“It is not easy to paint. It is very strenuous. But it’s something you’ve got to do if you have the urge". - Janet Sobel. This exhibition at The Gallery of Everything on Chiltern Street features over 30 astonishing works on paper by the acclaimed/reclaimed figuratist, impressionist, surrealist and abstract expressionist artist Janet Sobel (1893 – 1968). Like … Continue reading Janet Sobel: 20th Century Woman
Automatic Drawing
Cut-out Critters
I've been cutting out creatures from the experimental print textures as examples of what can be added to The Weaving Tree, an exciting project at Wales Millennium Centre. I planned the birds and hare, but the two creatures below emerged from random marks made in the print-making process, and I love how kooky they are. … Continue reading Cut-out Critters
The Phorescent
Sometimes, just doodling with whatever's to hand to see what happens. I added the cut-outs from a random page afterwards. Thoughts about interconnectedness and sustainable communities. There's a Sanskrit saying “Vasudhaiva kutumbakam”, which means “the whole world is one family”. The Phorescent
Lockdown Drawing/Writing #4
During lockdown, my brother has made a series of drawings that I have been inspired to write short fiction pieces from. I will be posting them, and the corresponding writing here over the next few weeks. Matt writes about the drawings: ” I don’t give them titles very often, I usually just date them sort … Continue reading Lockdown Drawing/Writing #4
Lockdown Drawing/Writing #3
During lockdown, my brother has made a series of drawings that I have been inspired to write short fiction pieces from. I will be posting them, and the corresponding writing here over the next few weeks. Matt writes about the drawings: ” I don’t give them titles very often, I usually just date them sort … Continue reading Lockdown Drawing/Writing #3
Lockdown Drawing/Writing#1
During lockdown, my brother, an artist working in Somerset, has made a series of drawings that I have been inspired to write short fiction pieces from. I will be posting them, and the corresponding writing here over the next few weeks. Matt writes about the drawings: " I don't give them titles very often, I … Continue reading Lockdown Drawing/Writing#1
Close Your Eyes and Sing
Our workshop 'Close Your Eyes and Sing: Expressive Painting,' for the community arts festival, Made in Roath was a great success. More than fifty abstract works of art were created by individuals using the backs of old carpet tiles, and Picasso's advice that 'to draw you must close your eyes and sing'. Our first participants … Continue reading Close Your Eyes and Sing
Painting the Tiles
This year, the fabulous Made in Roath festival have received funding from the Welsh Arts Council, and invited artists to apply to run workshops or exhibitions throughout the festival. I decided to expand on the theme of my last year's workshop, using one of Picasso's quotes: 'To draw, you must close your eyes and sing,' … Continue reading Painting the Tiles
Expressive Drawing Workshop
A wonderful day with lots of visitors taking up our expressive drawing challenge for Made in Roath festival. We rolled out long sheets of paper, and invited participants to use paint, charcoal and pastels to experiment and have fun.
Upcoming Exhibition and Workshop
Georgina Peach and I are running an Expressive Drawing Workshop on Sunday 22nd as part of the fabulous madeinroath festival - see here for details. Expect scrunched up paper, paint flicking, drawing with eyes closed, and other fun ways of drawing/not-drawing. "Expressive, or automatic drawing was used by the Surrealists to express the subconscious … Continue reading Upcoming Exhibition and Workshop