Heards Design Partnership

Looks like I’ve got 2 pictures in the St Ives Show, though strangely not the one of St Ives previously posted.  It’s on till June 15 and promises treats for the discerning art buyer.

Off the Cubert near Newquay Friday night for Stuart Thorn’s exhibition.  Meanwhile Andy Ellis is off the the Falcon Fair in Shropshire with a great selection of paintings and prints. We’ve printed a piece from his forthcoming falcons of the world book, and scanned one other which will be on display.  Helen Allin is off to Badminton with her new prints and I’ve just printed a fantastic new image by John Hurford.  There are some very talented people about.

I’ve put three pieces in to the St Ives Society of Artists open exhibition. Two watercolours from my last book and an etching. Funny leaving them behind. It’s always like hanging your soul on someone else’s wall. Don’t know if they’ll be accepted, or if they are, will someone buy them?  There’s something about St Ives and it’s true what they say about the light, even on a dull day – which it wasn’t – there’s a brightness about the air.  Must be all those artists.

Meanwhile, saw Nick Viney this week, who wants cards and a new print, and the Amanda Pellatt scans look great proofed up.  New image for John Hurford

We visited St Ives artist Mary Ann Green on Sunday, en-route to pick up her print ‘Sara Dreaming’ for a gallery.  We have decided to publish her figure drawings as a project.  Always admirers of her work, we think her dancers and beach belles are too good to keep quiet. We’ve brought back a number to proof and are going to go full size. These very stylish drawings are well executed and vibrant and we believe the images will be a great success.  Have a look…

It’s too late now and I’m too tired.  Waiting for a job to finish printing so’s I can go to bed.  One of the perks/pitfalls of a studio across the yard is not knowing when to go home.  Busy, busy at the moment.  Another commission has appeared and the BIG painting for jane and chris is well underway.  Smelling very turpsy… everywhere.

Dartmoor Artist, Amanda Pellat, dropped in 3 lovely painting for us to print yesterday.  When they’re scanned, I’ll post them to see. Bright, sunny, contemporary canvases, we really like them and she’ll do well with the edition.

Wildlife painter, Andrew Ellis visited the studio this week with 8 images to publish as cards, and a new print.  Andy is a master craftsman. Few artists match his technical skill with the brush, nor his deep understanding of his subjects. His work, both prints an originals, are much sought after and judging by the responses to his blog, much appreciated.  I’m making the artworks and proofing his card later today, to be printed for the forthcoming Falcon Fair.

Bygone days by Andrew Ellis

Woodcock by Andrew Ellis

New Exhibition by Paul Cain Smith at Morley Contemporary Arts, Tredis, Cornwall.  Bright and colourful, reflecting Paul’s new-found inspirational environment in France.  His titles are as witty and personal as ever but do not detract from his exploration of paint and media.  Lovely man, lovely work, go see.  I’ve been asked to supply prints of PCS’s for a new customer, fishy ones especially.  Paul completed some semi-humorous fish families images a few years ago and they are ideal.  I knew they’d go one day.

Also dropped in on John Raynes this weekend for some prints signings.  Still the master of all media, he showed me one or two oils intended for his show in July.  More of this later, but brilliant as ever.

Scanning for John Ashton this week. Two BIG paintings, one a close up swan’s head – 4ft High – stunning piece which will make a great print.  Also two scans and proofs for equestrian painter, Helen Allin.  Beautiful and well observed portraits of particular hunters and race horses, Helen is in great demand from leading stables and racing yards for her masterful paintings.

The trip to St Ives was inspiring and rewarding for different reasons.  Breath taking coastal views in perfect spring weather had me photographing and drawing on the beaches from Godrevy, through Hayle to Porthmeor, St Ives.  Too many galleries to take in though not all promising creative treasure.  The St Ives Society spring show was a treat though and I recommend a look.  The prize is in the downstairs space at Mariners Gallery. A memorable exhibition by Stuart Thorn along with John Higgins.  Both these artists are experienced and practised professionals able to show a command of their media and an understanding of their subjects. Both consummate designers, both abstactionists and at home in the important gallery which once hung with Heron and Lanyon and other leading twentieth century painters.  Thorn and Higgins justifiably take the baton on with honors

Thought we’d have a cultural day out to St Ives this weekend.  We’ve been invited to the PV of one of our artist clients, Stuart Thorn, at the Mariners Gallery.  I had work there myself a few years ago.  The St Ives Society of Artists spring show is also on upstairs.  The SISoA also boasts one or two other artists we print for, Mary Ann Green for one.  I also see one of my old college pals is a member.  Wonder if he’ll remember me?  Doubt it. Older and grayer.

The Taylor’s restaurant opening was well received and our prints much admired.  Laure Bury especially as she’s ordered 6 prints on canvas following he seeing the finished pieces.  I have a new one to proof, just scanned.

Still trying to find time to start one of the commissioned paintings I’ve been asked to do.  Another one just in.  Looks looks a busy few months ahead, thank goodness.