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