Artstyle magazine autumn 15

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Autumn 2015

The only magazine for artists living in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire

Artstyle Magazine Autumn 2015

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Artstyle Magazine Autumn 2015

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Editor’s Note

Autumn 2015

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for artists living The only magazine shire & in Berkshire, Buckingham Oxfordshire

Welcome to the autumn issue of Artstyle Magazine. The next couple of months give us much to look forward to in the way of opportunities for creativity and artistic expression. After all, autumn in itself is one of the most wonderfully colourful and inspiring times of year, as the beautifully diverse range of pieces to come out of this season will attest to (pages 22-23). Beyond the more commonly used backdrop of autumn leaves, there is the cold weather (or rather ice) to further broaden our creative horizons (page 20). However, it isn’t just the opportunity of capturing nature at it’s best that is getting artists geared up for the months ahead. Christmas also poses a unique and magical outlet for all that pent up creative talent, inspiring even the least habitual crafts people to turn their hand to sewing, painting, wreath making and even glass blowing (page 6). If you’re looking for a creative way to pass the dreary wet days or the long dark nights, don’t miss our round up of the multitude of events, exhibitions and shows happening near you in the next few months (page 11). Alternatively, why not look to embrace the trend of adult colouring (page 13) or origami (page 25) as a fun and challenging alternative to watching TV? Art Style Magazine

Spring 2015

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ine.co.uk

ine.co.uk

www.artstylemagaz

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Enjoy the issue!

Caroline Seekings, Editor

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26 www.trinamerryartist.com

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Contents

12 In the frame

20. Freeze frame

4 The artist’s Christmas list

Secrets of a professional framer

6 Get festive

The benefits of adult colouring

8 In the class

Inspiring art classes

A closer look at the skill behind this controversial art form

The life and works of one of the twentieth century’s greatest painters

9 Stanley Spencer

What’s it really like to be a life model?

10 High profiles

Is it art?

Discover the skill and beauty of paper-folding

19 Photography

26 The human canvas

Unique creative festive gift ideas

13 True Colours

Embrace your creativity this festive season

21. Problem page

Our experts answer your art dilemmas

14 Graffiti

16 Living the life 17 Topiary

A closer look at three of our favourite artists

11 What’s on

This season’s best shows, events & exhibitions

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artstylemagazine

The artistic potential of ice

22 Autumn art

Seasonal art inspiration

24 The art of style

The artistic element of fashion design

Rod Bird on how to capture the beauty of autumn

25. The art of Origami Art created using the human body

Autumn 2015

The only magazine for artists living in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in ArtStyle Magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher, and the magazine is in no way liable for any such opinions. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the content of this publication

@artstylemag

is accurate, we cannot be held responsible for any

Produced by:

LIFESTYLE

MAGAZINES

Editor: Caroline Seekings Tel: 07834 233346 Email: caroline@lifestyle-magazines.co.uk www.lifestyle-magazines.co.uk

inaccuracies. No advertisement, article or image may be reproduced without the written permission of the

@artstylemagazine

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publisher. All rights reserved. www.artstylemagazine.co.uk

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Art Style Magazine Spring 2015

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Cover image:

By Este Macleod www.estemacleod.com

Artstyle Magazine Autumn 2015

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The Artist’s CHRISTMAS LIST Unique creative Christmas gift ideas

Bespoke home llustrations by Erin Collier. www.homemadehouse.co.uk

Barbara Hepworth signature mug £7.50 http://shop.tate.org.uk

Lost in London Colour-in Poster £10 http://designmuseumshop.com

Ohh Deer Complimentary Colours t-shirt £25 http://shop.tate.org.uk Full gift membership to the Southbank Centre £65 www.southbankcentre.co.uk

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Artstyle Magazine Autumn 2015

Ella Doran Artist Tools tea towels £20 http://shop.tate.org.uk

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Feeling generous?

The Ultimate Christmas Snow Globe features real diamond snow, and a bespoke micro sculpture of your family. The globe is created by Queen Of Snow Globes Leah Andrews in her Melbourne studio. Leah has created globes for celebrities including Quentin Tarantino and Steve Martin. The Diamond Christmas Snow Globe will be a personal and magical piece for the whole family to enjoy and admire this Christmas. £3,270.00 from www.veryfirstto.com

CHRISTMAS ART EVENTS Cookham Christmas Fair Saturday 28th November 2015 at Moor Hall 11am to 4pm

Maidenhead Art Market Saturday 5th December 2015 www.maidenheadartmarket.org

The Windsor Christmas Gift Fair

fo 10 rn % ew dis st cou ud n en t ts

Friday 20th November 2015 at Windsor Racecourse http://www.windsorchristmasgiftfair.co.uk

Art & Craft Short Courses Nurture your creative talents • Expert tutors • Range of subjects and levels • Beginner to advanced • Country house in the South Downs

www.westdean.org.uk bookings@westdean.org.uk 01243 818300

Short Courses Advert - ArtStyle 180x120mm.indd www.artstylemagazine.co.uk

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06/10/2015 09:36:03 5 Artstyle Magazine Autumn 2015

Edible creativity

Cookie Art London run cookiedecorating classes and you don`t have to travel anywhere! Gather your friends and kids together and Szilvia Siklosi will come to your home with all the materials you need and teach you how to make lovely decorated biscuits.

Minimum 5 person per class. Duration of the class is 2-3 hours approximately. www.cookieartlondon.co.uk

Sewing machine embroidery Create unique Christmas cards with machine embroidery techniques!

Discover the techniques and fun of drawing with your sewing machine to make beautiful and personal designs for your friends and family.

Classes are led by Amanda Schenk and Maggie Kluba.

Suitable for all levels of experience.

Please bring a sewing machine. £5 materials. Fee to tutor £5.

