Artist of the week - Melanie Barrett

Our Artist of the week is Melanie Barrett. After graduating with a degree in Fine Art from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in 2003, Melanie went on to obtain a Masters in Painting from Wimbledon School of Art in 2004. Since then she has been continuing to paint and draw, focusing on portraiture, and in particular the narrative within painting. I particularly like this landscape painting of Melanie's....especially with all the recent snow, ice and cold weather.....this is a timely reminder of the promise of Spring to come. I love the light streaming through the trees.

Melanie has taught Art in schools in Mexico and Uganda, and to date has exhibited in various venues in Newcastle, Hackney, Kings Cross, the Discerning Eye Exhibition 2003, London Art Fair 2005, and in Glasgow for the regional finals of Channel Five's Big Art Competition.

To see more of Melanie's work on Affordable British Art, click HERE

Artist of the Week - Angela Arnold

Our Artist of the week is Angela Arnold. Angela spent most of her youth on the Continent: born in Germany, she has also lived in France, Spain, Holland, Belgium...finally settling in Scotland in 1976. Angela says:
"I have been painting in South Aberdeenshire since 2001, inspired by the local land- and seascape: the view of big skies and changeable seas from the cliffs of coastal Kinneff, where I live, or the deep red earth of the Mearns."

The painting shown is an atmospheric depiction of winter at its most picturesque, with snow sculpted into powerful drifts and my little cottage just visible."
A very apt depiction of the snowy weather at the moment


Angela started out as a writer, with two books published (on psychological astrology, which she also practises), as well as occasional poetry. For thirteen years she ran a smallholding in Aberdeenshire, and then worked for several years as a hands-on garden designer. She came to painting a bit later in life, and is self-taught - "....as much by design as default: I just love experimenting and discovering my own techniques. Painting to me is a challenge, a journey, and each work seems to proceed along its own path, often taking me by surprise.
In my paintings I try to capture both stillness and motion (often linked with the emotion evoked) – and maybe these are not so much opposites as two sides of the same coin, seeking the core of the subject. I also produce vibrant abstracts and most recently I have been experimenting with stark black and white, rather minimalist, painting.

A lot of my work is done in acrylic on board, rather than on canvas, calling for a different kind of technique. I have developed a method of mounting board on an integral frame and the finished product looks like a box canvas, with painted sides, ready to hang - or to frame, if you wish."

To see more of Angela's work on Affordable British Art, click HERE

Artist of the week - Jeannie Zelos

Jeannie was born and still lives in North Norfolk. She says " ...with beautiful scenery full of traditional woodlands, vast beaches and huge skies. Why move?!
I've been painting for a number of years now and extending my repertoire of materials as time progresses and I delve further into the world of art.I describe my style as naive, and myself as a Colourist. My work has very vibrant colour ranges, often not what you would expect but it works!
Art can be a solitary pursuit and since 2006 I've been running a free arts forum for artists and people interested in art, just type my name and forum into google and you'll find it. I've learned so much from other artists there, and hopefully we have all benefited from contact with others.
I paint in a variety of mediums from watercolours through to encaustic, a method used over 2,000 years ago. For me art is a journey and by not restricting myself to one media I have the freedom to take my art to a range of possibilities. Over the last few years I have extended my experience via personal study and professional tuition and now use watercolours, soft pastels, oil pastels, acrylics, oils, and latest is the encaustic (beeswax) paints. I'm currently using the encaustics most of the while, seeking to reach the very essence of the subject through pure abstraction, and find that the beeswax - maybe because its such an organic material- works really well for this. "

To see more of Jeannie's work on Affordable British Art, click HERE

Artist of the Week - Peter Williams

Our Artist of the week is Peter Williams. Peter is a self taught UK artist, working out of his studio on the Suffolk coast where he lives with his long term partner Jenny and large German Shepherd dog.

Of his work, Peter says:
"I use many different media including pastel, coloured or graphite pencil and gouache but I am particularly well known for watercolour work. Blending diffused colour with confident composition and intricate detail, I am able to achieve a unique vibrancy unequalled by many other watercolourists.

Having always had immense interest in the great outdoors, animals, wildlife and particularly horses, I have most recently become best known for my haunting, ephemeral Native American portraits.
I don’t try to be historically accurate, but attempt to portray palpable and arresting emotions, suspending reality to present the viewer with the wild, unchecked passions and stoic serenity of Native America.

Born in 1952 I had a varied working life which included the regular British Army, college tutor, computer analyst and lorry driver. Throughout all of these times I always found time to create art of some kind in my spare time. In 2002 I took the life changing step of becoming a full time artist. I was the feature artist for Hertfordshire Life magazine before moving to the East coast of Suffolk in 2005. I expected to make my living here from local landscapes and coastal scenes. However I soon realized I would be better off finding a more niche area of the art market and decided to exploit my passion for the old West and Native America. I haven’t looked back since. I have had quite a lot of success selling prints and originals in the USA but have also been pleasantly surprised to find many collectors here in the UK. Of course I still create all other genre when the mood takes me, particularly wildlife and horses, and work to commission whenever requested. "

See more of Peter's work on Affordable British Art by clicking HERE

Artist of the Week - Cherie Sullivan

Cherie Sullivan is our artist of the week this week.

A contemporary Scottish artist, her bold, distinctive, vibrant works are influenced by colour and nature. Preferring to work from photographs, rather than from life, Cherie can often be found photographing flowers and fruit. Some of these photos then, in turn, inspire her paintings. Working with acrylics, oils or in mixed media on box canvas, Cherie’s paintings are a bright and vivid representation of the natural world around us.

