Have Studio, Will Paint

Finally, the studio is finished, and I am getting used to a whole new way of working. 

Years ago in an art magazine I read an article about a successful artist, who had produced all his artwork in a tiny backroom, perched in front of a coffee table. With success came more money, and he built a big studio, only to find that inspiration did not strike, and the space failed to live up to his expectations. This is always a worry, that when we get the thing we want, it doesn't turn out to be what we hoped. 

Well I can say with confidence, having a studio is GREAT. It is warm, peaceful, and I get at least twice as much work done. Even the cat has his own place, (Every artist needs a muse):

 Unfortunately he cannot be persuaded to stay on his blanket, or indeed to wipe the mud off his feet:

Luckily he has so far not managed to get on the big table where I produce artwork. He also likes to sit with the (tasteful) Gnomes that boyfriend kindly placed on the decking out front, which makes for an amusing site:

Having finally gained workspace I first finished four mosaics I started recently:

A flower with black grout (lucky you can't see how my manicure looked after this one)...

 A romantic affair made from some of the smashed victorian crockery an artist friend gave me...

A fish on a wooden base...

 

and an abstract spiral made from a selection of bits and pieces...

And just to get back into painting, I finally finished this watercolour of Layer Marney Tower, only 6 months after I started it!

 
In between this I was catching up on paperwork and emails. Then at the start of last week I received a sample of the products I have been illustrating. This one is Norwich castle, I will post some photos of it built (it kept the teen amused for part of Sunday) next time.

 
Since then I have illustrated the Tower of London, 2 Ravens, Henry the 8th, Elizabeth the 1st, Colonel Blood (chap who nearly got away with nicking the crown jewels) and a Beefeater. For the same print run, but a different project I also illustrated a fairy house, 3 fairies, a treasure chest and 2 pirates.  

I have also provisionally booked a gallery for myself and my super saturday students to have our first exhibition in October. They appear to be excited and terrified in equal measure. It's a lot of work, but should be fun. 

A painting of a local sea view was started last week, but I am not sure when it will be finished, it's the end of the month and the accounts need doing. And apparently Westminster Abbey needs illustrating (Royal Wedding anyone?) Tomorrow I spend part of the day in Colchester, teaching a workshop for clients of the Mind charity.

At some stage, I am determined to take a day off this week!