10am - 2pm | £28 5th December https://norden.farm/events/sewingmachine-embroidery-festive-cards

Don’t miss How To Decorate A Christmas Cookie Reindeer Pattern https://www. youtube.com/

GET FESTIVE

Create your own winter wonderland with Mary Berry’s gingerbread recipe. It makes a wonderful centrepiece for parties, and children will love it. http://www.bbc .co.uk/food/recipes/mar y_berr ys_ gingerbread_91126

Make your own advent calender If you’re feeling creative, why not make your own Advent calendar with clothes pegs? This quick craft is fun to do for yourself or with the kids.

For directions on how to make visit: http://www.homemade-gifts-madeeasy.com/make-your-own-advent-calendar.html#gallery[pageGallery]/1/

USE YOUR CREATIVITY TO EMBRACE THE FESTIVE SEASON

Glassblowing Christmas Baubles The Glass Hub are running Glassblowing courses on 5th and 12th December where you can make a christmas bauble for yourself or as a gift! Perfect if you fancy planning a weekend away before the festive period. www.theglasshub.co.uk (courses are in Wiltshire).

DIY decorations Paint your own tree decorations with these wooden stars and reindeers, £1 from http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk

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Artstyle Magazine Autumn 2015

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Wreath making Make a beautiful Christmas wreath using fresh foliage from the Cliveden estate. Greenery and expert tuition all provided with additional decorative items available to buy on the day.

Tuesday 2 December, 1.30pm – 4pm Wednesday 3 December, 10am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm – 4pm Adult £35. Advance booking essential on 0844 249 1895 Cliveden Estate, Taplow, Maidenhead, Berks SL6 0JA, Contact Tel: 01628 605069

Cookham Christmas Cards Local artist Susan Norrell’s painting of Winter Sunshine, Cookham has been accepted for The Cookham Society’s Christmas cards this year. Cards are available in packs of ten. The paintings are in a silent auction and can be viewed/purchased at Cookham Christmas Fayre at Moor Hall, Saturday 28th November 2015 and also at Cookham Street Party on Sunday 6th December 2015. Last year they were also available at the following retailers: Seconds Out (High Street, Cookham), The Odney Club, Village Hardware, Brent de Clippers, Hillcrest Stores Cookham Rise and The Jolly Farmer, Cookham Dean. https://www.facebook.com/susannorrellartist

Christmas Table Centrepieces

making h t a e r W 2nd Tuesday er Decemb pm 1.30-4 ate n Est Clivede

Festive Chocolate

This workshop is designed for anyone who loves to use their imagination when decorating their home at Christmas. A display will be given by an experienced Bluebells’ florist creating an original table decoration. A selection of materials will be available to choose from including seasonal foliage, scented fruits, candles and decorations.

Advice and guidance will be given at all stages so that students can produce a truly unique piece to take home.

The Arch London in Marylebone is proud to announce a partnership with Chocolate Artist & Sculpture extraordinaire Paul Wayne Gregory.

5th December £45 including all materials

‘The Festive Art of Chocolate’ will take place on 19 November 2015 at 6.30pm. Priced at £70 per person, Paul will host a three hour class at the boutique hotel.

To book: email edbooking@rrm.co.uk or call 01491 415600

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A pioneer in bespoke edible art, Paul’s show-stopping creations have recently been featured on The One Show, where presenters were challenged to tell the difference between real fruit and Paul’s chocolate fruit. His repertoire also includes creating a bespoke chocolate dress with designer Henry Holland, making a life-like model of This Morning’s Phillip Schofield’s face, and an edible chocolate egg with Russell Brand’s likeness on it.

www.thearchlondon.com

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Join the class Find an inspiring new art class this autumn

Life drawing

Exploring Colour - Soft Pastel

Patrick Palmer runs a fun and dynamic life drawing session for all abilities, with a great atmosphere, music and stage lighting to enhance the definition and features of the subjects.

A springboard to achieving a wider range of colours from your pastel box, through exploring a range of techniques! Learn how to overlay, blend and use broken colour to achieve lively and rich hues. Class led by Jo Hall.

£10.00 per session.

Concessions & Advantage Card: £8.00 per session

10am - 3pm | £38 7th November / www.nordenfarm.org

Art lessons with Paul Robbens Group sessions Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

01628 672140 / 07974 245917

Adults Drawing Classes at Boville Wright

10.30am and 12pm on Thursdays rin08@hotmail.co.uk www.facebook.com/shirinsart

Fun with Acrylics: Light, Reflection & Movement in Water Explore techniques to depict the many dimensions of water. Experiment using a range of both opaque and transparent techniques. Class led by Karen Carter.

A basic knowledge of acrylics is desired.

Materials to be supplied by participant. £38 per class / 11th December www.nordenfarm.org

5.30-7pm Every Sunday, apart from bank holiday weekends.

Look out for the 5 hour Life-drawing class on various Sundays, 1.00pm-6.00pm, including 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th November, and 6th and 13th December. www.patrickpalmer.co.uk www.firestationartscentre.com

Drawing to Print - Lithography & Monoprint Explore drawing and its transformation through printing. Learn the techniques of line mono print and polyester-plate lithography, which are easy to recreate at home. A fun and experimental day! Class Led by Karen Carter.

Suitable for all levels of experience. £5 materials fee to tutor / £40 6th November / www.nordenfarm.org

Ink Marks Experiment in drawing with a range of inks and drawing tools - from metal dip pens to twigs and bamboo. In addition, learn transferred line and monotype printing techniques to produce unique artworks. Class led by Jo Hall.

Suitable for all levels of experience.

Tues 10 Nov – 8 Dec 10am - 1pm £82 for 5 week course or £18 per class www.nordenfarm.org

Do you have an iPad and want to draw and paint on it but don’t know how; this book will give you all the help you need to get started and guide you through some of the popular apps.

Buy a signed copy direct from the Author at www.dianaseidl.co.uk or book a class by phoning 01491 614449

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STANLEY SPENCER

A closer look at the life and works of one of the twentieth century’s greatest painters Stanley Spencer - The Breadth of his Genius Family Group: Hilda, Unity and Dolls, 1937. Loaned to the Stanley Spencer Gallery by Leeds Museums and Galleries (Leeds Art Gallery).

