Heards Design Partnership

Just scanned and proofed a large oil for well known painter Teresa Pemberton. This was a commission from Weir Quay Boatyard for their 2011 tide tables cover.  WQ are great supporters of artists and the arts and have commissioned me before now.  We’ll be designing the new tide tables.

New scan and proof for Laure Bury this week, plus new works coming from John Ashton.

My own exhibition generated interest and kind comments at the PV on monday. Total of 6 pieces sold and looking forward to inclusion in a new Gallery in October.

Drawn to the Valley Open Studios starts 28th August and I’ve been offered the walls of smart new Taylor’s Restaurant in Tavistock for an exhibition.  This will feature water colours from my book, Cornish Ports and Harbours, and some new works in oil.  PV and opening night 23rd .  One painting, possibly another sold already

Drawn to the valley members exhibition PVed Tuesday night with guest speaker Lydia Corbett, formerly known as Sylvette David, who worked with Picasso and was his muse when she was 19. I was honored to be her driver for the evening and learn so much about her own life and that of Picasso. ‘He is still with us” she smiled.

I’ve been commissioned by Nature Bureau in Newbury, to produce a panoramic painting of the view from Shotover Hill in Oxford. It’s an area I used to know well and the scene covers woodlands, rolling hills and the edge of Oxford itself.  Pencils to do first, then a big watercolour.

We have two new artists to print. One big painting to scan and the other scans supplied.  Main job is our own trade stand at Plymouth Classics.  Cards, prints, books etc.  Two days of events and hopefully good sales.

My forthcoming exhibition at Taylor’s, Tavistock is confirmed which leaves me some big paintings to finish by end August.

Three big jobs rushing to complete this week.  Plymouth Classics – programme, posters, crew passes, wine labels etc. Also Drawn to the Valley, 44pp directory in time for open studios.  The MOX12 catamaran promo also nears completion. I have some last minute scans to sort, one print for someone and then off to attend the PV for John Raynes new exhibition of paintings at Beside the Wave in Falmouth.  I’m looking forward to it enormously. He’s a rare talent and my mentor of 30 years. Anyone feel like the trip to Falmouth will be well rewarded with a sumptuous show of oils.  Our ad in A&I is out to coincide.

Artists (or anybody) I have new source for my watercolour paper. Arches, Fabriano, etc. and big sheets and rolls. Ian Heard’s paper store will soon be open.

Dinah and John Ashton dropped by today to discuss a new scan and the possibility of a combined exhibition sometime next year. We’ve discussed this before, but it looks like a real show. He’s just been featured on a BBC program. and had some paintings shortlisted in London at the wildlife artist of the year show. More of this later but very excited and, blimmey, I’ll have top get my skates on if I’m putting in new work.  Also saw Roz Wiley for 3 reprints. DTTV is coming together and we want to wrap this up for print next week.  Artists coming in with some amends nut light so far.  This weekend I WILL finish the BIG oil for Jane and Chris. I could do with the space for planned big works now I’m in the mood.

I spent an hour or two in the inspiring company of the Moxley Marine this morning. This retired architect couple have embarked on the design and build of a radical cruising catamaran for the charter/long distance fleet. Not only is their project admirable but so is their zest for life, and we chatted long and hard about our mutual desire for design perfection and it’s general lack about today.  We’ve been commissioned to undertake “artists impressions” of the final cat as well as branding, logos, graphics and print.  Lovely project, great people and more of this to come.

Success at St Ives. One of my painting from my book “Cornish ports and harbours” sold at the St Ives Society of Artists show and is winging its way to America.  I’m thrilled and humbled at the same time. I am always delighted when someone buys a paintins, and surprised.  There’s an artist for you.

We’ve almost finished the artwork for Drawn to the valley’s Directory for open studios 2010 and have had the last minute offer of exhibition space myself.  I finished the Big Oil commission at the weekend and wonder about showing it?  A bit early to say but hey, nothing ventured.  I have plenty of other painting to show, just need the impetus to complete.

Kivells displays for Royal Cornwall picked up today and new ads to start next week, along with Plymouth Classics and the catamaran commission. Not quite slacking yet.

May is always a busy month and this one is no exception. We are currently working on the Drawn to the valley open studios directory and other print media. The DL flyer is approved, and the ad for DOS as well.  Our longstanding client, Kivells, the estate agents, auctioneers and farm markets, have asked us to look at their Royal Cornwall show stand once more. We work closely with their marketing department who has a keen eye and a demanding brief to fulfill.

We’ve also been asked to look at “artist impressions” of an exciting new catamaran design in production in Cornwall. The job has grown in the telling and now involves branding and graphics.  This is all for early June.  AND Plymouth Classics, the annual gathering of traditional and “classic” yacht designs, have asked us to revisit the program design which we instigated several years ago. This for end July. The flyers are already out and there’s A0 posters and all other small print problems to solve.  They have agreed to use one of my photo collages as their main identity and I’m making it fit all uses.

Meanwhile, there are artists to print, new scans from the amazing John Hurford and a big scan for Amanda Pellatt. She has a show at the Duchy Centre, Princetown and I recommend a look. I’m also still painting new oils in my free time. Nice to do though and may I have the confidence to put some in exhibition.

Saw Amanda Pellatt yesterday, delighted with her new hedgerow prints.  Her exhibition starts next Friday at Duchy Centre and should do well.  She has other, more personal work too, but her print’s will go.  I look forward to reprints.

John Hurford – printed 2 off “Monkeyfish” yesterday.  Stunning drawing, funny but serious.  Also reprinting “Greencombe” on canvas to be stretched.

NIck Viney –  scanned her big painting “Calf and half” and will proof today.  Another great painting from Nicky.  More later.