I have been busy in the new studio preparing new gold leaf paintings for a solo exhibition at Spetchley Park Gardens near Worcester.
Dizzy Daisies on Gold
Oil painting on 23 carat gold leaf, painting size 8×8 inches/20x20cm. Framed in a wide white wood frame. Framed measures 13.5 x13.5 inches/34x34cm. Price £325 Click here to view more images/purchase
Daisies remind me of summer days as a child making princesses’ crowns out of daisy chains. Today I am still attracted to their simplicity of colour although when I came to paint them I came to recognise the sheer number of different shades of white. This painting brings together an array of bright colours and is completed with a modern white wood St Ives frame which emphasises the fresh summer atmosphere of the painting.
Crocuses on Gold
Oil painting on imitation gold leaf, painting size 12×12 inches/30x30cm. Framed in a double black and gold wood frame. Framed size 15×15 inches/38x38cm. Price £400 This painting is now sold
These variegated crocuses were at Spetchley Gardens and I loved how the purples created such a brilliant contrast with their saffron stamen. Apparently in Greek mythology Crocus was the beloved companion of the god Hermes. Sadly Crocus was killed accidently by Hermes during a discus game. Hermes mourned and transformed Crocus’ body into a flower. Personally I prefer the fact that many people associate the flower with happiness, joy and cheerfulness. Certainly I enjoyed painting them.
White Peony on Gold
Oil painting on 23 carat gold leaf, painting size 16×12 inches/41x30cm. Framed in a double black and gold wood frame. Framed size 19×15 inches/48x38cm. Price Reserved for an exhibition
This painting has been drying the studio for a few weeks now and I enjoy the way the limited palette of the soft smooth petals is set set against the impasto centre and gold background. Click here to more images/to purchase
New Gallery representation
Abbey Galleries in Tewkesbury opened last year and is the sister gallery to Pershore Gallery run by the Oxlade-Arnotts. Both galleries offer a wide range of art and crafts as well as framing. I am delighted to be exhibiting there, not least because it is near the Tewkesbury Abbey and not far from our favourite Italian restaurant.
Exhibitions
Spetchley Park Gardens Worcester, May Bank Holiday weekend Saturday 24th May-Monday 26th May
I visited Spetchley Park Gardens recently and it was lovely to be back after my residency there. I was asked if I would like to exhibit during the height of their magnificent peony season in May and of course I said ‘yes’. I will be showing my new paintings plus a wide selection of limited edition prints and cards. I do hope those of you who are local will come and visit.
Should you be looking for non-chocolate easter gifts do take a look at my available prints on my website.
With best wishes, Nicola