Cherie exhibits across Scotland, and has many works in private collections around the world. NHS Fife recently purchased 4 of Cherie’s paintings to be displayed in the Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline.

“I enjoy taking macro shots of flower centres…these interesting photographs are often semi abstract by nature. I like to concentrate on their stamens, cropping the photos to get exactly the image I want. Once cropped, these images then form the basis for my paintings.
For my fruity paintings I use the same process, but tend to concentrate on the negative spaces between the fruits.”

Click HERE to see more of Cherie's work

Artist of the week - Kosana Marton

Kosana Marton is our new featured Artist of the week. Kosana is a Scottish artist based in Fife. Originally from East Kilbride, she studied art and design in Glasgow after completing her secondary education and, after a break from the arts, returned to study fine art at Edinburgh College of Art in 1991.

She takes her inspiration from nature; surroundings, colour, light and texture all play a part in helping her to create contemporary paintings using acrylic, mixed media and watercolour. Her subject matter varies dependent on her mood at the time, ranging from landscapes to abstract. She also enjoys figurative work like the one shown here.

She doesn’t work from sketch books, preferring to work from reality, photographs or memories. Her paintings start as a rough idea in her mind’s eye when a basic colour palette is also decided. However, from that point on, the rest of the painting evolves spontaneously on the canvas until completion.

Kosana has her work in private collections throughout the UK, Europe, USA and New Zealand. The NHS also purchased 9 paintings for permanent display the Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline. She exhibits throughout the year at various venues/galleries.

Click HERE to see more of Kosana's work on Affordable British Art

Artist of the Week - Claire Losada

This week, we have Claire Losada as our AOW. Claire says:
"I am a self representing artist and mostly my work represent my own moods and emotions.

I use my art as a vehicle to convey my emotional states and well being, through use of colour and application of chosen media. Vivid hues translate to give a representation of moods that enlighten the onlooker, where no explanation is necessary.

The paintings, of varying subject matter are set to convey messages through the very essence of their simplicity. The use of subdued ochre hues, appear unsettling purely through the use of colour but a sunset or a sunrise can depict a sense of harmony and serenity and an enviable state of emotion.

These paintings are intended to communicate and reach out to the onlooker, invoking a real emotion. At that moment they are influenced by the artwork, it is having an effect on their mood and state of mind. It is communicating with the onlooker by the very essence of its existence, borne from the emotions and mood of its creator.

The vehicle of paint has been used as a way of expressing myself and venting emotions experienced through the stresses of everyday life. Experiencing a roller coaster of emotions, I sought a vehicle for communicating and retaining my sanity that turned sometimes negative emotions, into something productive and positive.

Some of us have seen sanity, if only in a vision but for me, my vision is communicated through my work.

To see more of Claire's work on Affordable British Art, click HERE

Artist of the week - Liz Lees

Well, this week we have Liz Lees as our Artist of the week.Liz paints people pictures and textured Oil paintings which se describes as "One person’s look at life through visual images. Every picture has a story." Liz has been drawing and painting all her life. Her first work to be noticed were the little houses she drew on the wall beside her bed in a hotel while the family were on holiday.
Deciding not to be influenced by a formal art education, Liz studied Zoology and Botany enjoying the concentration of detailed observation and drawing.
From an early age Liz was involved in theatre, influenced by her ventriloquist father. She gained her Stage Designers and Actors Equity card working at North East Theatre in Aberdeen.
In 1984 she achieved a Post Graduate Diploma from Guildford School of Acting and Dance.
On moving to Manchester to pursue her acting career she performed in television in Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Brookside and on stage at the Royal Exchange and on the Edinburgh Fringe.
She formed her own theatre company Green Light Theatre writing, directing and performing in shows with environmental themes across the North West of England. She also developed training programmes passing on the skills she has learnt in performance, set design and writing.
Liz was influenced by the multicultural area of Old Trafford where she lived in Manchester, to create her quirky people pictures. Frequent visits to North Wales beaches and mountains brought a contrast to the city and in her work.

To see more of Liz's work, click HERE

Artist of the Week - Lindi Kirwin

Lindi Kirwin is our Artist of the Week this time. Lindi is a professional Artist, exhibiting in many galleries and selling her work to private collectors, worldwide.

Based at her studio on the 3rd floor at Vernon Mill in Stockport, Lindi’s contemporary paintings are inspired by many of the Old Masters, and of today’s artists, Jenny Saville; yet in contrast to her morbid reflection of the human form, she admires the romantic beauty of Pino Daeni’s style. Egon Schiele is also a firm favourite for inspiration.

Lindi’s passion of figurative work is tastefully provocative and sensual. The image shown is called "Alone in the Dark"; her land/seascapes are vibrant and atmospheric; all these paintings are executed in her specialism of dry-brush acrylic, using no water. However, it is evident that she is also recognised for her work in oils and mixed media, and her humorous pen illustrations. She uses her photos and sketches for reference and is also inspired by proverbs, quotes, poetry text, which she will successfully interpret into abstract paintings.

In 2006, she was approached by Dorling Kindersley publishers to use examples of her work in their art books. She has also recently had a very successful partnership with Durer's, producing a highly unusual and individual piece, auctioned for charity and bought by Theo Paphitas - of Dragon's Den fame.

