Kate Kelleher

flo

2012-02-07T20:39:00.000Z

flo

I've been working on a couple of pieces for charity auctions coming up.

Seems like a good opportunity to give something back, while I sit and think about my style of working, and what I want to be making next.

I am finding it hard to find the courage to move on, perhaps a bit of me likes the known, and at the same time scared to venture forth. I need to just try, even if I ruin a few things along the way.

In the mean time I am gathering bits that I have forgotten about, sorting through layers upon layers of lace, buttons etc from my by gone days as a buyer.
We used to go to NY and hunt through all the flea markets, filling our pockets with bags of beads, old frames, hand bags and the such like.
Oh such glorious days.
The flea markets used to be up in the meat packing area, in old parking lots.
I wonder if they are still there, or if they have been replaced by galleries and fancy shops.
I hope to get the chance to visit one day, to see for myself.

John Smith (1652-1743)

2012-02-03T11:13:00.000Z

John Smith (1652-1743)

Lord Buckhurst and Lady Mary Sackville, 1695

Mezzotint.

Such a beautiful print, exquisite detail. In reality it looks like a drawing.

Picture taken on my iphone at the British Museum.

and so it starts

2012-01-26T12:27:00.000Z

The start of a journey.

Close ups of work in progress.

Learning

2012-01-25T14:02:00.000Z

Learning to see again.

When I paint I don't draw.

It is all in my head, and on a good day just unfolds as I go along.

My next challenge I have given myself is to see again.

Putting pencil to paper and learning to look.

Back to basics I suppose.

This is mad

2012-01-24T12:27:00.000Z

This is so mad.

I love it.

Glithero made a flammable paint the type you would use on a match stick.

Just like a chemistry experiment I can imagine them sitting round a kitchen table,

mixing their potions then setting it alight.

See the whole film here.

Glithero

2012-01-24T10:19:00.000Z

I also have a desire to have a go at Cyanotype printing once spring comes around.

I have aspirations of mixing the two chemicals together,

painting the liquid onto massive pieces of watercolour paper

and exposing my wedding dress to the sun.

Sounds easy right?

I am not so sure, but I think it will be fun to have a go.

I might get the kids to lie on the paper to, see what we get!

Glithero make these lovely tiles you can see more here.

And I would recommend you look here to see them making amazing blueware vases.

Seriously loving

2012-01-23T11:39:00.000Z

DRIES VAN NOTEN SS 2012 via franklyesoteric

Emilia Arana via contemporary cloth

Seriously loving the colours and style of these.

This year I wanted to move away from butterflies and back into movement and the flow of a piece.

A bit like when I first picked up a paintbrush, and some how it all just felt right for me.

I had no idea what I was doing, I just went with the movement of it.

It became a feeling and some how it worked.

This year is going to be journey.

So there, I have said it.

Now I just have to go and do it.

Mister Finch

2012-01-19T12:01:00.000Z

My love for Mister Finch grows.

Mr Moth arrived this morning

no time was wasted knocking a hole in the wall.

LOVE HIM.

Bla de blah

2012-01-18T10:32:00.000Z

I have to raise the question.

Have you seen your partner skip?

Yes that is correct,

you did hear me,

skip.

One foot in front of the other,

up there,

somewhere in the air.

I had to laugh,

I could not help myself.

He was so high,

holding the hand of our boy.

In all our years together,

I have only just seen this sight.

Now I ask of you,

go skip,

hold a partner and feel the joy.

Go on,

up there, high.

Be sure to be behind,

so you will see.

and be careful as like me,

you might laugh so much you pee.

hee hee

2012-01-14T16:27:00.000Z

Hello blog, I have missed you.

I have found comfort in the baking,

and entertaining folds of motherhood.

It took me away to a far off land,

but now I am back.

Contented.

Ready to start a new.

This year feels fresh, perhaps every new start feels like this.

Some how this feels different.

Alive.

Happy Belated 2012, I hope it brings you many smiles and happy memories x

To you

2011-12-23T23:15:00.000Z

rising, 2010, kiki smith

via cinoh tumblr

To you all,

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas

and a Sparkling 2012.

Thank you for your support and comments,

lets make this one even better x

Mantle

2011-12-09T12:40:00.000Z

Last night we painted christmas trees for our mantle.

Inspired by this brilliant blog- fem manuals

I now have a long list of things to make over the Christmas holidays with Dillon and Matilda.

It's going to be fun!

It's all the same.

2011-12-06T23:34:00.000Z

from the lovely anabundanceof via fieldandsea

from childofdanu via acottageinthewoods-deactivated2

Remy Charlip: It Looks Like Snow , Young Scott Books, 1957 [32]pp For John Cage via stopping off place via carnetimages

Eugeny Kozhevnikov via yama-bato

So perhaps those of us with kids have this vision.

It’s the nostalgia, romance of Christmas, the whole story, you get wrapped, you want it to be perfect, you want them to believe.

We can live the dream.

Together.

We as parents have a vision. It is all roughly the same one,

we fall madly in love,

I mean dizzy madly,

a while later have a nipper or two,

three,

and voila, the christmas vision is

born.

Family decorates the christmas tree, carols softly lulling in the back ground, wine on the mantle, kids under foot, decorating the tree.

