Hello lovelies!

I know it has been a while since I actually blogged but rest assured I have been busy as a bee.  Firstly, having changed my painting style to Impasto as you can see from the photo I have added.  I seem to be doing lots of bluebell woods.  For ages I have been looking for something to do and do well.  Stick with one thing as many artists do.  I think this is it for me for a spell.  So I will call this period, simply BLUEBELLS.

I am working on a couple for the Willow Foundation charity auction which will take place in the fall/winter.

karen x

Charity Art Auction

CHARITY ART AUCTION

Seeking artists to donate a 50cm x 50cm painting of any medium.

All profits going to the Charity.

Auction to be held at Wickwoods Country Club nestled in the heart of

Sussex.

Submissions deadline May 30^th

The auction will take place on June 14^th/2012

Please email Karen for more details

karenannburt@aol.com

Teenage Cancer Trust is a registered charity: 1062559 (England & Wales)

Happy Holidays

Well this year has been a roller coaster to say the least. I have loved like nobody's business and been heart broken beyond anything I ever thought possible. Treachery, deceit and more drama than a soap opera could ever fathom. But it is almost finished, this year of torment and I know that 2012 is going to better and full of golden opportunities. I have laid the groundwork and am already on my way.

I must admit, I haven't been at the easel for a few weeks, but that is all to change. I mean I did a few poppy paintings but that is it. I promise to create in the new year. I truly do..

I have taken up Tennis, which I am throwing myself into. Really enjoying it as well.

I am working hard and still studying. I have goals to attain and a future to carve. Rome wasn't built in a day.

The kidlets had a grand Christmas and I ate and drank too much. Just the way it is meant to be.

I have bought myself some shiny new skates and am on the case.

All I can say for the new year is, love like no ones business, even if it ends it was worth it. Forget the shit and the rubbish that follows. Only see the good in people no matter how bad they are.

Most of all, realise how lucky you are. Value what you have and love what is near. Treasure your family and be yourself. There is so many that are less fortunate than you. SO many. We are truly blessed , even though most of the time we are unable to see.

OFFICE PARTY

http://www.officepartyshow.com/

SO last night I ventured up to Islington to see office party. Its like going to a work do with a couple of hundred people all recreated. The only thing is you dont know anyone to giggle at, but by the end of the night I found myself submerged in the whole scenario. There is actors that walk about and ask you questions and you soon feel as though you belong. There was the girl who strips off and swings around the pole and the boys who get there kit off. (I saw ginger pubes!) Not for the faint hearted I have to say. There is even a bit of fake sick involved. All in all I have to say it was entertaining and original. I had just wished my heels were comfy.. damn.. OH yes when you arrive you are assigned an area of the office where you work as well. Like account, HR, etc...x

Courvoisier Cognac went down a treat.. I forgot how much I liked that drink..

Seems I had forgotten a whole bunch of things about myself lately as I had been busy trying to please others.

Very dumb.

Here is a review from the Fringe review..

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Low Down

Office Party is a concept devised by Ursula Martinez of 'La Clique' fame and FringeReview favourite Christopher Green . It makes it's Edinburgh debut at office block, Appleton Towers, after a successful run at the Barbican last Christmas.

Review

Office Party is a theatre experience so different, engaging and downright fun it is hard to quantify. I say 'theatre experience', but this seems so limiting and reductive,Office Party is miles apart from anything else you will experience at the Fringe this year and for all the right reasons.

Firstly, the unsuspecting audience were directed towards tables where they were given coloured name badges indicating a department of the company. My companion and I were 'domestic services', the official title of the cleaners. Our group were paired with section leader, Cath, a delightful and warm performer, and herded into the men's toilets for a briefing.

The audience were then directed around the cavernous space at Appleton towers, with departments competing against each other in series of quizzes and contests. Also thrown in was some exceptional cabaret entertainment from Ursula Martinez and a special appearance by Christopher Green's Tina C to name but a few.

