This is the final proof of my new linocut – it’s called West End Girl – and as usual I’m wondering if it’s okay or whether it needs some more work. Perhaps it lacks a little sparkle?
I really do hope it’s not back to the drawing board….
I took a drive down to Farnham in Surrey the other day to deliver some prints for the New Ashgate gallery’s summer show. It’s only forty-odd miles away but, goodness me, getting out of London is such a slog – A23 south, then on to the M25 (oh joy) and then along the A3 to Guildford. Just an hour and forty minutes to you, Madam.
But never mind, it was worth it as Farnham is so pretty! Lots of lovely Georgian buildings and even a castle – I was truly smitten.
I guess if you were to live in a similar place in London, it would cost you many millions of pounds – Hampstead perhaps? For the first time in my life, I really started to seriously consider the benefits of moving out of London – must be my age…
Anyway, this is what I have on show there, if anyone is in the area.
One new lino block, with the line drawing transferred and ready for cutting……
A few hours later and the block is starting to take shape……..
And the pile of lino clippings grows ever larger…..
Just to say that the London Printmakers‘ exhibition at the Oxo gallery on the Southbank is only on for another week – the last day is Sunday 22nd May. Opening hours are every day from 11-6, admission free.
I have a few copies of City of Gold available at the show, if anyone is interested in acquiring one, but – I’m pleased to say – the edition is selling out fast…
Newly arrived through the post is a five metre roll of lino from Lawrence Art Supplies
It’s so long that the only place that I can unroll it properly is in our hall at home.
With the helpful supervision of the dog, of course……
Next I spend a few 
happy hours on my knees, with a steel rule, set square and Stanley knife, cutting it into more manageable sections (and with hardly any weeping, swearing or shouting).
Finally, weary and battle-scarred, I stagger upstairs with it all and store it under the bed…..
Well, another vital job done and definitely worth a large glass of wine, I think….
London Printmakers have a new show on at the Oxo Gallery on the South Bank and I will be there, manning the gallery all day this Saturday (7th May) from 11am – 6pm.
I would really like to be able to say that that there will be fireworks, champagne and celebrities, but unfortunately no – there will only be two tired and slightly emotional printmakers present, but please do come along anyway and brighten our day….
It’s the last chance to drop in and see my solo exhibition at Cambridge Contemporary Art – it has been extended for an extra week and this Bank Holiday Monday is the very last day.
All my lino cuts from the last few years are on show in the gallery, including a few rare ones not often exhibited. Although most of the framed copies have sold, there are still unframed ones available to buy.
I also have some paintings to see, including this one, Way Out, featured on the front of the invitation, (although it’s now sold).
The London Original Print Fair is on next week at the Royal Academy, Piccadilly, London W1.
Opening hours are Tuesday 19th April 10am – 9pm, Wednesday 20th April 10am – 9pm, and Thursday 21st April 10am – 6pm. It’s a fantastic show if you’re interested in prints.
I have a few free tickets if anyone is interested – email me and I’ll post one to you….
I will be showing some linocuts on the Royal Society of Painter Printmaker’s stand, including this one: True Love on the Tube, 33 x 34 cms, £295 framed.
Other linocut artists of note will include Pablo Picasso….
Paintings currently on show at Cambridge Contemporary Art include (from top) Early Morning, City Life, London Calling, and Saturday, all oil on linen.
I’ve just been watching my friend and colleague Nana Shiomi on YouTube. She was filmed as she demonstrated her unique combination of water based woodcut printmaking at the Double Elephant Print Workshop in Devon.
I found it absolutely fascinating – I only wish I could hear some more of the questions and her answers but I guess they had to keep it reasonably short….
You can see it here and here.