Click HERE to see more of Lindi's work on Affordable British Art

Artist of the Week - Diane Jennings

This week, we have Diane Jennings as our Artist of the Week. Diane says: "love to paint bright, bold paintings to brighten any wall and I also paint quieter,calmer, more relaxing paintings too!
If you would like to see ANY of my work in more detail please get in touch and I will email you close ups of the work.

I am at my happiest when creating art,to see the painting develop before me is exciting each and every time!

To be creative is the very essence of who I am and it is my passion "

As well as creating her own portfolio of work, Diane also teaches people to paint in her very popular classes called 'Painting My Way' . She is a Professional Associate of the SAA (Society for All Artists) which means she carries their endorsement as a tutor and demonstrator.
To have a look at Diane's art, click HERE
(There's a link to Diane's "Painting My Way" website on the page if you're interested in her painting classes)

Artist of The Week - Amanda Hunt

This week, Amanda Hunt is our new Artist of the Week.

Amanda is a contemporary Artist who has a real passion for all forms of painting and drawing.

She paints from her studio in the Berkshire countryside and started exhibiting her work in the summer of 2005.

Since then Amanda’s work has been attracting international attention as well as considerable interest throughout the UK. To date her paintings have been bought by collectors in America, Canada, South Africa and Singapore as well throughout Europe and the UK. Amanda also accepts regular commissions.

Being a lover of all things sky, I particularly like this painting....it's a calming sunset scene from the Algonquin National Park in North East Canada with fir trees silhouetted in the still water.

Click HERE to see more of Amanda's work on Affordable British Art

This week, we have Gaynor Henaghan as Artist of the Week. Gaynor paints both contemporary and more traditional pieces, depending on the mood and what is influencing her at the time! Her main inspiration is colour, light and structure, although ideas often come from the most unexpected places - from facial expressions to the spoken word.
Gaynor works a great deal with texture as it gives a whole new dimension to the artwork itself - capturing the visual aspect but also making you want to touch it.
The painting featured here, is an original pastel painting of a scene from the beautiful Greek town of Parga.
To see more of Gaynor's work click HERE

Artist of The Week - Rosie Harper

This week's Artist of the Week is Rosie Harper. Rosie is a published professional British artist, living and working in New Zealand. She is best known for her amazing Art Deco style paintings....a stunning example of which I have posted here. Rosie's work was published in Society Magazine in USA in 2005 on 3 occasions with her art as their front cover. She works in a mainly Art Deco style with some Art Nouveau and Surrealism mixed in for good measure and tends to go for bright and colourful with lots of detail rather than dark and sombre. Most of her pieces are large and are meant to own any wall they are placed upon. On average, these artworks take anything from 3 months to a year to complete as most are created in oil. The process also involves sketching the idea in Silverpoint and then applying the paint in layers, allowing the paint to dry thoroughly to enable a protective coat of varnish to be applied at the end.
If you would like to see more of Rosie's paintings, click HERE

Artist of The Week - Audrey Greaves

The Artist of the week this week, is Audrey Greaves. Audrey is a self-taught artist for whom inspiration is found in the English landscape as well as scenes from abroad. She is also inspired by flowers in her own garden as well as parks and gardens that she visits. Audrey paints in oils, acrylics, watercolour and mixed media.

Her subject matter ranges from beautiful floral work, like the image shown, to Butterflies, wildlife and people and animal portraits. Audrey also has some of her unique hand-made jewellery in her gallery.

I particularly love this oil painting. I love the way Audrey ahs utilised a combination of soft and harder edges, as well as lighting, to highlight the poppy.

To see more of Audrey's paintings and jewellery, click HERE

Our Facebook page....

Hello Folks,
We have just set up a Facebook Gallery "Fan" page. We'd be delighted if you would like to become a Fan....and join in on some of the discussions.....let us see some of your own art, if you paint/make/create....in any media or form.
Join in, lets create a community.....help, share and support each other. Art can be such an isolating profession. We get wrapped up in our work and often find we dont have time to spend with friends, or to network.....well, this just might be the perfect way to connect with other like-minded individuals.....so "welcome aboard"
Sign into your facebook page and do a search for the Affordable British Art Gallery.....or, click on the link to the right...at the top of the links area.

Artist of The Week - Michelle Gibbs

This week we have Michelle Gibbs as our Artist of the Week. Michelle says:

"Art is my life, and always has been. I have a GNVQ in advanced art and design, and a degree in Interior Design. Painting from a studio at home, I tend to be working on several projects simultaneously. Often returning to a piece trying something new and inspiring. Each design has something different and unique about it, making it a one off.
I have travelled the world, visiting inspiring places such as New York, Australia, Fiji, Thailand, Singapore, and New Zealand. Many of my inspirations are evident in my work. Colours mimic a time or a place.
From the blues and greens of the great barrier reef in Australia, to the orange and reds of the Fijian sunsets, travelling has brought vibrancy and energy into my work, through the unique combinations of colour and texture I am able to express my experiences and share them in a contemporary and abstract form. It is my aim to transform a space from a basic and simple room, into one filled with energy, inspiration, dedication and light"

Click HERE to see more of Michelle's paintings on Affordable British Art

Good Luck....

....with the Exhibition Steven. Hope the first day went well.
For those of you who are close enough to visit the exhibition, it is at:

Bakewell Arts & Design,
Rutland mill,
Coombs road, Bakewell

from the 18th of september onwards.

Open weekdays, 10am-5pm.

