Shortlisted for The Castlegate Prize
Vision
Whilst buried neck deep in paint last week my phone pinged, I sighed and decided to ignore the message and continued to concentrate on the piece I was working on. Later when my hands were cleaner and my head a little freer I checked my e-mails to find a wonderful message saying my painting Vision had been shortlisted. Such exciting news!! Weeks before I had entered the 1 metre square painting on the very last day of the entry deadline, Valentines day as it happens. I had been swithering for a while about the painting, for me it is a special one, I didn’t quite know which forthcoming show it would feature in until I realised it was perfect for the Castlegate Art Prize. A newly launched competition which supports the mental health charity Young Minds by donating the entry fee to the charity. A very worthy cause. So many prizes and open exhibitions now a days charge a fee for a digital entry and pocket the money. I immediately warmed to this new approach. The prize asked for a painting inspired by the word ‘Hope’. As many of you may know my work circumnavigates many emotions, the landscape acts as a foil by which these emotions are conveyed. The initial concept of ‘Vision’ was to create a calm and uplifting sense of light. Winter can send many personalities of weather our way but occasionally in-between the storms and high winds there are those perfect moments where the air rests and rare warm light breaks through. We naturally stop and take a breath in these moments and our psyche reminds us spring isn’t too far away; Hope. I will keep my fingers tightly crossed over the next few weeks in hope that Vision makes the final cut, an exhibition of works by the finalists and perhaps I dare to even wonder if the painting will even secure the big prize? I will keep you posted as soon as I hear any news.
Vision • Oil on Board • 100cmx100cm
New Work Available
My latest body of work is now online and available to purchase. Take a look on the Portfolio page 2018. I am happy to chat through any of the work and studio visits are always welcome if you can’t make up your mind. Many of the pieces will be shown in Tatha Gallery in the forthcoming Winter Exhibition ‘Even More Alchemy’ Preview 10th November 2-4pm and runs until 24th December