Drawing, drawing, drawing
I'm working on a collection of theatre inspired cards - not sure yet when they might be available, but stay tuned or join the mailing list for updates. The drawing in the video is called 'In The Wings'.
Meanwhile - I've finally got round to tackling iMovie! I filmed this on my phone's front camera, so the quality is terrible, but you get the idea...
The Queen of Apples
Last weekend I partook in a writing workshop that was organised by the fantastically sweary procrastination-busters, Writer's HQ - 'Write A Novel In An Hour - For Adults'. Paper, pens, glitter, glue, googly eyes and a box of character inspiration cut from magazines were provided, but actual story ideas had to come from your own brain. In between a whistle-stop tour of The Hero's Journey, character tropes and story arcs, this is what I managed to come up with in about forty minutes...
The Queen of Apples
Here is my protagonist, Bob. He is fourteen and three quarters. He likes online gaming, heavy metal music and piercings. He dislikes fruit and veg, getting up early and cheerful people. He lives in suburbia, and is still at school. In his pocket, he has a key, a piece of broken mirror and chewing gum (pocket contents ended up not being used in the story.)
One day, Bob's Dad tells Bob it's time for him to start helping out on his fruit and veg stall. This is going to mean very early mornings, dealing with cheerful people - and worst of all - loads of fruit and veg.
Bob runs away into the woods...
Where he trips over a tree root.
Bob looks up, and finds himself confronted by the Queen of Apples.
Bob falls in love with the Queen of Apples. She tells him that he has been chosen to further the cause of fruit and vegetables. In order to do this, he must put her into a smoothie.
'Please do it,' she says, 'for the sake of my brothers and sisters - the fruit and the vegetables.'
Bob does the deed...
He drinks the elixir...
...and it's delicious. (Couldn't remember how to spell delicious here).
Bob finds the Queen of Apple's crown in his pocket. He feels motivated to advance the cause of fruit and vegetables in her memory.
Bob's new outlook on fruit, vegetable and life, helps him to resolve his relationship with his Dad.
And together, Bob and his Dad advance the cause of fruit and vegetables.
So there you have it! Bear in mind we were encouraged not to worry about coming up with an incredible idea, but to just run with whatever came to mind. Working under time-pressure did help to loosen inhibitions, and just 'following my nose' with the story and drawings was definitely a fun exercise.
Arty party at Keizer Gallery
Hello folks, we are having a little party at Keizer Frames Gallery to celebrate the opening of the Spring Exhibition. I will be exhibiting original artworks from my current line of greeting cards, along with artworks from six other artists. I'm sure there will also be crisps and wine involved. Come along and join us from 6pm on Friday 13th May - would be lovely to see you.
Keizer Frames, Pastorale Antiques, 15 Malling Street, Lewes BN7 2RA
Tel: 01273-471647
Belated, illustrated and updated
They say time goes faster as you get older... oops! Three months since the last blog post. Well, I'll bring you up to date with some pictures...
November...
December...
January...
February...
The Pumpkin Queen - an ode to Autumn
Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness!
Close bosom friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eaves run:
To bend with apples the moss'd cottage-trees,
And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;
To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells
With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,
And still more, later flowers for the bees,
Until they think warm days will never cease,
For Summer has o'er-brimmed their clammy cells...
John Keats
The Pumpkin Queen
The Pumpkin Queen - available to purchase from the Bailey Alexander Gallery, Brighton.
Arch 46 - 47
Kings Road
Brighton BN1 2LN
Tel: 01273 724318
E: fbailey@baileyalexander.co.uk
Quite a few nights at the opera
Hello people,
Well, I have FINALLY sorted out a mailing list. I am not tech-savvie at all, so this took me aaaaages! I've done a few tests, and it seems to be working. Yay. SO, if you'd like to sign up for news, info on new paintings, cards, prints and exhibitions plus a bit of extra glitter, all you have to (almost) do is hit this button right here - it'll be lovely to have you on board!
Every summer for the past few years, I have worked at Glyndebourne opera house in the costume department. It's a huge amount of fun, and also very inspiring to work on such amazing productions, with wonderful people all around me. I find it helps to balance out all the creative work that I usually do by myself in my studio. The festival season only lasts for four months - which is probably a good thing because everybody works so hard that they get tired out! - and the curtain fell on the final performance of the festival a few days ago. I always have a sketchbook stuffed in my pocket, and here are some of the drawings that I managed to scribble down...
And here's a picture of a few of us before heading out for the Last Night Party...
