Looking around my garden I am thrilled at how much colour I still have.
From vegetables,
to flowers,
this flower is at the top of a 5 foot stalk,
and I will be soon picking my own chillies, but I am not sure how hot they will be.
My window box still has blooms too with these exotic looking flowers. Although I envy the dahlia growers, I am still pleased with what I have before the winter sets in.
I have had these 2 collagraphs accepted by The Society of Graphic Fine Art for their 90th Annual Open Exhibition.
To be held 3-15 October at the Menier Gallery,London. Check out the details on www.sgfa.org.uk
The New Brewery Arts in Cirencester has invited me to exhibit enamel spoons in their exhibition Only Words, 3 -20 October. Inspired by the Cheltenham Literary Festival happening at the same time it will be a stimulating exhibition of artists work that have text elements. www.newbreweryarts.org.uk
I am still inspired by Marley and have been planning more collagraphs.
These drawings are in preparation for a commission, of which I will tell more when I am further on with it.
It feels like my break in Dorset was 4 weeks ago not 4 days, I could be showing you glorious coast lines and charms of gold finches, but while on a walk Mr Brown and I found a house with these in the window. Now my imagination is going 10 to the dozen...any suggestions?
the shed finishing off prints and playing with enamel. These are the Eider ducks I started at Art in Action.
I have added strings and a label to the rooks.
I have completed this raven and I am calling it The Bargain.
This is a proof of Marley that creased because I had the paper to wet, so I thought I would experiment with cutting out a background. It certainly sorts out the crease!
I spent today making these little sculptures. 
My riveting is a bit out of practice, but I am pleased with the ease of firing in my new kiln.
I might take a day off tomorrow or do some drawing?
A treat from Mr Brown, these lovely silver earrings, made by Sharon. The Foal Yard is a great place to see designer jewellery, unusual kitchen ware, good food and more. Check out Sharon's web sight for directions http://www.sharonmcswiney.co.uk/.
Next stop was just outside of Worcester heading north, the Bevere Gallery, we have traveled past the AA signs to this gallery on the way to Kidiminster for years and at last we have had the time to pop in. What a gem for those of us interested in ceramics and artists prints.
At the moment there is a wonderful sculpture trail through the gardens. An amazing gallery full of big name ceramicists and printmakers plus a cafe with great cake. For those who know me well great cake is a vital ingredient!
These photos give just a taste of the variety of work available in the gardens. Mr Brown was tempted into a purchase, 2 beautiful ceramic pieces by Lara Scobie. I feel like I have had a bit of a holiday, so tomorrow I can tackle the Eider duck plates waiting for me in the shed.
I came back from Art in Action with freshly made collagraph plates and I have now had time to proof 2 of them. I am very happy with this raven plate, a portrait of Marley, the bird I met a few weekends ago. So this is now ready for editioning.
I am also pleased with this raven, but it needs a few added items to give the piece a narrative. I will get to work on that tomorrow.
I just could not resist having a bit of a play, so even though I am going to have to wait patiently for the delivery of the large trivets I have fired a couple of pieces of steel, 4" x 3" with colour experiments. I now feel confident about using the digital control and just thrilled with it all. Thankyou again Adrian from Northern Kilns, so far so good!!
If only everything was as straight forward, reliable and as much fun as buying an enamelling kiln! As promised Adrian arrived and installed a 9in cube (internal measurements) kiln into my studio this morning and instructed me about how to use the temperature controller. Now all I have to wait for, patiently, is a larger trivet and fork and I will be away. Yippee.
