Three Torchbearers 2012

The Olympic Torch Relay 2012

I have saved this blog entry to share as close as possible to the day that the torch reaches its destination!

We were very lucky to have the torch come through Somerton and on a beautiful morning with the town decorated with flags and bunting, we lined the streets waiting in excitement for the torch to be carried through the town.

I decided to paint a watercolour painting to give to our local junior school - this event is now a part of our town's history and this was also my way of thanking the school for adding to the atmosphere in the town square with the Morris Dancers and Samba Band.  Indeed, over the past couple of years, Monteclefe Junior school has organised some amazing celebrations for the town for both the Royal Wedding and Queen's Jubilee.


 It came to me that the painting would be even more special if each of our three wonderful torchbearers would sign the painting and the first destination was Wiltshire for Kelly Farley-Thompson.

Kelly's nomination story

She has been providing support to the British Armed Forces for many years, both as a Soldier herself and working as part of the General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited team delivering communications capability, and fund raising for both Help For Heroes and Combat.

 I then drove the painting to Bridgwater next for Jason Hedaux, (whom the painting was loosely based on) to sign the painting.  Jason very kindly and patiently spent time with the children of Monteclefe Junior school letting them hold the torch and have their photograph taken.

Jason's nomination story

Jason has worked relentlessly to provide interschool and community links to clubs and events for our pupils. We are a small rural school and without his committment to sport many of our children would have missed out on the opportunity to compete on a friendly or competitive level.

And last, but not least, we had a meeting for the last signature in
Langport Car Park!!!  Thanks Darrell Vickery.  I am very grateful for his patience with my many texts trying to arrange a convenient time and place.....thank you!

Darrell's nomination story

Darrell voluntarily donates hours throughout the year to encourage and train girls to play hockey and cricket at Taunton Vale Sports' Club.

Thank you to the three wonderful torchbearers who carried the torch though our town and I'm hoping that the children of Somerton, both present and future will enjoy the painting.

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Thank you my followers!

I was delighted to see that I am close to 100 followers on my blog, so thank you to everyone who has taken the time to visit and leave comments.  I have added my painting of this boxer dog, simply because it makes me smile, and I've changed the header to a painting that is very special to me, inspired by the program "The Elephant Diaries" about orphaned baby elephants.  My art journey feels to me like a story unfolding and there are so many opportunities around the corner - if I was to say today how I feel, I'd say "keep an open mind, have an extra smile in reserve and a remember there's always a reason to give!" 

I do believe that the internet has opened up the world to us all in so many ways and we can connect in a way that I certainly wouldn't have dreamt would be possible.

Thanks for following me!!

www.kayeparmenter.co.uk

 

Painting Loose Watercolours

Painting loose watercolours

I loved painting this......it was loose and the watercolours mingled and merged on the paper as I saw the image appearing as I had hoped it would.  I am beginning to understand my feelings when painting - never completely satisfied unless I'm allowing the watercolours to work together on the paper rather than being too controlled.  

I suppose this is my personal definition of looseness in watercolour - it's not an easy way to paint as it's quite bold in the application of water and pigment.

Thank you Dawn, ablanksheetofpaper for your blog entry on loose watercolours - it made me think!  So many people express a desire to loosen up with their watercolours and this means something different to each artist.  As your style evolves, each little experiment and attempt to reach a goal, takes you one step nearer!

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A special gallery visit

Exmoor Ponies

Mixed Media:  Watercolour and Pastel

18" x 18"

I have a vivid memory - 14 years ago - a holiday in Exmoor when I went into an art shop in Lynton to buy some beginners watercolour paints.  My husband suggested that I looked past the cheapest variety and encouraged me to buy the best artist quality paints we could afford.  A day later, I sat by the waters edge at Porlock Weir with my new paints, a pad of paper and quite a few intrigued onlookers.  I remember being happy that, without a hint of nerves, I was able to paint with an audience!

14 years later, now as an established Somerset artist, I am thrilled to return to Porlock, this time to deliver paintings to the Churchgate Gallery.  How wonderful is that?!

Thank you to the Gallery owners, Will and Rachael for their fabulous welcome.  They have two galleries, one in Porlock and the other in Minehead, together with an established framing and printing company.

www.http://churchgategallery.co.uk/

http://www.courtyardframing.co.uk/

A wonderful workshop!

Thank you to the wonderful ladies of the "Somerset Art Group"

I had the honour of spending a few hours with the company of a group of artists who are clearly very passionate about their work.  Meeting weekly to paint, they are actively arranging exhibitions and working together with their art.  I will be watching their progress with interest!

I had been contacted to ask whether I would be interested in holding a workshop for the group and although I have recently reluctantly cut back on teaching due to gallery and exhibition commitments, I was keen to meet this enthusiastic group of artists so I agreed to offer a tutorial session.

I appreciate that my style of painting is hard to teach and perhaps even harder to emulate but with a build up of exercises to explain certain aspects of the technique, I was so pleased to see everyone enthusiastically experimenting with the washes, wet-in-wet.  I truly believe that with any tuition session on any subject, if you pick up even a small bit of valuable information, the session has been worth it.  It is even more exciting to hear and see enthusiasm and smiles of enjoyment using a medium that the group clearly love! 

I wish the ladies of the Somerset Art Group every success in their future art ventures!

Here is a link to their website:

 http://www.somersetartgroup.co.uk/

Going for gold

Exhibition:  "Going for Gold"

303 Gallery, Yandles, Martock, Somerset.

A huge thank you again to the 303 Gallery for hosting a wonderful preview evening and for those unable to make it on the night, the exhibition runs until August 31st and is well worth a visit.  Participating artists have entered into the spirit of the theme of the show, displaying art ranging from artwork coloured gold, to sporting and olympic subjects. 

I have included a photo of the amazing artwork of David Metcalff - galvanised woven wire sculptures of a hares racing over hurdles.  This is one of two sculptures and I believe that they make the exhibition very special - they look fantastic!

Thank you again to the 303 Gallery - your efforts are always appreciated!

Click this link to visit the 303 Gallery Website

www.kayeparmenter.co.uk

Hare Style!

Hare Style!

I have thoroughly enjoyed getting back into the studio after my exhibition.  Although I have a gallery exhibition approaching and a visit to a new gallery next week, I have had a few moments spare to gather my thoughts and decide what direction I will be heading in - not only over the next few months, but next year too. 

I can't deny, it's exciting!  I have so many ideas and and next year's calendar is filling up already.  I believe that building up can only be carried on great foundations and the foundation for me has to be the quality of the artwork......I am trying to work on originality, impact and technique.

Finding time for exploration will be really important for me - something that is sometimes not easy when you are rushing to hit deadlines.  I have learnt though from a recent course that sometimes a simple change in your daily routine can be enough to free up more time.

www.kayeparmenter.co.uk

303 Gallery preview, Thursday 21st June 6-8.00pm GOING FOR GOLD!