Happy Valentine's Day!

Hello there!

I would normally send out a blog on a Friday, but I'm going to be enjoying a special day off tomorrow to have a look at a few houses (exciting!), so I thought I'd send out a little update today instead.

I've been working this week on a small selection bound for The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle. I will be exhibiting alongside a fantastic array of contemporary artists in the Spring show, opening on March 8th. So far I have four pieces for them, including 3 brand new ones, and I may get another completed in time. I tried to find an interesting selection of subjects from around the North East, and ended up going back to one of my favourite subjects; The Zetland building in Saltburn-By-The-Sea. I think this must be my 6th work including this former grand hotel, but I just love it. I finished  this one this morning, which is quite appropriate since I spent last Valentine's day in Saltburn.

I decided it was high time I tackled at least one of the Tyne's lovely bridges, so went with my personal favourite, the swing bridge.

...And I finally had an excuse to have a go at a particularly gorgeous folly at Gibside Hall, near Gateshead. The Banqueting House is actually a self catering property, and is leased by the Landmark Trust if you're tempted (I am!).

Finally I had a lovely bit of news this week - the good people at Saltaire Arts Trail have accepted my application to take part in their Open House weekend in May. This means that somewhere in the UNESCO world heritage village of Saltaire my work will be on display in someone's living room, along with lots of other artists including my good friends Janis Goodman and Charlotte Morrison. Hooray!

Well, have a great Valentine's day, eat lots of chocolate and enjoy the rest of the week.



Rosie x

Travels East and West

Hi!

I'm probably going to be spending most of today trying to unpack and tidy things after 9 days off, most of which was spend away, but I thought I'd send out a little blog about what I did on my holidays first...

Last weekend we went back to Saltburn, on the North East coast, for a few days of walking along the windswept beach, losing money in the arcade, and eating/drinking too much. Saltburn was as beautiful as ever and this time we got to use the water powered cliff lift which was very cool.

After recovering from our weekend at home for a couple of nights, we set out on journey number 2, this time heading west to the Lake District, for a couple of nights near Ambleside. Slightly damper weather this time, but still a wonderful little holiday with stunning views (and again, lots of food and drink). And I even got to see a couple of follies, like Claife Station (below), just above lake Windermere.

Back to work now, and my first job is to start preparing for my final workshop of 2012, which is in two weeks time. I haven't been paying much attention to the shops and tv, but it seems that Christmas really has landed and my workshop, Handmade Christmas Decorations and Papercraft, will certainly get you in the festive mood. Spaces are still available so check out the ArtisOn website if you're interested.

Lastly, my latest collection of work, which I've been generally referring to as my 'Pinned' pictures, will be on sale in Masham Gallery as part of their Treasure exhibition from next week, so if you're intrigued to see them close up, now's your chance!

Have a great week x

Autumn Holiday (hopefully with Follies)

Hello

Rather excitingly, I'm going to be on holiday next week, so I thought I'd get a little blog out there before signing off tomorrow, just so you don't worry. This long-awaited week off is going to be jam packed as it includes two birthdays, and luckily for me I get to visit nice places for both!

To kick off we'll be heading up to one of my favourite spots, a popular subject in my work, Saltburn-By-The-Sea, for a couple of nights. It's a beautiful victorian seaside resort, I've been totally captivated by Saltburn since I was commissioned to make a picture of it last year. Here are my artistic representations so far...

At the end of the week we're having a lovely family weekend away in the Lake District, our childhood camping holiday destination. I'm quite relieved to say that we won't be camping, not that I don't enjoy it, it just might be a bit cold at this time of year! I'm hoping to visit another of my favourite places while there, Grizedale Sculpture Park, and maybe even spy a couple of lovely follies, such as Storr's Folly on Lake Windermere.

Obviously I will be doing my best to take plenty of photos and do as much artistic research as possible, and hopfully I'll return bursting with new inspiration. Not that I'm lacking in it at the moment - I've just finished this piece of the Lakeside Folly at Kiplin Hall...

...and I have a ever growing list of new subjects ready to be tackled!

This new collection, the pinned pictures, will be available to see and buy in the Treasure exhibition at Masham Gallery, which opens on November 17th. If one has caught your eye already, please get in touch by visiting my website.

Have a good week

Rosie x

Print Print Print

Hello there,

I've just tested a new linocut and am pretty pleased with it, so thought I'd show you:

This print (of Fishers Hall in Hackfall) has not been printed on a press, but has instead been painstakingly burnished by me. As a result the colours are not as solid as they might be from a press, but I'm simply not strong enough!

Last week I made this print of Saltburn Pier:

Watch this space for more new prints in the coming weeks...

In other news, I am pleased to say that I will be taking part in the North Yorkshire Open Studios this year. The event runs over two weekends in June, and I will be displaying my work, along with fellow artists Charlotte Morrison (ceramics), Josie Beszant (mixed media) and Ian Scott Massie (painting/printmaking) at ArtisOn. For more information and to see the other artists taking part, visit the North Yorkshire Open Studios site.

Have a great weekend,
Rosie

Return to the Seaside...

Hello!

I hope you're having a good February so far. I've been enjoying some leisure time at the seaside! After visiting Saltburn By The Sea last year for a commission, I went back last weekend and was inspired again by the beautiful beach and splendid buildings. Watch this space for some new coastal designs.

Even though it's not seaside inspired, I have made a new big piece this week. I found a beautiful map of Wensleydale in my drawer of maps and fancied making a new edition  to my hot air balloon series.

Here are some mid-work snaps...

And the finished piece!

In other news, I am delighted to say that I have been accepted into the North Yorkshire Open Studios this year! I will be exhibiting my work over two weekends in June at ArtisOn along with Charlotte Morrison, Ian Scott Massie and Josie Beszant. I'm so pleased to have this oppurtunity and look forward to seeing you there! For more details visit the Open Studios site.

Thats all from me for now, bye!

Rosie x

Saltburn collage needs a home!

Hi there!

This week I'm going to be heading up to The Biscuit Factory in Newcastle to change round some work before Christmas. I'll be taking up a bunch of smaller pieces and bringing home one of my (much) bigger original works, this beautiful deconstructed map collage of the seaside town of Saltburn By The Sea (situated on the north east coast). The piece was made in spring this year, while I was working on a commission, and unfortunately lacked just one or two details that my customer wanted in her piece. It has been on display in Newcastle for a few months and sadly has had no takers. I love this piece, the colours really evoke the seaside-y spirit, and there are a number of details, such as the pier, which you will not find in any of my archive of previous works.

I would love to keep this piece, but that's not really in keeping with the whole 'making a living from selling paintings' thing, is it? So, I just wanted to make an appeal on it's behalf. The picture (which is approximately 45 inches tall and 35 inches wide) will be back with me by the end of this week, and will be residing in my flat/studio indefinitely. I would be more than happy to give seriously interested parties a viewing of the piece, and I may be persuaded to negotiate the price. Please get in touch by leaving me a comment either here on on my Twitter feed @underthecoldtap.

To see more available works please visit my Flickr site here.

Thanks!