Don't mention the "C" word!

It's peak season and the holiday makers are flooding into North Devon or should that be the holiday makers are flooded in North Devon? After a week of glorious sunshine a few down-pours haven't put off the stoical British tourist and, lets face it, whatever the weather what better place in the World would you want to be? Yes, visitor numbers to the region are down due to a combination of reasons, the desperate state of the economy, the numerous major sporting events this year (always seems to have an effect), not to mention the Olympics and, of course, the weather! It seems that even London (and Weymouth) is experiencing a massive down turn in regular visitors and businesses reliant on the tourist trade are suffering. Despite the tremendous performance by the British athletes perhaps the streets of London are not paved with gold, eh?

As I was saying, the summer season is in full swing which means a busy time at West Gallery and, of course, we are in the middle of our Summer Exhibition which runs until the end of August. If you've not been yet you're missing out, come and have a look and remember art is not only a good investment but therapy too! There, the answer to all your problems!

Now while your all enjoying the Summer Games, the beaches and the beautiful countryside here in North Devon, we are thinking ahead. I apologise in advance as I am about to mention the "C" word... yes, Christmas! What, bloody Christmas in August...! For those of you in advertising this will come as no surprise, familiar with snow, holly and bells whilst in your shorts and flip-flops. It's at this time of year we are planning what happens after the summer months.

The climax to the summer season is always the August bank holiday, the last hoorah before the kids go back to school and always the busiest time of year. In the autumn North Devon Arts will be having an exhibition of members work at West Gallery entitled Secret Spaces... more about that nearer the time, it's still a secret! Then it's the run up to Christmas, and if your sick of socks and smellies and you want something a little bit special, something unique that will bring a genuine smile rather than, "Hmm lovely... that's what I have always wanted..." then you can't do better than something original from West Gallery.

Anyway, lets not wish the summer away just yet...

Elvis on the Moon

On the eve of the "Greatest show on Earth", the sun has come out after nearly four months of rain. Coincidence? Have the powers that be behind this spectacle of sport and, of course, commercial extravagance been tinkering with the weather? Ridiculous, I hear you say, but it wouldn't be the first time. It was reported that the Chinese seeded the clouds during the Beijing (that's Peking to us oldies) Olympics to guarantee good weather, not to mention using CGI to embellish their firework display at the opening ceremony. With so much at stake financially it is not beyond the realms of fantasy. If it starts to rain the day after the closing ceremony it will have all the conspiracy theorists jumping about with excitement and citing Elvis Presley, the moon landings and Princess Diana, to mention but a few.

Elvis on the moon... hmm?

Still, I am not complaining, the fine weather is bringing people out in their numbers, our Summer Exhibition is well under way and it has been a fantastic week with lots of artwork being sold to those who appreciate beautiful things. So, if you have not been to the gallery before come and have a look. If you have been, come and see the new work we have exhibited for the summer, it's spectacular and not an Olympic ring in sight... I think.

There's no doubt that there is a sinister side to the commercial aspect of the Olympics and that wearing a Pepsi T-shirt or Nike trainers may get you in trouble with the brand police. Maybe that is why there are missiles on the top of tower blocks, not for terrorists but to obliterate people not conforming to approved dress standards. Fortunately in North Devon we don't have to worry about such things (I say as I nervously look over my shoulder at the thought I may have committed some Olympic crime and any moment now my windows are blown in as commandos clad in black from head to foot pin me to the ground.)

Olympic faux pax

I am not the only one to be worried. I noticed a coffee drinker was putting his liberty in danger when carelessly putting his mug down on a piece of paper. Now, I have the solution to his dilemma, a sort of get out of jail free card. Yes, for only £25 this gentleman could have invested in a set of four superbly hand-crafted glass coasters from West Gallery in a variety of unique designs.

For many more antidotes to the threat of Olympic over zealousness pop into West Gallery and chill out. Remember you are in Devon where the sun always shines, summer lasts for ever, the scenery is stunning and nothing happens too quickly. Oh, and if you are wearing the wrong thing we won't make you strip down to your underwear.