Right, I'm off for pizza. That's it for now, folks xx
I dream of McQueen
"There is no way back for me now. I'm going to take you on journeys you've never dreamed were possible"
I spotted these words inscribed on a wall at the Victoria & Albert Museum, just as I was exiting the exhibition 'Savage Beauty' - a stunning retrospective on the incredible work of fashion designer Alexander McQueen. I stopped and read the quote again, then pulled out my sketchbook to note it down. The inspiration shivered through me. Thank you, Mr. McQueen.
It’s been just over a month since The Pirate Queen mural went up on the walls of Brighton. I haven’t blogged sooner because I’ve mostly been catching up on boring admin stuff. But it feels good to be organised – yes, even creative types can be organised! The studio has been completely sorted and Feng Shui'd, and all the furniture has been painted white. The whiteness was inspired by painter Claire Fearon, who has moved into the studio next door to me. She has painted her space completely white and I thought, wow - that looks great. I have to say it really does make a difference – as well as reflecting the light, the whiteness does help to clear the mind and keep you to focussed on your work.
I've also been taking a bit of time to recharge with some inspiration. Working at Glyndebourne opera house certainly helps - not just because of the amazing stage sets and costumes, the incredible music and the glorious gardens, but also because of the wonderful army of people who work there. I feel very lucky to be able to spend time there.
'Carmen' - photo by Robert Workman.
I’ve always been an Alexander McQueen fan, so I really couldn’t wait to go and see Savage Beauty. The exhibition was a very immersive experience – each room had its own distinct feel, charting the developing stages of McQueen’s career. For me, his work is more than just fashion – it charts the point where dressing blurs into art. And by ‘art’, I think I mean something that has a spiritual weight to it – something that brings you out in goose bumps, sets your heart racing – perhaps induces a feeling of dread or of euphoria. I never thought that looking at a dress would be something that could bring me to the brink of tears… but there we have it!
For those of you that couldn’t make it to the show, here is a two-minute smorgasbord of McQueen fabulousness:
Here are some drawings that I feel might have a touch of the McQueen about them…
Till next time...
The Pirate Queen Mural
The Pirate Queen mural has finally moved out of my studio, and is now on the wall in Meeting House Lane, Brighton - at the end where it joins with North Street. I would really love for the paintings to bring smiles to the people of Brighton, and to the city's visitors.
The nine paintings of the mural show the story of The Pirate Queen - a Brighton resident - as she prepares for a date with the Pirate Prince.
The city of Brighton and Hove is a magical place - much loved by all who live there. It's a place that champions the 'Fabulous Others' - the different ones - the misfits, the eccentrics, the artists and the poets. It's a place where outsiders have been able to find a home, and as such, it holds a special place in my heart. In keeping with the city's colourful, enchanting vibe, the style of the Pirate Queen mural paintings have been inspired by fairytale romance.
If you'd like a piece of Pirate Queen magic for yourself, prints of the mural paintings are now available in the shop.
I would like to extend mammoth thanks to Soozie Campbell, chair of the Brighton & Hove Tourism Alliance, for her creative vision and tireless championing of this project throughout all of our trials and tribulations, and also to Trixie Harmer, for her wonderful, supportive energy and inspiring project management. Well done ladies - we did it!
Big thanks also go to the sponsors who enabled this project to happen; Donatello, Centurion, Tegen Accessories, Choccywoccydoodah, The Grand Hotel, Pretty Eccentric, Paul Goble Jewellers, Hotel du Vin, Brighton & Hove Food Festival, Brighton & Hove Bus & Coach Company, Brighton & Hove Tourism Alliance, Moshimo, Frames in the Lanes, First Light, Sweet William Fudge Shop, Angel Food Bakery and Ring Jewellers.
I shall leave you with some pictures from the little launch party we had, which was attended by Brighton & Hove's new Mayor, Councillor Lynda Hyde, and was held at Tegen Accessories in Meeting House Lane...
Drawings from my sick bed
I can't remember the last time I was ill. I put my generally quite sturdy health down to having hot water with lemon juice every morning - but nevertheless, The Germs have finally caught up with me, and I have been temporarily consigned to the boudoir. However, I can still hold a pen, and I shall share with you some of my latest drawings...
Secrets and pies
Hey folks,
Sorry for having been quiet on here... I am literally painting, painting, painting! Smoke-coming-off-my-brushes painting. The latest commission comprises ten pieces and I am now just over half way through. They are still secret though - I'm afraid I can't show them to you just yet. Ohhhh okayyy... here's a sneaky peek...
I'm also galloping on with the book - got about 8,000 words left to go with this re-write. Soooo, all of this means that I haven't got time to write much today - instead, I will share for the dance fans among us, a video of dancer Sergio Polunin - dubbed by the media as "ballet's bad boy". It's amazing what a few tatts can do for the cause of taking ballet to a wider audience - this video has now gone viral - well done Sergio! I love the way his leaps seem to hang suspended in the air.