Lights softly a glow, it’s a scene of love blurred only by the snow fall at the window.

And so you see,

we like you,

wanted a tree.

After all it is Christmas,

this the beginning of the month, so heck,

lets get value for money and get it now.

Husband say’s ‘but the needles will fall’,

I manage to fob him of with some goodness knows what,

that he actually listens too,

and off he goes, with not one, but both kids.

(I asked him if it was possible to buy eldest new trainers and rugby boots on the way, but there was muffled sounds I couldn’t make out.)

Off they go, together, I in tern have been given ten minutes of spare time to myself,

but however have been chosen to re arrange the lounge furniture to fit said tree in.

Clearly lifting furniture is no obstacle for me.

Five foot three I can do it all.

I did try my best, but I could hear them coming home,

from two streets away, so there I was at the front door,

greeting their excitement, smile and everything,

and noting my husbands reddened expression

(remember that dizzy madly love, remember that dizzy madly love, come on it’s in there some where, remember.)

Together, as a family we carry the tree and place it in the metal holder he had the foresight to re ensemble.

Then the straightening begins.

And for some reason it doesn’t stop.

Surly it is fine.

It is a tree.

A celebratory one at that.

It’s upright.

It grows straight.

No. It. Has. to. be. straight.

Finally,

it is straight.

First rule of thumb, apparently is the lights.

Husband and I eye each other.

I remember his eyes are blue.

I begin to wonder if I am in a Western.

Together we start to wind them round, around and around.

One, two, three, four sets of lights go on.

Seems simple, almost harmonious.

Husband looks up.

Realisation.

Four sets of lights means four plugs.

Panic.

Off husband goes to the hardware store to buy an extension lead, and goodness knows what else.

So the lights are now on, never mind they are unlit, the kids are super excited.

Whooped into a delirious excitement I try hard to fathom, but I manage to go with it.

I am there, this is euphoria.

divide the decorations into colours/type. (yep, I know, but run with it) and together they start hanging, and my goodness, I think we have it, they are doing it and it actually looks great.

I am loving it.

(those of you with kids and no tree yet, it is fundamental to go with the colours/type strategy, goodness know how, but it works, unless you have an under three. )

So there I am, I am hanging, and I am singing,

I am even finding time for a bit of supping.

I am living the moment.

And then I realise.

The tree is sliding.

To the side.

In fact it is moving.

It is now at an angle, an acute angle.

I still think it looks fine, so I keep hanging, I want everything to be perfect, following suit my kids hang too.

That is until the husband returns.

He sees.

The tree.

He is tugging the tree one way, the branches, trying to get it straight, telling me to hold it, jamming things down the side, toys namely, into the base to make it sit the way he wants.

To me it is fine, I am living the dream, kids seem pretty happy too.

Together, we are living the dream.

So I continue to hang the decorations, ignoring the grunts.

Glossy eyed, I look up some twenty or so minutes later, to find I am the only one still living the dream.

Silently, as if they knew.

One by one they have gone.

Kids are upstairs playing, husband is asleep on armchair in kitchen (that was renegaded there due to trees arrival).

So I sit down for the first time in a long day.

I rest.

I look at the tree.

And again I look at the tree.

And then oh my, I look at the tree.

You see I am alone, and as I look at the tree I realise I am the only one who knows that at head hight,

there is a whooping great hole in the tree of perfect foliage, all the way across,

there is a gap,

not just a hole, it covers the trees circumference,

as big as my head, plus my sons....

...and so I sit waiting for my husband to notice.

Santas elves at Orange Pekoe

2011-12-01T11:33:00.000Z

Last night while you were sleeping Orange Pekoe, a gorgeous tea shop in Barnes, London,

had some elves spreading a little magic throughout out it's decorative walls.

At the window stood the very talented jewellery designer Emma Cassi painting as commuters sped home from work. It was a delight to see their faces as they watched her swirl the paint upon the windows. Emma had designed a colourful winter wonderland scene and asked me to decorate it with bugs and butterflies.

So together we painted, and chatted, giddy with laughter.

It was so much fun to do something different, and something together.

It was also lovely to meet Lynne from Tea for joy blog, who was also there to capture the essence of the tea rooms as she has a passion for the ceremony of tea, and to be honest, all things gorgeous.

It was interesting hearing her talk to Marianne, the owner of Orange Pekoe about the teas and their blends. Marianne gets the growers to blend teas especially for her, so much effects the taste of the tea from year to year, I had no idea there was so much to tea.

Marianna and her team were also filling baskets upon baskets full of nougat, chocolates, sweets and goodies I can only dream of.

Mantles were stacked with scented candles, filling the shop with a heady scent of flowers and tea.

Tables were submerged with cakes and almond biscuits.

This place is heaven.

Seriously.

Scenes from the movie Chocolate kept popping into my mind.

Marianna is passionate about her trade and this comes across in the decadence with which she fills her tea rooms.

As I left, Emma slipped some beautifully wrapped packages into my bag.

Can you believe it?

Look.....

Emma always wraps them so beautifully.

(tea pot painting is by Emma Forrester at Wimbledon Art Studios)

Matilda has been given a beautiful necklace of lace crystals and silk.

