Latest News and Progress

9 January 2017

Postcard from Melbourne, Australia: The David Hockney exhibition at the NGV

This is a new type of blogpost: a postcard from Melbourne, prompted by our visit to the NGV to see the David Hockney Exhibition.

We are currently ‘on holiday’, visiting family, but wherever we go, Anne and I always make a point of seeking out art galleries, museums and gardens.

What’s on in Melbourne?

The NGV (National Gallery of Victoria) in Melbourne, Australia, is currently hosting a David Hockney Exhibition. It’s just across the road from the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens and both are walking distance from the famous Federation Square, opposite Flinders station.

We have to catch the 86 tram to get into Melbourne and it takes about 30 minutes. The ride is interesting enough, looking at the various architectures en route.

What did I think of the David Hockney exhibition?

The day we visited the David Hockney exhibition, it was particularly hot and we were glad to be inside, in an air-conditioned space.

I had seen a similar exhibition at the Royal Academy in London, but this one included animated film of Hockey creating his masterpieces using an iPad. It was truly inspirational.

I have only been an iPad user for three years and, although I have the ProCreate app installed for a while now, I had not really come to grips with the opportunities it offers to artists.

So, since our visit to NGV, I have been ‘playing’ with ProCreate on my iPad. I don’t suppose for a moment that I’ll ever publish a finished piece emanating from this new technology – I’m far too old to change my spots! – but I can see how much David has achieved since he embraced this format.

Is it worth your visiting this exhibition?

Even Anne, who is not overly impressed with modern art, was mesmerised by the many animations. Or perhaps it was just her tactic to stay in the cool environment?

The exhibition is on until 13 March and I recommend – if you are within striking distance of Melbourne – that you take time out to visit this glorious display of so many of David’s paintings, including more than 20 portraits.

This post is one of my POSTCARD series, sharing all things ART with you when I go travelling.

2 January 2017

New Year Resolutions

It’s that time of year again, when we reflect on the past twelve months and make New Year resolutions.

I’ve decided, after half a century of sailing and more than 25 sailing a Solo, to hang up my wetsuit and sell my boat – Don’t Wait Up – to a younger man. The Solo before last was called Back Soon but I never was …

I’ve also hung up my spade and relinquished the shed key for allotment 5E. I wish the new incumbent many happy hours of digging and cropping, while enjoying the most amazing view across the estuary and hills beyond.

What will I do with my time in 2017?

Always to the Hills, from an original painting by Nikky Corker

I’ll be mostly painting, although, as this year’s birthday card from wife Anne hinted, we need to spend more time together, walking and enjoying the fresh air and beautiful countryside while we still can.

Anne purchased the card from Ashburton Post Office where they have a great range, including ones by the artist, Nikky Corker. In this one, Nikky captured these aging but fit folk heading for the hills. Us in 2017?

We’ve lived here in Salcombe for more than a decade now. While we enjoy fortnightly visits to the chiropractor in Ashburton, and make a point of buying fresh fish at the excellent Fish Deli, we rarely make time to head up to the moors.

Such excursions are clearly high up on my list for 2017!

What am I planning to paint in 2017?

The first challenge is to create enough new artworks for the Salcombe Art Club Main Exhibition – and handing in day is Saturday 1 April.

As a full member of the club, I’m invited to exhibit five new original paintings. I had better get my skates on!

What art classes will I attend in 2017?

I’ve already booked to attend Michael Hill’s watercolour / acrylic class on a Tuesday plus the full-day oil class with Ian Carr on a Friday. I’d also sign up for Ian’s Tuesday evening but I know I’d be too tired after a full day class with Michael!

Attending these classes is a great opportunity to meet with fellow artists and enjoy their company while learning more and more techniques.

Where are the classes held?

All classes are in the Loft Gallery, the home of Salcombe Art Club. The Loft Gallery is situated behind the Fortescue Inn, and above a popular shoe shop, on a delightful footpath called Victoria Quay. And, Low Tide at Fishermans Cove – the featured image above – is the view from Victoria Quay.

See you there?

I can thoroughly recommend your joining Salcombe Art Club and attending classes between now and when next year’s Exhibition open at Easter time.

Make it your New Year’s resolution? See you there!

28 December 2016

News: Ian Carr and Jon Woolfenden

It’s holiday time and yet Ian Carr, one of my tutors at Salcombe Art Club, is in the process of refurbishing his studio!

Ian’s Sail Loft in Shadycombe Road, at the bottom of Coronation Road, is being transformed to create the Contemporary Art Studios.

Ian has teamed up with Jon Woolfenden, formerly of Hope Cove Gallery in Island Street, in this exciting new venture.

Wine and nibbles!

Ian and Jon invite you all to drop by for wine and nibbles: 11am – 5pm, 28 December until 7 January.

When will the new Contemporary Art Studios be open?

The new Contemporary Art Studios – to include a downstairs gallery – is due to open at Easter 2017.

More on Ian Carr?

Ian studied at Chester School of Art, Leeds College of Art, and Manchester University.

He taught art in UK and Zambia, and has been a gallery director and copywriter.

Founder of the Bunker Project, Ian has exhibited widely throughout the UK.

Ian is a very experienced Salcombe-based artist who loves teaching and sharing his enthusiasm.

Sign up for Ian Carr’s classes at Salcombe Art Club

Oil paint is a forgiving medium and ideal for anyone who has limited experience of paint; it builds confidence and invites experimentation.

Ian’s courses – one full day or one evening – are suitable for the experienced, not so experienced and the absolute beginner.

Evening Oil painting with Ian Carr Cost £70. 10 weeks: Tuesday evenings 7-9pm, January 17th – March 28th (no class on February 21st)
Oil painting with Ian Carr Cost £140. 10 weeks: Fridays, 10am – 3.30pm, January 20 – March 24

Contact Ian Carr to book or to ask questions.

ia******@bt********.com

www.ian-carr.com

Telephone: 01548 854211