Quick update

Hello there.

Not too much for you to read this morning - just a quick update as to what's been happening since my last post in mid-November.

The Goole Art Society's exhibition held above the Town's Library, upstairs in the Museum, has been and gone, and I have to say that I enjoyed it all. Living some distance from the venue, I have to be honest and admit that other than take my work across to a Society meeting night prior to the event, I had very little (if nothing) to do with it. A fellow local artist and I are lucky in that we have a very good artist friend who lives local to the event, and he was good enough to take care of our work and help make sure it was exhibited correctly as he was part of the 'hanging' team.

The first Saturday of the event we were all asked to go and take part in a 'meet the artist' venture, which was very enjoyable. As well as meeting members of the public who came to have a 'nosey' at the official opening, I also had a good learning experience from the other artists as we all wandered around talking to each other about our work, gaining insight into each others' techniques and tips.

Apart from plenty of 'little' technical tips, one of the main things I took away with me was that I must work BIGGER. I was relatively happy with my work and the size of it, but on average I must have produced some of the smaller works there at roughly 12"x10". Methinks a few larger watercolours are in order for the next exhibition the Society holds around the middle of June 2013.

In between the end of the Goole Exhibition and now, we have enjoyed a long weekend away at our good friends flat in Scarborough, where I managed to get three small sketches done of the South Bay area, one of which is now basically coloured. During the Saturday we had a very nice run out to Whitby, where despite the bitterly cold weather I did manage to take several nice photo's which I hope I can use at some point.

Monday of this week it was the usual club night in Goole, where I took the opportunity to use my w/c's and colour the sketch previously mentioned of Scarborough's South bay - looking south to Filey Brig etc. Once I get time I will upload a picture of it, and maybe a couple of the Whitby photo's too.

Until next time, whatever your art - enjoy it!

Paul

Goole Art Society II

Hello there

Hmmm - I seem to be getting a few posts in here over the last couple of weeks; it's a bit like the old 'waiting for a bus' scenario, so best make the best of it while we can, eh?

As previously mentioned, the Goole Art Society's Exhibition is now up and running in the museum above the library in the town, and runs until 24 November. I've never been to either of them before, and was quite excited and looking forward to things. The last post I did tried to set out my thoughts on 'Calls For Entries' as opposed to just exhibitions, and how I thought it was better to simply take part in an exhibition as a means to get your work viewed by the public. So, having taken part in my first exhibition, what did I make of it all then?

Being totally honest, I must say that I really enjoyed the experience. If it's fame and fortune you are looking for, I would say 'forget it', but taken as a means to look and learn, then it's a good experience. As a slight side issue to the 'fame' bit, the first member to arrive had hardly been there 10 minutes when the local Press arrived in the form of a photographer. The good lady neatly arranged us into a group pose, took half a dozen pictures and that was it. She was off, no names, no idea of where we lived, so anyone wanting details may have to hire a private detective!

On the plus side, it was very interesting and enjoyable to have the time to talk to other artists, swapping ideas and techniques. I also enjoyed getting to understand how the different mediums appeal to each of us. Being an artist can at times be a lonely occupation (not all the time) but I guess it's like plenty of other hobbies; there is that isolation that appeals, where you just sit, or stand, and concentrate solely on your subject. Locked in your own thoughts as to how to draw this line, what colour to use, tones, shapes etc.

One little bit of news for anyone interested is that I now have my Twitter account up and running again, so look for @paulastle1 and become a follower if you wish. I hope some of you will.

As I always close by saying "Whatever your art - enjoy it", and on this day I most certainly did.

Paul 

Goole Art Society Exhibition.

Welcome!

Although I appreciate and recognise the importance of Armistice Day, as everyone should, this weekend, Saturday 10 November to be exact, is an exciting and important day for me. Why? Well read on and find out.

Looking back, it must be a good 7 years now since I started to paint again - a story you can find in my first posts - and in that time I have only taken part in half a dozen smallish craft fairs of varying degrees. Overall they could be termed as being not very successful. Yes, I have sold a few things, and one 'large' acrylic painting, but nothing 'to write home about' as they say.

Each year I have had chance to submit my work for a local exhibition, which is more of a 'competition with prizes' in my eyes. I cannot get my head round having to pay an entry fee to have your work looked at by an often dubious group of 'experts' who decide if your work is in or out. Refused? Bad luck, but we still take your entry fee. Please try again next year.

I support the theory that an artist's work, chosen by the artist, should be exhibited to the public - those who are the real judges - and if they like it, fine. If they don't, fine - but at least they have had the opportunity to look at it. We all cannot afford to hire a large place for a month to show what we have done - even more so in these times, so the chance to exhibit with no restraints other than numbers is a great relief.

So, what's so special about this weekend then? Well, it is the first time I have had my work included in a proper exhibition, along with a dozen or so other artists at Goole Museum and Library. It runs through until the 24 November 2012 and I have to say that I am rather excited about it all.

If anyone wants to buy anything they great, but if they choose not to, I won't be upset as they have had a chance to have a look at what I have done, and that to me, is a part of what being an artist and painting is all about.

Whatever you art, please enjoy it.

Paul
 

Ashley Jackson Morning



Hi there once again.

 

This time I thought I would unashamedly 'name drop' of sorts.

