‘ideath’ painting by Michal Ozibko

Interestingly this was voted on by people actually visiting the museum, not by some ‘panel of experts’ as so often is the case & visitors where able to vote via a touch screen monitor outside the exhibition - new for the 2010 competition.

Michal Ozibko, a Czechoslovakian born painter, produced a major piece measuring 65 inches across by 86 inches height & called ‘ideath.’ Nearly 26,000 visitors to the National Portrait Gallery voted & ‘ideath’ received over 15% of those, scooping the BP sponsored Portrait Award for 2010.

You can see the voting results on the Gallery’s website on the links section

Thank you

Jessica

Links:
National Portrait Gallery

Daily Telegraph’s coverage

The Guardian’s coverage

Happy Campers by Doug Hyde
(limited edition on paper)

The title is yet unknown however it loveable image of one of Doug’s characters in a tent, with his trusted dog asleep next to him and a lantern throwing light on them, a wonderful piece

thank you

James

Links:
How to go camping
Find a UK campsite

Figurines and Ornaments is a comprehensive and lovingly put together website that, at the moment, sells 3 of the UK’s & indeed Europe’s most collectable brands of: High Porcelain, Sculptures, bangles and trinkets; those brands are: Lladro, Nao & Halcyon Days respectively.

Top 5 things we like about this new site:

1) Really competitive prices

2) Easy to use

3) Lots of categories & ways to search

4) Good looking website

5) Easy to contact them

Some of the many ways to search:

We contacted the website and asked them to say a few words for our blog:

‘There is a huge demand in the UK and abroad for Lladro & Halcyon Days, & particularly Lladro is one of the worlds biggest brands & we are proud to officially retail them…we hope coming to our site is an enriching experience for you, gazing in delight at our products and the immense dedication it has taken to create them’

We have bookmarked the site and have asked them to keep us abreast of any new developments.

So for all you lovers of Figurines and Ornaments we recommend them and give it a rating of 8.5/10.

Well keep you posted

Thank you

James

Do you know any new art related websites out there? Have you got a review? Contact us

Above: elephants painted by Peter Smith (left) and John Wilson (right)

The Elephant Parade was the largest outdoor art exhibition ever staged in the UK, with 258 life sized baby elephant sculptures, set in locations all over London’s city centre. They were thought up and created for the leading wild elephant charity called ‘Elephant Family’ www.elephantfamily.org The interesting thing is that each elephant is a unique piece of art, hand painted by renowned artists and designers. The Parade ran for around two months; from May to July 2010. The elephants were placed in streets, parks and squares right across Central London at some of London’s leading landmarks.

Above: elephants painted by Alexander Millar (left) and Jeff Rowland (right)

With an estimated audience of 25 million (you cannot count every person in London who has viewed them can you?!), the campaign aimed to raise over £1 million for the endangered Asian elephant. It was a fresh and unique fundraising and awareness campaign that everyone could enjoy. Elephant Parade’s mission is to become the world’s largest financial support organisation for elephants, while attempting to save the Asian elephant from extinction in the wild.

Above: elephants painted by Paul Kenton (left) and Louise Dear (right)

Some of the UK’s finest artists and designers were sponsoring and painting an elephant including the previously blogged about: Alexander Millar, Jack Vettriano, Jeff Rowland John Wilson, Louise Dear, Paul Kenton & Peter Smith!…Many of these are artists licensed exclusively to Washington Green fine art publishers, so big thank you to them for allowing them to help out!

After going on display in various locations all over London, a select number of elephants were then auctioned off by Sotheby’s, whilst the remainder were auctioned online.

thank you

Vicki

Useful Links
Elephant Parade Main site: www.elephantparadelondon.org
Elephant Family Charity Main Site: www.elephantfamily.org
Donate to Elephant Family: www.justgiving.com/elephantfamily/donate

Timmy stands proudly with his paintings

As well as having Timmy’s signature style there is also something special about these pieces. As normal each limited editions is signed by Mallett ….AND AMAZINGLY each is also signed by 3 stars from the film - Bernard Cribbins, Jenny Agutter and Sally Thomsett! So these pieces are an absolute must have for anyone who loves one of Britain’s all time favourite children’s films!

This is a real opportunity to invest in something that you loved during your childhood or to be part of this celebration. Perhaps you are new to this film or Edith Nesbitt’s original book?

‘Send Our Love To Father’ by Timmy Mallet
(available as an on paper or canvas limited edition)

The editions of these pictures are very low - only 50 Canvas and 100 paper limited editions have been produced & this is going to heighten demand and increase dramatically the collectability of this range.