How lucky we are in and around Maidenhead’s arts community to live so close to the village where one of the greatest painters of the twentieth century was born and spent most of his working life.

The works of Stanley Spencer are now spread throughout the world. In the UK, the collections of Tate and the Imperial War Museum are extensive, but also there is hardly a major city art gallery in Britain without at least one Spencer painting. Despite this, the modern display space known as the Stanley Spencer Gallery, in Cookham High Street, forms the largest repository of Spencer’s works on display anywhere in the world.

So what is it about this painter that enraptures his lifelong admirers and also proves so uplifting to those who enter the extraordinary world of the artist for the very first time? Many would say it is not just the multiple layers of meaning in each of his works, or the consummate skill of execution, but the astonishing breadth of Spencer’s genius. .

Spencer painted some of the greatest and most original masterpieces by any artist in response to the two World Wars. In complete contrast, his depictions of stark double nudes are stars of the collections at Tate and Fitzwilliam, providing influence to the comparable skills of Freud and Bacon.

Family Scenes: Hilda, Unity and Dolls, 1937 Painted just three months after Stanley Spencer’s divorce from Hilda, this moving work seems to capture the grief of both Hilda and the couple’s younger daughter, Unity. Hilda’s averted eyes suggest her still-raw emotions, whilst Unity’s challenging gaze may speak of child-like recriminations. It is no accident that the pictured ‘family’ lacks Spencer himself, but is instead extended by Unity’s eyeless dolls.

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Other important facets of Spencer’s work are displayed in the current exhibition at the Stanley Spencer Gallery, ‘The Creative Genius of Stanley Spencer’ (for details visit stanleyspencer.org. uk). Most particularly the exhibition includes Spencer’s stunning representations of British landscapes, gardens and the built environment, his moving and much-loved figurative depictions of human joy and anguish, and his acclaimed spiritual works.

Today’s artists may be particularly enthralled by both striking and subtle characteristics that extend right across the works of Stanley Spencer, reflecting his masterful command of painterly composition and design.

Spencer made clear in his writings that the processes of composition and design were an allconsuming task for him, involving great emotional pleasure, in which “… no matter what the thought is, there is some visible image that is waiting to be revealed from the depth of this feeling”. Of so-called ‘distortions’ in his work (for example an overlong arm), he said, “The arm is part of the entire form of the picture and is perfectly placed and an integral part of the whole composition”.

He vividly depicted the ‘struggle’ of composition and referred to “the extraordinary number of, and completely different kinds of, relationships between the various parts of the picture”.

David Inshaw, one of our greatest contemporary figurative painters, observed of Spencer: “He could compose paintings like nobody else. ... Pattern was his thing.” Inshaw described elements of Spencer paintings as ‘ringing like music’, words that can elicit intense reflection on the part of a visual artist today.

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High profiles

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Autumn 2015

The only magazine for artists living in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire

Three of our favourite artists and their unique creative approach Este Macleod COVER ARTIST AUTUMN 2015 Este Macleod is a professional painter and designer. Through her work Este reflects on the sentiments, joy and nostalgia surrounding the ongoing process of life.

Carne Griffiths Working primarily with calligraphy inks, graphite and liquids, such as tea, brandy and vodka, Carne Griffiths’ fascination with drawing focuses on the creation and manipulation of the drawn line. Images explore human, geometric and floral forms, in a combination of both literal and abstract translation and in response to images and situations encountered in daily life. Images are recorded in a dreamlike sense onto the page where physical boundaries are unimportant. His work creates a journey of escapism which focuses on scenes of awe and wonder, projecting a sense of abandonment and inviting the viewer to share and explore this inner realm. Since establishing his own studio in 2010, Carne has exhibited in the UK at the London Original Print Fair at the Royal Academy, the London Art Fair in both 2011 and 2012, and overseas at Urban in Ibiza in 2011 and Arts After Dark, New Orleans in 2010. www.carnegriffiths.com

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As a fine artist Este works primarily as a colourist painter applying her unique sense of design, strongly influenced by her training as a textile designer and years as studio ceramicist.

Este distorts and simplifies recognisable everyday objects by working in acrylic paints with a variety of mediums. Attention to detail, use of lines and brush strokes, complimentary colours, layering and texturing of paint, and scraping techniques are intrinsic to her way of working.

As an England Arts Council Arts Award Adviser and a GOLDEN* Artist Educator, Este facilitates projects at art fairs such as Art in Action and the Affordable Art Fair, schools and corporate environments as part of a creative campaign to promote art in the community.

Este is also Artist in Residence at Windsor Contemporary Art Fair where she involves visitors with various interactive projects. For The Big Draw 2015, Este developed a drawing event for local and global participation. See her blog for more details (blog.estemacleod. com.) In addition to being a community event incorporating World Kindness Day on 13 November, it also benefits Sightsavers, a vision charity. An original painting will be raffled via www.justgiving.com/EsteMacLeod.

Donate £2 online to enter the draw. Follow this event on social media #drawwithletters #lettergardens #estemacleod https://www.justgiving.com/este-MacLeod

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Art Style Magazine Spring 2015

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Jacqueline midgen Under the brand ‘Artistic Flare’, Jacqueline Midgen produces colourful paintings and products for both home and office. In addition to landscapes, still life, beaches and seascapes Jackie creates a selection of products which are ideal as gifts these include: bags, mugs, caps, calendars, mouse mats and women’s t-shirts.

Jackie’s painting take inspiration from the French Impressionists and Pre-Raphaelite as well as her imagination. She works from home and her studio at the Wimbledon Art Studios and is currently working on new paintings and products for the November Open Show.

For more information and to view more examples of Jackie’s art or to make an appointment to visit either of her studios please go to www.jacquelinemidgen. wordpress.com, email jackiemidgen@ hotmail.co.uk or call 07854 734 290

Artistic Flare http://www.estemacleod.com

Affordable art for the home and office

T: 020 7736 7921 M: 07854 734 290 www.jacquelinemidgen.