Summer weather

A little bit of a head this morning. A few glasses of wine last night at our Summer Exhibition preview evening. There was a good buzz and a good deal of interest and the sun even graced us with its presence. My mouth is dry from talking, well that's my excuse! Apologies if I didn't get to talk to you I was doing my best to meet everybody.

Now, if you couldn't make it last night don't worry, the exhibition is on until 27th August and we're open from 10am til 5pm seven days a week, so come on down and have a look at some fantastic new work from a diverse range of artists and makers.

For those of you that weren't there last night I was going to post some images of the work here but then I thought no, you need to get out more! Come and see everything for real, enjoy the experience and the feeling that art can bring you. Goodness knows we all need a bit of cheering up at the moment with this weather. (Damn, I mentioned the weather again).

Still, you might have to be quick, it's already been a busy day today, and pictures are selling fast despite the atrocious weather (sorry!). So, if you've got your eye on something pop in and have a chat, I might even put the kettle on. If you've not been to our gallery before - and why not? - then you are missing out, even if I do say so myself. Don't worry, we are not stuffy and pompous, I'm sure you've worked that out by now, and there's no hard sell. We just enjoy showing beautiful things that bring a little bit of pleasure to people's lives at an affordable price.

So whether (no, that doesn't count) you want to treat yourself  because you deserve it or you would like to find a unique gift for someone special or you just want to have a look round, West Gallery is really worth a visit.

It's beginning to clear now... that's my head not the weather! Did I mention the weather? May just have got away with it.

Summer outlook is good

It's a British preoccupation, it's a conversation opener, it's a constant source of discussion. Yes, it's the weather. As if to prove my own point avid blog fans will remember me talking about it in April, twice in fact! You may remember me deriding the so called drought after a week of sunshine in March, almost four months ago. On the day the drought is officially over (yes really), believe it or not, we have not had a week without rain since March! The hares are not only mad, they're hopping!

March hare by Beverly Madley

Now the hosepipe ban is lifted nationwide we are free to water our gardens, yeah right! Still, maybe this heralds the start of summer and I sincerely hope so. The effect on the South West region has been a reduction in visitor numbers which has been compounded by the bleak economy.


However, I remain ever optimistic that the sun will get its hat on and by the end of August the talk of floods will be a distant memory. In fairness, most visitors that I have spoken to are quite stoical and are enjoying the beautiful Devon countryside regardless of the weather. A lady came into the gallery last week from Nevada in the United States with a tan that would make Dale Winton look anaemic and found the climate quite refreshing after being used to day after day of baking sunshine back at home. Thanks for rubbing it in!


With the school summer holidays almost upon us we can look forward to wall-to-wall sunshine and thousands of visitors enjoying the balmy conditions. And to make things even better West Gallery's Summer Exhibition starts on 16th July through to 27th August with many of the artists drawing inspiration from the beautiful Devon scenery and the dramatic skies that the weather provides us with. Definitely worth a look.

Wellies by Rob Walker

Whether it be wellies or flip-flops one thing I can forecast is that we will have something to brighten your day at West Gallery, the outlook is good for the rest of the summer. Right, I'm off to water my plants, because I can!

New balls please!

Ah yes, champagne, strawberries and cream, it must be Wimbledon. Attention turns to SW19 or maybe that should be MK1...? Yes, memories of Vinnie Jones, Lawrie Sanchez, John Fashanu and the rest of the Crazy Gang seem distant with the metamorphosis into the MK Dons. What? You thought I was going to talk about tennis? Sorry!


It evokes memories of some classic encounters and none more famous than illustrated by the iconic photograph of Vinnie Jones grappling with Gazza.

Vinnie goes for the tackle on Gazza

My interest in tennis, I'm afraid, goes no further than another iconic photo 'Tennis Girl' taken by the late Martin Elliott which is the world's best selling photograph with over 2 million copies sold. The mystery of who the enigmatic girl was remained a secret for over 25 years.