This is site-specific work where the concept and the performance space work together seamlessly, it was totally consuming, filled with unexpected moments of humour. By the time the night drew to a close, the feeling that you had been at an office party for two hours was inescapable- and boy what a party!

All of the performers involved in this show embodied their roles, playing about with office stereotypes to great effect and improvising with the audience beautifully- and although my bias is clear, Cath really made the night. Another unique aspect of this performance was they way in which the audience sections bonded with each other, as well as unselfconsciously interacting with the performers, forming a real sense of camaraderie. The ease with which the audience seemed to so naturally become part of the performance makes you wonder what the hell are we doing sitting in the dark for long periods of time this August, when we could be out at office parties!?

Take a group of friends, have a few drinks, lose your inhibitions and get ready for what has to be the best night out of the Fringe.

Life moves forward.

With things beginning to settle somewhat after the 'dust storm of 2011', which I have named it. Bits and pieces are falling into place. Well some things.... I had a fabulous meeting today with the lovely Louise from The Teenage Cancer Society. We are hoping to launch and exciting new fundraising opportunity with artists and making it an annual event. It is very infantile in its stages but sees to be something big. Growing every year. This is good for me to have something to focus on at the moment, while I gain strength back after the great storm. lol

I am also just finishing up four pieces of work for the White Hart. ( my Local ).

Also I would like this opportunity to say, well we all make decisions in our lives for one reason or other. But the reason is always important to us as individuals, others can't see it at first. But in time all will become clear. You can't judge anyone for a decision or their choice, but rather be there when and if it fails. There are far too many judgemental people in this world. Acceptance is the key. No matter how much it hurts at the time.

x

New Shoes

Have you ever bought a new pair of shoes that you thought were the bees knees? I mean the kind you look at and go wow I just have to wear those. You think you have the perfect outfit for them and they will go with everything. SO you buy them and take them home. Of course you have tried them on and even though they are snug you still take them. They, of course have no other sizes. You get home and lay them out on the bed and marvel at how beautiful they are. You rush to your wardrobe and take a dress out. As an ensemble they look amazing and you cant wait to wear them out on the town. You quickly call your friends and say lets go out. They say they havent anything to wear as you do too , knowing full well you have the pukker outfit sitting on your bed. The night arrives and you are all ready to go out and show your shoes to the world. Everyone is in awe of them and asks you where you got them. you are the bell of the ball. But as the night wears on you begin to notice the shoes becoming less comfortable and wait is that a blister? Your face begins to show the pain and your friends ask if you are ok. You of course admit all is fine sitting in the wings because you can hardly dance in the shoes anymore. When you arrive home and take the shoes off, your feet are aching like they have never ached before. They are full of blisters and cramp. Rubbed raw. You put the shoes in the closet and there they stay for years.. How long do you keep these shoes in your cupboard before finally admitting defeat? They still look so great but you know in your heart they are just going to hurt you.

I am wearing heels again after breaking my ankle btw

Sun is shining.

Well the Uk is basking in sunshine and I am happy. I have great news but don't dare reveal it yet as to jinx it. Actually two bits of exciting news.. So stay tuned.

Have you ever had faith in someone and believed in them, when it seems they can't quite believe in themselves. Or perhaps can't see what you see? Well you are not alone there. Sometimes you just have to see the good no matter what. Sod the rest. Its not worth anything.

So looks like the lastest place to visit on a Wednesday is Wabi in Horsham. Cocktails are 4£. Guess where I am going? Will try and not get too messy. Emphasis on try of course.

x

Rebirth

Wow it really has been a while. I dont even really know where to start to be honest.. SO much has happened that really it all seems like a dream. What I thought was real wasn't and visa versa. But its really not worth going into so will leave it at that. The past is the past. From now on its the present and future all the way.. No more obstacles to block my path. So out of hibernation I come.

Some of you know I have been doing an accounting course. I am please to say that so far I have passed all my exams and now into the computerised bit. Really loving it and still painting to boot. Although I have been rather slack at getting the commissions out that seem to be mounting, so apologies to those who are still waiting. DOH..