The Sculpture Park in Farnham, wordpress.com Surrey is the world’s largest all year sculpture exhibition with over 300 E: jackiemidgen@hotmail.co.uk showcasing 600 sculptures.

Visits toartists studio by appointment only

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www.thesculpturepark.com

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WHAT’S ON

LOCAL ARTS Art Week: Homage to Ai Wei Wei www.arts-week.org Breakfast Preview Sat 28 Nov 10.30-11.30am – All Welcome This year, local artists from the Northern Parishes of Binfield, Warfield and Winkfield pay homage to Ai Wei Wei with a collaborative installation, The Colourful Caterpillar. The Colourful Caterpillar takes inspiration from Ai Wei Wei’s 2014 Alcatraz installation With Wind, which featured a contemporary take of a traditional Chinese dragon kite. www.southhillpark.org.uk Paint & Clay Exhibition An exhibition of paint and mixed media landscapes, cityscapes and portraiture by Sharon Bennett, Ken Organ and Julie Winter.

Also quirky, decorative and functional stoneware ceramics by Jo Bosley and Lyn Harrison.

23rd, 24th and 25th October https://norden.farm/events/paint-and-clay One Snowy Night Norden Farm’s popular family show One Snowy Night is back by demand this Christmas!

Based on the Percy the Park Keeper books by Nick Butterworth, it runs from 24 November – 27 December. Tickets from £11.

london arts

Get the low-down on this season’s best events, shows and exhibitions

The Open Studios Art Show Wimbledon Arts Studio is one of the largest, single site art studio complexes in the UK. Comprising of two separate buildings known as the Red Studios and Blue Studios. Twice a year it opens its doors for a four day ‘Open Studios’ art show. Over 4500 visitors come to buy at this vibrant hub of contemporary art. An ideal opportunity to view the artists’ latest work and to buy commissionfree. Live music, street food, pop up restaurant, bars, workshops, art competitions etc. Suitable for all the family. http://www. wimbledonartstudios. co.uk/open-studios/nextshow/

Percy the park keeper always feeds the animals in the park where he lives. One winter night Percy finds his little friends shivering on the doorstep – they need more than food and he must find a way to help them… Ideal for ages 3+ years, this is a snuggly, heart-warming story, with songs to sing along to and furry friends to meet.

Children can enter an art competition, inspired by the show, and be in with a chance to win a goody bag and turn on the Christmas Lights at Maidenhead Town Hall: • Draw, paint or create a snuggly nest made from a household object or piece of furniture with a sleeping animal snuggled inside • Draw or paint one or more of the characters from the book on a very snowy night Entries will be judged in two age groups: 3 5 years and 6 - 8 years. All artwork entered will also be displayed in Norden Farm’s Gallery exhibition in December. www.artstylemagazine.co.uk

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“

A frame, mount or presentation should

complement

the

artwork

and never overwhelm it

“

It is important to consider which framing materials

are compatible with your artwork, and what techniques can help to provide maximum

protection as well as enhance the

presentation

IN THE

FRAME

Secrets of a professional Framer

So, you’ve just finished your latest painting, or just turned up a special family photograph, added the last stitch to that needlework you’ve invested so many hours into, or found that beautiful canvas you brought back from your Italian holiday last year, and now you’re wondering what should you do next.

myriad of factors to be considered when materials and techniques are to be applied, such as will the materials be compatible, which ones may even degrade over time and potentially damage the artwork, and what techniques can help to provide maximum protection as well as enhance the presentation.

Bear in mind there are two key principles that a good framer will abide by; firstly a frame, mount or presentation should complement the artwork and never overwhelm it; secondly it must provide adequate protection and support, and if the project is valuable sentimentally or materially, then the work should also be fully reversible without damage to the artwork.

In short, my advice would be to look for a framer who is qualified to commended level by the Fine Art Trade Guild as they will have spent considerable time studying all these aspects. Beyond this, find one that you feel comfortable with and that will be patient and understanding of your needs, asking searching questions and providing good suggestions.

The first point is largely about taste, by definition a personal as well as subjective consideration. A good framer will not only have a wealth of experience and knowledge of materials to be able to draw on to help make your selection, but most importantly they will listen to you, their customer, putting you at ease and asking pertinent questions to help ensure the artwork not only looks good in the framer’s shop, but will also present the art to its best advantage in its intended setting.

The second element is less subjective but here the framers’ experience and training is crucial. There are a

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Artstyle Magazine Autumn 2015

Ann Carroll GCF Award Winning Guild Commended Framer Picture This Art and Framing 07748 717 085 www. picturethisartandframing. co.uk

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COLOUR YOURSELF HAPPY Art has long been associated with relaxation and focus, making colouring and drawing a healthy hobby for adults as well as children. A new Colouring for Mindfulness app allows people the opportunity to take their colouring on the move, so you can take some creative time out whenever and wherever you like. With a huge catalogue of images to draw from, the new app from Octopus Publishing features World Mandalas, Flower Mandalas and the bestselling 1000 Dot-to-dot & Querkles series.

Scribble away stress OMY Design & Play produce colouring rolls, posters and placemats for adults, offering a creative outlet that can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. http://www.stonegift.com

TRUE COLOURS Discover the benefits of adult colouring, and how to embrace this increasingly popular hobby Adult colouring has grown in popularity in the last few years, with many men and women now regularly indulging in the nostalgia and fun of this favourite childhood pastime. A mature eye for detail and accuracy make colouring in for grown ups serious business... a far cry from the relaxed, care-free approach to filling between the lines we might have once adopted. Today’s myriad of coloured and metalic pens, combined with the benefit of hand/eye coordination, allow us to transform a monochrome page into an impressive work of art, and in the process alllow us to channel away daily stress through the escapism and calming effect of artistic focus.

An added plus is that you don’t even necessarily have to have the traditional materials to get a colouring fix.You can also take advantage of one of the many apps that now exist to enable you to colour in on the train to work, on your lunch break, or in the evening as a mind-boosting alternative to television.

