News
Demonstrations
- June 2022
Summers Glory
- July 2022
Preparing for Art in the Pen which is at the beginning of August and this is the last piece I have created is this large piece called Summers Glory. She is one of my biggest pieces measuring 60cm x 84cm or 33inch x23inch. I have had all my work framed in the same moulding, and hope this gives a cohesive look to the full series.
Heart Research UK
- July 2022
I was asked this month to contribute towards Heart Research UK’s annual event called anonymous heart. Artists are asked to produce Artwork on an A5 postcard which is then auctioned off on ebay to raise funds. This is their 5th year of the event and so far they have raised £200,000 . They have some very well known artists who contribute, it is anonymous which is why I cannot show you a picture of my
pieces.
Portrait Commission
- July 2022
I had a request for a portrait commission, which I always love to do, this was a surprise gift, which I thought was a lovely gesture. Measuring A4 in size the photo he gave me, worked really well and I hope the surprise was a good one.
New Work
- July 2022
A look at some of my new work, that will not be
coming with me to Art in the Pen but will be
available on my website in a little while. This new body of work has evolved from my current work. I wanted to use a more vibrant colour pallet using pinks and oranges that kind of clash with each other, a real punch of colour.
This month I have done 2 Art demonstrations, one at Cawood near Selby and another in Stocksbridge, close to Sheffield. I must say I always get a lovely warm welcome from Art groups and it is lovely to be around people with the same interests as myself.
I learn a lot from doing these demonstrations and hopefully the art groups do too.
Print Shop
- June 2022
Hollybush emerging
woman painter prize
- May 2022
Art in the Pen 2022
- January 2022
Wakefield Art walk
- March 2022
Oil Painting Demonstration
Gallery Gate, Doncaster
- November 2021
I am pleased to announce that my work will be shown in the Gallery Gate Doncaster, until January 2022.
Its always exciting to have my work in a new gallery, it feels like an achievement.
This is the second gallery that my work is been shown, this one and the New World Gallery in Wakefield in the Ridings shopping centre.
So as we begin 2022 my working 9 to 5 maybe drawing to a close. I will be finishing working at my current role as a Graphic illustrator, a job I have be doing for 16 years, in March. I will miss my work colleagues, but not the grind of the 9 to 5. So once free I will obviously still have to earn a crust. To top my income up along with the sales of my Artwork I have decided to really start to push my Dark Curiosity Range. I don't think that there is anything wrong with the range, and although the market will reduce for me, I will hopefully grab the younger end who wouldn't necessary buy any of my paintings.
All that been said I am now on countdown until I finish working, I have until the end of March to try to establish myself in the huge illustration market. So I have opened an Etsy shop, created a Pinterest account and started a Facebook group, all with the intention of getting my work out to as many people as possible.
-November 2021
On the 24th November I was proud to have taken part in Wakefield's Art Walk. A fabulous event they arrange once a month throughout the year. Artists show their work in various sites across Wakefield, a good way to promote the Artist and the venue space. I chose to show my Mary Pannell series and the location I was given was Wakefield Cathedral. I couldn't have asked for such an amazing environment to exhibit my work.
Being an Artist is quite a lonely existence and to be able to speak to people who have a passion for Art as I do is a time to cherish. The turn out was really good, and I had a steady stream of prople, right the way up to 9pm. The moment I will cherish is when the choir began to sing!
At the end of January I did my first ever Art demonstration. To say I was nervous was an understatement. I felt I was more than capable to demonstrate my process and felt I had something useful to share to anyone interested in oil painting. The Art group its self where very welcoming and asked a lot of questions, which I enjoyed as I felt this meant they must have been interested in what I was doing. I created a portrait in under 3 hours and worked my way through all my process.
I would defiantly do it again as I also learnt a lot.
- January 2022
Dark Curiosity
I am so pleased to announce that I have been accepted to take part in Art in the Pen, Skipton this year. If you have never attended I highly recommended the event, its not only full of Artist, (of all description's) but also Ceramics, Glass, woodwork, furniture, You name it and its there. All the creators have to go through a strict quality process to make sure that only the best can exhibit.
So save the date Saturday August 13th - Sunday 14th
I will see you there!
I entered a London based competition for woman's emerging artist 2021.