Cheeky! The mysterious Fiona Butler in 1976

Some photographs have the ability to capture an image or a moment in time that are ingrained in our minds forever, I mean, who is not familiar with the two images above? A well taken photograph is about feeling (as Gazza will testify!), about capturing the mood, about what you can't see, it can tell a story. As they say, a picture paints a thousand words.


In these days of digital photography and phones with cameras everybody thinks they are David Bailey but good photography is an art that only a few can achieve successfully.


Award winning local photographer Tim Onyon captures and creates action based images covering motor sport and equestrian events throughout the South West. His often dark and subdued style invites the viewer to pause and explore further the subtle detail present in all his work. Tim uses creative techniques developed by himself which take the original imagery to an entirely new level. Tim's photographs can be seen at West Gallery at our Summer Exhibition starting on 16th July 2012.

So remember, next time you get your iphone out and give it lock, stock and two smoking barrels there's a bit more to it than point and click!


C'mon Tim!

Don't fiddle!

Finally found some time to get the oil paints out and start painting, hence the blog being late, well something's got to give, there's only 24 hours in a day! A bit rusty but eventually got into the flow... then the phone rang! I'm one of those sorts of artists that needs complete solitude, no noise and no damn interruptions. So I tend to work late into the night, sometimes until the sun comes up. It's wonderful, perfect silence, intense concentration, completely focused, just me, my two black labradors asleep at my feet and the comforting waft of turpentine.


I like to paint people, country folk in their natural habitat. Drawing on memories and experiences from growing up on the farm and the alluring characters that I come across in rural Devon. I try to capture moments that are natural, not posed or contrived, sort of fly on the wall stuff (without any walls!). Hopefully the end result is a picture of rural life, often a private moment, shared with the viewer, as if you were there.

First stage, drafting the figures in burnt umber

I start the painting by working out the composition and the drafting out the figures in raw umber, building up the shadow areas. It's always easier to paint pictures with sunshine as it gives you a positive light source direction, you can't go wrong. For this particular painting it was a dull day with a more even light so a little bit trickier to show depth and drama but it suited the subject. I wash in a background colour and gradually the picture builds up layer by layer.


Now, here's the important bit, and after thirty years plus I still struggle with it. Don't overwork it, be bold and confident with you brush stroke but don't fiddle. I said don't fiddle! This only comes with regular practice which in turn gives you the confidence. The key is knowing when to stop. I should practice what I preach!


To find out how the finished painting turns out (assuming that I'm not still fiddling about with it) come along to our Summer Exhibition at West Gallery from 16th July to 27th August 2012.


Anyway, I detect a glow in the sky and a lone blackbird is clearing his throat, I had better turn in, I will have to open the gallery in a few hours. Now does that jacket need a little more highlight? I'll just...

Euro vision?

I have a theory. It came to me after watching the first round of matches at Euro 2012 and it occurred to me that the success of each nation's football team may directly correlate to their political and financial status. You don't buy it? Well, it may not be the soundest theory but consider this.


Greece were in terrible trouble a week ago but have managed to hang on to the Euro(s). You have to give the Greeks credit (well, maybe that's the last thing we should be doing!) but they have made it through. That is, of course, until the Germans kick them into touch.


The Italians, corruption abounds, but, hey, let's keep spending and waving our arms about. The French have lurched to the left... the Swedes, well they were never in it (close though!).


Ah, what about the Spanish and the Portuguese, I hear you say? Well don't be fooled, it was only a matter of days ago the Spanish claimed everything was fine only to get a multi-billion euro bailout. Their football world will also come tumbling down sooner than you think. And Portugal? Well, one man can't cover up the weaknesses that lie deeper just with a step-over.


As for the Dutch not long ago one of Europe's stalwarts their dreams now in tatters. Trampled over by the Germans and bickering amongst themselves, even the Dutch Masters from the Premiership contingent of van Persie, Kuyt, de Jong, van der Vaart, et al, as talented as they are, couldn't do anything about it.