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We love...

Animal Kingdom is a colouring and doodle book for grown-ups as much as it is for children, published by Batsford.

Each page provides not only an opportunity for you to add colour, but also to embellish the intricate illustrations with your own patterns and drawings.

The book is available from Batsford as well as other online retailers and lots of great independent book shops. www.milliemarotta.co.uk

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on

GRAFFITI

Applications Live graffiti

“

Everyone has an opinion on graffiti.

Love it or loathe it, it certainly gets people talking, with the opposition often hinged on the financial cost to councils in removing it from public property, and the opinion that it is blatant vandalism.

However, for some, graffiti is one of the greatest forms of modern art and an outlet for expression that keeps people away from hard crime and violence.

Live Graffiti involves the creation of a stunning piece of graffiti live in front of guests at events such as product launches and school fairs. The design is tailored to the client’s specification and made using a black marker on white surface.

For more information viist http://www.contrabandevents.com

Home graffiti Many people can now choose to have their bedroom walls painted in a unique style, such as as with a name, logo or design. Graffiti 4 Hire is one company offering this service.

Their artists are CRB checked and full time employed by Graffit4hire Ltd.

Don’t miss!

The Graffiti Life Gallery is an independent, artist-run gallery located in the heart of London’s East End. The gallery serves solely to support and display works from individuals with backgrounds in graffiti and street art. http://graffitilife.co.uk

LEARN GRAFFITI

The Graffiti Art Workshop offers young people the opportunity to be creative and inventive using letters and characters, colours and different styles.

They learn all aspects of health and safety which will be implied throughout the course. Students learn the history of graffiti and cover all legal aspects of producing a piece of urban art. Every student takes either a finished piece home or photos of their group artwork.

Graffiti Pros are a South East based graffiti company who run workshops for groups of all ages, whether you are looking for a workshop for your school, local authority, or birthday party. Workshops can be incorporated in to a school project, or just be a standalone project to decorate a wall at your establishment. They also offer graffiti team building sessions for small and large businesses. www.graffitipros.co.uk

DJ Workshops are based in Surrey.

TEL : 07702 068 161 info@djworkshopsltd.co.uk

www.graffiti4hire.co.uk

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Artstyle Magazine Autumn 2015

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Paper Folding

종이접기 Origami, Craft Papers and Craft Glue Join us at the welcoming & atmospheric Remenham Parish Hall from 7.15 - 9.15pm on Thursday evenings.

Book now for our next 8-week term starting on January 15th 2015.

We like to vary our dynamic models & use a mix of short & long poses to get those drawing muscles truly flexed.

The life drawing is relaxed but productive, each session is unguided, but there’s always someone on hand to advise/help in the break or at the end.

If you would prefer tutored sessions, sign up to our website (www.henleylifedrawing.co.uk) or 'like' our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/lifedrawinghenley) to get updates - although, these unguided sessions would be a good, non-judgmental place to start no matter what level you feel you're at!

Find us at: www.colortreelimited.co.uk sales@colortreelimited.co.uk Tel 07792 258620 or: Amazon and Ebay

Contact Jo at: henleydrawslife@gmail.com to sign up.

We love to talk...and listen.

There are so many good reasons to visit your local branch of Bovilles Art Shop. Our huge stocks of creative materials are nothing short of breathtaking. We have fantastic special offers in-store all year long. But what sets us apart from the rest?

Customers quickly become friends at Bovilles.

We’ll bend over backwards to help you with your creative challenges and make sure that you leave filled with inspiration.

We understand that art is about people.

And our people are artists.

127/128 High Street, Uxbridge Middx, UB8 1DJ Tel: 01895 450300 hq@bovilles.co.uk 124 High Street, Maidenhead Berks, SL6 1PT Tel: 01628 674656 maidenhead@bovilles.co.uk

www.facebook.com/BovillesArtShop

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t

nden l indepe a c lo r rt you s” “Suppo Busines Framing e you a

iv e will g ! return w ith this Advert And in w T N U O e highly C th IS 10% D usual to helf’ art e th m ing fro ff the-s e anyth ge of ‘o We fram nd offer a ran roducts la irky p unusua and qu Satisfaction guaranteed For examples see www.facebook.com/crazyframing 0844 770 1966 • framing@sdg-uk.com 59 King Street, Maidenhead. SL6 1DU (near the cinema)

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Living the life Ever wondered what it’s really like to be a life model?

Rachel McCarthy gives us an insight...

Right:

"I started life modelling by sheer chance. I hadn’t even realised that there were people who posed nude for artists. I was going out with an art tutor and started modelling for him. I was a single mum and modelling fits in very well with school timings because a lot of it takes place in educational institutions. I felt comfortable with it too. I didn’t mind being nude.The only thing I had difficulty with right at the start was that I didn’t know what the form was, whether to wear a robe between poses and things like that.

The one thing you have to be able to do is stay still and people don’t believe you but physically it’s exhausting. Mentally you have to really concentrate. Some models love the more contorted poses but I’m more keen on the graceful, elegant ones. I don’t really go around looking at the results after the classes and they often look nothing like you. You have to be very thick-skinned, which I am, luckily!

Life Model Rachel McCarthy is a member of the Register of Artists' Models Below: Rachel finds that modelling fits in very well with family life because a lot of it takes place in educational institutions, so within school timings.

‘The one thing you have to be able to

do is stay still and

people don’t believe

you, but physically it’s exhausting’

As a life model you also get called on by medical schools and I’m the breast model for one of the big London medical schools. You end up doing things that you’d never, ever have done otherwise. The weirdest job I ever had was for the BBC, playing a dead woman being prepared for mummification by a Scottish tribe.

I run RAM, the Register of Artists’ Models. We help models get started and find work; we also run classes and life drawing hen parties (!)"