I entered with The moth and although I didn't win I was , first long listed then short listed. Affirmation for me that I am on the right tracks.
It also gave me a lot of exposure to other people in the Art world who I have since connected with.
Art in the pen countdown
As the deadline for Art in the Pen Skipton approaches, I began to think about how my ‘pen’ would look and began mocking up how I would like my stall to look.
It sounds easy, but I am no shopping styling expert. I decided to use a lot of plants and flowers on my stall and chose this vibrant green as a backdrop. I did this all outside in my garden one very hot day in June, you have to suffer for your art I am told.
In the middle of June I attended a free 2 day course at the Art House Wakefield. The course, Professional development programme for visual artist, was for up and coming Artist. It ranged from navigating curators, generating quotes to personal branding. It was a real eye opener, I absorbed a lot of good
information.
If you are ever in Wakefield I suggest you pop in, there is always something to see (and they have a coffee shop) They also do printing workshops. They are located on Dury lane, the building is the old
library.
The Art house Wakefield
- June 2022
- June 2022
This month I really wanted to get my printing sorted out, as I have requests from many people who would like to purchase my work. I really underestimated what a long job it would be.
First I had to photograph my work, taking care to avoid glare and make sure that everything was in focus. Then edit them in Photoshop, then have proof prints done, before I commit fully to spending a lot of money.
When they arrived I was over the moon with them, the quality of the prints are stunning.
I have now added these few prints (as I need to do many more) to my website where I intend to sell the bulk of my work
Workshops, Volunteering Queens Mill Castleford
- September 2021
I had my last workshop at Queens Mill this month. I decided to volunteer my services and get involved after restrictions started to be lifted in England. I struggled during lockdown and I have a family with me, I wanted to give the lonely and elderly something to look forward to when restriction where finally over.
As we were in the Mill I decided to do a project, on the Mill. So we explored in the Mill, immediately outside the Mill and then how the Mill sat within its surroundings.
I also painted along and did the project myself.
I for one really enjoyed the experience and I hope to continue my connection with Queens Mill and the heritage trust who do outstanding work for the Castleford community.
Art in the Pen Skipton
- August 2021
I am pleased to say my exhibition went very well, I had a fantastic 2 days. It was very tiring but very rewarding, having met so many wonderful people.
The show is such a friendly event and I would recommend anyone who loves Arts and crafts to give it a visit, you will not be disappointed .
A huge thank you to my husband, who always steps in and helps not just with the carrying and driving but the emotional support he gives, he always has my back and I am always truly happy to call him my friend and husband.
Exhibition news
- July 2021
So I am franticly preparing for my Art in the Pen show Skipton which I am pleased to
say is going ahead.
Trying to work out which piece to take and which piece to leave is like leaving a child behind.
I will also be taking my dark curiosity work with me, to test the publics reaction to it, and to see if it is saleable.
I wanted to take the far painting of Staithes with me, but it sold just before the show, thankfully the new owner allows me to take it with me. Its one of my piece to date so I wanted to show what I am cable of.
Unfortunatly my exhibition in York has had to be cancelled due to the pandemic. All very sad, but it will be taking place into October 2021
Art & York
- October 2020
Dark Curiosity, Illustriations
- July 2020
I have just introduced a whole new set of illustrations, created in black ink.
I have always had a fascination with history and especially the Victorian era. During the industrial revolution when everyone seemed to want invent anything, some weird and wonderful things were produced. This along with the more macabre side of Victorian Britain evolved into my Dark Curiosity range. And so I have focused a lot on specimen jars but with everyday Victorian scenes, afternoon tea, a daily stroll, but all with a quirky twist.
Go to my shop and take a look
Art & York
- July 2020
I am counting down to my exhibition day in October, which seems like a long way away but it will be here before we know it!
My body of work is slowly coming together.
Being part of the RAW Talent group has given me 11 new friends that I can share the experience with.
Art & show at York Racecourse which runs from Friday 23rd October – Sunday 25th October, I will keep you up to date with my progress..
Exciting News
- June 2020
I have exciting news, but I am not allowed to share it with you :(
I know I'm sorry too, but all will be reveled later on in the year.
Portrait for NHS Hero's Gerallt Davies
- June 2020
So please meet Gerallt, an NHS hero who was a true hero, he gave his life to the dreaded COVID 19.
