Whispers

Here is a whisper from something I am working on for the next Wimbledon Art Open Studios.

Feels calm and soothing, and I feel a little as if I am going to slip into hibernation.

I am going to turn my studio into an Autumnal hollow given time.

Bug panels

Two panels full of bugs for Lacy Road Gallery.

They will be on show this weekend at the Palace Art Fair

• Thursday 6th October 6.00pm - 8.30pm (ticket only)
• Friday 7th October  12am - 8.30pm
• Saturday 8th October  11am - 5.30pm
• Sunday 9th October  11am - 5.30pm

If you live in South West London, come along to Fulham Palace and say hello, there are some very talented artists showing a  variety of work.

A snap shot of what I am working on.

I love painting the bug at the bottom, he always stands out.

Almost tips his hat and bows, a real gentleman if he were real.

But now he has a rival in the shape of a butterfly.

Well actually she is a moth, but she is almost too pretty to be one.

She has taken me the best part of the afternoon to get right, I didn't realise she would take so long.

Worth it though, at the moment she is the winner.

She is doing a curtsey and blowing a kiss.

My itch.

So you see, for the last couple of years I have been quietly and slowly developing an itch.

An itch, you say, how revolting....however it is not of that ilk.

It's the type that makes me want to spread my wings a bit, you know the type.

Stretch.

Pastures greener and all that.

Perhaps a farm? 

No let's think big, a manor house, no less!

Can you imagine?

I would throw decedent parties, and grow fields of flowers.

Wonder around the rooms, in a full skirts with a petticoat. 

Maybe even wear an apron.

My children could run and shout, without me silencing them.

Can you feel the space?

So I left my cramped little London house today, 

with two kids bellowing

and headed to the park.

You know, to find some space.

Only thing is,

everyone else is there.

All packed in.

All trying to find, that same space.

We play and then go home for supper and a mud bath.

Eventually my kids are quiet and asleep.

Angels.

I think to myself, I will find some space for us for the weekend.

You know the kind of space.

I look on line at quaint cottages up and down the land.

I spot one I like.

It is beautiful, not too far, and we can all squeeze in.

I go to book...

not available until January 2012.

Oh ok.

It seems that everyone in the park already had that same idea. 

Perhaps I need to book before supper time.

The photo is from a card a friend gave to me for my Birthday. 

'Afternoon tea extravaganza'

Designed by Kit Kemp, design director/owner of Firmdale Hotels, with Steven Wicks and Mark Welford of Bloomsbury Flowers. 

They were awarded a Silver at Chealsea Flower Show.

Parlour

We found ourselves at Parlour on last Saturday for lunch.

It is divine.

Dillon ordered the fish and chips. 

I was tickled with the presentation.

A little frying basket for the fish and chips, mayo, vinegar and a squeeze of lemon wrapped in cloth, all sitting on a wooden chopping board.

(Once empty, Matilda used the little frying basket as an air guitar.)

Tom had a small skillet of bangers and mash.

Who ever designed this restaurant is a genius.

A wonderful mix of furniture, and this giant chandelier made of kitchen utensils.

There were so many little quirky elements within the restaurant.

I felt like I was in New York.

Hanging cocoons to chill in.

There were little teacups placed in the nooks where the lights are.

The loveliest wallpaper I have ever seen.

Silver with botanical etchings on it. I have to find out where this is from.

If I was ever brave enough to have a tattoo, I would start here for inspiration.

I would have peonies, mixed with other flora and twirling leaves cascading from my shoulder down the top of my arm. 

I shall keep dreaming...

Even the ladies was glam.

If you are ever in Canary Wharf, spend a few hours here, you will love it.