Rachel McCarthy - RAM Register of Artists' Models http://www.modelreg.co.uk Life Drawing Hen Parties henpartieslondon.blogspot.com RAM Blog http://registerofartistsmodels. blogspot.com/ 16

Artstyle Magazine Autumn 2015

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The topiary gardens at Levens Hall http://www.levenshall.co.uk

TOPIARY IS IT ART?

Today’s impressively intricate architectural hedge works would indicate so...

Bring topiary to your garden Topiary is an art-form that has been providing interest to gardens since Roman times, and whether in its more fanciful representations of animals or the simpler architectural balls, cones and corkscrews that are currently undergoing a revival, it is now more available to gardeners than ever. It can be made into a low hedge to define a border, architectural shapes to give punctuation in an otherwise informal bed or as the focal points of formal gardens.

Whilst one can create one’s own from scratch, it is worth a modest investment to miss-out those gawky early years, and the onward cultivation is relatively simple, all you need is a well kept pair of hand shears and a dose of fertiliser in the spring.

One should never use power hedge clippers as the blades tend to ‘tear’ rather than cut the leaves which can leave a rather brown and tatty finish, and one slip can set you back years.

Hold the shears with your hands as far down the handles (near the blades) as is comfortable, as this will give you greater stability and control over each cut. Visualise the shape you are trying to create, remembering that it is not an actual ball or corkscrew you are creating but the impression of one using a living medium, and begin snipping. Go cautiously at first, you can always snip a bit more off but sticking a chunk back on is not so easy, and you’ll soon have the hang of it.

Topiary requires not just a high level of plant expertise, but also an abundance of imagination, artistic talent and skill, much like any other form of sculpture. The ability to transform a basic hedge into an architectural shape that can then alter the entire focal point and impression of a lawn or garden and its adjacent property is no mean feat. In the same way that a carefully commissioned painting can complement and transform a room, expertly manicured and positioned plants can be similarly effective.

Topiary aims to surprise and inspire - a common goal of all creative mediums, making it undoubtedly deserving of the title ‘art’.

http://www.topiaryart.co.uk http://www.topiaryhouse.co.uk

The best time for clipping is after Derby Day but before Royal Ascot as a spring frost or the hot summer sun can scorch the tender growth, then maybe a light second trim in September if needed, I tend to just snip off the straggly bits.

The common box (Buxus sempervirens) is the most popular plant, however Yew (Taxus), Lonicera and Ilex crenata (Japanese holly) are also popular and are easily workable. One caution with Buxus, there are a couple of nasties doing the rounds, box blight and box caterpillar which can ruin their look, so it may be worth taking the time to bring on one of the slower growing forms such as Yew.

The Knot Garden www.nationaltrust.org.uk/washington-old-hall/

By John Dowling, www.thefourthroom.net

http://www.parkerbiley.com/portfolio-item/topairy-train/

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Join Este’s #lettergarden community art project a drawing event happening in Berkshire locations and Windsor Contemporary Art Fair Blog.estemacleod.com *Este offers online painting & creativity courses www.explorecolour.com PRINTS AND CARDS ON ETSY #estemacleod

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Artstyle Magazine Autumn 2015

Adults & Children beginners, intermediates & experienced all welcome

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To book a class or for more details visit

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01494 670372

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AUTUMN through a LENS Photographer Rod Bird talks techniques for capturing the perfect autumn picture Uniquely amongst the visual arts photography has been at the epicentre of technical and societal change throughout its near-two hundred year history. Who’d have predicted, twenty years ago, that every teenager would be carrying a camera, or that every hour two million photos would be uploaded to Instagram – a service that didn’t even exist six years ago?

Unsurprisingly there’s been a persistent but largely pointless debate about whether photography’s an art. In itself, of course, it isn’t - in the same way that paintbrushes aren’t. The camera, Photoshop and so on are simply the tools we use, when we feel creative, to produce art. Today’s photographer has as much control over the finished piece of art as the oil painter or watercolourist.

Those of us who live in the Thames Valley or Chilterns are surrounded by some of England’s most beautiful scenery. Our appreciation of the landscape is increased if we can capture it in an effective photograph – and autumn and winter are without doubt the best times to try. Red, yellow and ochre foliage is often prevalent from October until mid December in our area.

The word photography originates from the Greek words photos, meaning light, and graphos, to draw.

The key to success is in the first part: to get a great photo you need great light.

Although the shortening days and lowering clouds bring many dull days when light is noticeable mainly by its absence, when it’s good it can be wonderful.

The low sun throws long shadows which emphasise texture and perspective, separating our hills, hedges and copses. Our riverside location brings mist which can be used creatively: it softens the background, hides cellphone masts, isolates objects in the foreground, and can dramatically emphasise depth and distance. A modest hill, close by, can be made to look massive and miles away in misty conditions.

It’s usually safe to leave your camera on its “auto” setting. Far more important is your composition.

Look around the frame, exclude objects which don’t enhance the picture, and be prepared to move around to separate tree trunks or convert an eight-legged horse into two normal ones.

And if you’re happy with the result, don’t leave it on your hard drive or Facebook. Print it on good paper and put it on display. Make it art.

Rod Bird ElectricLandscape.com www.artstylemagazine.co.uk

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Freeze frame With the cold season now upon us, what better time to appreciate the artistic potential of ice

‘CHRISTMAS 2015 Norden Farm and Slot Machine present

ONE SNOWY NIGHT A TALE FROM PERCY’S PARK BY NICK BUTTERWORTH

FOR AGES 3+ YEARS

Book your tickets today!

www.theicebox.com

Tuesday 24 November - Sunday 27 December www.icesculpture.co.uk

Box office / 01628 788997 Book online / www.nordenfarm.org Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead SL6 4PF Centre for the Arts Maidenhead

www.theicebox.com

Ice, Sea and City Tom Lennie’s photographic exhibition explores the natural beauty of ice and sea, mainly in Antarctica.