She will love this.

And my parcel contained a beautiful bracelet, of Liberty print wrapped with lace, on which Emma has sewn sparkling glass beads and silver stars.

I am pinching myself, thank you Emma for the gifts and the pleasure of working with you.

And I am sure the lucky people of Barnes are pinching themselves too, as the elves were working well into the night to bring some magic to a winter wonderland.

A snapshot of my studio

2011-12-01T10:29:00.000Z

Thank you to all that came to visit me at the Open Studios.

It was so nice to meet so many people,

from those of you moving house,

building extensions,

building houses,

having babies,

decorating,

collecting bugs,

or just the curious.

I love meeting each and every one of you.

Thank you, and I hope to meet you again.

Loving Liberty's

2011-11-29T20:24:00.000Z

Here are my favourite parts of the Liberty's Christmas windows.

I adore the swans dressed in necklaces and tiara's, and why not?

Anything less would be under dressed.

Here is Matilda's favourite window.

She had just spotted the chocolate ladybird on the golden bail the milk maid was perched on.

She nearly licked the window.

Loving the glamour.

A note from my studio

2011-11-17T12:27:00.000Z

A note from my studio.

A small glimpse of what will be on show next weekend at Wimbledon Open Studios.

Thursday and Friday 2-10pm

Saturday and Sunday 11-6pm

Having seen some of my fellow artists work, this promises to be a great show.

Rhea Thierstein

2011-11-12T10:38:00.008Z

Grand and imposing walls by Rhea Thierstein.

You probably will have seen these, but I want them recorded here for prosperity.

I really like them.

Anyone pinning these days? Mine.

Attic

2011-11-10T10:33:00.000Z

One of my favourite shops Attic has had a move around,

switching their furniture and gift shops around.

Isn't it divine?

The owners Alistair and Deborah share a passion for one off pieces,

and venture to far off places via Paris to pull together a collection for the likes of you and me

to fill our homes with.

I recently bought an old green cabinet to put all my paints in at my studio,

it never made it there, but it looks great in my hallway!

( It's a ploy so I can go back to Attic, and come home with more bounty.)

Seriously, if you love vintage, you must go and see for yourselves,

you wont be disappointed, and I defy you to come out empty handed.

All images via their blog.

A mad thing.

2011-11-08T20:19:00.000Z

Trong G. Nguyen. Library, 2007.

I saw this and thought it was a crazy mad idea.

Each packet contains many grains of rice on which a word has been written in ink.

Each packet contains a chapter of a given book.

If you can spot a few gold grains floating around in there, that's the title of said given book.

Chapters are over laid three at a time, therefore perhaps they begin to cast shadows of the past.

Genius!

I miss those old library stamps, it's not the same as the barcode that we have now.

Found here.

You can see more here.

Curious wishes

2011-11-03T11:24:00.000Z

Curious wishes.

The nights are drawing in,

and the autumnal colours outside

seem to reflect the colours here in my home.

This one really shines.

The next Wimbledon Open Studios is in three weeks time. (gulp)

So come and have a look, there are so many inspiring artists there.

When I close my eyes.

2011-10-19T20:35:00.000+01:00

Some times it feels like I am sitting under a rainbow,

lots of colours around me to play with,

so I sit and mix,

and somehow find my way back to the colours I like to use.

When I close my eyes.

Shown here are two of five.

Higher Daddy Higher

2011-10-16T20:44:00.000+01:00

Higher Daddy Higher!

This has got to be the best swing in the world.

They weaved their arms around each other and held each other close.

They sat and sung all afternoon in the lazy autumn sun.

We pushed and pushed and they giggled as their tummies turned inside out.

On days like this memories are made,

that stay in our hearts forever.

Whispers

2011-09-28T20:39:00.000+01:00

Here is a whisper from something I am working on for the next Wimbledon Art Open Studios.

Feels calm and soothing, and I feel a little as if I am going to slip into hibernation.

I am going to turn my studio into an Autumnal hollow given time.

Bug panels

2011-09-26T12:33:00.001+01:00

Two panels full of bugs for Lacy Road Gallery.

They will be on show this weekend at the Palace Art Fair

Thursday 6th October 6.00pm - 8.30pm (ticket only)
Friday 7th October 12am - 8.30pm
Saturday 8th October 11am - 5.30pm
Sunday 9th October 11am - 5.30pm

If you live in South West London, come along to Fulham Palace and say hello, there are some very talented artists showing a variety of work.

2011-09-21T15:10:00.000+01:00

A snap shot of what I am working on.

I love painting the bug at the bottom, he always stands out.

Almost tips his hat and bows, a real gentleman if he were real.

But now he has a rival in the shape of a butterfly.

Well actually she is a moth, but she is almost too pretty to be one.

She has taken me the best part of the afternoon to get right, I didn't realise she would take so long.

Worth it though, at the moment she is the winner.

She is doing a curtsey and blowing a kiss.

My itch.

2011-09-01T21:43:00.000+01:00

So you see, for the last couple of years I have been quietly and slowly developing an itch.

An itch, you say, how revolting....however it is not of that ilk.

It's the type that makes me want to spread my wings a bit, you know the type.