Artist of The Week - Steven Montgomery

The Artist of the Week this week is Steven Montgomery. Steven is an abstract artist who enjoys working on large scale canvases. The painting shown is one of his "smaller" works - but at 76cmx50cm it is nonetheless a substantial painting....made moreso by the sculptural use of texture on the canvas. Steven's work often makes use of texture....usually of multiple layers of paint, and it wouldn't be unusual to find hundreds of pounds worth of paint extravagently used on one canvas. I particularly love this painting....it's called "Too Busy To Notice"....and is a depiction of a beautiful sunset over the ocean. Something which most people don't seem to have the time to take to notice of nowadays. It is done in Steven's scraped & scultured style,which gives it a 3D effect, standing proud of the canvas. This approach gives it a tactile quality which viewers just have to touch - thereby forcing the viewer to stop and interact with that which they usually miss.

To see more of Steven's artworks on Affordable British Art, click HERE

Artist of The Week - Trevor Ferguson

Well...once again we have Trevor Ferguson as our Artist of the week. I had a wander through Trevor's work on Affordable British Art and my eye was drawn to this one:

I love the mens' expressions as they studiously examine the wine and savour the anticipation of that first sampling. There's also an element of pride and satisfaction in their expressions....suggesting they may have been involved in the production of this particular bottle of red.

Its a fantastic painting - very well composed and expertly executed.

To see more of Trevor's paintings on Affordable British Art, click HERE

Artist of The Week - Paul Dixon

This week, our Artist of the week is Paul Dixon. Paul paints in most media - oils, watercolours, acrylics and pastels and never one to feel pigeon-holed, tackles most subjects - landscape, seascape, cityscape, portraiture, still life, fantasy, surrealism and abstract.

He has previously exhibited at the Ferrens Art Gallery, Hull, the Leeds City Art Gallery, Y.T.V. Studios, Leeds, the West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds and the Art Shows at Ilkley where he was a prize winning artist who was elected a Companion of the International Guild of Artists. He was a regular exhibitor at the Valley Gardens Art Exhibitions in Harrogate and the Original Art Exhibitions at Addingham, Nr Ilkley, West Yorkshire. He has also had two paintings reproduced as limited edition prints.

He has completed various commissions in landscape and portraiture and has work in private collections as far afield as Italy, Germany, America and Canada.

I particularly like Paul's modern day street scenes, like the one shown here....they are so reminiscent of this time - a little slice of our lifetime, recorded in a painting....and in the future, will be a notable record of days gone by. A good investment, methinks.

Click HERE to see more of Paul's work on the Affordable British Art gallery

Boob-tiful - Unique Charity painting Auction

Boob-tiful - this is a unique painting - orchestrated by artist Diane Jennings.Diane explains:
"This painting has been created by a load of good sports in a little caravan on a campsite in Bidford on Avon using only their breasts and some paint! It was Lynnes 52nd birthday and that was the reason for the meet. As the organiser of the meet is a survivor of breast cancer we decided to raise money for this cause. It was a surreal evening creating the painting-most of the ladies had never met before but were all prepared to get their boobs out and paint or be painted for Breakthrough Breast Cancer research .The resulting work of art is beautiful. 3 of the ladies who have contributed are survivors of this dreadful illness and used their affected breast to do the print.The youngest 'artist was just 7 and the oldest was 64.The young ones have gone away with the knowledge of why it was done and are now breast aware which cant be bad. The painting is for sale on Ebay because I thought we have the greatest chance of raising the most money for the cause-please take a look and spread the word-breast cancer touches most of us in one form or another in our lives. the number of the painting is 250488697145 IT HAS STARTED AT JUST 99P SO PLEASE BID .just copy and paste it into the search bar of ebay and spread the word! "
What a fantastic idea, by a very brave group of women.....I hope it raises lots of money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research.
Click here to view the auction for this painting, and perhaps even bid
...and there's also more photos of the women involved.

Artist of The Week - Helen Davison

This week, our Artist of the Week is Helen Davison. Helen is a professional, contemporary artist from East Yorkshire specialising in acrylic abstracts on canvas.

Of all of Helen's work, I happen to love this one.....there's something quite "hopeful" about it.....perhaps it's the promise of the new growth, or just the suggestion of potential ......but whatever it is, it makes me think of the future...what's to come....and reminds me of the potential within us all.

Click HERE to see more of Helen's work on Affordable British Art

Artist of The Week - Ros Callander

Well....it had to happen sooner or later.....the Artist of the Week this week is none other than....yours truely. As well as maintining this blog, I am a professional, exhibiting artist. I paint mainly sunset paintings, seascapes and landscapes and my art has been described as “arresting and atmospheric”. However, I dont like to be tied to one genre of work, so I occasionally also do portraiture. My main love, however is nature and it’s influences on my native Scotland.
For as long as I can remember, I have enjoyed drawing and painting. As a young girl, my passion for horses led me to drawing animals, and from there to drawing children and adults. My favourite mediums by far are acrylics, oils, watercolours and pencil drawings.
I hold a number of group and solo exhibitions throughout the year at various venues, one of which was opened by the (at the time) current Miss UK - Nicola Jolly. This was featured in the local area broadsheet/press. I have exhibited throughout Scotland and also in London, Paris and Berlin. I have had work photographed for Interior Design magazines - the latest of which was the prestigious "Homes & Interiors Scotland" magazine (Issue 43) and "25 Beautiful Homes", leading to a marked increase in interest in my work both in Scotland and throughout the UK.