Learn the art of Ice sculpting

If you are interested in learning more about ice sculpting, Icesculpture.co.uk run Ice Masterclasses which are a fun and challenging experience where an expert team will guide you through the stages of making an ice sculpture using your own design. A typical masterclass runs for between 1.5- 4 hours and features a talk and demonstration followed by supervised design and sculpting time.

Sculptures can be taken away and display equipment is available for presentation.

Masterclasses are available for groups of 5-100 on location or at their studio. www.icesculpture.co.uk 20

Artstyle Magazine Autumn 2015

Marine wildlife is also included.

The grandeur of nature is perfectly complemented by images of some of the manmade beauty to be found in our cities.

Showing various dates throughout November. https://norden.farm/events/icesea-and-city

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I love painting outdoors, even in the colder months, but have a nightmare getting my paintings home. Any ideas how to make it easier?

I’ve bought some cheap canvas and it’s a nightmare to work with. Is there anything I can do to improve the surface?

Lu says: I’ve seen so many brilliant artists out and about with pochade boxes - a wooden box with two slots, ideal for canvas boards.

A pochade will also have a compartment for storing paints and a carrying strap. They’re really stylish, but only workable if you paint at a smaller scale. For larger works, cut small slots into thin strips of sturdy cardboard.

To keep the edges of your painting from smudging, create a border around your working area with masking tape before you start painting.

Lisa says: Canvas is definitely one of those areas where you get what you pay for. The price of quality canvas has dropped a lot over recent years, but it’s still tempting to go for those bargains!

Sadly, there’s no miracle cure for a bad canvas, but a bit of hard work can vastly improve the surface. Applying an additional layer of gesso, then sanding until smooth is the only sure fire way.

The worse the canvas, the more you’ll have to repeat the process.

A PROBLEM SHARED...

OUR PANEL OF EXPERTS ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS

Can I transfer a photograph onto a canvas or board?

MEET THE EXPERTS Anticlockwise from below: Lisa, Josie, Marie (and daughter)

Josie says: Absolutely. There are several ways to achieve this. You’ll first need to photocopy your image so that it transfers the right way round. It doesn’t matter whether it’s colour or black and white. Paint your photocopy with either a matt or gloss medium (the sort you’d typically use with acrylics) and place it face down onto your canvas or board.

Leave it to dry, then wet the back of the paper and rub away with a sponge.

You also have the option of using a fluid that is specifically for this purpose, called a ‘transfer medium’, such as Picture This or Dylon Imagemaker, but if you already have acrylic mediums in your studio, why spend more? I’ve also found that simple white household emulsion works too.

Is there a foolproof way to stretch watercolour paper?

Lu Says: There certainly is! You’ll need: • A non-shiny board (that is, with a slightly coarse surface that will lend itself well to bonding) • A roll of Gumstrip (available at all good art shops) • A sponge - Dampen your paper and lay it on your dry board.

- Cut four lengths of Gumstrip, slightly longer than the edges of the paper.

- Wet your sponge and run it over the Gumstrip to dampen it.

- Starting on the left hand side and working clockwise, stick the strips along the edges of the paper, so that it sits half on the paper, half on the board.

- If the paper comes loose, affix more strip and dampen the paper

My partner is an artist and paints huge abstracts in oil in her shed/ studio. I love her paintings, but I worry about her spending so much time with chemicals. Is there anything I can do to make sure her studio is a healthy working environment?

Marie Says: That’s a tough one, as its incredibly difficult to dictate working practises to an artist, particularly if they’ve been using the same studio for a while.

Switching to low odour solvents or omitting their use altogether isn’t impossible. However, for many artists this is a huge leap they’re just not willing to take. So the key is in balancing ventilation with good practice in storage and clean-up. Assuming your partner doesn’t routinely seal up her mediums, varnishes and turpentine in between uses, then it’s a really good idea to encourage this to minimise ‘fogging’ her working environment with solvents.

Brushes can be cleaned with oils and there are also some really fantastic solvent free brush soaps on the market.

The simple act of having a window open makes a huge difference, but an outdoor studio in the winter would soon turn sub-zero. Fitting an extractor fan could make a huge difference in these circumstances. Definitely worth looking into if you have real concerns.

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AUTUMN ART SEASONAL ART INSPIRATION

IN FOCUS TAKE THE AUTUMN ART CHALLENGE @suescowcroft

Famous autumn paintings

@jacksonsarttalk

Tweet an oil painting of 'Nature in Autumn' with #AutumnArtChallenge to win a Mussini Artists Oil set worth £180.

Autumn has always served as a great opportunity for landscape painters, with Claude Monet’s portrayal of leaves reflected in the Seine among some of the finest portrayals of autumn in art.

To view more exapmples visit http://www.theguardian.com/ artanddesign/gallery/2012/ oct/23/monet-constablepaintings-autumn-pictures

Top Tip! Artist Ben Saber has Youtube videos and DVDs offering helpful tips on painting autumn landscapes. https://www.youtube.com/user/ ArtistBenSaber Reds

‘I saw these lovely apples in Chartwell House orchard at the beginning of September. The sun was shining trough the leaves making a lovely play with moving shadows. I took a couple of photos to remind me and then painted this acrylic painting on canvas 40cm x 40cm.’

Satu Vartiainen, Maidenhead, Berks.

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Artstyle Magazine Autumn 2015

www.connollyart.com

www.artstylemagazine.co.uk

THE AUTUMN GALLERY http://tonygittins66.wix.com/tonygittinsfineart

www.toddyoungart.com

http://tonygittins66.wix.com/tonygittinsfineart

https://www.facebook.com/susannorrellartist

Improve your technique If you are keen to improve your landscape painting technique this autumn why not watch the new painting demonstrations now playing on ArtistsNetwork.tv, including ‘Painting the Autumn Landscape: Watercolour Unleashed by Julie Gilbert Pollard (subscription required).

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“

In the past year or two there has been a lot of discussions and turned pages of Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James.

I may have not seen the movie or read the books, but what I do know is that Mr Grey had a lot of grey cloth suits. Tailoring and cloth are very close subjects to me. I am a bespoke women’s-wear designer and style advisor with a shop located on the historic Eton High Street.