‘Saved By Red Petticoats’ by Timmy Mallett
aka: ‘Saved by Red Petticoats’
(available as an on paper or canvas limited edition)

‘Oak Worth’ by Timmy Mallett
(available as an on paper or canvas limited edition)

Thanks

James

Links:
Timmy Mallet Interview Part 1
Timmy Mallet Interview Part 2
Timmy’s Official Website

‘From Westminster Bridge’ by Paul Kenton
(Limited edition box canvas)

Due to the size and amount of hand finishing/ layering that goes into each limited editon, the arrival of these pieces into galleries was slow & these have ‘trickled’ into galleries over the last few months, as collectors count the days until their pre-order arrives.

‘From Westminster Bridge’ - was produced specifically as a follow up to ‘London Red’ which proved incredibly popular & due to high demand, some customers missed out on purchasing. The jpegs on a computer screen can never truly show the beauty and impressiveness of this piece & his wonderful use of (shades of) red in the sky and purple in the foreground. Purple is an unusual colour to be used in a modern cityscape & yet it works beautifully in this night-time piece of the Houses Of Parliament.

All the buildings are outlined with Pauls’ trade mark hand layered formula (in this case black) & to top of the masterpiece we have the classic London Red Bus caught in the moment.

‘City Reflections’ by Paul Kenton
(Limited edition box canvas)

This is Paul’s largest panoramic piece to date and a predominantly black and white, night time vision of the City of London The white buildings are also hand embelsished/outlined (in this case white) with Paul’s formula, which makes them stand out further against the background as though the picture was illuminated. Look closer and Paul’s trademark red cranes are also there!

‘Going Downtown’ by Paul Kenton
(Limited edition box canvas)

Displaying the hustle & bustle and vibrancy of one of the world’s greatest cities, with his use of bright colours, Paul has captured one of his favourite cities & although this is not the first time, there is something very fresh about the style used here. Yellow cabs buzzing around in the foreground with their distinctive banna yellow and a lush light blue used all over the painting gives this picture and almost effervescent feel to it!

let us know your thoughts…

thank you

James

Visit London
Visit New York

‘Yum Yum’ by Louise Dear
(Limited edition box canvas)

Louise’s inspiration comes from her extensive travels throughout the world during her youth, from Europe to Asia and beyond. Her beautiful pictures draw the eye with wonderful colours, bold outlined figures & large floral designs, as well as the sultry poses of her subjects, which are either self-portraits or pictures of her daughter, Lama.

‘Crush II’ by Louise Dear
(Limited edition box canvas)

I love the varying array of colours that she uses, they are vibrant and a lot different from those usually seen in high street galleries; at the same time they are not gaudy or over the top. How would one describe the work?: Figurative, urban, contemporary? I guess that is up to the viewer but there is something that grips the viewer, a style and a vision that is communicated through these evocative images.

Louise says that many women respond to her artwork and the message within them – that women enjoy their sexuality and are in control & she tells us that men also buy her artwork, as it reminds them of their partner. The artist tells us: ‘My pictures are about women feeling lush and gorgeous and free and I think a lot of women who buy my paintings can relate to that.’

‘Lovely’ by Louise Dear
(Limited edition on paper)

By not adding too much detail to her subjects, Louise makes her figures stand out & their poses all the more seductive and alluring. The artist believes that less is more & her figures and faces are only really outlined with the use of black & then these are cleverly sited onto the backgrounds. Louise then accentuates the figures with large and eyes & lips or masses of flowing hair.

‘Coo…ee!’ by Louise Dear
(Limited edition on paper)

Louise is one of Fine Art Blog’s hot picks for success in 2010, keep doing what you’re doing Louise, because it’s absolutely gorgeous.

The other piece not featured that is also in the collection is ‘Crush I’

thanks

Vicki

Links:

Empowering women through art & music
Sexuality & Love in the Arts

Keith Proctor is a newly published artist for 2010, whose sketches and paintings currently feature his own son, ‘Jack.’ His artwork will obviously be endearing to those who have children and it will bring back fond memories for those that have grown up sons and daughters as well.

‘Jumpin’ Jack’ limited edition print by Keith Proctor

Keith is also friend of fellow artist Alexander Millar; as well as sharing artistic similarities, they also now share the same publisher, Washington Green Fine Art, thanks to Millar for introducing Keith to them and for singing his praises. Incidentally Keith also lives in the same area of the country, Northumberland, as Millar.