Talking of Dutch masters, here at West Gallery we have the talented Dutch artist Bert Bruins who has resided in Devon for the past 20 years. Bert works in acrylic mostly and paints West Country subjects that show the intense beauty of nature, sometimes in close up, sometimes in panorama. Maybe the Dutch are better artists than they are footballers after all.

Northcott Beach, Bude by Bert Bruins

So who is going to stop the Germans dominating Europe? Masses of Germans have poured over the border into Poland consuming all in their path. It will take a determined, plucky team to resist their forcefulness in the face of overwhelming odds. (You know where this is going, don't you?).


Yes, England! (Cue Jerusalem) Only England, backs against the wall and after a decade of political and financial appeasement maybe, just maybe it's time to assert ourselves and keep the Germans in check.


Hey, it's just a theory.

Invisible art? I can't see it myself.

It's all go at the moment, we're coming into the summer months and the gallery is getting busier, we are in the middle of organising our Summer Exhibition in July (more about that later), the website still needs lots of work, oh and I am trying to find some quiet time to actually paint some pictures. Not to mention trying to finish building a house... in my spare time! So the prospect of having to sit down and write today's blog was a bit of a distraction. 


Well, I thought, I could leave the whole page blank, just white space and call it "Invisible Art" and let you, the viewer, use your own imagination. Better still, I could charge you £8 for the privilege! Why hadn't I thought of it before?


One problem. Nobody is going to fall for that are they? Well you may be in for a bit of a shock. London's Hayward Gallery is doing exactly that with it's current exhibition "Invisible: Art about the Unseen 1957 - 2012". Effectively they are charging you to visit a virtually empty gallery with such exhibits as a bare plinth and a canvas painted entirely with invisible ink.

Jeppe Hein's Invisible Labyrinth at the "Invisible... " exhibition (or is it a squash court?)

Now don't get me wrong, I'm no Luddite and I am all for pushing the boundaries in art but this is a clear case of the Emperor's new clothes. As for invisible art, I can't see it myself.


If people in London are struggling to find quality art to spend their money on then they could do worse than take a trip to the West Country. An abundance of talent can be found within the region from St Ives to Appledore and beyond. Devon and Cornwall are fast becoming recognised as the place to find original art... if it hasn't always been.


Some of you may have visited the fantastic Appledore Arts Festival, which took place over the last few days highlighting the variety and breadth of artistic talent in the area. The Appledore Arts Festival is now in its 14th year, one of many such events held in the South West with the creative arts going from strength to strength throughout the region. London take note.


Anyway, after inspirational Appledore it's back to the easel to get on with my own paintings in time for our Summer Exhibition. Starting with a blank canvas is always the hardest, here's a sneak preview of how I'm getting on...

...wait a minute, it might just be finished! Yes, maybe this could be invisible art entitled "I saw you coming". Maybe not, nobody's that gullible are they? See how it turns out at West Gallery's Summer Exhibition starting on July16th 2012.


If you would like an invite to our exhibition preview evening drop us an email at info@westgallery.co.uk

Flying the flag

Hooray! Everybody's got a day off for the Diamond Jubilee. Well, not everybody. Here at West Gallery we are open every day, so if you're looking for fantastic experience pop in and see us. We even have our own Union flag on canvas, a great addition to any contemporary home. I'm pleased to say that our national flag is back in vogue again.

The patriotic fervour and flag waving got me all vexillological (easy for you to say!). I was pleasantly surprised to see most people flying the Union flag the right way up and, of course, unless you are a naval type, it's not the Union Jack.


It is often asked why Wales is not represented on the Union flag? Oh but it it is! As Wales is technically a principality of England, not a 'country' it is represented by England's cross of St. George. In much the same way the Cornish flag of St. Piran is not included. That will stir up the natives!


Flags were the early form of communication especially in the navy where we are all familiar with the famous message from Nelson's flagship The Victory, which started "England expects..."


Semaphore was also widely used, however, you do not necessarily need flags, it just helps to make it more visible.The well recognised logo for CND represents the letters N and D in semaphore.

