"></p> <p>In the following watercolours I begin to look at the intense colour drama. It is impossible to capture the often rapidly changing land and skyscapes, and so much of it has to be stored within. </p> <p>These water colours are 'impressions' from my memory bank. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/700/4058700_f1df39b835_m.jpg" alt="landscapes wales 010"> </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/705/4058705_a9c8792566_m.jpg" alt="landscape 2 006"></p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/706/4058706_b79c4f5a7c_m.jpg" alt="landscape 2 008"></p> <p>We might be getting some rain in London this weekend, and our first autumn winds. After an amazing Indian summer, no complaints<img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>A Bientot</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/10/31/where-the-black-mountains-brecon-beacons-meet-7279234/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>colourimpressionsarea-of-outstanding-natural-beautybrecon-beacons-national-parkgelli-rhyd-farm-llangennymid-walesjanet-weight-reed-artistmarket-townfeelingslightcrickhowellmedway-college-of-artsboarder-countrytabletop-mountainusk-valleyworldbrecon-beaconslandscape-paintinguniversity-of-the-creative-artsskyscapechristeve-of-crickadoondramathe-camp-school-kentblack-mountainscolour-dramallangenny-waleshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/10/31/where-the-black-mountains-brecon-beacons-meet-7279234/#commentshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/10/30/the-tree-on-cleopatra-s-island-7273722/tag:janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk,2009-10-30:/2009/10/30/the-tree-on-cleopatra-s-island-7273722/Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:41:03 +0100 <p>I have been going through my sketch books looking at images which I might want to develop further. It's all part of moving towards a series of new paintings. </p> <p>I came across the following image from a tiny little sketchbook which I made when sitting on a boat in the beautiful Gulf of Gokova in Turkey, looking across at Cleopatra's Island, where it is said Cleopatra and Marc Anthony spent their honeymoon.</p> <p>The original sketch - a tree on Cleopatra's Island with hills in the haze behind.</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/974/4049974_d4129838fe_m.jpg" alt="cleopat 006"></p> <p>I remember the moment vividly. Somehow this tree along with its surrounds, gave me a profound sense of time having stood still. I could almost imagine what it might have been like when Cleopatra and her husband Marc Anthony spent their honeymoon on the Island after their marriage in 36BC. </p> <p>At that time there must have been so much activity on and around the island. Thousands of people preparing foods, entertainment and all the other elements that would make this last Pharaoh of Egypt's stay as perfect as could be possible. </p> <p>It is remarkable how a tiny sketch can remind me of the feelings I had at the time I produced it. </p> <p>I used this initial sketch as a 'jumping off point' to explore more of my feelings surrounding this image. When I made the sketch it was October, and each morning I awoke to lovely mists which would add to the mysterious quality of the area.</p> <p>I imagined the hills behind the Island taking on a purple hue.</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/920/4043920_10d309f8e9_m.jpg" alt="26th october 012"></p> <p>Here I saw it in my mind's eye gently swathed in ribbons of mist. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/975/4049975_8e4d0935b6_m.jpg" alt="27th october 008"></p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/976/4049976_5e1d0b535e_m.jpg" alt="27th october 011"></p> <p>Marrying technical prowess with the intangible is always the goal of an artist, no matter what the discipline, and so with this new series of work, I continue to explore and put emphasis on my inner feelings.</p> <p>A Bientot</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/10/30/the-tree-on-cleopatra-s-island-7273722/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>mistsgreecegreekgulf-of-gokova-turkeypharoahtechnical-prowesshillsintangibleuniversity-of-the-creative-artsakyaka-turkeyoctobermarc-anthonyroman-amphitheatercleopatras-island-turkeymedway-college-of-artsmysteriousjanet-weight-reed-artistribbons-of-mistthe-camp-schoolegypthoneymooncleopatrakentturkeyhttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/10/30/the-tree-on-cleopatra-s-island-7273722/#commentshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/10/28/a-funny-cat-story-7262036/tag:janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk,2009-10-28:/2009/10/28/a-funny-cat-story-7262036/Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:48:08 +0100 <p>When I had my studio in West Chester, Pennsylvania - two cats came to live with me. A boy named Tushy and a girl named Mushy. They were brother and sister. </p> <p>Here they are happily curled up together. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/914/4043914_6a78cfde0d_m.jpg" alt="5th April 011"></p> <p>They were very content and I loved them very much. When a baby pot belly pig came to visit, although interested, they were not fazed. When a black lop eared bunny rabbit moved in, they quickly adjusted! This is a true story<img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>This picture, although dark, shows Tushy and Mushy looking with interest at the pot belly pig! </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/855/4050855_84f7c2941d_m.jpg" alt="img540"></p> <p>Here is a picture of 'Inky' the lop eared bunny rabbit.</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/362/4053362_fd2cfd00c5_m.jpg" alt="inky"></p> <p>Then one day I was asked to work on a mural project in a large animal hospital in Philadelphia. </p> <p>Just as I was to finish the work, the director of the hospital came to me and said she thought I would like to see a kitten that had just been brought in. She said 'this kitten looks like it has put its nose in the paint pot'. Now, I knew at the time that this was a bad idea, but off I went, took one look at this little angel, and said 'I'll take her home'</p> <p>As I arrived at my studio, knowing that I had to go out again almost immediately, the thought more than crossed my mind, as to how how this tiny little thing would manage with Tushy and Mushy!!! Inky hadn't moved in at this point<img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>When I returned with trepidation several hours later, I found to my great surprise that the little kitten had taken complete control of the situation. Almost like, love at first sight, she had attached herself to Tushy, my lovely Tom cat. </p> <p>The following pictures say a million words.......</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/866/4050866_17fcc6e757_m.jpg" alt="img545"></p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/857/4050857_8f9cbece0f_m.jpg" alt="img546"></p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/865/4050865_0dfca2691b_m.jpg" alt="img547"></p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/867/4050867_cbf7ee0eac_m.jpg" alt="img548"></p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/969/4050969_17cc52abca_m.jpg" alt="img539"></p> <p>Dear Mushy was happy to be out of the fray, but became very close friends with Inky the lop eared bunny rabbit after his arrival. The little kitten was christened 'Sasha'</p> <p>And they all lived a happily ever after<img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>A Bientot</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/10/28/a-funny-cat-story-7262036/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>lop-eared-bunny-rabbitsmuralspot-belly-pigscatmedway-college-of-artsspcauniversity-of-the-creative-artsjanet-weight-reed-artistwest-chester-pennsylvaniapennsylvania-animal-shelterstuidohttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/10/28/a-funny-cat-story-7262036/#commentshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/10/28/an-invitaton-autumn-impressions-7258964/tag:janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk,2009-10-28:/2009/10/28/an-invitaton-autumn-impressions-7258964/Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:20:15 +0100 <p>First the invitation.</p> <p>For those of you following this blog you will know that I lived and worked in West Chester, Pennsylvania (28 miles SW of Philadlephia) for 23 years. </p> <p>For a long time known as a more conservative arts community - West Chester is now home to a diverse and rich arts movement. When my friend the artist Valetta, contacted me several months ago about the 'Fabric of Peace' project - I was happy to submit an image to be included in the finished 'quilt'. Upon completion the intention is to send the 'quilt' on tour around the world. Valetta, who is the director of the Regional Center for Women in the Arts, has been involved in many international exhibition exchange programmes, and so is very clear of what this would entail. </p> <p>'The Fabric of Peace is a positive statement by women connecting our shared interest in keeping peace in the world'</p> <p>If you are an artist or quilter anywhere around the globe and would like to be