Susie Hunt artist

Painting Holiday 2018 at L Age Baston Chateaux

noreply@blogger.com (susiehunt) — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 16:17:00 +0000

Date for this years painting weeks in France are confirmed as the 7th and 14th July.
It's a real treat to stay at the chateaux, painting and drawing in the well equipped studio, then relaxing by the pool. Walk in the woods and explore the local village.
Do not hesitate to contact me if you want more information,
It is a lovely place to stay.

L'Age Baston 2017

noreply@blogger.com (susiehunt) — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 14:48:00 +0000

Every week, every year, the weather, the people. Everything is different which means it is never dull to work in this way. This year had some different dynamics that kept me on my toes. The first week was a small group - but they all wanted tutoring at their own pace, which gave me a lot of reward as teacher. The second week had more people but some had come with their own projects and agenda, which meant my role was more fluid and in ways uncertain. It felt there was a good round up at the end of the week and I remind myself... It is a holiday for them, not an art course. I did some sketches that will remind me of the time but most of my input was on the whiteboard and will be lost in the dustbins of France.

I was picked up by my dear friend Sue who drove down the length of France with me, looked after our dogs and picked me up for a trip out on the changeover day. The last photo is of the lake I have been sitting next to, watching heron and blue skies, breeze ripple and calm, a kingfisher. We have swum and walked, weeded, watered and cut back brambles - it's been a thoroughly restful end to the trip. Now packing for the return journey and looking forward to my own weeds and watering.

Preparation and Presentaton

noreply@blogger.com (susiehunt) — Sun, 25 Jun 2017 12:54:00 +0000

Mill Farm arty week starts tomorrow - so the studio is looking clear and tidy. What ever the other outcomes, I have sorted through piles of collected detritus, thrown away unloved work and gubbins, washed the kitchen thoroughly, cleaned the toilet and sharpened about 100 assorted pencils.
The space is about as ready as I can make it before people actually turn up, so I went to the degree shows at Greys School of Art yesterday. I saw some fine original works and was lifted by the standard, though experience and the cynic in me knows that barely one percent of these young talented folk will still be doing 'art' in three years time. But still it is a great training and I felt the fashion and textiles were outstanding.

A desire to raise the bar in my own work is always there, teaching and painting. So I am paying attention to the details of the programme for next week, to give the participants the best opportunity I can to enjoy, be creative and learn.

Summer Art Week @ Mill Farm Studio

noreply@blogger.com (susiehunt) — Thu, 11 May 2017 08:51:00 +0000

A chance to dip into a variety of creative activity. I have challenged myself with the creating of the week but the best of it is working with talented professionals like Lyndsey Gibb who has done all the work for the Flyers and information sheets shown here. Come and Join us.

noreply@blogger.com (susiehunt) — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 13:21:00 +0000

Lake and Peak District 2016

noreply@blogger.com (susiehunt) — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 13:21:00 +0000

Driving too and fro from Aberdeenshire to Kent is made all the more interesting by stopping off along the way and it removes the emphasis of getting there. Earlier in the year I was accompanied by Mary Cane as I persuaded her to come with me and visit Jenks garden near Dumfries. Open for one day a year only and I had already arranged to pick up paintings just 20 miles away in Kircudbright.
A Memorable trip indeed, though raining, that did not dampen our pleasure at seeing the monumental land works and plantings. The 'garden' included railway carriage, river and stream crossings, stairways and pathways, walkways and spiralled ways up and down.

I have just returned to Kemnay having completed another trip with time spent in a hot tub near Cocketmouth with Jeni and James Watson and on the way back - a reunion near Buxton which apart from the great company, spacious farmhouse accommodation and a visit to Chatsworth house, I managed to swim in the refurbished leisure pool and dabbled a couple of sketches.

I have decided, no more dashing up and down. But more stops along the way to see places and people.

West Dean - Monoprint.

noreply@blogger.com (susiehunt) — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 23:16:00 +0000

Gathering my materials together to tutor one of my favourite processes - the ever surprising and rewarding Monoprint. It is with a mix of anticipation and apprehension that I approach the four days at lovely West Dean. Skill and luck.