I now live in the picturesque North East of Scotland, in a small rural coastal village, having previously lived and worked both in London and Southampton.
Being witness to rugged coastal scenery, stunning sunsets, sunrises and the breathtakingly beautiful Aurora is inspiration for many of my paintings, and I love to inject warmth, light and atmosphere into my work.
I feel very privileged to know that a piece of art which I have poured my heart and soul into creating, finds it's own place in the hearts of other people"

Artist of The Week - Tony Broadbent

This week's Artist of the week is Tony Broadbent. Tony Broadbent is a Contemporary Artist who paints mainly abstract, figurative and traditional art in all media. Tony's work is best displayed on plain colour large expanse walls and is suitable for both minimalist and featured positioning. Highly collectible, his work has been recognised as a departure from the mundane.
I have known Tony for a number of years now, and watched as his art has developed through various stages.....but I have to say that despite the many works of his that I like ..... but I always keep coming back to this one. It's called October 2003. To me, there's something in the painting which draws you in......definately one of my favourites.

To see more of Tony's work click HERE

Artist of The Week - John Boyle

The artist of the week, this week, is John Boyle. John is predominantly a portrait artist.....and a talented one at that. He has become a respected and established artist in his local area, gaining press coverage by hosting a one man portrait exhibition and taking part in group/collective art shows. He paints in a variety of styles using mainly Acrylic and Oil paints. The majority of his commisions these days come mainly for portraiture work, where he paints the subjects from photographs.
John has always been interested in Art from a young age, and continued his interest as a hobby throughout his adult life. Now, finding more time, he has been able to
commit himself more to his art and has sold paintings both locally and abroad. John will now be taking part in regular exhibitions where his work can be viewed and bought.
If you are looking for a truly original purchase, whether as a Birthday, anniversary or Wedding gift, John would be happy to consider a commission. Why not have a look at his work.....

click HERE to see his gallery on Affordable British Art.....and if you like the painting of the bride and groom above, why not have a look at how John painted it by viewing his Work In Progress feature on the site.
Click HERE to see John's Work In Progress feature.

Chernobyl Children's project

I had a painting session this afternoon with some children from Belarus, who are in the UK on holiday with the Chernobyl Children's project......it was particularly challenging for me as they did not speak English, and although their host parent was there, for some reason the Interpreter wasn't.....so...basically, we had to do most of it by sign language...and a very small smattering of the odd spoken word.

However, they all seemed to enjoy themselves and painted some rather lovely little Highland calves....and of course, when it came time to take the photos, the childrens' sense of fun kicked in.....and this was the (spontaeous) result:

If you are interested in finding out more about the charity, and perhaps how you can help.....have a look on the website:
Click HERE for the Chernobyl Childrens' Project

This wekk's Artist of the Week is Jeannie Zelos. Jeannie is a professional, contemporary artist who lives and works in Norfolk. Jeannie says:
"I was born and still live in North Norfolk; beautiful scenery full of traditional woodlands, vast beaches and huge skies. Why move?!
I've been painting for a number of years now and extending my repertoire of materials as time progresses and I delve further into the world of art.I describe my style as naive, and myself as a Colourist. My work has very vibrant colour ranges, often not what you would expect but it works!
Art can be a solitary pursuit and since 2006 I've been running a free arts forum for artists and people interested in art, just type my name and forum into google and you'll find it. I've learned so much from other artists there, and hopefully we have all benefited from contact with others.
I paint in a variety of mediums from watercolours through to encaustic, a method used over 2,000 years ago. For me art is a journey and by not restricting myself to one media I have the freedom to take my art to a range of possibilities. Over the last few years I have extended my experience via personal study and professional tuition and now use watercolours, soft pastels, oil pastels, acrylics, oils, and latest is the encaustic (beeswax) paints. I'm currently using the encaustics most of the while, seeking to reach the very essence of the subject through pure abstraction, and find that the beeswax - maybe because its such an organic material- works really well for this."
Of all the varied subjects and styles Jeannie shows in her gallery, I think this one above has to be one of my favourites.....it resonates with me....perhaps because I'm a garden lover....or perhaps becuse I love the colours in it....whatever it is.....I love it.....hope you enjoy Jeannie's art too.
Click HERE to see Jeannies work on her Affordable british Art gallery .

Holiday time.....

.....yes, it's that season again...and we are not long home from ours. We went touring in our caravan this year...around Scotland.....mainly on the west coast. Here are a few photos of our trip:

We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and would definitely do this again...it was a fantastic break...and the weather, although overcast at times, was kind to us. It only really rained one evening and through the night twice...the days were dry enough to allow us to do some sightseeing and to let hubby and son go hillwalking.

Artist of The Week - Cherie Sullivan

The artist of the week this week is Cherie Sullivan. Taking a virtual walk through Cherie's Affordable British Art gallery is a feast for the eyes......and definitely gets the old gastric juices going. Just look at these cherries.....they look so moist and juicy they're making me hungry.

Cherie Sullivan is a contemporary Scottish artist.
Her bold, distinctive, vibrant works are influenced by colour and nature. Preferring to work from photographs, rather than from life, Cherie can often be found photographing flowers and fruit. Some of these photos then, in turn, inspire her paintings. Working with acrylics, oils or in mixed media on box canvas, Cherie’s paintings are a bright and vivid representation of the natural world around us.
Cherie exhibits across Scotland, and has many works in private collections around the world. NHS Fife recently purchased 4 of Cherie’s paintings to be displayed in the Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline.