involved - please contact Valetta at <a href="mailto:valetta.rcwa@comcast.net">valetta.rcwa@comcast.net</a></p> <p>My second part of this post is about some final autuman impressions I have had while walking around Bushy Park. </p> <p>Bushy Park the second largest royal park of London sits immediately north of Hampton Court Palace, and fortunate for me virtually on my door step. Established as deer-hunting grounds for King Henry VIII five hundred years ago, the Park is magnificent. Walking through some areas of the Park, it's difficult sometimes to realise just how close to central London it is. </p> <p>As the final days of autumn are upon us, the following two images are 'impressions' I had while walking through the Park. The lighting at this time of year can be breathtakingly beautiful!</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/915/4043915_ed8592508a_m.jpg" alt="portfolio 020"></p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/980/4049980_ae8a3a59f0_m.jpg" alt="27th october 007"></p> <p>A Bientot</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/10/28/an-invitaton-autumn-impressions-7258964/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>valetta-artistdeer-huntingking-henry-viiiquiltingwest-chester-pennsylvaniacardinal-wolseyborough-of-richmond-londonquiltartist-exchange-programmeshampton-court-palacercwa-west-chester-pennsylvaniamedway-college-of-artsuniversity-of-the-creative-artswest-chester-arts-movementjanet-weight-reed-artistroyal-busy-park-londonquilterspennsylvaniaautumn-impressionsfabric-of-peace-projectaround-the-worldhttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/10/28/an-invitaton-autumn-impressions-7258964/#commentshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/10/27/for-the-love-of-animals-7251736/tag:janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk,2009-10-27:/2009/10/27/for-the-love-of-animals-7251736/Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:29:46 +0100 <p>The following passage from Walt Whitman's 'Song of Myself' was recently read on BBC radio four's 'Poetry Please'. </p> <p>It reminds me of my deep love and respect for animals. </p> <p>'I think I could turn and live with animals,<br> They are so placid and self-contained,<br> I stand and look at them long and long.</p> <p>They do not sweat and whine about their condition,<br> They do not lie awake in the dark and weep for their sins,<br> They do not make me sick discussing their duty to God,<br> Not one is dissatisfied, nor one is demented with the mania of owning things,<br> Not one kneels to another, nor to his kind that lived thousands of years ago.<br> Not one is respectable or industrious over the whole earth'<br> ___________________________________</p> <p>Here are some of the animals that have given me so much joy and love.</p> <p>'Puppy' - This little angel never left my feet. He followed me everywhere, and offered such love and devotion. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/969/4043969_33f4ca1394_m.jpg" alt="img062"></p> <p>'Tushy and Mushy'. Brother and sister, they came to me at 6 weeks old when I was living in my studio. They always liked to sit in the middle of my 'set ups'</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/754/4046754_05de21590d_m.jpg" alt="img543"></p> <p>'Tushy & Sasha' - Sasha came later and absolutely adored Tushy!</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/182/4044182_7a48f3aba1_m.jpg" alt="img538"></p> <p>'Bumble' - Bumble introduced me to the people of Crickhowell in Wales. She can be seen in the church panels at. St. Edmunds in Crickhowell. A loyal and beautiful creature. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/970/4043970_8fc3cbf98e_m.jpg" alt="img093"></p> <p>'Christeve' - Christeve who came to me in a storm on Christmas Eve in 1996 in the magical town of Crickadoon!</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/927/4043927_738347fe4a_m.jpg" alt="Cat1"></p> <p>For anyone visiting London, I highly recommend your visiting the 'Animals in War Memorial' - it is very moving, and one that I will never tire of seeing. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/752/4046752_ed8ffd57d2_m.jpg" alt="animal war memorial"></p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/753/4046753_8665c08ae1_m.jpg" alt="Animal war memorial 2"></p> <p>There are two insciptions on the momument. </p> <p>The first - 'This monument is dedicated to all the animals that served and died alongside British and allied forces in wars and campaigns throughout time'</p> <p>The second - 'They had no choice'</p> <p>The monument is located at Brook Gate, Park Lane on the edge of Hyde Park. It was designed by English scuptor, David Backhouse, and unveiled by the Princess Royal on 24th November 2004.