SO, As I am newly single,,, yes SINGLE... seems I am attracting a few nut jobs along the way. Like flys to fly paper. WHY???? ARGH... This weekend was no exception. I am all new to this and not sure where to start really. SO keeping my head down and focusing on school , kids and art etc.. Oh and the gym... Seems a great place to get rid of that pent up energy. SO if any of you want to paint the town red let me know. I want to go dancing!!! SO bad.. Where does one go?

karen x

Photographer

So what have I been up to you ask? Well I could tell you but then I would have to kill you. Really I have been so busy that I haven't even kept track of what I have been doing.. Does that make sense? My daughter was shot for a bookcover by the lovely Larry Rostant. He does photographic illustration.. this is a shot he did of Aria.

Just thought I would share. xx

GET BIDDING NOW

The Willow Foundation and British artist, Julie-Anne Gilburt have teamed up to create an exhibition of 20x20 cm canvases, each created by a different star. Well known faces from the worlds of sport, art, design, fashion, music and entertainment have drawn on their artistic skills in aid of the charity. The result is a fun, colourful and enlightening exhibition at the Catto Gallery, Hampstead, which will be open to the public from 2 to 5 December 2010 and an online auction running from 26 November to 6 December.

The Online AuctionOpened 26 November 2010
Closes 6 December 2010

More than 300 canvases are being sold online through our eBay auction, which is open now, with bidding closing on 6 December 2010.

CLICK ON THE CATEGORIES BELOW TO SEE THE HUNDREDS OF CANVASES UP FOR GRABS.

Get bidding from now to buy some unique and unusual Christmas presents. You'll find bid now links in all the categories listed below.

Please note: when you register, your details will be held on our database in accordance with the Data Protection Act (1998). We will not disclose or share personal information supplied by you, with any third-party organisation without your consent. From time to time we may contact you to keep you informed about the Willow Foundation's progress and activities.

The Public Exhibition
2 - 5 December
Catto Gallery, 100 Heath Street, Hampstead, London NW3 1DP
www.catto.co.uk

Exhibition opening times:
Thu 2 Dec: 3pm - 6pm • Fri 3 & Sat 4 Dec: 10am - 6pm • Sun 5 Dec: 12.30pm - 6pm

Stars on Canvas is a fundraising event in aid of the Willow Foundation (registered charity no. 1106746). 80% of proceeds from the auction will go to the charity. 20% of proceeds will go to artist Julie-Anne Gilburt.

All canvases have been donated by artists in support of the Willow Foundation. Each was asked to submit an example of their work on a small 20cmx20cm canvas which would be sold at auction to raise money for the charity. The images are therefore a personal expression of the individual artist's style and creativity. In the event that the canvases are not claimed within 28 days of the 5 December 2010, the canvases will not pass to the winner and will remain vested in the Willow Foundation.

With thanks to those who have provided complimentary goods or services for Stars on Canvas 2010 - Catto Gallery, Clarkes Stationers, Mitsubishi Pencil Co UK Ltd.

VIEW ART CANVASES including pictures by Dan Baldwin (left), Jamie McCartney (centre), Tracey Emin (right), Richard Long, David Hensel, William de Wilde, Rosie Birtwhistle, Michael Gage and many more ...

VIEW CHEF'S CANVASES including pictures by Jane Asher (left), Jamie Oliver (centre), Ken Hom (right), Phil Vickery and Ken Hom.

VIEW CHILDREN'S ILLUSTRATIONS including SpongeBob Squarepants by Stephen Hillenburg (left), Bob the Builder by Keith Chapman (centre), Bananaman by Gordan Tait and Nigel Parkinson (right), Angelina Ballerina by Helen Craig, Jacob the Cat by Nick Sharratt and Dame Jaqueline Wilson and many more ...