Cherie says:
“I enjoy taking macro shots of flower centres…these interesting photographs are often semi abstract by nature. I like to concentrate on their stamens, cropping the photos to get exactly the image I want. Once cropped, these images then form the basis for my paintings.
For my fruity paintings I use the same process, but tend to concentrate on the negative spaces between the fruits.”

To see more of Cherie's artworks, click HERE

Artist of The Week - Naomi Rae

The Artist of the Week this week has been Naomi Rae. Naomi grew up in an artistic family in the thriving art colony of St. Ives and drawing and painting has always been part of Naomi's life. A move to New Zealand provided the opportunity to develop her skills and on her return to St Ives she began painting full time. Although abstract in form, and painted in the studio, the canvases originate from close-up photographs of the surrounding landscape. Naomi is drawn to her subjects by texture and colour; surfaces that have decayed and weathered, such as peeling paint, rotting wood and corroding metal. Back in the studio these photographs provide the basis for the finished pieces. Acrylic is sometimes combined with stitching and textile work, to produce vibrant and textured canvases.
To see more of Naomi's work click HERE

Artist of The Week - Nick Pilatis

Our new Artist of the week is Nick Pilatis. Nick was educated to the level of "Doctor of Philosophy" in Engineering Science....and he says of his work "the push for creative thinking and innovation constitute two of the major components of my character. The need of self-expression through oil paintings appeared rather unexpectedly in 2004 and the result was the painting of "Nike (Victory) and its many forms". Painting has now become an obsession of mine. Being self taught, I have been inspired by the brush strokes of Van Gogh, the concepts and shapes of Picasso, the expressionism of El Greco and romanticism of Delacroix. "

Of all Nick's figurative works , I think my favourite is the one shown - appropriately named "The Suffering". For me...the handling of colour, tone and the texture of the brush strokes all help to describe the feeling of the piece in what is essentially a very simple composition....very emotive.

To see more of Nick's work on the Affordable British Art gallery, click here

Update on the Jamtastic Painting......

(Theo Pahitas, Lindi Kirwin & Richard Duerr)

Well, I thought you folks might like to know the outcome of the charity auction for Lindi Kirwin's jamtastic painting "Manchester Preserved". The auction ended last night with the winning bid of £5,000 by the painting's new owner, Theo Paphitas (of Dragon's Den fame).
What a fantastic purchase he's made, and a fantastic amount to have been raised for the charity.
Well done to everyone involved.

Artist of The Week - Kosana Marton

Artist of the week is Kosana Marton. Kosana is a Scottish artist based in Fife. Originally from East Kilbride, she studied art and design in Glasgow after completing her secondary education and, after a break from the arts, returned to study fine art at Edinburgh College of Art in 1991.

She takes her inspiration from nature; surroundings, colour, light and texture all play a part in helping her to create contemporary paintings using acrylic, mixed media and watercolour. Her subject matter varies dependent on her mood at the time, ranging from landscapes to abstract. She also enjoys figurative work.

She doesn’t work from sketch books, preferring to work from reality, photographs or memories. Her paintings start as a rough idea in her mind’s eye when a basic colour palette is also decided. However, from that point on, the rest of the painting evolves spontaneously on the canvas until completion.

Kosana has her work in private collections throughout the UK, Europe, USA and New Zealand. The NHS also purchased 9 paintings for permanent display the Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline. She exhibits throughout the year at various venues/galleries.

Click here to see more of Kosana's work on Affordable British Art

Absolutely Jamtastic......

.....one of our artists, Lindi Kirwin has been busy producing an unusual painting for charity. Working with Duerr's jams and sauces, Lindi has managed to come up with this beauty:

Its a painting of Manchester's Central Library and is entitled "Manchester Preserved". The painting will be auctioned to raise money for Manchester Children's Hospital, which is now the largest children's hospital in Europe!!
Some of you might have heard of booth hall and pendlebury hospitals...well they amalgamated into this new hospital and they started transfering their poorly children over last week into the new hospital. Here's a Youtube Video of Lindi talking about her experience of painting with Duerr's products.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYHaiHCNoR4&feature=channel_page

If you would like to bid for this high profile, original artwork, which has been initiated by the "Dragon's Den's" Theo Paphitas, it is being auctioned to raise funds for the Hospital, on ebay....here's the link.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Manchester-Preserved-jamtastic-charity-painting_W0QQitemZ220440533335QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Art_OtherArt_RL?hash=item3353479957&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1683%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

Congratulations to Lindi for coming up with such an original work of art.....and here's hoping it raises lots of money for the Children's Hospital.

Click here to view Lindi's work on Affordable British Art

Love is in the air......

....for one of our Artists, Angie Gow and her new husband Jim Livingstone.

The new Mr & Mrs Livingstone were married on 12th June 2009....and as the photo shows, it looks like the sun shined down on the fortunate.

We would like to take this opportunity to send our congratulations to the newly-weds, and our best wishes for a very happy future together.

You can see some of the new Mrs Livingstone's work on Affordable British Art. But just for Angie & Jim....here's my (very appropriate) favourite:

Although she hasn't yet changed her name from Gow to Livingstone, just click here to see some of Angie's work

Our new Artist of the week is Claire Losada.
Claire says about her art:
"I use my art as a vehicle to convey my emotional states and well being, through use of colour and application of chosen media. Vivid hues translate to give a representation of moods that enlighten the onlooker, where no explanation is necessary.