Stretch.

Pastures greener and all that.

Perhaps a farm?

No let's think big, a manor house, no less!

Can you imagine?

I would throw decedent parties, and grow fields of flowers.

Wonder around the rooms, in a full skirts with a petticoat.

Maybe even wear an apron.

My children could run and shout, without me silencing them.

Can you feel the space?

So I left my cramped little London house today,

with two kids bellowing

and headed to the park.

You know, to find some space.

Only thing is,

everyone else is there.

All packed in.

All trying to find, that same space.

We play and then go home for supper and a mud bath.

Eventually my kids are quiet and asleep.

Angels.

I think to myself, I will find some space for us for the weekend.

You know the kind of space.

I look on line at quaint cottages up and down the land.

I spot one I like.

It is beautiful, not too far, and we can all squeeze in.

I go to book...

not available until January 2012.

Oh ok.

It seems that everyone in the park already had that same idea.

Perhaps I need to book before supper time.

The photo is from a card a friend gave to me for my Birthday.

'Afternoon tea extravaganza'

Designed by Kit Kemp, design director/owner of Firmdale Hotels, with Steven Wicks and Mark Welford of Bloomsbury Flowers.

They were awarded a Silver at Chealsea Flower Show.

Parlour

2011-09-01T09:57:00.000+01:00

We found ourselves at Parlour on last Saturday for lunch.

It is divine.

Dillon ordered the fish and chips.

I was tickled with the presentation.

A little frying basket for the fish and chips, mayo, vinegar and a squeeze of lemon wrapped in cloth, all sitting on a wooden chopping board.

(Once empty, Matilda used the little frying basket as an air guitar.)

Tom had a small skillet of bangers and mash.

Who ever designed this restaurant is a genius.

A wonderful mix of furniture, and this giant chandelier made of kitchen utensils.

There were so many little quirky elements within the restaurant.

I felt like I was in New York.

Hanging cocoons to chill in.

There were little teacups placed in the nooks where the lights are.

The loveliest wallpaper I have ever seen.

Silver with botanical etchings on it. I have to find out where this is from.

If I was ever brave enough to have a tattoo, I would start here for inspiration.

I would have peonies, mixed with other flora and twirling leaves cascading from my shoulder down the top of my arm.

I shall keep dreaming...

Even the ladies was glam.

If you are ever in Canary Wharf, spend a few hours here, you will love it.

Work in progress.

2011-08-27T17:10:00.000+01:00

A large silver panelled board, is sitting upon my wall at home.

Patiently waiting for adornment.

I am painting here rather than the studio while it is the school holidays as time is limited.

It has my favourite flowers- violets sitting along the bottom, mixed with snow drops

and will have magnolia flowers on the branches at the top.

There is something about violets I find endearing,

their purple inked flora, so small, and full of scent.

If you are lucky you can occasionally buy tiny bunches of the bloom at Liberty's.

They only last a day or two.

So worth it though.

Someones happy

2011-08-25T19:55:00.000+01:00

The little lady, feeling the love, dancing in the flowers.

I wish this was my garden.

I am not sure I would ever go indoors again.

Someone (errr herm) has a birthday this weekend.

We started raising glasses last weekend.

I had no idea a big birthday could feel so good!

I feel spoilt, and so so grateful.

My breath has been taken away, and in it's place people leave treasure.

The dancing queen in the top photo has been enjoying burying her fingers in our nature box,

and learning to draw with the projector.

This fills my heart,

and makes me realise I have so much in life,

more than I could ever hope for.

Happy weekend x

Bellinter House.

2011-08-21T20:13:00.000+01:00

If there is ever a place that makes you want to shake the city and move to the country.

This is it.

It's the type of place that makes you want to act a little bit rock and roll and then snooze in the next day.

Everyday felt like a Sunday, but made you want to dress for a Saturday.

Topsy turvy with wonderful design, and great food and wine.

I loved this place and would love to go back to it in a heartbeat.

Bellinter House in Co Meath, Ireland, you rocked my world.

Westport House, Ireland

2011-08-12T10:05:00.000+01:00

When you live in countryside as beautiful as this, you begin to stop looking around you.

Take it as everyday.

When you live in the city and come to seek this, your eyes are drawn,

locked holding the beauty.

This is Westport House, in Westport, Ireland.

Home, many years ago to Grace O'Malley, a real lady pirate.

You won't believe this, but you get to peddle around the lake in these giant swans.

It looked easy.

Not so on the way back.

Now come on into the house....

I liked the grandeur of the chandelier,

the sky ceiling,

and the dark hushed corridors, looking out onto the world outside.

a drawing room

followed by elaborate ceiling, in the hallway.

followed by a little boy, waiting patiently to see the dungeon.

A child's bedroom set up for play.

Master bedroom.

I'd be fine just here, looking at the ceiling.

I like the way everything has been left as if everyone is going to come back into the house,

and carry on where they left off.

You can just imagine, the hustle and bustle that these walls have seen,
and they stand to tell the tale.

The Emerald Isle.

2011-08-10T17:48:00.000+01:00

Holidays are always fun.

We went to Ireland.

We climbed a mountain.

(well, a third of one, but that was pretty good going for little legs)

We visited many friends.