‘Bzzz’ limited edition print by Keith Proctor

Keith Proctor’s first published collection is called the ‘Jack The Lad’ - Tour and is still available to buy but you will need to hurry, as there are only few copies remaining from this magnificent collection of 7 limited editions. He has proved to be extremely popular with art lovers & most of his available originals have now sold to his new fan base. Keith appearance on the published art scene has caused a bit of whirlwind of excitement from buyers across the country and galleries have reported great sales since he was published In February.

‘I Have A Dream’ limited edition on board by Keith Proctor

Keith told us that despite attempts over many years, the ‘Biscuit Factory’ in Newcastle did not show his art. The Biscuit Factory is the UK’s largest commercial gallery space & where numerous artists are able to showcase their work. This is the same area that Washington Green Fine Art first found Sarah Jane Szikora, another of the UK’s most popular artists. Ill bet the Biscuit Factory wished they had shown his art now huh?!

I love the cheeky poses and actions in these pieces by Proctor and the fact that is his own child, ‘Jack’ in many of the pictures, puts extra emotion into the art for me. Art lovers can look at this art and see their own children, little brothers or nephews.

Although they are clearly prints taken from ‘oil paintings’ that have a traditional painting style about them, there is also a vibrancy, a freshness and lightness to the art somehow. Perhaps it is the subject mater that causes this and draws the viewer. The youthfulness and energy of children is a constant source of wonder for many people.

Useful Links:

How to paint and draw children
The Biscuit Factory gallery space in Newcastle

thank you

Vicki

‘Ladies Wot Lunch’ by Sara Jane Szikora
(limited edition paper print & box canvas)

Yes, more gingerbread people, more fat ladies and more crazy humour is in store for you!!

‘Rude Food’ by Sara Jane Szikora
(limited edition paper print & box canvas)

“Rude Food”, Szikora’s new gingerbread piece, we are expecting to be extremely popular. In fact it might even be a sell-out within weeks!! As Sarah has a massive fan base who follow her gingerbread art specifically! I love her crazy imagination & would love to know what goes on inside her mind for a day! A pole dancing gingerbread lady;) honestly…

‘Home Sweet Home’ by Sara Jane Szikora
(limited edition paper print & box canvas)

As well as this piece we have “Home Sweet Home” where we have a family; a gingerbread man and a chocolate bunny! And they have some mixed-race children. That is to say, the children are gingerbread with *ahem* bunny ears and a bunny tail!!! Szikora will never cease to amaze us I’m sure!

‘Blushin’ Dolls’ by Sara Jane Szikora
(limited edition paper print & box canvas)

I don’t want to bore you with descriptions of her art when you can see it for yourselves but you really must see it, her sense of humour is amazing, if a little nefarious at times. Blushing Dolls is really amusing once you realise what’s so funny about it. For me, it took several glances at the picture until I clocked it!

‘Pet Grooming’ by Sara Jane Szikora
(limited edition paper print)

Links:
The Story Of The Gingerbread Man
What is a Russian Doll?

Thanks

Vicki

True to her usual style, she has painted brightly coloured sweets and toys. Her realistic pictures lead people to believe her pictures are photographs or some photoshop creation when of course they are from her own brush!

‘Lollipop Carousel’ by Sarah Graham
(Limited edition box canvas)

Her unique style is amazing & the attention to detail makes you believe how real they look; Sarah is indeed an extremely talented artist.

I especially love the vibrant colours and the way she has shown the light reflecting in all the creases of the sweet wrappers.

‘Found My Marbles’ by Sarah Graham
(Limited edition box canvas)

Wow. This is a very difficult subject to paint because there is so much light refraction in the glass, distorting the colourful swirls inside. However, Sarah has once again painted this picture so realistically, it could be a photograph! She has even painted every single light reflection, making this a dramatic, colourful yet light piece. I think it was a great idea to place them on a reflecting surface, so that the focus on the marbles is increased even more.

‘Pick n Mix’ by Sarah Graham
(Limited edition box canvas)

This one has to be my favourite! And not because I loved pick n mix as a child! This piece is yet another work by Sarah Graham that is so realistic, you feel like you could take a sweet from the picture and eat it! She has managed to reproduce perfectly the colours and even the varying textures of all the different sweets! Even the sweet bag has been reproduced with super realism; it must be very difficult to paint straight lines on a crinkled bag!

The way she blurs the background enhances the photographic feel of her piece and draws the eye to the places she wants the viewer to look.

Links:

Last ever bag of Woolworths pick n mix sells for £14500!!!
The History Of Marbles