The paintings, of varying subject matter are set to convey messages through the very essence of their simplicity. The use of subdued ochre hues, appear unsettling purely through the use of colour but a sunset or a sunrise can depict a sense of harmony and serenity and an enviable state of emotion.

These paintings are intended to communicate and reach out to the onlooker, invoking a real emotion. At that moment they are influenced by the artwork, it is having an effect on their mood and state of mind. It is communicating with the onlooker by the very essence of its existence, borne from the emotions and mood of its creator.

The vehicle of paint has been used as a way of expressing myself and venting emotions experienced through the stresses of everyday life. Experiencing a roller coaster of emotions, I sought a vehicle for communicating and retaining my sanity that turned sometimes negative emotions, into something productive and positive.

Some of us have seen sanity, if only in a vision but for me, my vision is communicated through my work."

See more of Claire's art on Affordable British Art by clcicking HERE

Our Group on LinkedIn

Well, we've started the Affordable British Art group on LinkedIn. We hope to be able to use it as a networking group, and also as a discussion/advice group. Its a chance for artists, art lovers and gallery owners to meet, exchange views and generally get to know each other.
Why not have a look, and we would be delighted if you were to join.....it's free, it'll be interesting, and, no....it's not just another Facebook. It's a more serious way to get your work out there if you are an artist, and a better opportunity for networking with other artists and thise interested in art.
You could simply got to the main website and do a seasrch for Affordable British Art , or you can click on this link to go direct to the group: Affordable British Art on LinkedIn

Look forward to meeting you and getting to know you better.

Artist of The Week - Lindi Kirwin

Our artist of the week this week is Lindi Kirwin. Lindi's contemporary paintings are inspired by many of the Old Masters, and of today’s artists, Jenny Saville, and in contrast to her style, Pino Daeni. Egon Schiele is also a firm favourite for inspiration.

Lindi’s paintings hold a broad spectrum of content and mixed media, from her passion of figurative work which is tastefully provocative and sensual, to her dry-brush acrylic [with no water] land and seascapes, to her humorous illustrations. She uses her photos and sketches for reference and is also inspired by proverbs, quotes, poetry text, which she will successfully interpret into abstract paintings.
I particularly like this painting of Lindi's...it's called "Bald Crouching Man" .

To see more of Lindi's work on Affordable British Art, click here

Artist of The Week - Diane Jennings

Diane Jennings is a self-taught, ptofessional artist who has work in private collections all over the world. She says: "I am in the process of painting several series of paintings-my ''monochrome collection'' which speaks for itself consists mainly of birch tree scenes which have proved very , very popular over the past year and my ''Manic Collection''which consists of brightly coloured designs on a black background.
The latest of this collection "Get A Wobble On" has been featured in an interior design magazine, House and Home Ideas magazine April 2008 edition.
I work in several different mediums including oil, acrylic and encaustic wax and love to paint bright, bold paintings to brighten any wall, although I also paint quieter,calmer, more relaxing paintings too!
I am at my happiest when creating art,to see the painting develop before me is exciting each and every time! To be creative is the very essence of who I am and it is my passion! "

Diane also teaches oil painting to beginners, and you can see more of her work by clicking HERE, with some pictures of her art classes HERE

Artist of The Week - Amanda Hunt

Our new Artist of the Week is Amanda Hunt.
Amanda is a contemporary Artist who has a real passion for all forms of painting and drawing.
She paints from her studio in the Berkshire countryside and started exhibiting her work in the summer of 2005.
Since then Amanda’s work has been attracting international attention as well as considerable interest throughout the UK. To date her paintings have been bought by collectors in America, Canada, South Africa and Singapore as well throughout Europe and the UK. I particularly like the atmosphere in this painting....the lone tree, bearing witness to the end of the day......there's something very comforting about it.
To see more of Amanda's work on Affordable British Art, click HERE.

Artist of The Week - Gaynor Henaghan

The Artist of the Week on the Affordable British Art gallery is Gaynor Henaghan. Gaynor says: "Art is my passion, as well as my full time career. I was born, live and paint in sunny Yorkshire, UK.
I paint both contemporary and more traditional pieces, depending on the mood and what is influencing me at the time! My main inspiration is colour, light and structure, although ideas often come from the most unexpected places - from facial expressions to the spoken word... you'd be amazed!
I work a great deal with texture as it gives a whole new dimension to the artwork itself - capturing the visual aspect but also making you want to feel it - I love the fact that my work can be open to different interpretation by each person that views it - it can be endless, which is what I aim to achieve in my abstract work.

Click HERE to view more of Gaynor's original textured abstract work, and some of her figurative work on Affordable British Art

Fascinating.....

stuff......well, I think it is....see what you think:
One of our resident artists, Diane Jennings, runs regular art classes and she sent me some pictures of a rather unusual class she had recently. This particular class contained a Grandmother and Grand-daughter and it was just fascinating to see the results. Needless to say, both enjoyed themselves immensly and are justifiably proud of their respective results.....so here they are, have a look for yourself and see if you are as surprised as I was:

Diane says "I can teach almost anyone to paint, all they need to be able to do is hold a paintbrush, listen and follow my direction"

...very impressive results.....I wonder what the 7yr old girl's school teacher said??