Discovered Trim Castel, and learnt about life long ago.

Ran down beautiful roads.

Laughed a lot.

Climbed even more.

Visited ancient burial places.

oh yes, and a bit more climbing.

Stayed at the gorgeous Bellinter House.

More photos of this, another day.

Followed a trail to go fishing.

Got electrocuted by the fence.

Seriously. ZAP! ZAP! ZAP!

Eventually found the river to cast our lines.

Looked up to see we were surrounded by cows.

ahhhhhh!!!!

So we set Matilda on them.

She knew what to do.

When Dillon grows up he wants to be a farmer.

Matilda still wants to be a fairy.

Fun.

Nothing beats little treasures.

2011-07-14T10:20:00.000+01:00

I looked up the other night to see my son had left me a gift, a small pebble, up high on the mantel.
He was tucked up in bed, so my gratitude had to wait, but it filled my heart and made me smile.

A little present left somewhere where he knew my eyes would fall.
Daily these treasures are pulled from the depths of his pocket, and presented like gold with a smile and a kiss, telling tales of where he has been and whom he has seen.

As you can see, there are now many collections of his dotted around the house.
Small reminders of love, placed in the nooks and crannies of our everyday life.

His first school year is coming to an end tomorrow, and my boy is filled with words, and letters, and wild drawings of the sea.

His eyes are wide, his head is filled, and the hand that once needed mine is digging deep for treasure.

Butterfly cuts

2011-07-13T12:12:00.000+01:00

Playing.

Here I sit.

Curious, repetitive fun,

My little ones with little hands will soon be by my side.

Playing.

Here we will sit.

Curious, repetitive fun.

One for the road.

2011-07-01T12:45:00.000+01:00

These panels are the latest addition to the The Lacy Road Gallery.

One gold, one silver.

One male one female.

Suited and booted.

I don't want to give too much away about these, however they do tickle me.

Tomorrow night there is a fund raising event at my sons school. I was asked if I could donate a picture, feels good to be giving something back.

Up to anything nice yourselves?

Happy weekend.

Peter Lippman and Christian Louboutin Collaboration

2011-06-27T10:31:00.000+01:00

We all have out rituals.

Mine is before I paint I sit down and look at my tumblr.

I love seeing what other people collect, I see things that I would not normally see

and I collect images for my own image bank.

Each image I collect holds some form of wealth for a future painting.

I saw the 'Whistler' photo on yellowtrace this morning, which lead me here. (always a great sight if you like fashion editorials. )

They are from a collaboration with photographer Peter Lippman and Christian Louboutin.

They have been blended seamlessly to create photographs made to look like old paintings. I also love the fantasy side, perhaps Whistlers mother really did have a pair of fancy boots underneath her petticoat?

Little beauty

2011-06-10T20:42:00.000+01:00

I like this one.

Is it ok to say that?

I wanted to keep it.

I love the way it shines,

The heavens opened when I took these pictures,

A little beacon.

Still shines through.

I quickly phoned the recipient and promised it to them,

ever so quickly,

just in case,

I changed my mind.

Still it's mine for the weekend,

just until it is dry.

Happy weekend to you. x

Inspiration

2011-06-02T21:32:00.000+01:00

The kids are out.

Park, play area, swimming, park, play area, swimming, repeat several days in a row, and again tomorrow.

I found a little unexpected visual stimulation this morning.

(thank you kind person who gave me this magazine)

I am loving the faded floral skirt with the dip dyed bottom, makes me want to have a go. I often dream of boiling up steaming vats of flora I have gathered to dye bundles (ok stacks) of unused fabrics I have bought over the years.

I often wonder how I could incorporate this into my work.

Yesterdays light

2011-05-24T21:08:00.000+01:00

Yesterdays light.

Deceivable evening, not early break.

Shine of halos surround each bloom.

Plucked from my garden.

Remind me of you.

Mrs Rosy Bloom.

Something magic happened yesterday.

A gallery owner came to my home, loved my paintings, took them off my walls, called someone to collect them, and tonight they are now hanging in her gallery :O

I am still pinching myself.

Yesterdays light.

Yesterdays grace.

To you.

2011-05-19T22:28:00.000+01:00

Katey Nicosia via windsweptribbons

That's it.

But it is a lot.

A whole lot.

Happy weekend to you, and yours.

2011-05-19T09:43:00.000+01:00

Our first produce from the allotment!

We are so very lackadaisical about tending to our crops it is a miracle that these even made it out of the ground and grew to produce beans.

It is so peaceful on our plot, I love looking at everyones neat rows of fruit and veg growing. I remember as a girl drawing pictures like this. I shall have to make more of an effort to stick at it, I think it could be addictive.

Lili Roze

2011-05-18T12:10:00.000+01:00

More inspiration from Lili Roze.

I marvel at the colour, tone and fall of flower.

In Bloom

2011-05-17T20:48:00.000+01:00

In Bloom.

England is so in bloom at the moment.

Crisp greens and buds bursting all over the land.

I love it.

This painting has a little story.

I was with friends at Cannizaro House celebrating a great friends 40th Birthday.