Now, of course, waving flags to message people seems ridiculous, we just text them. In fact, for some of us reading a teenager's text message can be as complicated for us as semaphore would be for them. Here is a typical example:

YO LTNC, HRU?

WL I JST GT BK FRM CRTE.  ND WZ XLNT. GT UP2 SO MCH FRU OT D 2WKS. 1ST WK WNT FST.  . WNT 2 RSTRN LKN OVA D HRBR, D SCNRY WHR WE STAYD WZ MAZIN  I RLXD FRU OT D 2WS. DA WEVR WZ LUVLY AD NA RAIN!  WNT 2D BEACH KPL TMZ ND SPNT MST OFD HOL SUNIN MSLF. ONLI WNT RD NM LOL :$ GT BK 2DYS GO ND AV ALRDY BN SHPIN ND GN 2 WRK ND WNT 2GR8 PRT WZ SAL. <0-). IZA OGNIZIN BBQ 4 AL MI M8S NXTWKD ND WIL B OFF NOTHR HOL IN 2WKS WCH WIL B GD FC, HP 2CUSN.

ATB, BFN XOXOXOXOX

Don't ask me what it means, I'm going to have to find a hoodie to translate for me. It will make Countdown awkward in the future, I mean, consonant, consonant, consonant, consonant! Am I showing my age? Don't answer that!

Anyway, the message is simple. If you want to wave the flag for Britain and especially Devon and Cornwall, get down to West Gallery and see some of the country's finest artists work. What better way to spend a Bank holiday?

CU L8R  YUK!

Facebook to end on 15th July 2012!

The word is going round that Facebook will end on 15th July 2012. That's it, all over, no more, finished! Mark Zuckerberg announced that Facebook will be shut down in July 2012 as managing the site has become too stressful.

Zuckerberg, it's all too much.

Now, before you all go into a blind panic throwing yourselves under buses at the prospect of actually having to talk to real people, this is probably just an ugly rumour. However, it does make you think how long it will last. With shares tumbling and lawsuits being filed left, right and centre this could be the beginning of the end. If that sounds preposterous, just think, Friends Reunited, whatever happened to that? I mean, a company with no product or service that is reliant on current trends isn't where I'd put my money. When the next whizzkid comes along with a brand new gimmick, most will jump ship.

I may be wrong, and I am no financial advisor, but if I were Zuckerberg I would take the money and run. Investors could end up with shares of a company that has evaporated overnight and be left with a piece of paper worth nothing. Talking of financial advisors, it has always bothered me about taking advice from an IFA that has less assets than me, 'physician heal thyself' I say! Before you listen to their advice check what car they pulled up in.

Now, if you have money burning a hole in your pocket what do you invest it in? Pensions and stocks are falling apart, the Euro is in meltdown, interest rates at an all time low, the economy is all doom and gloom...help!

Well, talk about good timing, I may just have the answer. The very day Facebook goes to the wall (allegedly), 15th July, is the opening of West Gallery's Summer Exhibition and if you are going to invest then art is the answer! Art is the new black, it's cool. It makes you feel good and could even see you a return. According to the Financial Times, over the last 30 years modern art grew in value at more than 11.25% a year compared with stocks and bonds at a modest 8.7% a year.

So, dig up your floorboards, empty that old biscuit tin and come and invest in some of Devon and Cornwall's finest artists, and hang the expense! We will be showing new work from some of the South West's best up and coming artists and makers, as well as the more established. There are not many investments that look good in your living room whilst earning you money!

If you would like an invite to our special preview evening on Sunday 15th July 2012 just email us at info@westgallery.co.uk or send us a message on Twitter or Facebook (while you still can!).

Change is a metre!

The Olympic torch arrived on our door step in North Devon today, travelling through Hatherleigh, Torrington, Bideford and Barnstaple on its way to Ilfracombe and Lynmouth and it seems bringing summer with it. As the temperature rises could the torch be contributing to global warming (sorry, 'Climate Change')? Maybe not but stranger things are happening.