</p> <p>A Bientot</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/10/27/for-the-love-of-animals-7251736/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>londonradio-4puppybumblejillie-cooperhyde-park-londonbrook-gate-londondavid-backhouse-sculptorwalesmedway-collge-of-artsjanet-weight-reed-artistchristevesong-of-myselfsashauniversity-of-the-creative-artsbbcwalt-whitmancrickadoonanimalspark-lane-londonpoetry-pleaselampeter-universitystedmunds-crickhowell-walesprincess-royalimaging-the-bibletushy-mushycrickhowellphiladelphia-studiochristmas-eveanimals-in-war-memorialhttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/10/27/for-the-love-of-animals-7251736/#commentshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/10/26/trees-7245217/tag:janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk,2009-10-26:/2009/10/26/trees-7245217/Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:07:54 +0100 <p>From the book 'Buddhist Offerings 365 Days' </p> <p>'In the past all of life was based on trees. Their flowers gave us nourishment, their leaves and fibres clothed us and provided us with shelter. We took refuge in their branches for protection from wild animals. We used wood for heat, and for canes to bear our weight when we grew old, and to make weapons to defend ourselves. We were very close to trees. Today surrounded by sophisticated machinery and high performance computers in our ultra-modern offices, it is easy to forget our ties with nature'.</p> <p>I can only speak from personal experience, but I know that when I am shut away from nature, I begin to feel unwell, both emotionally and physically. It's not like I am so ill that I have to take to my bed - it's more an underlying feeling of things not being right. </p> <p>There are millions of people living in man made 'concrete jungles' Is it any wonder that anger and anxst surrounds these places? </p> <p>Today as we witness the beauty and colour of autumn trees as the seasons change, I believe it is important to honour the trees and the natural cycles of life. I suppose what that means, is not necessarily learning anything knew, but rather remembering all that we have forgotten!<img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Every now and then I enjoy going into a park what I can lie flat on the ground and look up at the sky through the trees. Somehow it always gives me a new and fresh perepective on life! </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/844/4042844_30715482b3_m.jpg" alt="autumn trees"></p> <p>Trees in a Welsh landscape</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/845/4042845_a2bce53fc7_m.jpg" alt="march 18 09 002"></p> <p>Just a tree we say!</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/846/4042846_452f1b1507_m.jpg" alt="wednesday demo 3 023"></p> <p>A natural 'leaf gem' - there for all of us to enjoy. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/609/4017609_522d19f92e_m.jpg" alt="autumn 2 001"></p> <p>A Bientot</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/10/26/trees-7245217/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>seasonal-changestreesconcrete-junglesultra-modernbushy-parkleavesheatphysicalbuddhist-offerings-365-dayswild-animalsdali-lamanatural-cyclesautumnnatureman-madeage-concernnourishmentwoodemotionaluniversity-of-the-creative-artsflowersold-agebuddhismnweaponsanxstsophisticated-machinerywelsh-landscapemedway-college-of-artshelterangerfibrejanet-weight-reed-artistofficescomputersleaf-gemweighthttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/10/26/trees-7245217/#commentshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/10/25/interconectedness-7238683/tag:janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk,2009-10-25:/2009/10/25/interconectedness-7238683/Sun, 25 Oct 2009 08:42:12 +0100 <p>I was given a beautiful book for my 60th birthday (now nearly four years ago, which is hard to believe!) titled 'Buddhist Offerings 365 Days' </p> <p>Each day this book offers me a lovely image and some words that always seem to start me off on the right footing. </p> <p>Today's offering. </p> <p>'Without the rigidity of concepts, the world becomes transparent and illuminated, as though lit from within. With this understanding, the interconnectedness of all that lives becomes very clear. We see that nothing is stagnant and nothing is fully separate, that who we are, what we are, is intimately woven into the nature of life itself. Out of this sense of connection, love and compassion arise'.