My present to her was one of my paintings of bugs on gold leaf. A man walked over to our group when she unwrapped it and asked if it was mine. I said it was and he asked if I had more. Yes, I said I do. He handed me a card, and it turned out to be Jeff Ward of Cannizaro House.

So it turns out that this and another two paintings are now hanging in Cannizaro House, where art fills the walls as people take afternoon tea, and as the afternoon turns to night, cocktails are shaken and people take to their rooms, for a long good night.

If you fancy having a look at the artists filling it's walls, Jeff is hosting an evening of Art and Cocktails at Cannizaro House this Thursday 19th May 6-9pm. So do come along for an evening of fun!

It's been a while my friend.

2011-05-11T12:58:00.000+01:00

It's been a while my friend, and so much has happened in such a small frame of time.

We had a night away at my sisters for Easter and sadly returned home to find we had been burgled.

Our house was turned over and everything gone. Hence my lack of communication as our computer was stolen with all my photos on.

(back up your photos/videos, now!!)

We are getting ourselves back on our feet, and life is slowly returning to normal. We can live without the things they have taken, we still have each other. However there is still a heavy heart that time will heal.

Tomorrow is the Private View for the Open Studios. I am hoping my nerves turn to excitement over night. Sometimes I feel like I forget to breath! The top picture shows how my studio looked a couple of days ago, it has had a shuffle since then, but it gives you an idea of how it is looking.

The bottom picture shows the four paintings I am working on at the moment in my kitchen.

I have a story about the gold one, but I shall have to share it another time as time is pressing today.

If you live in London take some time out and venture to Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park, it is looking so gorgeous, blooming with Azaleas and Rhododendrons. Be sure to pack a picnic there are so many nooks to sit and relax in while the kids jump over the stepping stones or climb the trees.

Enjoy, what ever you are up too!

Forget me not.

2011-04-19T21:06:00.000+01:00

We had a fantastic time in Mauritius, blue skies and white sandy beaches.

Late nights and laughs with our friends,

beautiful sea swept gardens and happy children

a time we will certainly cherish forever.

Back to reality!...... just three weeks left before the open studio.

I finished this painting yesterday.

Forget me not.

Oil paint and imitation leaf on board.

160 x 100cm.

Anthro

2011-04-02T07:08:00.000+01:00

I have been up since 4am writing lists of things to do, everyone is still sleeping, it's dark outside and yet the birds are singing, how does that work?

We are off on holiday tomorrow for a couple of weeks. Seems a little crazy to be going away while so much is going on here, but sometimes you need a break in order to go on.

Above pics were snapped quickly on my iphone at Anthropology on the Kings Road last weekend. They had a wonderful collection of Swarm pieces in a little nook of the shop. Anthropology is always a pleasure, I always have a good squirt of my favourite Tocca perfume and ogle the home wares, imagine myself in Paris wearing the clothes...then skip out happily having had my fix.

See you in a couple of weeks.

Shiny Blue

2011-03-31T22:00:00.000+01:00

I am sorry for my absence I am working hard getting pieces ready for the open studio.

Friends often ask, how I manage to let go of pieces. Most of the time I am happy to have an evolving rotation of paintings in my home, I feel a little restless if something sits on the wall for too long.

I enjoy the change.

I finished this little friend yesterday, I really like the blue against the gold.

I love the shine.

The reflection.

Maybe this painting might just have to sit around for a little while.

Imitation gold leaf and oils on linen.

(60x60cm)

Working from home.

2011-03-25T12:54:00.000Z

Hello, I have been so busy over the last couple of weeks I have hardly had time to draw breath. A nice way to be, although I feel like I am existing in a caffeine fuelled buzz.

I am working on these four pieces at the moment. I am planning on keeping the large one, but if you talk to my husband, he no doubt will have other plans! There is a buzz over at the studio's. ( altho, as you can see I haven't actually moved out of my home yet). Everyone I have so far met has been so friendly and open to sharing views and experiences, it is exciting to be part of something special.

Sun is shining, it's a beautiful day....happy weekend!

Butterfly blocks

2011-03-21T10:59:00.000Z

I have gilded and painted a small range of butterfly blocks.

They are designed to fill spaces of blank wall, what ever the size.

They can be hung by themselves or in groups.

The possibilities and combinations are endless.

They will be available to buy at theWimbledon Art Studio's next show.

12-15th May :)

Forever falling

2011-03-11T20:29:00.000Z

I finished this piece today for a wonderful couple, it was love at first sight for him.

Boom! He was in love.

She felt slightly differently.

He had his work cut out, but never the less, he knew she was special.

He persevered.

She saw the wonderful in him and later accepted his invitation to be his wife.

He commissioned this painting to celebrate the birth of their son.

Good things happen to those who wait, and are determined!

I know Friday night is not a great time to write a post but chaos reigns here at the moment.

Thank you for all your lovely comments on my blueskybutterflystudio facebook page. I got the keys to my studio this week, I am going to hopefully move some furniture in this weekend.

I went to the Affordable Art Fair last night.

It was wonderful, SO many talented artists there.

This is a good show, so if you are going I hope you don't leave empty handed.

Happy weekend, and to those who have family and friends in Japan, my thoughts are with you.

Suits you

2011-03-03T11:22:00.000Z

I had to share this.