VIEW FASHION CANVASES including pictures by Zandra Rhodes (left), Nicole Farhi (centre), David Shepherd (right), B.L., Holly Fulton, Peter Jensen and Vanessa Lewis

VIEW FILM CANVASES including pictures by John Hurt (left), Jude Law (centre), Bob Hoskins (right), Patrick Bergin, Mike Leigh and more ...

VIEW ILLUSTRATIONS including pictures by Morten Moreland (left), Giles Andreae (Edward Monkton) (centre), Neil Bennett (right), Neil Kerber, Simone Lia and many more ...

VIEW MUSIC CANVASES including pictures by Stereophonics (left), Cat Stevens (centre), Razorlight (right), Tony Hadley, Roger Daltrey, Blur, David Essex, Fun Lovin' Criminals, The Saturdays and many more ...

VIEW SPORT CANVASES including pictures by Michael Vaughan (left), Steven Gerrard (centre), Wayne Rooney (right), Jermain Defoe, Lee Dixon, Bernard Gallagher and many more ...

VIEW TV AND POPULAR CULTURE CANVASES including pictures by Ricky Gervais (left), Joanna Lumley (centre), Dawn French (right), Rob Brydon, David Tennant, Stephen Fry, Frank Skinner and many more ...

VIEW ALL STARS: All Stars is a canvas that was created by Julie-Anne Gilburt after the 2008 Stars on Canvas exhibition. It incorporates images of the majority of the canvases that featured in the initial exhibition.

Stars on Canavs souvenir programme

BUY NOW

£3.00 plus £1 p&p

But the official Stars on Canvas 2010 exhibition programme. This 20cm x 20cm programme features many of the canvases in the exhibition. The perfect stocking filler this Christmas!

Remember, you will be able to link to the eBay auction for all the canvases from 26 November.
To register your interest and receive a notification prior to the eBay auction going live, please email your name to starsoncanvas@willowfoundation.org.uk

Glitter and SParkle

Well Christmas season has already begun. The first of the parties and hangovers are in full swing. I should know better at my age. But those bubbles that taste so nice going down, still pack a wallop. The weather in the south has been rather cold. But the crisp blue skies are worth it. No rain or snow to be seen as of yet.

I have a show in London along side Tracy Emin!! It is on Thursday at the Catto gallery in Hampstead. Will take loads of photos and share them on here as usual. It is for the Willow Foundation, Which provides terminally ill young adults a day out of their choice. It is a great charily and started by Bob Wilson and his wife , who lost their daughter some years ago.

There is 300 plus canvases available by celebrities of the Art, film, music and tv industries. Last time I was able to get some great pieces for myself. It is a one off and great opportunity to acquire a great piece of art by your favourite celeb.

They WILL deliver internationally, just get price from the seller.. x

I have to rummage through my closet for something to wear. Might stick with the little back dress and boots as it is rather cold.

This is the latest animal commission I have done .. Tintin oil on linen.

A pleasure to do.

I have also been doing more poppies.. they seem to be very popular.

x k

Autumn is upon us

Wow what a roller coaster things have been lately. Every day there seems to be something that needs to be done or sorted. This last weekend saw me attend the lovely Goodwood Revival. It is a lovely event that sees everyone dress up in their chosen era. I chose the 50's this year. It certainly did not disappoint. There was a circus theme this year which consisted of a bearded lady, small people or midgets as some choose to say.... and rides etc.. All props and costumes retained the old feel with the circus as well. One cannot begin to capture the smell and noise of the old cars racing around the track or revving in the paddocks. But I have taken a rather large number of photos, of which I will load up to a site and post the link here. I met the lovely Murray Walker and had a great chat with him. I was also lucky enough to indulge in a few bottles of Champagne, all the while people watching.. I cant wait til next year now!! Hmmmmm what to wear?