So, the secrets are the paintings...
... and I don't really have any pies. A friend of mine did bring me back a box of these from Zurich though -
- but macaroons doesn't rhyme with lies.
Till next time, mes petits amis...
And now, I shall give you no more kisses...
Hello people. Well, it’s 01:20am, Christmas Eve, and everything in my street seems to have fallen silent – although, if you listen carefully, you can hear the hum and twinkle of festive enchantment vibrating through the air. (I’m not talking about my fridge motor here.)
December has whizzed by. I have moved art studios! Stewards Inn Lane Studios had been my creative home for the best part of a decade, so it was definitely the end of an era. There were grumblings from the landlord back in the summer about putting up the rent, but now he has gone the whole nine yards and the place is slated for transformation into – you’ve guessed it – luxury flats.
However, I have been lucky enough to land a unit at The Old Foundry Studios, a bustling warehouse on the Phoenix Industrial Estate – a formerly forgotten area of my town, which in recent years, has been reclaimed and cultivated by a colourful crowd of artistic, musical and crafty bandits.
The Phoenix Industrial Estate is now packed full of the weird and the wonderful, where innovation and creativity flourish. The developer’s shadow looms large here, too though – but The Phoenix Rising Project is fighting back with a visionary, alternative proposal for a new development that would properly serve the local community, and would also include an artists’ quarter. Here’s a fantastic little film about the project:
If you’re interested in finding out more, check out the website here.
So, I’ve been busy setting up my new space, and it’s now ready for me to get cracking with a BIG new project after Christmas – we have finally been given the green light for a new mural in Brighton! I have to thank Soozie Campbell of Sharp Media and Trixie Harmer for their tireless efforts in getting this all to happen. But – shshsh! I can’t tell you anything more than that for now, other than that the unveiling is due to happen around April time. I will keep you posted.
Earlier this month I delivered my Traviata paintings, which were commissioned by Natalia Brzezinska, a singer at Glyndebourne Opera House.
The paintings were based on Glyndebourne’s 2014 production of La Traviata. The original sets and costumes were designed by Hildegard Bechtler, and the lighting was designed by Peter Mumford. I loved this show's design, so it was great fun to paint a part of it.
I’ve also been having a little adventure on the stage myself. A friend of mine, Alison Evans Grant, commissioned me to a design a poster for a production of The Snow Queen that she was directing –
- and then asked if I would be interested in playing the part of the Snow Queen herself! I thought it might be an interesting exercise in personal development – so I said yes.
The fantastic hat I am wearing here was designed and created by the amazing Lily Lewes ...
The part was only a small one – basically comprising the abduction of a boy in the first half of the show, and then appearing again briefly at the end of the second half when the boy’s friend Gerda destroys me with her guardian angel. In light of the brevity of my appearances, I thought the show wouldn’t be that much of a commitment time-wise, but no! I was wrong. The project has been huge but also, hugely enjoyable. My favourite line was thus: 'And now I shall give you no more kisses... or you will be kissed to death!' The cast and crew have all been lovely and it’s been great to experience a production from a performer’s perspective. I think now though, for the next theatrical project I work on, I’d be happy to slip back across to ‘the dark side’… ;)
My New Year’s Resolution in 2013 was to finish my book. And at 6:30pm on December 31st, I typed out the final lines. In my excitement, I ignored Stephen King’s advice to leave your book for at least a few months before editing it, and I dove right in. I ploughed through the book during January and February and I must confess, I ended up feeling quite pleased with myself by the time I got to the end of it. Other projects then weighed in, though I did send the book off to a few agents over the summer. However, I took another proper look at it in September, and found myself shaking my head at my own glaring, bungling, literary blunderings. Oh dear! And so, another round of editing has begun. I am now about a third of the way through the story, untangling sentences, polishing words, brightening phrases. I remember reading that Neil Gaiman decided not to write a blog about the process of writing his book American Gods, because one day it would read, ‘This is going to be a great book!’ and the next day, ‘This is going to be a shit book,’ and then again, ‘This is going to be a great book!’ And that’s exactly how it goes.
This is a painting of one of the characters in my book. The painting was sold at the Stars on Canvas auction, which raises money for the Willow Foundation, and was bought by Tina Smith who kindly got in touch to tell me how much she is enjoying the piece.
Well folks, I had best be getting myself off to the Land of Nod. My little nephew gets up waaayyyyyy too early, and unfortunately, the family Christmas day has been planned around his routine. However, once the sun is up and everyone has gathered for the day, I’m sure I won’t begrudge the rudely premature start!