When talking bespoke fashion it is not only the shades of colour that we discuss: it is also the weave, composition and quality of the fabrics. Last week I was shopping for black brocade fabric to make a dress and a jacket. It turned out to be quite a journey to match the colours, patterns and textures. After a long day of backward and forward search I finally picked two pieces at one of London’s most prestige fabric shops. One of their highly experienced assistants came up to me and said it is an interesting match, because one print is inspired by 1920s art and other is 1990s however together they make a complimenting match. This made me think that not all fashion is art, however art strongly influences the print and colour combinations in fashion.

Couture is a form of fashion where garments are made exclusively to client request, specifications and figure. I have divided the process in six steps: First we meet and discuss the idea/event or need, then I sketch out some designs so we can exchange the ideas and finalise the design. From here the first toile is made and the fittings begin. Step four is the search of fabrics and trims, we choose the fabric and making begins. Next time we meet is the half ready outfit fitting, we discuss the accessories that will go with the outfit and finalise the details.

Anticipation is over when the finished hand crafted outfit is ready to be enjoyed.

Couture garments bring together clients own style with the current fashion trends in the most exquisite hand-finished way. Experience like this opens a whole new spectrum of colours, textures and styles.

Ieva Poriete Bespoke Womenswear ievaporiete.com

THE

ART OF STYLE

A closer look at the artistic element of fashion design

Want to be a fashion designer?

If you’re interested in becoming a fashion or footwear designer, stylists, make-up artist, buyer, photographer, journalist or manager in the fashion industry, then then new year might be the perfect time to look into the opportunties for education in this area.

London College of Fashion is a leading global provider of fashion education at undergraduate and postgraduate level, as well as offering short courses, study abroad courses and integrated masters. They also lead in world class research and consultancy and work within the industry giving students the best employment opportunities possible. The aim of their courses is to give students the skills they need and provide them with unique insights into the workings of this ever-changing industry, in the most dynamic city in the world.

‘Art strongly influences the print and colour combinations in fashion’

http://www.arts.ac.uk/fashion/

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THE ART OF

ORIGAMI

Discover the joy of creating folded paper designs

Paper-folding is generally viewed as some combination of a craft and an activity enjoyed by children.The use of the term “origami”, whilst widely recognised, tends to obscure the European tradition of paper folding, equally as rich and historic as that of Japan. These factors, along with the ephemeral and ubiquitous nature of paper have proved an obstacle in having folded paper designs recognised as “art”. However, as the technology and aesthetics of folding is extending into the realms of clothes design, furniture, medical technology and many other parts of our lives, folded paper is increasingly being accepted as an art form.

As a paper artist, my designs proceed from the premise that “simple is best”. Whilst there are some hugely impressive complex designs out there (which may take days and many hundreds of steps to complete), I try to strip away all extraneous folds and get to the heart of the subject. So whilst we have the technology to fold individual toes or claws on an animal, I’m quite happy to not even include legs! It’s all too easy to make use of folding techniques simply because they are there, but I favour an almost Zen-like approach, where detail is almost something to be avoided, in case it decreases the purity of the subject.

Getting started...

The British Origami Society is a group devoted to the art of paper-folding. They have over 700 members worldwide and publish a bi-monthly magazine. They also organise local and national meetings and have a unique library.

For anyone interested in starting Origami, you can download templates from their website to help you get going. http://www.britishorigami.info/ practical/diagrams/simple/barge.php

When I became a professional folder in the mid 80s, I tried hard to find acceptance for simple forms of paper art and to earn a living through it, but the pressures of children and a mortgage have obliged me to take a more pragmatic approach and hence I have authored over 60 books on the subject, almost all “how to” collections of designs. In addition, I have fulfilled numerous commercial contracts, producing all kinds of “impure” designs. I travel around the world teaching and talking about paper-folding.

However, my folding “heart” still lies with the elegant, the simple, the understated design!

Nick Robinson www.origami.me.uk

http://www.origami.me.uk https://www.facebook.com/ nicksorigami

‘The use of the term “origami”, whilst widely recognised, tends to obscure the European tradition of paper folding, equally as rich and historic as that of Japan’

First stop for Origami supplies

www.colortreelimited.co.uk

www.artstylemagazine.co.uk

If you’d like a helping hand with your origami, why not watch some origami animations at at http://origami.org.uk Coloured origami paper £2.99 for 100 sheets http://www.colortreelimited.co.uk

Color Tree Limited, established in 2003, is an importer of craft papers and other items. Most of their goods come from Jong Ie Nara - a wellknown Korean company, however they also import from Germany and Japan. Their principle supplier Jong Ie Nara has an international reputation amongst paper folders.

Watch & learn

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THE

HUMAN CANVAS

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE MANY AND VARIED FORMS OF ART CREATED USING THE HUMAN BODY

THE REAL LIFE CANVAS

BUMP ART: Mother and Baby bump illusion Elissa Barrett http://www.ilovebodyart.com

HAND ART: http://www.guidodaniele.com

ARTIST PROFILE

ARTIST PROFILE ALEXA MEADE paints directly on top of live models to create the illusion that real-life people are inside the world of a 2D painting.

INVISIBLE BODY ART

TRINA MERRY has primarily explored selfidentity, body image, and consumerism in her work.

The majority of her work contains a living person and her work utilizes many mediums including: performance art, painting, video, sculpture and installation. www.trinamerryartist.com

www.alexameade.com

CLOTHES ART: Above: http://www.londonbodypainting.co.uk Inset: www.bodypaintingbycat.com 26

Artstyle Magazine Autumn 2015

The Paintopia face and body painting festival is an annual event held in the UK which attracts facepainters, bodypainters, students and makeup artists from around the world. Paintopia 2016 "Urban Jungle" registration is now OPEN. www.www.paintopiafestival.com www.artstylemagazine.co.uk

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*up to 100 years in normal gallery conditions

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