On another note.. I have a an arts and crafts fayre to organise bits for in the village. Will take some photos when I get a bit more together. Seems all this socializing I have been doing is affecting my painting! haha Oh well.. I have the winter for that.

xx

Summer winding down

Well I arrived at our house in southwest France at the beginning of August. What would seem like a like a rather comfortable drive turned into a bit of a jaunt as the DVD players in the car packed up! So I had to endure the usual 'are we there yet?' and ' I am hungry and I need to pee'.
Then there was the bickering about what was playing on the ipods.. Not to mentin we had decided to bring the dog, and he it turns out, was the easiest of the lot! When we arrived, all was lovely. Until that is, night fell. Then it seems every creature and their kin had decided to take up under our floor boards. I couldnt help but think of Ratatoule and that poor woman shooting her house up. After a few days of our noisy selfs, it seems they have taken up else where and moved on. I am sure Hopscotch, our dog has had something to do with it as well. My belly seems to have grown portly with all the lovely brioche and wine I have been comsuming. They also do fantastic pizza. Thankgod I am not one for the atkins diet, or any diet for that matter. I always remember my Nan telling me to do everything in moderation, and that it seems is what I do.

Our initial shock at seeing how much the garden had grown was quickly wiped away by the warmth of the sun. When it is warm here it really is warm. With an over abundance of lakes, trees and mountains on our doorstep, there really is lots to see and do. We spent a lot of time going to the Lac de Vassevire, which is just up the road. I have even grown used the sight of budgey hammocks as I lay on my towel. Its so peaceful here and reminds my so much of the 70's growing up in Canada. I have probably said all this before but it really is so. There is so much more space than the Uk as well. Part of me wants to take to living here full time and throw myself into Art and not talk to anyone for years. Just create.. but I would miss my friends too much. I also love London and Brighton and all they have to offer.

It has been a challege cooking on electric again.. I have grown accustomed to cooking immediately and adjusting the temp accordingly.. I had forgotten you had to turn on the element then wait for an hour for it to heat up to cook on... ok I may be exaggerating a bit but it seems like it. I cant wait til the AGA goes in. Then I can just stick a dish in and let it casserole away haha..

One thing I have to say that I have realised, is that we in the UK need to recycle more. Not just food and toiletries but items that we use like televisions. Just because they have plasma and the bloke up the road has one, do we really need one? What is wrongwith the old one? It still works, right? It takes me to the HD thing. Now I know if you go into a shop the guy will give you a huge speel about how much better it is and so much more clarity and detail... well I just cant see it.. I get the same effect if i put on my glasses. I remember technicolour, still my favourite to this day.

Right must go and get caught up on things.

xx

PS: This flower is in my garden. I just love the contrast of it agaist the wall.

Goodwood

Hello my lovelies!

Well anyone that knows me knows that I love all things cars. So when I was asked to show a few paintings at the Goodwood Vintage, I was chuffed to bits. I thought I would drive yesterday as the kids would be finished school this week and I wasn't a fan of hearing bickering in the back seat. I took the route along the downs through Amberley and Slindon. What a lovely route it was. The landscape was amazing and I could have pictured myself during Medieval times on horseback. Its not a long journey from my house at all and was there within the hour. As you pull into the grounds you can see Goodwood house in the distance. Scattered about is a porta cabin here and there, where they are getting ready for the festival. I find a little car park beside the house and proceed to walk to the entrance. It truly is awe inspiring. I turn to look back at the grounds and try to think of what it must have been like to reside there without all the cars and modernity's... As I walk along looking rather lost a man taps the window and smiles at me. He looks as though he stepped out of time in his full attire. He guides me in. I am now standing in this magnificent ballroom, and I cant help but feel the SHINING vibe. I glance around as if almost hoping to see Jack Nicholson sitting at the bar. But NO. hehe .. I am led up to a reception area. On the walls I notice the most amazing works of art. I am drawn to what seems to be a ROHKO. I finally make it to the reception area and soon realise I am in the wrong bit. The lovely lady then tells me where to go. But being so overwhelmed in my surroundings my head goes completely like vacant cavern.. So she humours me and so kindly draws me a map on where to go. hehe I go back out and drive about the grounds. passing on the way, older man speeders, on the vacant roads. I finally get to where I need to be. I have to say it must be a fantastic place to work. Everyone I came across was so happy. SO if any of you are in the area and are going to Vintage, please check out all the galleries of Art.