It seems that change is on the way everywhere, an English team even beat the Germans in a penalty shoot-out! I love this photo of the moment Chelsea won the Champions League final in Munich. Check out the reactions, Cameron, "Yes!", Merkel, "Scheisse!" and Obama, "Touchdown!"

The beauty of Devon is that it hasn't changed much, which is why it so appealing. This is epitomised in David W Young's exquisite oil paintings of rural Devon available at West Gallery. 

Hawthorn in Dartmoor Sunset, Pew Tor by David W Young, original oil painting £4,200

Bluebell Wood by David W Young, framed limited edition print £145

As the Olympic torch whisks its way through Devon's scenic countryside a threat hangs over this beautiful landscape. Looming hundreds of feet over the Devon skyline is the increasing proliferation of wind turbines. Built in the name of green energy - which couldn't be further from the truth - these monstrous edifices are a testament to developer's greed and political ignorance.

So, lets hope that the only change is political opinion and not the beautiful Devon countryside. Oh, and that England can win a penalty shoot-out!

And the winner is...

Now then, now then, as it happens guys n' gals we have a winner of our little pop quiz on Monday. Hope it brightened your day a little and look, it's Thursday already, so it must have worked. Before you start scouring the text for more tunes, and believe me there's probably half a dozen that I have unwittingly put in by accident, this time there is no quiz! Next time I think I might do it on Pre-Raphaelite painters in the 19th century... that'll keep you busy! Anyway, well done to all those who took part. And the winner is... (big pause).... find out after the break!

Three Fine Mice by Dos Rodgers

The prize winner takes home this fabulous little gift box of "Three Fine Mice" by Dos Rodgers, a local ceramicist, who with her husband Dave make a range of beautiful stoneware pieces all at very affordable prices. Their work includes cute woodland and seaside creatures as well as tableware in stunning blue and green glazes. Prices range from 50p for a baby hedgehog, £2 for a fridge magnet and £6 for the bowls and fish wall plaques. More at West Gallery, come and have a look, at these prices everyone's a winner.

        

Where was I? Oh, the winner of our quiz was... Katherine from Bradworthy who, like a dog with a bone, stuck at it until she not only got all 15 but several more that I didn't know I'd put in! Well done, Katherine. Can I have her on my Wine & Wisdom team?


By the way here are the official answers:

1. Don't like Mondays, Boomtown Rats, 1979
2. Reasons to be Cheerful (part 3), Ian Dury and the Blockheads, 1979
3. Get ready, Rare Earth, 1970
4. What's going on, Marvin Gaye, 1973
5. Lowdown, Boz Scaggs, 1977
6. Do you know what I mean, Lee Michaels 1971
7. In the summertime, Mungo Jerry, 1970.
8. Imagine, John Lennon, 1975
9. Day after day, Bad finger, 1971
10. It's too late, Carole King, 1971
11. You ain't seen nothin' yet, Bachman Turner Overdrive, 1974
12. Everything is beautiful, Ray Stevens, 1970
13 I wish, Stevie Wonder, 1976
14.  Gonna fly now (Theme from Rocky), Bill Conti 1977
15. Without you, Harry Nilsson, 1971

I don't like Mondays

It was Brenda Spencer that coined the phrase, "I don't like Mondays". Nobody much cares for Mondays. Weekend over, back to work or school and all that. Just when you think that's all too depressing there are reasons to be cheerful! Yes, avid blog fans, get ready for our new regular blogspot on Mondays. No more random ramblings, Mondays it is, so now you know what's going on with the lowdown on all things Devon and arty at West Gallery. Now if you're getting withdrawal symptoms we may do an additional blog later in the week on Thursdays... if I have something to get off my chest, do you know what I mean? 


In the summertime it may get a bit busy so just once a week I'm afraid. Imagine, going day after day without your favourite blog? Well, if you're at a loss pop into our gallery and get a bit of retail therapy before it's too late!

