Totnes and Dartington Open Studios. 24th-27th May.

Well folks, it's that time of year again, when artists all over the land are regretting the impulse they had in January, to sign up to one of the Open Studio events that happen over summer.

It all seemed like such fun when we got together in the pub at the beginning of the year to talk about brochures and private views. But now it seems terribly close and I realise what a lot of work there is to do. And worse, I'm going to have to tidy up!

To avoid such things for as long as possible (the tidying up bit, I mean) I've been painting T shirts in the hope that someone will buy them over the bank holiday weekend, 24th-27th May. There will be cards too, and bags. Even some paintings, if we're lucky.

So, if your in the Totnes area for the bank holiday, why not pop along to TDOS and say hello. It would be lovely to see you.

You make me feel like dancing.

Well, morris dancers might be more appropriate, but I don't have any pictures of them.

It's official. Spring has arrived. We all suspected it wasn't going to happen and that Totnes was in fact, as the sign read for some time, twinned with Nania. That is, the pre Aslan, permanently frozen Narnia, not the post Aslan, frolicing woodland folk type Narnia.

For that reason, plus the fact that this is something I've been working on this week, and I have no idea how else one is supposed to celebrate St. George's day, I am digging out my dancing shoes and getting out in the sunshine! Actually, forget the shoes, this is Totnes, I'm off to commune with the barefoot woodland folk...I might take a picnic.

proof that spring is sprung!

No snow.

I do believe that we are the only place in the country which doesn't have snow at the moment. So here's  something to help me feel a little less left out. See? I too can post snow pictures!

Happy 2013!

Well, it's 2013. I'm starting the New Year in a new house, with a new studio and a cat that's not exactly new, just re-visiting (it's a long story!).
I think things are about to get busy! Happy 2013 everyone!

Kitchen Lithography

This blog has been sadly neglected this year- bad Spotty Doris! Do better Spotty Doris! So, as the year rumbles towards it's end, I'm choosing this moment, yes, the moment that I'm just buying a house and entering into all the fun and games that go along with that (I'm good at timing :))- to re-enter the blog world and share my meanderings, both illustrative and geographical. Lucky you.

To that end, lets talk about Kitchen Lithography.

I've been using quick drying oil colour in the absence of etching ink.

And painting with olive oil soap.

treating the tinfoil with cola.

This was produced by drawing on the tinfoil using carbon paper.

 A friend and printmaker, Rebecca Moss brought to my attention this technique, which uses household goods such as tinfoil, cooking oil and cola to produce prints without the use of an expensive print studio. I was instantly hooked and have been playing around this week, with varying degrees of success. I haven't produced any finished pieces yet, but stay tuned, I'm going for two colours next!
While you're waiting, why not watch the video which gave us all the inspiration. Kitchen Lithography with Émilion. 

Values. Money and me, the launch.

Anne Trout (right) and me, posing with Leon and Tara

Well, maybe a trip to the Capital and nibbles at the Houses of Parliament is all in a days work in some circles, but for a girl who rarely leaves Totnes, let alone Devon, this was a big deal!

Leon with Martin Lewis

It was the launch of Values. Money and Me, an interactive website to help primary school children explore the world of money! I met some lovely people who all said nice things about my pictures which was very good for my ego. Oh yes, and I failed to recognise Martin Lewis from Money Saving Expert.com but he failed to recognise me too, so we're even ;-)

Illustration Friday "Lost"Haven't done one of these for a while, so here's an entry for "lost". Do you think I've been influenced by the weather? :)