ART AT VINTAGE - Curated by Ellie Arnold

ALL ABOARD!

We’ve hardly been able to contain ourselves, but it’s official:

MICK JONES’s ROCK & ROLL PUBLIC LIBRARY

Vintage at Goodwood is proud to present for the first time ever THE ROCK & ROLL PUBLIC LIBRARY aboard the show-stopping PETER BLAKE CCA ART BUS at this year’s inaugural festival at the Goodwood Estate in West Sussex, August 13-15. The Clash guitarist and joint frontman’s rarely-seen personal archive and collection of rock memorabilia will feature on an original 1980s double-decker redesigned by Sir Peter Blake in his signature pop art style.

In true Vintage spirit, the on-site art experience will combine music, fashion and design all curated under one beautiful (mobile) roof, fulfilling Mick Jones’s ambition to house THE ROCK & ROLL PUBLIC LIBRARY on a touring bus. Jones’ library previously launched at Ladbroke Grove Underground in July 2009.

Mick Jones, former lead guitarist and vocalist for The Clash said:

“Peter Blake was The One when we were at art school - he's the father of British Pop Art. It's an honour to have my Library on his bus...I'm looking forward to a mobile celebration of our collective cultural memory. That's history.“

Sir Peter Blake, iconic British pop artist added: “Since launching the Art Bus in May 2009, I’ve found it provides the perfect location for any artist to display his or her work in a quirky and intimate setting . We’re honored to partner with Mick Jones at the Vintage at Goodwood festival and look forward to showcase his collection of rock star memorabilia. Look out for spontaneous performances to take place from the bus’ upper deck balcony while videos and records will be played all day and night downstairs!”

Wayne Hemingway, co-founder of Vintage at Goodwood said: “We are honoured to feature two of my cultural heroes at Vintage at Goodwood. As a collector of cultural memorabilia myself I am personally excited by Mick Jones’ illustrious rock archive and being able to view it a top Sir Peter Blake’s brilliant art bus is pretty cool; Vintage is a perfect fit for these two iconic British artists to feature at what we believe will be the best summer festival in Britain. (Well it better had be after all the work we have put into it!) Mick Jones and Sir Peter Blake truly encompass the best of British in the arts and music world and their contributions to past and future musicians will be recognized at Vintage at Goodwood.”

POP GOES THE EASEL!

Inspired by the bohemian high jinks of yesteryear, we will be hosting a 60s art school, where you can get in tune with your creative side, attend a masterclass, or drop in on artists, musicians and designers in converstation about their misspent youth...

MANNEQUINS ON PARADE

Our heroes from the worlds of music, art, design and fashion will be customising dummies for VINTAGE - all to raise funds for Oxfam, our charity partner. Coming soon to a thrift store near you, the mannequins will be reunited at Goodwood for a shop window display the likes of which you’ve never seen before.

karen xx

Intentions

Let me start by sharing my dream last night with you. I was younger than I am now, not by much but was a teenager... ;) I was playing in a field with a friend. We were jumping off of hay bales into tall meadow grass with wild flowers. Not sure how long the hay bales had been there or why they were there but it looked as though someone had tried to construct a house and had given up. The sun was just about to go down and everything had a soft glow to it. I could here the foxes playing and owls beginning to emerge. We decided we had better wander home as we were getting hungry. Along the way we found a large mirrored disco ball discarded by the side of the road. We thought how lovely it would look hanging from our tree in the back garden. So we went about trying to dislodge it. It slowly came free and began to roll towards our house. Now when I say our house, I have no idea who I was with but I knew we were related somehow and that we lived in the same house.. No sooner had we got it into the house and in the back garden, did the doorbell ring. I went to get the door and it was an old man. I had recognised him as William Burroughs. He reached into his bag he had slung across his body and pulled out a camera. I was slightly relieved it wasn't a gun..... 'Here', he said 'I have something for you, it belongs to you' I reached my hand out and felt the weight of the camera. Black with a silver edge and older looking, but unmistakeably belonging to me. I looked up at him and smiled. He gave me a crooked smile in return and closed his bag. I began flipping the camera around in my hand, lost in its marvel. When I looked up Mr Burroughs had gone. I shut the door..


HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

perhaps I am meant to be taking photos instead of painting...


I have started reading 'Junkie ' so that is why perhaps he is at the forefront of my mind.

Tomorrow I need to tackle a marathon of painting. Here's to hoping my mojo is on top form.

I have download the new Eminem album so will let you know what I think of it, with out using naughty words... well maybe one or two...

One of my children got into trouble for squirting a joke camera at a teacher. Even after saying sorry and writing an apology, it was seemed not good enough.. Now I can see if it was done with intent and malicious but this was all in jest and for this particular teacher to have been sprayed, they must have thought her 'in the gang' . A detention was issued. pththththth big dislike!

The lovely Charles Runcie who bought my poppy painting is having it framed. I cant wait to see it all finished. They always look so much better with the right packaging and in situ.

Not long til we head out to France! Very excited to be able to chill and enjoy the sun, drink wine, paint, swim, ..... *sigh*

Karen out xx

ramblings

Thought I would get typing a bit while my house is quiet. Having just dropped of my mate to the airport to go back to Australia, I am due another lot on Tuesday. PHEW. I have been battling this lovely cough as well. I swear in the last three weeks I have coughed up another human being. WOW! I have never known such a thing. I never get a chesty cough either. I figure if you could bottle it, it would give the people from Superglue a run for their money.

After the sale of Cadburys to Kraft, I see Tate and Lyle is now to be sold as well. AGH!! But on a positive note, I see BBC is keeping the radio station 6 music. :)


This week I have been boxing up paintings and getting them to their new owners. All ready for another batch. I am taking a hiatus this summer from shows as I need to get caught up on the commissions! I am so lucky! Love you all for it , how lucky am I that I get to do what makes me smile xx

This week I will be having 13, 13year olds in my house for my daughters 13th birthday. I cant believe she is now in the teen years! Makes you reflect over the years , how really quickly they have gone. She is getting a lovely set of braces on in September! haha she is going to love me!

I am sitting here admiring my lovely foot with its puncture marks on.... three in a row......YES I dropped a fork on my foot and it landed straight up... Looks ludicrous and only I could have done such a thing!

Wimbledon was fantastic this year! We should really be proud of Andy Murray for trying so hard against Nadal..... I wont be saying anything about the footie except they should have a camera at the goal.

I keep forgetting to go strawberry picking! AGH!! The one I used to go to is no longer there and I keep getting side tracked. I do have a few in the garden but seriously not enough for all. Wonder if I still have enough time?

Why of why do they resurface roads they way they do here? I am surrounded by this at the moment in Henfield. I now have a chip in my windscreen and I am sure countless marks on my paint job. No one ever goes the recommended 20 mph. Unless they are 100. GRRRRRR.
Actually I have to say, the pensioners around here I have decided see 60 as 30.... That's all I am saying.

Oh yes I went the Hard Rock Calling Festival! Fab time. Think next time though I might go to a smaller one.. just getting too big.. Cant see anything and get crushed in the meantime!

xx

June

photo taken by Nic (just had to share it!)

Well I do see it has been a while since my last post, which could only mean one thing......I have been busy as a bee.
I have had my brother and his girlfriend over from Canada for a visit. It was fab and I showed them Brighton. The weather was fantastic as well. Wait I already said this before in my other post... LOSING IT!
I have also been rather scatty brained as well. ( as you have just seen) Not sure if it the sign of whats to come but I will just go with it for now. Here is an example. .........I go upstairs and see someone has put dirty clothes in the loo. After quizzing the children I go about my usual business.. Then it happens again...only I caught the culprit mid act....ME.. You see the laundry hamper is right near the toilet and I have had a lot on my mind.... silly sod!!