If you haven't already visited West Gallery you ain't seen nothing yet, everything is beautiful, even if I do say so myself! I wish I could go on but looks like I've got a customer... gonna fly now, still soon be Monday again! Now keep reading, it wouldn't be the same without you.


Ooh, before I go, some of you may have noticed - those of a certain age (and you know who you are!) - that I have slipped a few references to song titles from the 70s into this blog just to make sure you are paying attention. In fact, there are 15 song titles from the 1970s hidden in the text. Let us know how many you can find, title and artist please. Sorry younger viewers, you'll have to ask your dad.



We will offer a little prize to the first person that can come up with all fifteen, "Three Fine Mice" by Devon ceramicist Dos Rodgers. Email your answers to info@westgallery.co.uk. Good luck, answers in my next blog.

"Three Fine Mice" by Dos Rodgers

Get Lost!

I don't have a satnav. I have a good sense of direction and I can read a map. It seems not everybody is quite so fortunate.


Some visitors had difficulty finding us and our neighbours at the world famous Gnome Reserve. Some had experienced most of the North Devon countryside before finally arriving. After enquiring about their journey I discovered they had followed their satnav which had taken them on the most convoluted route possible. 


We are only 15-20 minutes from Bideford, Holsworthy and Torrington but some people choose the scenic route and can spend hours taking in the splendour of this unspoilt part of Devon, and why not, I say?


The Gnome Reserve has been at this beautiful rural location for over 30 years inspired by founder Ann Fawssett-Atkin. Ann, an established artist, studied at Brighton College of Art and The Royal Academy of Arts, London. Her paintings are kaleidoscopic fantasies based on a lifelong love and observation of nature especially birds, wild flowers and butterflies which she has continuously painted since early childhood. You are drawn into a mesmerising, intricate world of Ann's mind, a place that is conversely frenetic but relaxing, a place to lose yourself. 


Ann's pictures are available at West Gallery.

Joy in a Tidal Rockpool by An Fawssett-Atkin. Framed original acrylic £480

The message is simple. You're in Devon, take your time, look around you, take in the sights and sounds as you meander along the country lanes and you may just stumble upon a beautiful gallery in the heart of the countryside.


I was reminded that in this part of the world you have to learn to chill. A tourist stopped and asked me, "Where does this road take me?" whereupon I enquired, "Where do you want to go?", "Anywhere," came the reply, "Well, that's where this road takes you!" I said. 


That's the beauty of Devon, you may not know exactly where you are, so just relax and enjoy the journey. You'll get there 'dreckly'.


So, my advice to you is...get lost!

I could SCREAM!!

It couldn't go without mention that Edvard Munch's The Scream went for a record breaking $120,000,000 at Sotheby's yesterday. You have to wonder is this about art or money? I mean, anybody could knock one of these up, couldn't they? No? Well here's one I made earlier next to the original...

 

The one on the right is the original, by the way, and mine is on the left, which I did whilst the kettle was boiling. The original is worth $120m (£74,000,000) and mine is a current snip at £50,000,000 ono, available only at West Gallery. I bet the mystery buyer feels a bit silly now knowing he could have picked mine up a lot cheaper!


Mine is entitled 'Ice Cream' (see what I've done there?) and depicts a tourist on Paignton Pier in sunny Devon having an ice cream and, by the looks of it, he should have used Sensodyne toothpaste. Clearly it hurts! Meanwhile his mate is throwing up over the pier after a heavy night.


Although I don't dislike The Scream, I certainly wouldn't hang it on my wall. It does want to make you scream when so many talented artists struggle to make a living only to witness the events of yesterday. What do you think?


Ah well, had my grumble, back to the day job!

Oak or ash?

I was rifling through old boxes in the barn at the weekend when something dawned on me. There were no swallows. It was the layer of 'guano' from previous habitation that jogged my memory. Last year they arrived on St George's day and the year before on the 18th of April. Spring should be well on its way by now, so where are they? I know "One swallow doesn't make a summer" and all that, but is it significant?