 

Three weeks ago I went across to Cusworth Hall just north of Doncaster, my playground where I grew up and spent most of my formative years. Even then I realised what a special place this was, and I have many memories of playing and exploring with no worries in life at all. I went to take part in a free morning's session with my favourite watercolourist Ashley Jackson. He is taking part in a joint exhibition with one of his best friends Graham Ibbeson, who is a renowned sculptor. Their joint exhibition is called 'Opposites Attract' and is one well worth visiting. They have known each other over many years, working on joint ventures and exhibitions, and flippin' good they are at it too! This exhibition which is run in conjunction with Doncaster Council, runs through to next Spring, so you all have plenty of time to get across and enjoy the exhibition, Hall and grounds.

Graham's sculptures are a joy to behold, thought provoking, funny and interesting to look at, close up and at a distance. He gave us a quick chat as to his work, before handing over to his friend - well, it was cold! I met Graham afterwards for a chat, and he's a quiet, nice, unassuming sort of bloke - I even got mistaken for him later on!

 

Ashley is as usual just himself; what you see is what you get. He gave the crowd gathered on a very bright, but thankfully dry day a nice mix of tips, laughs, anecdotes and the chance to marvel up close at his techniques.

 

Ashley is very approachable to everyone: photo's, autographs, quick personal chats, and the time he has for children I find quite a refreshing eye-opener in these times of folks not doing anything unless they get a great deal  - usually financially - out of it. No wonder he is quite rightly called the 'People's Artist'.

One new item of Ashley's that I can recommend is his new book entitled 'My Yorkshire Sketchbook' which is full of his own personal sketches and notes, taken from his lifetime's collection of work, many of which are now worked up into full scale watercolours. It is inexpensive, a good size, and each one is signed by him too.

I would also like to thank not only the man himself, but also to his Manager and daughter Claudia, and his lovely wife Anne, both of whom always make a point of coming over and saying hello, making you feel valued and appreciated.

All in all a grand morning out; my favourite artist coupled with the favourite place of my youth, containing so many memories for me. One of the best Sunday mornings I have spent in a long time.

Whatever your art - enjoy it.

Paul

 



Back Once More Into The Fold!

Greetings!

Yes it's really me once again; I've returned as if 'back from the dead', after my second long break from posting and updating my blog, which is something I now know I have missed.

My own little 'art world' has gone through some major changes and upheavals since the last post for various reasons: namely apathy, frustration and some circumstances beyond my control, as they say. One thing it was not this time was my health!

Firstly, the children's art club where I helped finally closed as the owner (Jon) decided he had had enough. Numbers in the latter weeks varied from 1 to maybe 4, but during the 'good times' we regularly had over a dozen, maybe 15. Still, times change, and so did the children; I could go on but it's probably best to just say it all ended.

Secondly, the adults club kept going itself for a few weeks after the kid's closed, but that too finally fell as Jon got himself involved in other schemes and ideas (workwise), and he lost heart and interest.

This became a double blow as the Life Drawing Group I had been going to at 20/21 along with some of our local adults group also closed, which was a great pity. I have to say that I could honestly see an improvement in my work since I had been going there, but a slight case of 'Catch 22' had seen it's demise.

We had been enjoying the luxury of alternate male and female models, but the female dropped off as it became financially unfeasable for her to continue, and despite trying to keep regular female replacements, we were left with just our reliable male, who became our only model week after week. Smashing bloke as he is, folks become bored, fed-up, disinterested - call it what you will - of working on the same model each week. Things no longer became a challenge as we knew his every shape, shade and contour. The earlier double figure numbers of artists dropped below the minimum number required to sustain it, and so it too, drew to a close.

Since then the 20/21 Arts Centre have tried to revive things, this time on a monthly basis instead of the previous weekly one. I am pleased to say that they have since had their first session earlier this month (sadly I missed it), but I will be looking forward to the next one, you can bet!

Back to our local group, which was now in great danger of folding as we had no venue - especially one we could afford, until Margaret stepped in and invited us to hold our weekly sessions in her very large conservatory, which is so much lighter, brighter, and warmer than Jon's. Sadly it seems we have lost Jon, having previously lost Brian as he had moved out of the area, so this now leaves a 'hard core' of 5 - Philip, Margaret, Kerry, Martin and myself. We have Suzy who will be available in the New Year due to other commitments, and Brian does make 'guest appearences' from time to time.

So, some things do seem to work out for the best as they say, though it often seems hard to see at the time.

An unexpected bonus from Jon closing is that Martin, Philip and myself now travel around 15 miles to another group at Goole (close to where Brian lives), so the four of us are now reunited! This group have welcomed us into their fold, and we enjoy the banter and new challenges that await us. The biggest difference I feel is that the Goole Art Society have 2 well established exhibitions each year at which member can showcase their work. The first, which has it's hanging day next week, is at the Town's library/museum, with the second next Spring at the Waterways Museum.

This has given me a fresh impetus as my work now has more meaning. Instead of it being painted, then put away, or maybe the odd piece hung in our home, it can now go out on public display. I have been out with sketch pad and camera looking for material, and already have several new pieces completed, hopefully producing enough to have new work at both these exhibitions.

I feel this is so important, both as an artist and to me personally. After taking time to produce an end product, be it a cake, a story or a painting, whether it's be sold or not, it must give the maker a great deal of satisfaction from folks looking at, eating or enjoying your end product. This is what I feel - it gives more of a purpose to what I have done, what I have experienced and to how I have interpreted that experience. I hope this makes sense to you, and that in some way you agree.

Until next time, whatever your art - please enjoy it.

Paul