The quote makes me tingle.

'When I saw you, I fell in love,

and you smiled because you knew.'

From Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

Thank you for coming up with this Dan and Sam,

I know you are giving this one away,

but it actually suits you!

One day...

2011-03-02T09:44:00.000Z

thecoveteurvia aviarystudio

aviarystudio

artpixievia huamao

coisasfugidiash via anabundance

dumbwithyou via jaclynpaige

Loving these finds this week on tumblr.

I am always amazed at how much inspiration there is on the internet. You don't even have to open your front door these days to experience it. I wonder in the future if we will loose touch with opening our front doors and actually experiencing life. Sometimes it is so easy not too.

I have to admit, I am finding it so difficult to post my own paintings on my blog at the moment. I always feel so despondent at the amount of people that are daily downloading my pictures, to do goodness knows what with. If it was one or two it would not be so bad, however it seriously is not.

Stephanie posted this on my facebook page about someone who got their own back.

One day.....

Marie Taillefer

2011-02-27T16:13:00.000Z

Hello,

Lazy Sunday.

Rain here today.

Stops play.

So we sit and read.

I flick.

I found these beautiful images in Bloom magazine by photographer Marie Taillefer. The colour saturation is intense in these botanical blooms. She is illustrating a piece on the perfumer Barnabe Fillon, who uses natural scents, inspired by his travels to create perfume.

You can almost smell them.

Sitting in the flower bed.

2011-02-25T12:22:00.000Z

A great morning,

gentle breeze blowing in through the back door,

the odd burst of sun,

and a flurry of creativity.

I managed to finish a few paintings.

This is one.

Sitting in the flower bed.

60 x 90 cm

oil on canvas.

Happy weekend to you all.

A small set

2011-02-21T09:51:00.000Z

A small collection of butterflies.

They will be available to buy at my first open studio at Wimbledon Art Studios.

12-15th May 2011.

In ones, twos, threes.

However you choose.

Hope to see you there!

..and so you see

2011-02-17T20:30:00.000Z

via numbereight

via cinoh

via pique-nique

via prettylittleacorns

I have been absent.

Many things are happening behind the scenes here.

A couple of paintings are nearly finished,

and for those of you who follow on face book will already know,

I have got myself a very little (emphasise on the little) studio.

I will be picking up my paint brush down at Wimbledon Art Studios

as of next month.

Which leaves a quandary.

They have open studios twice a year, (May and November)

which are well attended.

Do I stop having them here in my home, and concentrate on theirs,

or do I throw myself open and manage both?

Coming home.

2011-02-09T20:39:00.000Z

Something new.

It needs more work but it is shaping up nicely.

I need to figure out which style I like painting in the best.

One only can presume it must be like trying to choose between different lovers.

They can each offer you something different, but never the less you enjoy them all!

(The last shot was a nice surprise to come home to, thanks Bx)

First buds

2011-02-03T11:21:00.000Z

found via jaclynpaige

Catrin Welz-Stein via cinoh

The feeling in the air is light today,

I noticed buds starting to point to the blue sky,

come on Spring,

we are waiting patiently for you.

my tumblr

A lot of thought.

2011-02-02T11:54:00.000Z

Here is my completed painting.

A dream's a dream.

Oil on mixed leaf.

120x80cm.

I am going to have to think carefully how I am showing my paintings on my blog, as a lot of my pictures are being downloaded and while this makes me sad, I also need to do something about it, quite what, I am unsure.

Rachel Lévy

2011-01-28T22:03:00.000Z

(all images Rachel Lévy, her work is on show at Stephanie Hoppen Gallery, 17 Walton Street, London. SW3 2HX)

Today while browsing last weeks Sunday Times, (I know it's Friday, but sometimes life is a little topsy turvy.) I found these beautiful photographs of decaying flowers by Rachel Lévy, and I thought you might like to see them too.

I love flowers that are past their best, they look like fragile sculptures, especially tulips, all twisted and contorted, like they have been caught in a dance. I suppose they provoke a memory I don't want to let go of, so they sit on my mantle until the last petal falls.

So when I saw Rachel's photographs it touched a cord within. I like the faded fragility mixed with the steeped saturated colour.

Rachel has captured a beautiful dance on cotton paper, creating a still life that will last forever.

A dream's a dream

2011-01-27T11:09:00.000Z

A small part of what I am working on at the moment.

A dream's a dream.

Largely influenced by a book on ornithology I got for Christmas.

It has some wonderful specimens.

Fancy pants birds with large plumes....which gives me an idea for another painting.

A little pink for Monday morning.

2011-01-24T11:24:00.001Z

Another open house studio in June for me, and you, should you choose to join me.

I am painting smaller pieces and once again following nature.

I still have other ideas, to put down on canvas.

So there will be lots to choose from,

should you want a piece.

I went to see Blue Valentine yesterday.

Still thinking about it, like a good book it stays with you for a long while.

Can't get the last scene out of my mind.

The love, the pain.

Heart wrenching.

Treasures and secrets.

2011-01-20T22:14:00.000Z

via prettylittleacorns- such a beautiful tumblr, sometimes I feel I have left my heart there.

via prettylittleacorns

via chestchest

via yama-bato

Yes I am addicted to tumblr

I can't stay away

it pulls me back.