Nature provides us with many signs about forthcoming weather. For many people much of the folklore and old wive's tales are more reliable than our weather forecasters. Michael Fish?...need I say more!

Trees can tell us a lot. An old Devon countryman told me that you will always find water under a holly tree and, of course, trees are a good weather indicator. How much more rain will fall may depend on a fascinating competition between the oak and ash to see which one will open their leaves first, as weatherlore says "Oak before ash we'll have a splash, Ash before oak we're in for a soak". The race is currently running neck-and-neck – oaks are more sensitive to temperature and got off to a flying start in the warm weather of March, but slowed down in the cool weather this April and the ashes are now catching up.

Whatever the weather may hold, trees have a reverence and beauty that has captured artists' imagination for generations. North Devon artist Sarah Woolfenden produces large scale pen drawings of local trees and woods that have been described as wonderfully detailed and exquisitely executed. She is a member of the South West Academy and was chosen as the lead artist in The Artists Garden Exhibition at RHS Rosemoor in 2010. If I had to go out on a limb (sorry, couldn't resist it!), I would say they are some of the best contemporary renditions of trees currently available.

Beech Tree by Sarah Woolfenden. Framed original ink drawing £795

This example of Sarah's work is a local beech tree, a common site in North Devon with most of the hedgerows in this area being of that variety. It is estimated that there are 33,000 miles of hedges in Devon, more than any other county in the UK. 

One of Sarah's large ink drawings (framed size is almost a metre high) can take over a month to complete and a large framed original costs in the region of £795 from West Gallery. Prints of her work cost from around £50, dependent on size, and greetings cards are also available.

You can see more of Sarah's work in our gallery or visit her page on our website.

So, is it oak or ash this year? Do you have swallows yet? Let us know. Meanwhile, I'm off to scrape 'guano' off my lawnmower!

Everybody loves art, don't they?

Having been a designer and artist from an early age I have always been comfortable with art at all levels, it's been part of my life. It struck me some time ago that not everyone perceives it in the same way. With pictures going for millions at Sothebys it is hardly surprising that some people see art as inaccessible. But art has many levels and I believe there is something for everybody, it's just getting them to appreciate what is around them.


A good example was a man passing by the gallery, covered from head to toe in tattoos, who was overheard to say "Don't do art, me". He failed to see the irony of his comment. The 'artwork' on his body must have cost him in the region of £1,000 but he didn't assimilate the two, but he did do art, didn't he!


At West Gallery our art covers a broad spectrum. Yes, we have fantastic oil paintings for about £5,000 but you could also find quality ceramic pieces or hand made jewellery for just a few pounds.


Some new work just in is a range of hand made silver jewellery by Jenna Perryman starting from just £18.

Silver pendant with necklace £25

Also new in, and I think this is great, a hand-stitched leather beer bottle/can holster, at £32 an ideal birthday gift for the man that can't hold his beer! It can also be personalised with your initials. I want one!

The leather work is produced by Kerry Edwards a designer and maker of leather jewellery, accessories and products. An experienced competitor in dressage, showjumping and one-day eventing, Kerry has worked with some of the top harness makers and won a Society of Master Saddlers National Saddlery Competition. Kerry's professional career has taken her to many parts of the World including the USA. Her skills were used in the production of Harley Davidson pannier bags before starting her own business riding and training race horses and polo ponies and fulfilling custom saddlery orders. Kerry is now based in Sutcombe, North Devon where her custom equestrian items are still very much in demand. 

So, as you can see, art can take many different forms, it doesn't have to be a picture on a wall it can be whatever you want it to be if it brings a bit of pleasure to your life. George Bernard Shaw said, "Without art, the crudeness of reality would make the world unbearable."

We sell happiness, contentment and relaxation, priceless in today's frenetic world. Art is alcohol without the hangover. Pop in to the gallery for a fix, there might just be something for you.

Let us know what gives you a buzz, floats your boat or presses your buttons. Check out our website and tell us what you like, we'd love to hear from you.