A sneak peak behind-the-scenes of Performers in Paint
My exhibition collaborator Susie Nathanson and I were interviewed by Riverside Radio. Click here to listen.
In the recording studio...
PREPARING OUR EXHIBITION
As we countdown to our forthcoming art exhibition, my wonderful friend and fellow portrait and performer-inspired artist Susie Nathanson and I have been working hard to bring you an unforgettable art experience as we exhibit together for the first time as part of the Wandsworth Arts Fringe.
The artworks
Susie has had her head down for the last few weeks putting the finishing touches to a number of partially finished digital paintings of performers - some of which have been inspired by the variety acts of the Edinburgh Fringe, a city in which she studied art, and others by fellow tutors at London-based Incognito Dance.
Meanwhile I've been making a special selection of my traditional oil paintings and mixed media artworks created during my permanent residency at the legendary music venue, the Half Moon Putney, which this year celebrates 60 years of live music.
Curation
As our pictures will appear side-by-side Susie and I are conscious we have to decide not only which artworks we wish to show but the dialogue we wish them to have with the other artist's work.
The two of us are consummate storytellers, each with our own distinct style. Susie often incorporates objects and symbolic references in her paintings, which tell the subject’s story. And, as a former print journalist and BBC/Sky News PR, I often combine figurative imagery with words and a strong sense of colour to bring my subject’s story to life.
I love painting celebrities but, for me, the up and coming are just as interesting. My focus is more on capturing the fleeting moment where the performance mask slips in front of a live audience - perhaps to recover from a broken guitar string. And I enjoy exploring an artist's stage persona - when they engage with the audience, perhaps invite them to sing along, or exchange glances with band members to keep the band on track and tight.
The poster
It's a good thing we're artists so we can ensure the feel of our show is reflected in all our materials - including this poster which features a preview of the early days of a special collaborative piece we have created exclusively for the exhibition.
It"s an artwork that joins, via a W-shaped rope, two different buskers which have inspired us - mine from Brighton and Susie's from Edinburgh.
Mine I have painted previously large scale in acrylic. Click here to view.
Our digital painting of The Slackrope Walker
Passionate art collectors - this is for you!
The slackrope walkers are surrounded by music with a reminder of the town it in which the artwork is to be first exhibited - Putney. And the occasion: The Wandsworth Arts Fringe. The signpost reminds viewers that they are looking at the work of London artists, inspired by buskers plying their trade in both Brighton and Edinburgh.
All artworks featured will be available for sale.
WORKSHOP DETAILS
As a loyal follower this special discount code that will get you 20% off the workshop ticket prices - all you need to do is enter, where prompted, the code:
LOYALFOLLOWERS
Spaces are limited so do book early to avoid disappointment.
A DANCE & COSTUME THEMED LIFE DRAWING WORKSHOP
Saturday 24th June
14.00-16.00 pm
Putney Library Hall, Putney Library
Tickets £12 [£10 concessions].
To book click here
A special dance & costume themed life drawing workshop, expect dynamic and powerful poses!
No previous drawing experience required. Attendees should bring a hard carboard-backed A3 sketch pad. All other materials will be provided.
SALSA DANCING, BEGINNERS WORKSHOP
Thursday 22nd June
17.30 - 19.30 pm
Putney Library Hall, Putney Library
Tickets £12 [£10 concessions]
To book click here
PUBLIC OFFER: Buy two tickets and save 10% using the code
BRINGAFRIEND
Your perfect introduction to Salsa Dancing. This fun & friendly workshop, designed for beginners, will teach you a range of basic salsa steps, which will build into a simple sequence, ideal for moving to music and social dancing.
Some light refreshments will be provided. No previous dance experience required, just a willingness to learn!
BEHIND THE SCENES WITH SUSIE AND STELLA
29th June 2023
18.00 – 19.00 pm
Putney Library, Exhibition Space
Tickets free.
To book RSVP here
A talk that goes behind the scenes of Stella & Susie’s art practice, where they explain why performers attract them as a subject matter, the different ways they access performances, and the methods they use to capture them in paint.
Places are limited, please RSVP if you would like to attend, quoting WAF2023 in the subject line.
The Wandsworth Arts Fringe (WAF) takes place from 9th-25th July 2023. Since 2010 WAF has brought together hundreds of creatives each year to provide theatre, comedy, music concerts, experimental performance art, outdoor art extravaganzas – and art exhibitions.
Susie and me at the launch of the Wandsworth Arts Fringe 2023 recording a piece to camera about our exhibition.
I hope you've enjoyed reading news of Susie and my forthcoming exhibition - and can come along and see it, take part in our workshops, and listen to our talk.
Do put the PV date - Thursday 15 June - in your diary. We're very much looking forward to seeing you!
If you intend to pop in during the exhibition instead, do follow me on my social media for updates on when I'll be at the library.