If you are interested in learning to paint, then click HERE to view the details of Di's classes

Artist of The Week - Rosie Harper

This weeks Artist of the week is Rosie Harper who is a published, professional British artist, now living and working in beautiful New Zealand. She says "I have been very fortunate in my artistic career and bless every day that I can pick up my brushes and create beautiful things in a sometimes ugly world. My work was published in Society Magazine in USA in 2005 on 3 occasions with my art as their front cover. I have several private collectors around the world with some of them owning up to 10 pieces. I work in a mainly Art Deco style with some Art Nouveau and Surrealism mixed in for good measure and I tend to go for bright and colourful with lots of detail rather than dark and sombre. Most of my pieces are large and are meant to own any wall they are placed upon. On average, these artworks take anything from 3 months to a year to complete as most are created in oil. The process also involves sketching the idea in Silverpoint and then applying the paint in layers, allowing the paint to dry thoroughly to enable a protective coat of varnish to be applied at the end. Because of the nature of my style, I use imagery from the Art Deco period together with my own interpretation. All of my ladies are based upon imagination, apart from my commissions, so if you have an idea for an artwork, please contact me to discuss. The limit is your own imagination. " Click HERE to see more of Rosie's work on Affordable British Art

Artist of The Week - Audrey Greaves

This week's Artist of the week is Audrey Greaves. Of her work, Audrey says: "I was born and live in West Yorkshire, England and am self-taught having attended life-drawing classes for 2 years and was a member of an Art Club for eight years.

I began painting seriously in 1992 after joining an Art Club. I enjoy painting landscapes, flowers, wild life, portraits and pet portraits. Recently I have been doing abstract and naive paintings. My inspiration is found in the English landscape as well as scenes from abroad. I am also inspired by flowers in my own garden as well as parks and gardens that I visit. I paint in oils, acrylics, watercolour and mixed media."

Click HERE to see more of Audrey's work on Affordable British Art

Cats' Alert.....I love this

As I often do when I have some time on my hands, I was wandering around the gallery and spotted this painting by Eileen Frost - it is called "Cats' Alert". As an animal lover, I love cats...and dogs. We currently have 2 rescue greyhounds and until 3 months ago, had a much-loved cat called Sam. Sam was 25 when we had to have him put to sleep following a stroke.....he was a real character, who ruled the greyhounds with an iron claw.

When I saw Eileen's light-hearted painting, it just reminded me of how "Alert" Sam was....especially when he was on "Greyhound-watch".

This is a very bright and cheerful little painting and would brighten up any dark corner. Click HERE to see more of Eileen's artworks....not only does she paint, but a lot of her work has been published and made into coasters, table mats, trays etc....why not have a look.

Artist of the Week - Michelle Gibbs

This weeks Artist of the Week is Michelle Gibbs.
Michelle says about her work " All my work has been created from imagination and experience.Art is my life, and always has been. I have a GNVQ in advanced art and design, and a degree in Interior Design. Painting from a studio at home, I tend to be working on several projects simultaneously. Often returning to a piece trying something new and inspiring. Each design has something different and unique about it, making it a one off.I have travelled the world, visiting inspiring places such as New York, Australia, Fiji, Thailand, Singapore, and New Zealand. Many of my inspirations are evident in my work. Colours mimic a time or a place.From the blues and greens of the great barrier reef in Australia, to the orange and reds of the Fijian sunsets, travelling has brought vibrancy and energy into my work, through the unique combinations of colour and texture I am able to express my experiences and share them in a contemporary and abstract form. It is my aim to transform a space from a basic and simple room, into one filled with energy, inspiration, dedication and light.

I think you'll agree that her paintings are indeed vibrant and energetic.
Click HERE to see more of Michelle's work.

Bank Holiday weekend

Well, after a fantastic Bank Holiday weekend, it's back to the wheel......we had mostly fine weather - occasional, but brief, light rain showers - but mostly sunny. We went to Pitlochry and Blair Atholl for the weekend - and what beautiful scenery there was.....lots and lots of inspiration for paintings.
There were loads of new lambs jumping and frollicking about, and some utterly gorgeous new Higland Cow calves in the fields near where we were staying. So gorgeous in fact, that I just had to draw one....so watch this space and I'll upload a photo of it when I've unpacked the camera.
Hope your Bank Holiday was as relaxing and inspirational as ours was.

Artist of the Week - Trevor Ferguson

This week's Artist of the Week is Trevor Ferguson. Trevor says "I was born & brought up on the north east coast of England but now live in West Yorkshire. Having had a number of careers in the past – engineering draughtsman, bank official, school teacher and even some time in the military (Parachute Regiment) I am now able to indulge in my passion for painting which has now become my full time occupation – that and framing my own works and those of fellow artists.I work nowadays in Alkyd oil which I find suits my style – acrylics dry too quickly for me and regular oils don’t let me get on with a piece as quickly as I would like.I am fascinated by people – faces and postures. I create scenes and pictures by using a number of photographs for inspiration & reference – moving people around until I can compose a layout which tells a story and maybe with some humour and lots of new things to find at each viewing of the painting."
Click HERE to view Trevors work on Affordable British Art

end of another week...........

.....and the weekend is just beginning. We've had a lovely week weather-wise.....Spring has definitely sprung and there's optimism in the air.

I've been having another look at Carol's gallery......and have decided that this one of my favourites:

It's called "Sitting in Blue". I love Carol's handling of what is a classic figurative pose. It's beautifully lit from the side and the technique she has used for the figure has a very fluid feel to it, and suggests a degree of movement.....despite the figure being seated and still. The surface of the figure almost has a metallic feel to it.

Have a look at Carol's gallery by clicking HERE......and have a fantastic weekend. :-)