I must say I was very emotional while painting him and I actually found myself talking to him. I feel very proud to have painted this amazing man who will be remembered for years to come, by his family and friends and by the people who he worked along side for many years.
Hopefully this will be an happy reminder of a paramedic, a husband a Father and a friend.
Portrait for NHS Heros - May 2020
I am very active on Instagram and I notice a Portrait Artist, Tom Croft was offering free portraits to NHS staff, his way of saying thank you, so I decided to get involved. I was paired with a man called Ed an ambulance driver who had recently lost one of his work colleagues and he was asking for a portrait of him.
I finally contacted Ed and he explained to me that the man I would be painting was an amazing gentleman called Gerallt Davies. He explained that he was the only paramedic in Wales to have died from coronavirus and that they would all love to honour him with a portrait.
I was absolutely blown away; I have kept myself away from harm staying home (as the government advised) and here was a man who had died while at work knowing what a danger, he was putting himself in.
I thought I needed a bit more information on him to get a better idea of his character and so I Googled his name, and my goodness Ed wasn’t lying, he was a true ledged he had an MBE for his services to the NHS. I found out he is the same age as me, he left two sons and a wife, he was obviously a really loved respected man.
I feel really honoured to be painting this amazing gentleman who I am sure if I would have met I would have like to have called him a friend.
Work update - I am still heavily in to Landscapes and I must say I am absolutely loving it. The trouble is because we cannot go anywhere I am restricted to what I can paint, which is photos I have taken while we’ve been on holiday’s or walking. The sea has a huge pull for not just me but my whole family and I have found that my attention has gone to lovely coastal scenes of boats. I cannot wait until I can go out in the flesh again!
Galleries, after lockdown
- March 2021
My 5 minutes of fame is over but it has left me with an interest in painting landscapes, perhaps I am better at landscapes than portraits?
Since been on the show I now have work on display in 2 galleries (albeit virtually), one Pomfret Gallery in Pontefract and one in the Riding shopping Centre in Wakefield. All will be available to view in person on the 16th April when shops can finally re-open.
I’m incredibly proud of my appearance in both and I will be visiting as soon as the doors open.
I have had an increased interest in my work since the show was aired and so I have decided to have some work printed, not as easy as you image when you have to do everything online and by post, but I have just received my first batch and I am very pleased with how they have turned out. These prints along with original works will be the bulk of my work for Art in the Pen in Skipton, (crossing fingers and toes that it still goes ahead)
Landscape Artist of the Year
- February 2021
Well, I finally made an appearance on Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year, did you watch it?
It was an incredible experience that I will always remember. If you are interested in how my day of filming went, I have started a blog on my website which I give a full account of my day, all on my home page, something I am going to try and keep up with because it’s not only good for the reader but good as I can keep to remind me of what happened.
After the airing of the show, I had a lot of interest in me and my work. So, I have given landscape art a go and I must say I am really enjoying it.
Pomfret Gallery Pontefract
- February 2021
I have a few pieces up for sale in Pomfret Gallery in Pontefract, West Yorkshire.
I have done a full circle with the gallery as many years ago while at University I was a Saturday girl for them.
A fantastic family run Gallery, who also have a framing service.
Nice that we have the connection that we do check out their website.
Article in the local press
- January 2021
I made it into the local newspaper this week. Quite a strange feeling to see yourself in print but also a very proud one.
I have some very loyal followers who keep me inspired to paint and encourage me on my Art adventure.
To say 2020 was a year when not a l lot happened, when I look back I actually achieved a lot.
Fair to say that my Art and my family kept me strong through such a difficult year in all our lives.
Landscape Artist of the Year 2021
- January 2021
Remember way back in the summer of last year, when I told everyone that I had some exciting news? I can now tell you
I will be making an appearance on Sky's Landscape Artist of the Year
episode 4
The episode with my appearance will be aired on Wednesday 10th February at 8pm on Sky Arts and Freeview Channel 11
I cannot reveal my place in the competition just that I appear
The program will be aired on the 13th January. But I'll update you when I know for certain.
