I thought it was a good time to do a round up of last year, we are over half way through January after all! I always find it helpful to look through and realise how much I've achieved. gilhoolie 2021 highlights went a bit like this (see images below from left to right): My workshop… Continue reading gilhoolie 2021 round up!
Tag: drawing
Linocut Workshop
Whenever I look at art I'm always drawn to prints - mostly screen prints and lino prints, it's something about the clean lines I think. So I still dream of one day being a proper artist who spends all day printing beautiful prints to sell. I kind of think I will one day, when life… Continue reading Linocut Workshop
How to – Machine Embroidery
Lock down has certainly given me lots of time to play and get back into things that take a little time, like machine embroidery. I love combining drawing with little tiny stitches, attaching pretty fabrics as I go. I start by drawing in my sketchbook in pencil. I'm lucky to have a garden and fields… Continue reading How to – Machine Embroidery
Arthur puppy is one!
It's Arthur puppy's first birthday this week, I can't believe how fast the last year has flown! Life has definitely changed and to anyone thinking about getting a dog, (well a miniature schnauzer at least as I don't have experience of any others) I would definitely say go for it. I can't think of any… Continue reading Arthur puppy is one!
Henley-on-Thames School of Art…
I discovered The Henley on Thames School of Art last year - when I was looking for something creative to do that fits around working and making lampshades.
Thank goodness I discovered it! What a lovely place it is! It's a warm, welcoming, sunlit studio at the back of Hart Street, with a little courtyard. You'd never know it was there, unless you spot the little sign at the entrance to the alleyway...
Greys Court, Henley…
We discovered this National Trust property quite a few years ago and have been going back regularly ever since. It is definitely one of my favourites - the house is quite small and incredibly homely; you can imagine the Brunner family living there. And the gardens (with it's ancient wisteria) are very English and beautiful, surrounded by lush rolling hills. Perfect for an escape from the hustle and bustle, with lunch or a cream tea in the lovely cowshed tearoom.
Pub crawl anyone?…
When I was younger people used to go on pub crawls quite a lot. Now the number of pubs in our towns is decreasing and being taken over by coffee shops and restaurants. I really like coffee shops but there’s nothing like a British pub; for a cosy night out in the winter and a great pub garden and a glass of Pimms in the summer.
Art on the Street…
Very quick blog post today I'm afraid. I'm not sure where the week has gone, feel like I'm on a bit of a roller-coaster really. But I didn't want to miss writing on here. It's so easy to get out of the habit so I must make sure I find time.
On a mission…
What a busy week. My mind has been buzzing with ideas for next month's Art on the Street so I spent the day yesterday working on that. Mostly looking at old house pictures I've drawn and playing around with Photoshop, great fun. I've realised I need to be structured with my time, so Thursdays are my day for art stuff and nothing else. It really works. I also feel like I achieved a lot this week - I managed to book a summer holiday (what a relief!), squeezed in lots of exercise and even did a bit of gardening.
My favourite local buildings…
I love old buildings, especially the fine details that architects used to incorporate and that are often missing from new builds.
I also love drawing old buildings. So it made sense to set myself a challenge to draw my favourite local ones as a personal drawing project. Something to do in between making lampshades, working part time and being a mum (not much time there then!)
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