Open Studios
For anyone not familiar with Open Studios, it is an event held across various counties, where Artist’s of many genres quite literally open up their homes and studios for the public to view. For a very reasonable fee, the Open Studios team, will promote, you as an Artist, through catalogues, signage and social media and has gained a following of visitors each year who take a tour of a very unique artistic experience.
Private View
My first Open Studios event, has been a very enjoyable one indeed, with a full house for the Private View and a great guest list. Gin and Tonic garnished with Rosemary and Juniper berries or a glass of ‘Bubbles’ seemed appropriate for a Botanical Illustrator’s opening night. Served by my eldest son and friend on entrance of my pathway of somewhat tropical plants. Saunter down passing through Date Palms, Lillies, Aeoniums, with the heady scent of palm flowers in the warm evening air, into the hallway where this botanical experience really begins.
Taking each guest through a sensory portal, night stocks in bloom in the hallway and the soft playful rhythms of French Gypsy Jazz drifting through the house. The first collection of paintings, are from the series exhibited at the RHS Malvern Spring Show, 2016 on which I gained my first Silver Medal. Beyond the hallway, is the Galerie displaying a wall of less formally hung artworks. An eclectic collaboration of abstract seascapes painted in Oils to detailed delicate botanical illustrations, rendered in pencil crayon and gouache.
It has been such a great opportunity to participate in the Open Studios week, not just an excuse to hold a Private View! But a favourable occasion to bring local businesses together and like minded folk with the commonality of creative conversation. Some successful collaborations have been made and it is always a wonderful thing to expose my artwork beyond the screen of a phone as we commonly all seem to do these days. Beyond what a wonderful networking event it has been so far, it has been just lovely to meet the new buyers of my originals, prints and other products.
Open Studios Workshops
I was offered the chance to hold some workshops during the Open Studios week, and must admit, I jumped at the chance. After formally teaching classes in a number of different settings, it is great to host a workshop from the comforts of my own home. For a taster session of two hours, in a relaxed and light room in which to work, I have certainly had the most delightful feedback in my comments book.
There is one more Open Studios workshop this week on Thursday 1st June, from 1pm – 3pm, tickets £25. All participants will all receive a complimentary gift at the end of the class and of course lots of lovely conversation and new techniques to take away. If you would like to join me for this workshop please buy your ticket from my online store.