Wishing you all a wonderful mid-winter break,
Pearl x
Dancing in the Rain
Hello everyone. I am recently back from a spell of working in London at the city’s dance theatre, Sadler’s Wells. When I lived in London, I practically moved into Sadler’s Wells because I am such a huge dance fan (can’t you tell from my work?!) So it was fun for me to experience ‘the dark side’ of the place. I was working on a production called See The Music, Hear The Dance, which comprised four short dance pieces by four different companies – and each piece was created to music by the contemporary classical composer Thomas Adés. Adés himself was in attendance, conducting the Britten Sinfonia and playing the piano. (Although, disappointingly, not at the same time.)
My favourite performance of the evening – and also my favourite piece of music – were both called Polaris. The movement was choreographed by Crystal Pite and I was utterly stunned by it.
Here is a short introduction to Crystal Pite and her work – interesting to hear that she has an association with William Forsythe, one of my other favourite choreographers!
And if you have about 38 minutes spare, here is Ms. Pite giving a talk about conflict in creativity – most interesting – technical challenges with her computer notwithstanding!
Anyway, I am now back in the studio with the rain lashing against the windows - most days it seems, at the moment! I am cracking on with my Traviata commission – I will show you pictures of it once it has been completed. I want to make sure the lady I am creating it for will be happy with it first.
This past weekend I was in London again, teaching my friend Danny Lambo how to paint a portrait. We were being filmed for his TV show, Danny’s World. I’ve never tried teaching anyone before and it was a very interesting experience – making me more aware of my own practices, rituals and habits that unconsciously come into play when I am creating a piece. Here I am observing Danny’s efforts:
In other news, it’s looking about 98% certain that I will get another mural commission for the City of Brighton. We have all the sponsorship and permissions in place, just a few more boxes to tick before I can announce the official fan fair.
OK – diary time – here are my up-coming exhibitions!
Goldstone is a new gallery, opening in Hove THIS FRIDAY 14th. Three of my pieces will be on display alongside other artists. Treats are in store for those who show up on the 14th, but the paintings will be up for longer.
I will also be exhibiting in another group show at The Keizer Gallery in Lewes, launching on November 22nd. For the first time ever, prints of my work will be available at this show!
Once again, the charity bi-annual fundraiser exhibition Stars on Canvas has rolled around. The idea is that all the contributing artists (some of them quite are quite famous!) donate a painting on a canvas sized 20cm x 20cm, and you can bid for the paintings in an online auction. The exhibition is being held at The Hub, Heddon Street, London W1B – but it’s only open for four days, so you’ll have to be quick. All the details you’ll need are on their website – http://starsoncanvas.org.uk/ - can you spot my 2012 contribution on their homepage??
Alright, that's it for now folks - don't forget, you can also keep up with me at https://www.facebook.com/pearlbatescreates and https://twitter.com/PearlBates - I'll check in with you again soon...
Painting with Ki
I'm an artist and I just had to check how you spell 'easel'. I think it should be changed to eezil but there you go. So! Fresh off the eezil today is 'Tweet'.
This is the first non-commissioned painting I've done in a while. I had a real fight with her - the nose and the lips would be perfect - then I'd go in to accent one tiny detail and boom! The whole thing was messed up. Much under-the-breath swearing would ensue. However, I went to an Aikdo Ki class last night - Aikido is a Japanese martial art and Ki - well, how would you sum up Ki? 'The unseen life force in your body and the universe', according the internet. We did some interesting exercises to help tune into Ki, and I tried doing this again while I was painting today. I'm not sure yet how much of a difference it might have made to the final piece but I can say I was a lot more relaxed while I was working on it! Perhaps the painting is now infused with the unseen life force of the universe. I'm not sure what she's looking at - maybe it's a horse race... or perhaps it could be someone in very tiny pants? Whatever you think, you can find more details about 'Tweet' here.
Meanwhile I've been back at the opera house, sketching at rehearsals for La Traviata...
This is part of the auditorium. It won't be in the final painting - I just drew it during a break, while the house lights were up and I could actually see what I was doing!
In other news, I've been having a lot of fun talking to Brighton businesses, cooking up some ideas for a new project...
Hopefully I'll be able to reveal more in the near future - check back soon!
Hello
Well hello there. The eagle eyed among you may have noticed that I have a new website. And so, consequently, this will be my first post in the new blog - which I have called 'sketchbook' - because just like my virtual sketchbooks, it will most likely be full of random thoughts. As you can see:
Meanwhile, here are some sketches for a new painting commission, inspired by Glyndebourne Opera House's latest production of La Traviata...
And here is a poster I have designed for an upcoming stage production of The Snowqueen...
OK, that's it for now - I need to crack on with re-organising the studio... wish me luck!
