Wednesday 18 May 2016

Gossip

Well, one or two of you guessed and some of you knew but my "news" from earlier this week was neither exciting or good. In fact it is rather sad news. After summer school in August, Missenden Abbey will no longer be a centre for adult education in Buckinghamshire. Which means that more than half my annual teaching commitments will just disappear... Leaving me with a lot more free time on my hands and considerably poorer! It is a very sad day for adult education in this country but for me personally I am seeing it as an opportunity for more time to devote to ideas for my new business so I am trying to see it as a door opening rather than one closing... Exciting times for change. Meanwhile there is one last chance to take a summer school with me at Missenden Abbey  from 1st - 3rd August where I will be teaching Stitched Graffiti Art.


I will also be teaching this as a shorter one day workshop at Art Van Go on 14th July. And talking of Art Van Go there is a fabulous exhibition of oil paintings on there at the moment by Vicki Otte called Colour Fest which runs until 28th May.

 Vicki Otté is lives and works in Hertfordshire and has always painted, originally with acrylics  illustrating children's stories, which also led her to create painted wood sculptures. However, for the last few years Vicki has concentrated exclusively on oils.

Many of her paintings involve portraits and it is obvious from her work that Vicki Otté has a keen eye for people and for characterisation. All of her paintings are portrayals of life as she sees it, usually with humour, and always in vibrant colour. They just made me smile they are such joyous happy paintings.


I just love the colouful exuberence of this work, so much so that when I was there teaching little stitched miniatures a few weeks ago I took this painting called "Gossip 2" as inspiration for a little stitched miniature of my own


And this was the result... obviously not for sale as it is a copy of Vicki's work, but for my own enjoyment.


So that is my news really.


So I am not sure how many more workshops I will be teaching in future... a few at Art Van Go, odd ones here and there but mostly my focus will now be on my baking. And I've lots of ideas for things I want to do so I'm seeing it as exciting times. I'm dancing in the rain!


And for those of you who can't make it to a workshop in person, I still hope to be able to teach via downloadable tutorials... a new one is in my Etsy shop today for the stitched miniatures which you can find here. And there are more planned for later in the year.


20 comments:

  1. How sad about Missenden Abbey. Adult ed is shrinking rapidly here in Oz as well. I love your embroidery copy of that painting.
    I am sure your baking business will only grow and grow - big distraction coming up with your new arrival though!!

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  2. the stitched miniature, inspired by the painting, is a bit phoenix rising from the ashes. Fly high!

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  3. I am sorry that the Missenden Abbey courses are ending, and wonder what use might be put to that beautiful location after the last class.

    It's so good that you have set your compass on the baking horizon, Gina. You've so many talents, that having this fresh enthusiasm is timed perfectly.

    I like your embroidered version of the tete-a-tete scene very much. Both the original painting and your version definitely capture a certain atmosphere very well.

    xo

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  4. I'm sure, as you say, as one door closes another opens. Sad about Missenden, though I confess I have never been to a class there. But who knows where things may take you. I, too wonder what will come of the building.

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  5. Missenden - They'll miss you more than you miss them!
    Love those little embroideries - as I said before - you are so clever xx

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  6. Blimey, that sounds a bit grovell-y - I'll make up for it next time with a particularly scathing comment xx

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  7. Missenden Abbey looked to be such a beautiful venue for workshops and I have heard what a lovely place it is for students and tutors alike. You will all miss it, but obviously you have other plans already in the pipeline which is good.
    I think I like your machine embroidery version of that delightful painting even more than the original. It's wonderful.
    I hope you will find other venues for teaching, if that is what you would like, but I am sure you will be able to build up Apricot and Fig with more time to devote to it.
    Whatever transpires, I wish you success.

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  8. As you say one door closes and another opens. But sad for adult education. I loved your art exhibition. Perhaps you would like to link this post to my Paint Monthly post so that others can see. B x

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  9. Awe what a shame, a sign of the times I'm afraid but I'm glad you are seeing it as a positive!
    V x

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  10. It's very sad that Missenden's art courses are ending. I'm pleased that you have your baking project already underway.

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  11. So sad about Missenden as it is such a beautiful venue and has offered many learning opportunities over the years. Such a shame arts education does not seem to be valued properly. I love your stitched pictures, particularly the tea, cakes and gossip.

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  12. Very sad news Gina, Even though I was never lucky enough to go there. I know your classes will be sadly missed too, but I'm sure there will be other teaching opportunities and you'll have more time to spend on your new venture.

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  13. Creative adult education is so important - a life saver for me. I hope there will be other opportunities nearby, maybe for you but also for those taking classes at Missenden.
    No doubt your baking business will take up all our time, and of course your puppy. I love vibrant colours very much. I have never heard of Vicky Otte but will look her up. Thanks for sharing her work, and also your fabulous stitched version of Gossip 2. x

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  14. I am sure your classes at Missenden Abbey will be a great loss, as no doubt the other classes and courses will be. More time for bakimg though, that is true. I enjoyed seeing Vicky Otte's work, and your embroidered version is so clever! With all your creative talents you will be a success at whatever you do X

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  15. Such a shame that this is coming to an end! I hope that you keep enjoying the teaching you will be doing and your new baking ventures!

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  16. I had heard a whisper on Facebook about Missenden Abbey and it's so very sad. Without knowing the ins and outs of it, it seems very short-sighted to be losing all the opportunities for adult education. However, I'm glad you have a good future with baking planned out. I'm sure it will be really successful. Your portrait of the ladies is fabulous, a credit to the original inspiration. the very best of good luck with your new career. xx

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  17. Shame about the ending of the adult education programme but it sounds like you're planning to make the most of the opportunity to do new stuff. Exciting times for you.

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  18. That is such bad news about Missenden Abbey. I've done two courses there and loved the sociability of the teaching spaces plus the tranquillity of the gardens. Good luck with your baking venture.

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  19. That is sad news about Missenden, but good news that your baking venture is underway. Wishing you success with it.

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  20. Hello! I am new to Vicki’s work and I just love it. I just saw she submitted on Grayson’s Art Club. Does anyone know if she has a website or anything? Thanks! Ali

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