London Group shows, Cambridge Open Studios, Expanded Print residency

As I write this I'm on the train, on the way to Dublin, where I'll be taking up the Expanded Print Residency at Graphic Studio Dublin. Both exciting and a little daunting to be heading to a new studio to work with Master Printmakers on a new etching/animation project. I'll let you know how it goes, and do let me know if you're in Dublin over the next couple of weeks and want to meet up for some plein-air drawing or painting.

At the Midsummer Fair #1, etching with aquatint, 28x21cm (image size)

Back in London, the etching above is showing at two shows this month - the Royal Society of British Artists Rising Stars show at the Royal Overseas League (on until 9th July), and the New English Art Club's annual exhibtion at Mall Galleries. For the latter you can see the work online at https://buyart.mallgalleries.org.uk/current-exhibition/, and also let me know if you want to attend the private view on 12th June - there is a lot of cool work there - I've got a couple of spare tickets.

The etching is quite a special one to me. The central figure is inspired by an old photo I found of a woman selling souvenirs at the Giant's Causeway, while the setting is based on drawings from Cambridge's Midsummer Fair. It is a very small edition (because the aquatint tones are very subtle and delicate), so if you want one you should move fairly quickly.

Open Studios in Cambridge

When I get back I'll be focusing on turning my small, Bacon-esque studio into a human-accessible space for Open Studios - a long Cambridge tradition where artitsts show work in their studios for the month of July. I'll be there for the first two weekends in July. I will have several etchings which will be on sale for the first time, as well as Cambridge scenes and some life drawings if there's an appetite.

I'm also getting my head down with a new series of paintings for an exhibition in October in London - will send details when I have them.

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Big Fun, oil on canvas, 50x60 cm