Kent Painters Group - Sevenoaks

noreply@blogger.com (susiehunt) — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 16:12:00 +0000

The Kent Painters Group

The Annual Exhibition will be at Sevenoaks School opening on Friday evening of the 30th October and running for the full weekend. A huge variety of works will be hanging and the commission on sales is in aid of four local charities. Lots of hard work by the organising team.

It is a privilege to show again with the group as I have done for twenty years.

This will be one of my paintings showing. It's called 'Early Summer' and I worked it this year when Mattie had seven lovely puppies. When I had a moment not feeding her, or them, or clearing up or trying to find them in the garden... I painted.

Open Studio Time - again...

noreply@blogger.com (susiehunt) — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 15:53:00 +0000

So it is time to clear spaces and hang some images for people to enjoy...

I will be working in the studio for the duration and hope visitors may get an insight into some of the processes involved and join in with some drawing or painting if they wish.

These are some snapshots of images that may be on show.

RSW - Two works Accepted.

noreply@blogger.com (susiehunt) — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 08:56:00 +0000

A great reason for trip to Edinburgh.
Catherine and Jenny Ross - clever young talented artists arranged to drive works down for submission, which is always the most important, but hardest hurdle. To make that effort with the possibility of rejection. Donnie (uncle Donnie to aforementioned girls) also sent work down and has also been successful. It was at this show lat year that he sold a small work for £2000 - what a boost.

So we will go to the opening and have the pleasure of prides warm glow.

Painting Holiday at L'Age Baston

noreply@blogger.com (susiehunt) — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 17:24:00 +0000

Good timing for a new booking - just when the daylight is near its dimmest and the grey clouds so sodden that they drip with rain. An invitation to tutor in France near Limogue in the hight of summer.

I have a good feeling about this trip, with such lovely surroundings and an impressive organisation, it should be good for tutor and participants to get on and do lots of lovely painting.

The link will be going onto the website soon, but until then....

Www.Lagebaston.com

Hedgerow Art And Alchemy - A Celebration of Spring

noreply@blogger.com (susiehunt) — Sat, 29 Mar 2014 11:48:00 +0000

Judy and I are doing a different twist on the theme. So do come along. I guarantee it will be lovely!

Hedgerow Art and Alchemy

One Day Courses

Artist Susie Hunt and Herbalist Judy Patterson

Friday 2^nd or Saturday 3^rd May 2014

9.45am – 4.00pm at Mill Farm Studio, Kemnay, Aberdeenshire

£50 per one day course – bookings 01467 643569/624572

*****

Creating an Impression – Hedgerows in Spring

Creating an impression of the Spring Hedgerow through simple printing techniques, painting and herbal alchemy. Both days are suitable for beginners and beyond. Art materials and vegetarian lunch provided.

· Guided Herbal Walk with herbalist and artist

· Collect plant materials and inspiration

· A rare opportunity to stop and stare

· Sketching, printing and painting of wild plants in art studio

· Experience herbal plants – teas, tinctures, tasting and intuition

· Creating your own cards as gifts

Time swift and rushing past.

noreply@blogger.com (susiehunt) — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 11:36:00 +0000

No time to write really - not enough time to paint. I would like to do that all the time, but other things call on my time. Time to mow grass for the first time this year. Time to gather all the winter debris and make a new fire (so I don't risk roasting the blackbird and other fellows who are using my big pyre to shelter and nest in.) Time for a cup or coffee and reflect on other things I should be doing with my time.

Time to go back into the studio and continue painting. With time to spare to take the dogs for a walk before it is time to go to Kemnay to help with the film night.

All in all its a fine time, as long as I don't get worried by the speed time is passing.

