West Dean College - Short Courses in September 2012

I have just posted the signed contract which confirms two short courses at West Dean College nr. Chichesteer. Not only is it a lovely place to work as an art tutor, but has some good connections with family and the past pleasures. Paul was bought up in Chichester and his parents visited West Dean for walking and to attend courses. We have all enjoyed the gardens and it is a treat to be going there for a week as a resident in an official role. I am doing two of my favorite workshops so hope to attract enough people to make them viable for the college.
In the lap of the gods then - And as much publicity as I can muster.
The details of the courses will be on the website in the new year.

www.westdean.org.uk

Creative Week - Plockton - May 2012

Aspiring Painters and Writers come together at Plockton from 12th - 19th May 2012. You are invited to join Chris Forsey, Susie Hunt and Catriona Miller who are on hand to guide the painters, but also to collaborate with the writers, led by Roddy Phillips. The idea is to have joint exercises that will test the painting and the written skills and to have the opportunity for the different creative disciplines to problem share and banter.
We hope that non painting or writing partners will be also enjoy the week There are fine Monroe's all around for those who wish for a more hearty activity, walking of course and Sea Kayaks and Canoes for hire.
We are arranging a Seal Watch boat trip and have use of the village hall for inclement weather and meeting together.
Contact Susie Hunt susiej.hunt@virgin.net for more details.

Another Year - NEOS post script

The doors are now closed for another year. Anne Thomas, Alan and Alana Florence, Susie Hunt and my guest stars, Loiuse Gardner who tackled her limestone carving with great dedication for most of the week, Sjharifah Roberts who demonstrated clay technigues, Marga Schnell and Lyndsay Gibb who both worked with printmaking methods - wish to thank all the visitors who made the effort to come to Mill Farm.
Its been a good solid week with much food for thought.
I am enjoying the calm after the storm, even if the wind is blustering through the trees.The sun is shining and I am off to Cornwall to experience more weather and landscape.

Thursday 15th September

'Tumble Turn' - Work in progress. Photo by Anne Thomas - (thanks Anne)

One of the many good things to come with this week of Open Studio's is getting on famously with my niece Anne. We are equals in this place and she is certainly putting in her share of effort to making the event go smoothly for us. Her patience with visitors who have a go at Lino Cutting is unending and the printed results are testament to that care. I miss the artists and makers who have shared the event here in previous years - there is nowhere to hide with just the two of us, it is both sets of hands to the pumps. I miss Magnhild and her waffles. The competitive baking has taken a dive since I never did make cakes. So Anne would win.

There was a lovely half hour this afternoon, of sunshine and sitting on the wall talking with Louise who is chipping away at her Limestone sculpture: we appreciated the lull and then enjoyed the next visitors. I do not think I have felt so tired for ever.

Still - managed to get to the first session of creative writing with Roddy Phillips tonight and although my brain felt like the insides of a rusted watch. Contrast is always good. Trying to write something .. anything... after painting all day: Tough.

Today - The 11th September 2011

We are into the second day of this years NEOS event. This day that marks the poignent ten year period since the attack on The Twin Towers.

Things so large and significant shadowing our small but important studio opening.

North East Open Studios 2011

Oh My.... Goodness.
That time is here again, and if another person askes me if I am ready!
No! I am not, and Never have been on Wednesday before opening at 10:00am on Saturday.
But we will be.
Anne Thomas - my niece, arrived safely having driven all the way from her home near Guildford. Not bad for a young lady who looked like she might not bother to pass her driving test but a few months ago.
She will be showing excellent Lino Cut Prints and encouraging audience participation. Come and get your hands dirty.

I will be progressing a large painting of a figure - 'Tumble Turn' and will also be working on a watercolour still life.
Come and see!

Alan Florence is exhibiting paintings which show bold awareness of the bigger artistic world. - Again. Come and See.

Donnie Ross: Latter day Renaissence man, at Venue 136 is showing a great range of work in his self built 'Shed' (Well worth visiting even apart from the Art)
Generously giving space to exhibit 'Portraits' by participants of my art groups alongside fine works from his talented nieces. So much to see...so make no excuses - make the time.

Shades of France.

The artists week near Limoges went smoothly thanks to the logistical skills of Mike and the cullernary skills and charm of Sara. The House - which comfortably accommodated all participants also had enough space to give us a studio area - somewhere to leave art materials and wet paintings. It was a successful week and enjoyed by all... I am pretty sure anyway. The gathering together of an unpretictable mix of folk all of whom worked well together and since we spent the most part of each day in each others company - breakfast, painting, lunch, painting and dinner, I think it is a testament to the good nature of all (well mostly all) that it was such a good time and with jolly good banter to boot. I was lucky to spend a good time with Rita, who first encouraged me to tutor a painting holiday in Florence nearly 20 years ago - some other familiers mixed with some fresh faces. It is forever rewarding. This is not so far mentioning the three quietly charming young people - Olivia, Harriet and Thomas, who were obviosly living in their home but only brushed past us smiling - occasionally chatting.. or did magic tricks or played music.

The journeying too and from Aberdeen to near Limoges makes it a ? for next year. I need to talk with Mark and Helen who travelled from here to there by train, to see what the costs were and see if that is a viable option. Nothing simple - but glad to have the choices.

Painting and Writing at Plocton - Get Creative

May 12 - 19
The beautiful village of Plockton in Wester Ross with its charming seaside setting, white cottages and
palm trees is an artist’s and writer’s dream location. A National Trust conservation village it has carefully
preserved its heritage and draws artists and photographers from around
the world. It is the jewel in the western Highlands’ crown.
For one week in May 2012 (12-19) Plockton will play host to a unique
creative holiday for artists and writers of all abilities under the
guidance of renowned artists and top tutors Chris Forsey, Susie Hunt,
Catriona Millar and the writer and arts critic Roddy Phillips.
You will be working outside and in the Village Hall with our tutors and
you can choose which course you take part in. You can focus on
painting or writing, or participate in elements of both.
Accommodation and breakfast are provided and a seal watch boat trip.
Plockton has several very good hotels and restaurants ideal for social and creative interaction.
The price per person including breakfast and one hour boat trip for seal watching is, £550 Single
occupancy, £490 shared occupancy, £480 sharing couples. (£150 non-refundable booking fee)
Cheques payable to: Susie Hunt, Mill Farm, Kemnay, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire AB51 5NY
Painting & Creative Writing Holiday: Phone 01467 643569 for more details.
Plockton, Spring 2012
Plockton

Marywell Gallery May 2011

Delivered six works to this charming gallery just south of Aberdeen. I hope they have a good turn out at the opening in May and look forward to seeing the works hanging when I get back from Greece.

Off To Greece - Painting Hoiliday 2011

Final details being tweeked, accommodation paid for, and things to take being gathered together near my bags.
The seemingly endless sunshine broke yesterday with a much needed dousing of rain. Zakynthos here we come.

Alex Kay and Susie Hunt. Exhibition at Woodend Barn

I am just completing the works and will get them to the framers next week.
The Exhibition is titled 'Outside Overview' To encompass completely different interpretations of Landscape. The close up and detailed and the more panoramic - and a mixture of the two. I think it is going to work well and will at least be a stimulating show to see..
I will be including a picture for sale in aid of GAGAH which stands for Give a Greyhound a Home. I have used images of greyhounds, whippets and ubiquitous hunting dogs in so many of my works, that when I found out about this amazing group of people, I wanted to be involved with them in some way. Paul has stated that if I bring a Greyhound home it will be the end so I am not intending to rescue one...just yet.