I also have had a friend over from Australia and we have been catching up.

This last week saw the Henfield garden and arts in my garden as one of the venues. I had lots to get into order.. I am pleased to say it was a success and 6 paintings over all were sold.. Chuffed to bits really. Not sure when the next event will be yet.. Might take a breather from it next year and exhibit in someone Else's garden for a change... that would be lovely!

I seem to have developed this awful cough.. No cold just this mucus that is like glue in my lungs. It has been going about the village.. I have made this mixture of onions, garlic and ginger and oregano.. so warning not to come around me for a while! Hopefully this will work. I may be grabbing at straws but am willing to give anything a go at this time!

I will be going tot he Hard Rock Calling festival at Hyde Park soon.. Should be a great time. Cant wait.

My house is starting to look like a furniture shop with all things ready for us to take to France. I have stubbed toes and tripped on countless things.

Has anyone else thought they were about to be attacked by a swarm of bees from the sound of the south African horn? I would spell the name but last time I called it a vulva so will refrain form that! haha

Cheerio for now

Oh and BP you need to clean up your act there rather quickly... oh and Obama who so aptly names it as BRITISH PETROLEUM I guess forgets that the US owns 39% of the company..hmmmmmmmmmmmm

Sun and sand...

Well I have been super busy as of late. Mostly enjoying the lovely weather and pottering about finishing a few commissions. I Have my garden open again this year for the local Gardens and Arts. I have to say I have been somewhat rather slack on the garden front. HAHA. But it looks lovely still. The wisteria on the front of the house is in full bloom and looks breathtaking. Even the Clematis and roses are starting too. I have had my brother and his girlfriend over from Canada for a visit. It has been great seeing the UK through their eyes. You realise you take a lot of things for granted really. I took them to the local beach and we sat there and all got burnt, as you do.. I curse my factor 50 for not getting itself perfectly even on my body.. haha. We have had some great barbeque's as well, just hope this weather lasts a bit longer!

On another note, I am painting another Stag. I also have a few more cockerels to complete and my bluebell woods. I suppose I had better get cracking really as I only have three more weeks. But who can turn down such lovely weather?

kxx

Eye Bogies

Right I have to ask this, how long is the right time to leave before you tell someone they have eye bogies? Now if it is a good friend, I of course will tell them almost immediately. But what if I myself dont notice right away, then half way through the conversation it dawns on me they are there in their full glory. I cant tell them now or they will think I have been staring at them the whole time so will feel like a tit. I mean how many times have you come home and looked in the mirror to half your lunch around your chops? Bearing in mind you have been to the bank, shops and school and not one single person told you about it! haha It reminds me of the time when I walked my daughter to school. You see I use a tumble dryer rather than hang things out on a line to dry. Mainly because I have hay fever and am a lazy cow. Anyway, I had washed and dried this particular load of blacks. I pull out my cardigan in quick fashion as I was late to get to the school. I suddenly have this tap on my shoulder and its my neighbour telling me she could see something swinging behind me all the way to school. I of course was now in the playground in full view of everyone. On my back swinging was my black lacy bra! hooked on my cardi! haha see what I mean..

Anyway not to change subject but, I have finished a lovely poppy fields painting and started my online shop live finally. I am pleased so far at what there is on offer and hope to get a few more things up as soon as possible. I too have ordered a few bits. Having my image on a watch is pretty cool and I am chuffed to bits about it. Tell all your friends!

Oh here is the link to it. click on the hearts ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Competition

I have decided I am going to raffle off one of my canvas tote bags with my skull/hummingbird on.

To enter please go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Karen-Burt/47230364465?ref=ts

join and leave a comment. It will be on for a week. I will get my daughter to pull the winner out of a hat. Open to worldwide. Just a bit of fun to liven things up!

haha

Happy painting xx