</p> <p>As an artist I suppose I am always striving to somehow record this innate sense of interconnectedness through my work. </p> <p>In this large oil on canvas painted about twenty years ago, I tried to convey this sense of all things being connected in a 'peaceable kingdom' sense. Looking closely reveals a leopard in the background along with all sorts of other flora and fauna. </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/520/3431520_a3d4cd65d4_m.jpg" alt="img352"></p> <p>As fellow blogger Jenny pointed out yesterday - working in oil doesn't always give the sense of spontaneity and freedom that can be achieved with water based paints. This of course is true, but I still enjoy the concept of working on huge white canvases!</p> <p>One of my many peacock sketches - watercolour and gouache mix. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/496/4034496_2a0c798baa_m.jpg" alt="peacocks 013"></p> <p>Hopefully everyone remembered to turn the clocks back today!</p> <p>A Bientot</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/10/25/interconectedness-7238683/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>peaceable-kingdombuddhist-offerings-365-daysbird-of-paradisebloggingartistlovecompassioninterconnetednesstransparentfloratigerleopardilluminationsuniversity-of-the-creative-artsthames-hudson-publisherjanet-weight-reed-artistdanielle-follmipeacockwatercolourmedway-college-of-artsfauna60th-birthdaydesigner-gouacheolivier-follmihttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/10/25/interconectedness-7238683/#commentshttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/10/24/silencing-the-outer-critic-7233739/tag:janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk,2009-10-24:/2009/10/24/silencing-the-outer-critic-7233739/Sat, 24 Oct 2009 08:17:44 +0200 <p>Within the abundance of self help books that are available today, we often read about our 'inner' critic. I have just discovered the term 'silencing our OUTER critic', which resonates with me.</p> <p>Yesterday I talked about how as a visual artist, it is often my rapid sketches that achieve a sense of spontaneity and vitality. These quick response sketches seem to record the essence of a moment. It is when I try to translate these sketches into more formal work, that the original vitality can get lost. </p> <p>This clearly crosses over into other disciplines, i.e., writing. One of my fellow bloggers commented yesterday that this is an issue for him with regards to his poetry.</p> <p>As I look back over my long career, I can see that because of periods when I listened to the 'outer' critics, which in turn tapped into my inner critic, I was often crippled from actually producing the work that made my heart sing! </p> <p>I always seem to come back to my fifteen minute a day apple exercise. Once again this little exercise can help to dispell both outer and inner critics. If we allow ourselves to PLAY, be it with paint or words for fifteen minutes a day....we can begin to tap into our internal energy source, and consequently produce work that speaks of who we are. </p> <p>A quick fire sketch of apples....which for me says everything about the essence of a bowl of applies. Less is more<img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/731/3903731_0f3e948cad_m.jpg" alt="day 14 apples 005"></p> <p>I painted this oil on canvas years ago, and although technically proficient, I feel that it lacks the energy and vitality of the simple sketch.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/146/3579146_5745494f8b_m.jpg" alt="img052"></p> <p>Another 'egret' sketch. I remember sitting quietly watching this bird take off, and feeling a complete sense of being interconnected with nature. </p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/495/4034495_1e8edc843f_m.jpg" alt="peacocks 012"></p> <p>It is this intangible quality that I want to bring to my new series of work. My goal is to draw from the feelings experienced when I produced the original sketch.</p> <p>Overcast here in London, but still no rain! </p> <p>A Bientot </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/10/24/silencing-the-outer-critic-7233739/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>egretvitalitytranslationapple-exericsespontaneityintangiblejanet-weight-reed-artistuniversity-of-the-creative-artsouter-criticpoetself-help-booksrainless-is-moremedway-college-of-artsinner-criticplayvisual-artistoil-on-canvastechnically-proficientsourceapplesessencefifteen-minutes-a-dayinterconnected-with-naturepoetryinternal-energylondonhttp://janetweightreed10.blog.co.uk/2009/10/24/silencing-the-outer-critic-7233739/#comments