Imagine the clouds

2011-01-18T10:16:00.000Z

via lullilooblog

quizz via cafeliving

My tumblr

Simply too beautiful

2011-01-16T20:49:00.000Z

Somethings are simply too beautiful to keep to yourself.

Stunning pieces from Lyndie Dourthe.

James Welling: Flowers.

2011-01-14T06:28:00.000Z

Aren't these photos amazing?

James Welling is the creator of such magnificent pieces.

He exposes blooms onto 10 x8 film in the darkroom, he then processes the negatives. Then using different colour gels behind the negative, he prints in colour onto a chromogenic paper called Kodak Endura Metallic.

I hope one day these come to London. I would love to see the colours first hand.

The blurring and blending is dream like.

These came from his book; James Welling Flowers.

PS The January post from The Anthropologist is wonderfully written, with photos that make you feel you are part of the picture. Shawn Davis is a chemistry teacher and has a passion for fly fishing, and most of all enjoys the process of making his fly.

This makes me want to gather some feathers and have a go, altho it looks fairly challenging. My husband went fly fishing for the first time recently and came back with nothing for supper.

Challenging is one word, hungry is another.

Check it here.

Snow drops

2011-01-13T10:37:00.000Z

Here is my first painting of the year.

Made me smile

putting my brush upon the canvas

there is no feeling like it.

Snow

Mixed metal leaf

acrylic

on canvas.

60cm x 60cm

A favourite Book.

2011-01-11T20:55:00.001Z

Snow

Yuko Akita comes of age and has to decide if he is to become a warrior or a monk.

He chooses to become a poet.

He has a love for snow and this is his enchanting journey.

This is the first page;

Yuko Akita had two passions.

Haiku.

And snow.

A haiku is a Japanese poem. It has three lines. And only seven syllables. No more no less.

Snow is a poem. A poem that falls from the clouds in delicate white flakes.

A poem that comes from the sky.

It has a name. name of dazzling whiteness.

Snow.

Writing that is clean and crisp, just like snow.

If I could give each and every one of you a copy of this book, I would.

It reads like a long poem, less than 100 pages long, it is easy to catch in one sitting.

And it is magical.

Have you read anything worth sharing recently?

Elle Decoration UK highlights.

2011-01-05T21:14:00.000Z

Jelte Janmaat/House of pictures.

Elle Decoration this month has inspiration tucked into it's pockets.

I am looking at ways to re decorate some of our rooms in the Spring.

Dillon might enjoy a sprig with some birds, singing to him above his bed.

Home of Sara and Louis Capelli. Photography Julia Mincarelli/Sisters Agency

Calm grey mixed with a little floral.

Colour palette of the books and the gorgeous built in book cases. (actually wallpaper).

I am thinking our bedroom, might just welcome these colours.

Birgitta Wolfgang Drejer/Sisters Agency

The colour palette is doing it for me again, it is the splash of pink.

Birgitta Wolfgang Drejer/Sisters Agency

Ditto.

Chris Tubbs

Curious details, with vibrant red and turquoise hues.

Chris Tubbs

A place I would like to experience.

The V&A Reading Rooms.

I think a jaunt round the museum, followed a stop here for a bit of bookshop inspiration and a glass of wine sounds wonderful.

Just wonderful.

And may it be a good one.

2011-01-01T19:30:00.000Z

May 2011 bring you some wings,

a sprinkling of bravery,

and a chance to use them.

Go on...you can!

(please come back and tell me)

From me to you.

2010-12-23T22:50:00.000Z

Thank you to you,

you are here.

Sometimes I do nothing

and you are still here,

watching, waiting.

I can not thank you enough

Your support, your comments

they all sit with my heart.

And with that heart

I wish you love, I wish you sunshine.

And I wish you many happy memories carved into your heart in 2011.

Somewhere near.

2010-12-21T19:14:00.000Z

ourlongnights via whitebreeze

Kariann Burleson via cinoh

whitebreeze

hilde via acottageinthewoods

poorlywrittenhistory via paleskies

Wilson Alwyn Bentley (ca. 1900) via aunatural

Someone

Something

...There is always a longing.

The Stars

2010-12-15T09:51:00.000Z

Galilei, Galileo, 1564-1642 via chestchest

weepingclouds via windsweptribbons.tumblr

agehaxx via drealoveslondon

englishpearl via drealoveslondon

yamamotomasao via yama-bato

Most of the time it is a feeling.

These speak for themselves.

my tumblr

Getting there.

2010-12-13T14:38:00.001Z

Not so long before Santa comes shooting down the chimney.

He halls have been decked,

and the above wreath has been hung upon my door.

I like to make my own,

and believe me if I had a few more hours in the day,

I would not stop there.

I would be stringing swags along the mantle and down the bannisters,

ohhh and who knows what I would create around the front door.

Anyone who lives locally and wants to learn how to make one,

I will show you how, just let me know.

Tea, cake and a good natter round the kitchen table appeals.

Oh I nearly forgot to say, I came across The Anthropologist.

If you have not seen this, and you have some spare time, take a look.

You will get lost in each and everyones world.