FAMM (Femmes Artistes du Musee de Mougins)

Portrait de Madame Gonzales (mother of the artist) by Eva Gonzales 1870

I am writing to you from my daughter’s home in the Village of Le Bar Sur Loup, France, which clings to the side of the Gorges de Loup in the Alpes Maritimes between Nice and Grasse, the city of perfume.

She always treats me to a visit to a Gallery or Museum, and this time was no exception. So, yesterday we set off to the village of Mougins where Picasso had a house, and where his photographic collection is still exhibited! Read more …

Nar Valley Art Trail 2026 – North Norfolk Open Studios

May 23rd – 7th June
This year the Nar Valley Open Studios showcases 14 accomplished artists working across a wide range of contemporary and traditional disciplines. 11 are set along the Nar Valley where the trail winds its way through the wide vistas of Blackborough End in the west, to Pentney and along the chalk stream eastward to East Walton, West Acre and onto the charming historic village of Castle Acre. North of this are 3 further artists in the village of Grimston; known for its history as a major 11th–16th century pottery production centre. Read more …

The Evolution of a Painting

I was asked if I could produce a work of my choosing on a 130x100cm box canvas by a valued customer. This was requested at the beginning of November last year to be ready by Christmas

I had to order 2 canvases online as a request for one was denied, probably due to packing & safe transport.

Unwrapping & viewing this vast white space, I was in awe with fear & anticipation. Read more …

Exploring Erosion on Norfolk’s East Coast

Nature’s Fortress

I’ve lived in Norfolk since 2002 and enjoy the big skies, the sea and wide expanses of beach but when I turn my back to the sea, the artistic opportunities abound. The eroding cliffs with their endless texture, multiple shades of brown, green and ochre and incredible shapes, almost cubist effects, translate well to abstraction and invite exploration of different colour palettes. Read more …

Frameless

Visit to Frameless, Marble Arch, London

If you think that art should stay on the canvas where the artist placed it then Frameless in London is not for you. With 4 themed galleries each featuring 6-8 specific artworks, the experience felt completely immersive, with projections over the floor, walls and ceilings accompanied by music and sound effects that made the artwork come alive. Read more …

Mosaics of Ravenna

Mausoleum of Galla Placidia (daughter of Emperor Theodosius 1). The main mosaic is of Christ the Good Shepherd tending his flock. Approximately 500 AD.

If you’re an artist then you never need much of an excuse to visit Italy. Such an excuse presented itself to Margaret and me at the end of August when two Australian friends of ours got in touch and said that they were planning a trip to the country of La Dolce Vita and could we meet up for wine and pasta. How could we refuse? Read more …

Finding Gallery Success

Since joining the WNNA I have been grateful for the generosity of advice, spirit and friendship that I have found amongst members. I recently attended a webinar I found extremely useful and insightful and I hope by sharing its message, it may also benefit others here.

For those who don’t know me, despite studying art at university, I then went on to have a career as a chef and then developing properties. Both these left no time to pursue an interest or passion in art. Three years ago I drew a line and decided to get back to painting, bravely entered the spring exhibition at Norfolk Creative Arts, Grimston and sat around thinking ‘what on earth have I done?!’. Read more …

The Babel Project Update

Master printmaker Naoji Ishiyama and Helen Breach next to The Babel Project

Back in January 2024, I posted a write-up in WNAA Update, about The Babel Project.

The idea of the project was to share the original image of the Breughal’s Tower of Babel in segments. The 335 participants remade their segments in their own ways using different printmaking techniques. Finally all the works were gathered as a new Tower. Each artist’s segment (chosen in a lottery) is 5″ x 7″ (13x17cm), and the completed image is around 2300 x 3200mm. Read more …