I must say I am not looking forward to hearing myself speak, and will probably be watching from behind a cushion
Landscapes
- November 2020
Between the months of October and November, and before lockdown number 2, I decided I needed a bit of inspiration (and fresh air) so my husband and I went to Dalby Forest in North Yorkshire. When our family was a lot younger we would go a few times a year, but we haven’t visited in a while. It was autumn and the trees where looking splendid in all their beautiful autumn colours, I took loads of photographs and when I returned home, I started to paint...
It’s a huge change from portraits, trees are quite tricky and I am very pleased with what I produced. I am hoping that by the beginning of next year I will have enough work to sell them in a local gallery, Pomfret Gallery Pontefract
Gallery news
- July 2021
Well my final exhibition of the year, in York has now been cancelled. Which is a big blow for a lot of Artist who have lost money and a last attempt at sales for this year. The work I would have been exhibiting is now in the new world gallery and I am pleased to say is selling well. My large piece had pride of place in the door way, of which I am incredibly proud
With the end of restrictions in sight I wanted to do something, that would help lift the spirits and get people back to something looking like normal.
Having experienced the isolation of lockdown, unable to see family and friends made me realise that some of our elderly residents live like this all the time.
The thought that someone could go a full day without human contact is heart breaking. So I am trying with the help of Queens Mill to make a few peoples lives a little less lonely. The only skills I have is painting so using this I am offering free Art classes.
I am really looking forward to meeting new friend.
Volunteering update
- May 2021
Wakefield Art Walk
- March 2021
Really enjoyed seeing all the Artist work in this years Wakefield Art Walk.
My work is with two other Artists work on Westgate Wakefield.
My model even went to have a look.
The walk is still available to view until the 2nd May 2021
A selection of my work can still be seen/bought in two galleries. Pomfret Gallery Pontefract, and New World Gallery Wakefield.
This was my Dads first outing in a lot of months after lockdown restrictions were lifted, both my parents and sisters have been waiting to be able to see my Art in a Gallery.
My family have always encouraged my Art and they are a massive support to me.
Gallery update
- April 2021
I’ve had notification that Art in the Pen Skipton will be taking place this year, which is fantastic for any Art lover. It really was a close call with the team who had to raise a lot of money when it was cancelled last year due to COVID but they have managed to stay afloat and they will be welcoming every Artist who should have been attending last year.
If you have never attended its worth a visit , not only for Art of every medium but also sculpture, glass blowing, pottery anything creative that is of an incredible high quality is there.
COVID has had such a massive impact on everyone’s lives, in some capacity. I realised just how lucky I was to have coped through this third lock-down having my husband with me. We have kept each other going giving support and reassurance when we each needed it. The thought of having to go through this or just life after lock-down without someone to share it with must be extremely hard. It was this that brought me to the decision to volunteer my services to the elderly and isolated people who live alone.
Castleford Heritage Trust based at the Queens Mill Castleford have done an incredible job during and before this epidemic hit, this central hub will be where I have offered free Art classes to the elderly and isolated of Castleford, although it hasn’t been finalized yet I would like to offer my services once a month. I know it is a drop I the ocean but hopefully it will bring a little connectivity to a few who will benefit tremendously from it.
Volunteering
- March 2021
Art in the Pen
- March 2021
So I applied to be a part of Wakefield Art Walk this year, and I am pleased to say I was accepted!.
The trail begins in the City Centre and Artist from Wakefield or working in Wakefield have the opportunity to have their work displayed in a shop window around the City. My work will be printed at A0 and displayed for all to see. It starts on the 31st March and ends on the 2nd of May so there is plenty of time to see it if you don’t want to venture out until the restrictions have eased a little. The only thing is I don’t know what will be displayed, as I entered a landscape and a portrait, so you will be as surprised as me as to what’s being hung.
This is a fantastic way to start the year on a creative note, for everyone, having been starved of it for so long
Wakefield Art Walk
- March 2021
Landscape work
- March 2021
Lock-down Portraits - April 2020
So Covid 19 has hit and a lot of people have been furloughed myself included and I was thinking of ways to cheer everyone up and I thought I know a competition, the winner will have a free portrait sketch on paper. So I ran this through Facebook and I had 11 people who entered with a photograph of themselves, and I thought well why don't I just paint all 11! that way everyone will have something to look forward to.
So each day I painted a quick sketch and posted it too my page and then posted out painting to the person who won.
