Getting stuck in 🌊
3 book recommendations, early stages of The Raft Of The Medusa, and more
Happy rainy Thursday 😀
There's no denying it is a challenging time to be trading in 'luxuries' like art [is art a luxury? Ed]. So I am grateful to have maintained a steady stream of sales and commissions recently. Every time someone chooses to take an artist's work into their private space, they honour and encourage creativity. And... there's nothing like seeing a collection of your own work up on a gallery wall. It helps to take an objective look at direction of travel, and to consider the path forward with fresh eyes.
Motivation comes from the most unexpected places, doesn't it? I approached the renowned portrait and landscape artist Tim Benson for advice recently. Tim kindly gave me an hour on the phone: a very honest reflection of his own approach, patiently answering my questions, and offering some great tips. I came away with "do the work you want, and trust the opportunities will come".
I approached Tim because he had painted Adam Pearson, a TV personality, actor and influencer who has Neurofibromatosis 1, so brilliantly. Adam has the same condition as influencer Amit Ghose who I was about to paint. Tim's painting of Adam (above, shared with kind permission) has been selected as a finalist in the very prestigious international Herbert Smith-Freehills portraiture award. The finalists are on exhibition in the National Portrait Gallery in London until 27th October.
Soooooo....
New project
You may have come across Géricault's "Raft Of The Medusa"... a 29 foot wide epic painting by the 29-year-old French artist, who died before his prime. It audaciously depicts the true story of a shocking event in 19th Century France. The shipwreck (caused by incompetent leadership on board) was a national scandal, but although the painting was accepted into the 1819 Paris Salon, it was better received in England, where Géricault made a good sum from exhibition tickets:
I'm very excited to share my new project with you: a "cover version" of "The Raft Of The Medusa". I will be showing progress on YouTube, so you can watch it come together behind the scenes. This video is a narrated timelapse of the final composition sketch, which I will soon transfer to the (much larger) canvas to render in oil.
Unlike Géricault, I'll be steering clear of references to Louis XVIII's failings, and non-archival bitumen pigment. I will be replacing the figures and scenery with alternatives, using the original composition and colour scheme. At first glance it should look like the original, albeit 230cm wide. Why so small, I hear you ask?! My version is just shy of the maximum dimension for submission to 2 target open call competitions next year. So if it gets accepted (always a long shot), there's allowance for a frame.
On the subject of unexpected help, the canvas will be built in my studio by a local art supplier, funded by a generous surprise gift from a dear family member. I will video and share the canvas construction process, as that's something I've always wanted to learn about.
Happy memories
This time last year I was preparing for my open studio, (to which you may well have come 💖). I've been thinking of doing it every other year, if my fragrant helpers can be tempted for a rematch... Sydenham Hill Biennale anyone?!
Solo show
So, if you'd like to join me for a glass of something in a beautiful gallery (my first solo show since Dubai), viewing this year's output in real life, you are warmly invited to the Private View in Weston! The show will include a wide variety of work, subjects, and media, including my portrait of Amit Ghose, landscapes, slugs & snails...It's half term, so bring the family for a low-season day at the beach beforehand - the Grand Pier is only a few minutes' walk from the gallery, and open all year round. More on that to follow, including fundraising and a portrait demo.
Book recommendations (seriously? Ed)
If you know me even a tiny bit, you know I'm not big on reading. It's not that I don't like it, it's just... well... there's always something to make first!
But here are three amazing books by brilliant authors I'd like to heartily recommend for your autumn fireside (click on images for information):
Finally, if you haven't found a moment to watch my TEDx talk, here's a short clip that gets to the heart of it:
I am so grateful to the Aga Kubish Studio & Gallery (Weston), and the Huw Richards Evans Gallery (Clifton, Bristol) for taking a punt on my work, with great results. Both galleries are run by highly successful professional artists, in delightful welcoming spaces. Both have a regularly changed display of work, selected and curated with the critical eye of practitioners. If you are in the area, I'd recommend checking out what they've got on. Sometimes it can feel intimidating walking into a gallery, but I can assure you they're delighted to have visitors interested in their exhibitions, they love talking about the work on show, with no obligation to buy anything. Lots of top local artists are represented. Opening times can vary, so check before travelling, and drop in for a mooch without obligation - both have lots of local cafes and things to see and do nearby. The same goes for my home studio, which is open by appointment all year round for visitors and coffee.
Have a great weekend, whatever you're up to... I'm off to practice seascapes in Penzance,
Gail xxx