breathing space …

 

Breathing space, Mixed-media on paper. © Mari French 2016

Breathing space, Mixed-media on paper. © Mari French 2016

 
This past few months I’ve been painting madly away in my studio in preparation for two solo shows coming up soon. 

The first, entitled ‘Breathing Space’, will be at Anteros Arts Foundation in Norwich, in the main gallery, from 3rd to 14th May, and is a varied show including some of my new works, a few of which are shown here, alongside several existing favourites.

My second show, entitled ‘Salt & Sand’, will be at The Grapevine Gallery in Burnham Market, north Norfolk, and will solely consist of work inspired by the creeks, reedbeds and marshes of the wild expanse of the Norfolk Saltmarsh coast, where, as you may know from many posts on this blog, I spend a lot of time walking and sketching.

I think it’s clear that I’ve been putting into practice some of the mark-making techniques I learnt at the Emily Ball workshop back in January!

 

Pools of light, mixed-media on paper, © Mari French 2016

Pools of light, mixed-media on paper. Mari French 2016

 
  

salt and sand…

Saltmarsh series, mixed-media on canvas board. © Mari French

Saltmarsh series, mixed-media on canvas board. © Mari French

… happily working on the Saltmarsh series. Well, sometimes I’m happy, other times I’m cursing with frustration! 

Today was a calm, happy painting day.

Some of these works are for my upcoming solo show at Creake Abbey, North Norfolk, where Fineline Frames are hosting a selection of my work (which they have beautifully framed). It runs from 5th September onwards for the month.

Saltmarsh series, mixed-media on canvas. © Mari French

Saltmarsh series, mixed-media on canvas. © Mari French

Meanwhile, I’ve been invited by a contemporary Edinburgh venue, The Sutton Gallery on Dundas Street in the vibrant New Town district, to show four works, three of which are from the new Saltmarsh series. These will be on view as part of their mixed summer show, which runs from 4th to 29th August 2015 and coincides with the Edinburgh Festival.

Saltmarsh series, mixed-media on canvas board. © Mari French

Saltmarsh series, mixed-media on canvas board. © Mari French


Saltmarsh series, mixed-media on canvas board. © Mari French

Saltmarsh series, mixed-media on canvas board. © Mari French


Saltmarsh series, mixed-media on watercolour board. © Mari French

Saltmarsh series, mixed-media on watercolour board. © Mari French

 

art fair east …

 

Art Fair East 2015

Our stand at Art Fair East 2015

I’ve just had an exciting and enjoyable few days sharing a stand at the first Art Fair East, in the impressive setting of one of Norwich’s many ancient buildings … St Andrew’s Halls. 

It was great to meet so many friendly visitors, artists and gallery owners. Despite the glorious weather and the many charms of this beautiful medieval city, the public just kept pouring in. The opening night was particularly busy with a great buzz about it.

Art Fair East 2015

Art Fair East 2015 opening night

I shared the stand with artists Heather TamplinHelen HerbertAlan Mansfield and Gavin Morris. Although our artwork styles were very different and fitting the five of us into a rather tight space was a challenge, I think it came together well and thanks are due to the lovely Heather Tamplin for organising us all.

© Alan Mansfield

© Alan Mansfield


© Helen Herbert

© Helen Herbert

There was a great feeling of camaraderie among many of the artists, chatting and swapping contact details and tips. Amongst the many inspiring artworks I was really impressed by the landscape pieces of artists Alex McIntyre and Paul Hird in particular.

The organisers, Will Teather and Brian Korteling, both accomplished artists, did an amazing job in instigating and putting the whole fair together.

Art Fair East 2015

Art Fair East 2015

 

© Heather Tamplin

© Heather Tamplin

 

Gavin Morris's sculptural lights

Gavin Morris’s sculptural lights