I think everyone got a little bit of something out of this, myself included.
Covid 19 Coronavirus - March 2020
So Covid 19 has hit and we are in official lock down, everything is on hold! My dreams of a busy 2020 are hanging in the balance. Even my creativity has hit rock bottom as I cant even get any comfort from painting. I hope that this horrible pandemic doesn't last too long but most importantly doesn't take too many lives.
Stay safe everyone.
Art in the Pen Skipton - March 2020
I am pleased to announce that I will be an exhibiter at Art in The Pen Skipton in August this year.
Come and say hello
Lock-down portraits - April 2020
Following the success of my give away portrait sketches I wanted to offer the same to other people so while we are still in lockdown I am offering a portrait sketch at a discounted price.
Mary Panell - April 2020
So although we are in lock-down and in the middle of a global pandemic, as the song says...The show must go on!
This is a selection of my work I am creating for my Raw York and Art which will (fingers and toes crossed) be happening in October this year.
This work is looking at a local legend in my home town of Castleford. She was a woman who lived in the 16th Century and her name was Mary Panell, she was said to be a witch and she was hung in York, and then her body burnt in Castleford.
All this work is me exploring a way to portray this woman and many like her in a way that isn't condescending or whimsically just trying to communicate how truly horrible it would have been to have been accused of being a witch.
Link goes to my YouTube
Channel
Sketchbook - February 2020
So, as I have a busy year ahead I wanted a place to keep all my ideas and so I bought a sketch book. I always had them while at College and University and I know how valuable they are, this one is just portraits
(I intend to have a few)
Art& Raw Talent - Febuary 2020
I recently applied to Art & RAW Talent, this Award offers up to 12 newly emerging artists the opportunity to apply for a Subsidized Space at the show in October 2020 along with 6 months mentoring, support and advice.
I am please to say I was successful; the hard work starts now. With the help and guidance from my mentor I will be creating a new body of work for the Art & show at York Racecourse which runs from Friday 23rd October – Sunday 25th October, I will keep you up to date with my progress..
Latest portrait commission - January 2020
A recently finished commission for a husband for his wife's 50th Birthday. Painted on aluminium panel and A4 in size, unframed.
For more information click here
Portrait Artist 2021
So its that time of year again when I apply for Portrait Artist of the year. I did make an appearance on the 2018 Landscape Artist of the Year, but just as a wild card.
The one I really want to compete on is the Portrait Artist, so the entry is in and I will be anxiously waiting ....fingers crossed
Landscape Artist 2018
I have been invited to join in on the May Celebrations of the Queens Mill Castleford Heritage Trust, a true honour! Its their 20th year anniversary this year and they will be celebrating in style, inviting local artists and crafts people to demonstarate and pormote thier work.
The Mill will be celebrating the whole of May.
In January I held my first Workshop which was a great success, held over four days. We worked on a portrait in oils learning new techniques in oil paint. Some people had never painted in oil paints before, so it was nice to guide them through the process. Everything seemed to take something positive from the weekend, including me.
Queens Mill are having their 20th year Anniversary and they would like me to be an Artist in residence for a few days during the celebrations in May
January 2020 Workshops
Well I have a feeling it will be a busy year, my first exhibition is up (see below) and I will be hosting my first workshop, more news to follow on that.
This year I wanted to create workshops that offer the ability to have basic skills is sketching and drawing which is the basis of every truly great painting. You may have great rendering, painting techniques but if your portrait or Landscape isn't accurate it will always be a disappointing finished piece.
I have created 4 courses 2 of which are drawing and only 1 day the other 2 are using oil paints which are set over 2 days. Oil paint is the medium I use and I would love to walk you through my process....
One Show Filming
The One Show contacted me about a video I put on Facebook showing the demolition of one of the towers at Ferrybridge Power Station. I mentioned that I grew up around the Power Station and that I recently finished a painting about my childhood around the area.
I will now be featured on the One Show in October when the next lot of demolition takes place along with the piece of Art I created.
Link goes to my YouTube
Channel
The piece was aired on 31st October 2019 and I had quite a surreal moment of seeing and hearing myself. It was a really good piece put together very sympathetically. Unfortunately the piece that was related to it wasn't shown but I was seen painting the Cooling Towers. A day to remember and a great experience.