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