Bluey Butterflies...

Country Livin'

Portrait Prizes

Seems like it has come around ever so quickly this year... but back again and one of my fave exhibition's at one of my favourite places in London-the BP Portrait Award 2012  at The National Portrait Gallery  I absolutely love this exhibition as almost always the subject being immortalised on the canvas is someone close to the artist's heart. Children feature quite a lot, grandparents, lovers which tends to add a delicate quality and is just beautiful to see. The works on show range from the uber realistic photo-esq quality where I find myself millimeters away squinting to try to understand the process, to the more brushstroke heavy. Though this year I think there was more from the realism camp than the non.
 The self-portraits are always hugely interesting-particularly one painful looking one by Ben Ashton titled 'Linsey Lohan'...!!! -No further explanation necessary! A somewhat prettier image is by Richie Culver of his pal,apparently he wanted to capture his fellow artist friend's character... here below. Which I think in them there eyes is definitely a certain something... and for which he received Second Prize.

Anyway, GO because it is FREE and wonderful... and quite inspiring. I did attempt a self-portrait upon my arrival home and is looking like this,thus far-

... Hmm may just keep it as this 'un-finished' stage ala Nathan Ford with his Joachim piece (of his son), below. Really love it.

Cameras & Canopies

...Well it is july in England after-all! 

Though perhaps the bleakness added to the ambience of the scene that was being shot out my window, down below, through the geraniums and lavender... and back, back to the 1950's for 'Call The Midwife' earlier this week. Some familiar midwifery faces were certainly spied along with some adorable cheeky (no doubt faux) east-end kiddie ones! With their finest hand crafted gadgets I must add!