Friday 12th June
After far too long, I finally got back in the studio this week. Worried I had forgotten how to paint, I decided to paint on 30cmx40cm canvases as I had a good supply of them and having not painted in oils for 3 months they’re a good size to get my eye in.
It was quite refreshing to paint in a studio which was much emptier and organised than last time I had worked in there.
I had decided to do some Lake District paintings mainly for Beckstones Gallery but also possibly for OCG in Ambleside who despite having assured me that they had enough of my work when they responded to my letter regarding the house move, have sold 3 paintings recently.
Muscle memory kicked in and I managed 6 paintings in a couple of days which I was quite pleased with. The paintings are all classic Lakeland scenes painted quite simply and not too detailed. I will keep going with these until I run out of canvases. My aim is to frame these in white “float frames” which are perfect for this size of work and although a bit expensive, are currently a popular way to frame small works.
Totally unrelated but relevant was an email I received from Beckstones, inviting me to take part in their August “Season to Season” Exhibition. Last year it was “Aspects of Ullswater” and my 2 paintings sold on the opening day! Both those paintings were quite large and we had to deliver them. I have happily agreed to submit some work but, as we might not be able to get across because of everything that’s going on here, the small paintings may be the solution. Beckstones do have a good selection of my larger paintings sold these smaller ones will give them another price point. On the downside, I don’t get as much for them. Although it’s good to have some large work in Galleries, sometimes Galleries like to have some smaller pictures as a) they don’t take up as much room to display and b) they are generally easier to sell. I do have several large blank canvases but they may have to wait for a while.
Last week I ordered some mounts for the Scottish watercolours I had done. I have ordered them before without a problem but these ones arrived with the bottom right hand corner of all 8 mounts damaged. I had to return them and order some new ones. Although I tend not to get too many problems, it does highlight the perils of relying on postal deliveries and illustrates why I am always nervous sending work through the post. Unfortunately I generally don’t have an option. I have learned that secure packing is important. This does have repercussions as I tend to save all manner of packaging in case I need it . I cleared loads of it out of my studio in my big sort out. I’ll probably wish I hadn’t later.
Our house move is currently a waiting game. All requested information is with our solicitors and all financials are in place. It is a frustrating time as until we get the keys, we can’t get cracking with all the projects, including my studio, that we want to do before we give our notice here. I will, of course be able to continue painting here, time permitting, until I can actually move into my new studio. For now, I’ll continue to stock up on new work and enjoy my painting time while I can.