Workshops, a fair and a New Craft Kit
Getting Ready for the Spring to be Sprung!
Easter is behind us, but the weather has only just realised today that it is time to stop blowing us sideways into a hedge! This has put a bit of a halt to my fieldwork trips to the beach over the last 2 or 3 weeks. Fortunately there is always plenty of admin to be getting on with while I am waiting for better weather as the end of another financial year has come around. To start off the year I have some workshops, a fair and a new craft kit!
New pieces online
The drawing I did manage to get done earlier in the winter has, however, enabled a refresh of my pieces in the Scottish Ornithologists Club online shop. You can see the shop here:
https://www.the-soc.org.uk/collections/art-shop
A quick trip to Norfolk
The last week in March found me getting a quick trip away to London and Norwich. A much needed break and a lovely catch up with old college friends. I was, of course, accompanied by the famous Bob! A drive out to Blakeney Point on the North Norfolk Coast brought us sightings of marsh Harrier and dark bellied brent geese. Both not often seen here. And a visit to the lovely Birdscapes Gallery to see their exhibition of Society of Wildlife Artists work
Trying my hand at lithography
While I was away, I also had an opportunity to spend an afternoon trying my hand at stone lithography. This is a facinating and slightly magical process that allows very free drawing and mark making to be captured in print form and, as such, is right up my street.
I was very fortunate to have the expert guidance of Simon Burder of Oaks Fine Art to keep me right. Basically I had a very enjoyable time playing with some crayons and then followed instructions! The result was this little print of a curlew, a bird I have sketched quite a few times this winter.
Where you can find me in the next few weeks
Back in the studio, there is plenty to plan for in 2024. Later this year I will be part of large exhibitions in Whitehead and Portadown, but in the meantime, here are a few local events coming up in the next few weeks:
May Day Celebrations in Holywood
The popular May Day celebrations in Holywood will take place on Monday 6 May bank holiday.
The town centre will be transformed into a pedestrianised hub of activity centred on the town’s historic Maypole with displays of dance by local school children, and other traditions such as the Bonnie Baby competition and the crowning of the May Queen!
Art on the Rails
Art on the rails will be part of the bank holiday event with stalls in the main street You will find me somewhere among the Art on the Rails stalls from 10am – 5pm More details can be found on the Ards and North Down Borough website |
Two New workshop dates
Paper bird making
My next paper bird making workshops will be at The Craft Room in Newtownards on Tuesday 21 May from 7 – 9pm
This will be a very relaxed and informal couple of hours. I will introduce you to a couple of useful tools and a few simple cutting and folding techniques. Hopefully everyone will go away with a Robin and a Blue tit. There are still places available. Bookings can be made on the Craft Room NI website.
Tuesday 21 May
7 – 9pm
The Craft Room, Newtownards
Bug Drawing workshop
On Saturday 15 June, I’ll be doing bug drawing workshops in the Walled Garden Bangor.
These will be 2 one hour drop ins. I will have some bugs from the garden ready to observe and draw and a selection of materials to use. You are welcome to bring along your own sketch book and materials if you wish
Sat 15 June 2024, 11:00am – 12:00pm
Saturday 15 June 2024, 1:00 – 2:00pm
Bangor Castle Walled Garden
Valentine Road
Bangor
BT20 4BT
FREE (pre-booking recommended)
New Kit now available!
While developing the materials for the workshops I have also come up with another kit to compliment the make your own Bob kit.
Now you can also make your own blue tit! These are already available in The Craft Room.
Workshops, a fair and a New Craft Kit Read More »