New Work for New Year.

noreply@blogger.com (susiehunt) — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 13:05:00 +0000

New Year... 2014

noreply@blogger.com (susiehunt) — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 10:29:00 +0000

Last new year dragged its feet for me, with snow interrupting the flow, lessons and outings cancelled - bumpy. So this year I made the decision not to start lessons until the third week in January (next week) To allow a settling in and recovery from the festive season. It has paid off in that I have made some encouraging starts to painting and projects for the next couple of months.
Jim Livingstone has put me in touch with a gallery in Kirkudbright - The Whitehouse Gallery. It is a lift to have a new venue to show work in. Also doing a workshop in Shropshire in February which is titled 'Making An Impression '- mono type/ mono print. I have such enthusiasm for these techniques, the transferred mark and the unpredictability that it brings.

And tomorrow The Artist Lunch' get together with fellows who may or may not know each other but who share the common problems and pluses of creative life. Lunch on a Monday? Who else can do that!
(Does not mean we will get on!)

It was a stimulating and enjoyable addition to time spent in Surrey, so we will see if it has any legs here.

Leaf Clearing - The post Opening Lull.

noreply@blogger.com (susiehunt) — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 09:48:00 +0000

Those of you not lucky enough to live in Aberdeenshire are I believe, suffering from dull weather. A bit grey, a bit damp, a bit cold. But we are not. It is the time of year when even I - not an early to rise but a late to fall sort of person, get to see the sunrise and I have been rewarded with some splendid visuals. Not only that, the sunsets have been equal to none, each day succeeding to outdo the last. Very early in my painting life I realised that Turner and Monet were the men for a sunset and that us lesser mortals should leave that scene in the moment. To view and be in awe of natures clever play and not to try and trap it onto paper. Though of course the skies inevitably find their way as backdrop to the painted world. During this November run of benign natural beauty I have had the Opening of painted works at the Theatre in Aberdeen. It is not a grand space, neither prestigious or large, but it has been focus my thoughts and efforts for the past year. That line is now crossed with or without success and I have dropped into the void, the time and space beyond the deadline. So leaf clearing. Perfect for such time with its endlessness and lack of mental challenge. And the weather is kind, mild and dry.

RSA Edinburgh. Small Works Exhibition

noreply@blogger.com (susiehunt) — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 18:33:00 +0000

Dear Dad... I was so resistant to enter you for this open show. But I knew you were my best chance - fearful and not wanting to push the luck - I did send you down to the selection. And the beat goes on, its been a good year and you are now showing in Edinburgh at the RSA. I can not wait to go and see where and what company you are keeping. All good>

Susie Hunt at His Majesties Theatre

noreply@blogger.com (susiehunt) — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 23:05:00 +0000

But - maybe - in the next two days, all will come together and the ladies will be paddling in the water while folk drink their interval drinks in the Dress Circle bar. Opening 6.00pm on Tuesday 26th November and staying on show for a couple of months.

Exhibition - GHAT at His Majesties Theatre - Aberdeen

noreply@blogger.com (susiehunt) — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 23:01:00 +0000

Having had weeks to prepare, I have delivered paintings to be framed with very little time to spare. I am cobbling together the framing for a large work with the help of Jim Livingstone - which is problematic all round. I have send an incomplete list of works, titles and prices to the most patient Tamsin (GHAT exhibitions manager). I am a complete ding bat.

Greece 2014 and GHAT

noreply@blogger.com (susiehunt) — Tue, 22 Oct 2013 08:17:00 +0000

After much cufuffle and human error; predominantly mine - we have finalised the dates for Greece next year.
Going in September (oh yes, warm warm sea) for two weeks. Thursday 11th - 18th and 18th - 25th.
I have double checked the flights ...( At first attempt there were none! ) there are plenty of charters with Monarch - Thomson's etc, but easy jet give up mid month so that option is gone.

Phil Thompson has been at the receiving end of all my malarkey, he has repaired my endless mistakes and has been charmingly patient - thanks mr t. All that training dealing with data from hundreds of NEOS artists has paid off.

I have to get my head down now and finish off works for showing at his Majesties Theatre - Grampian Hospitals Arts Trust ( GHAT) have space to exhibit on the walls of the bar and for three month over the pantomime season there will be mine.

A long Sweet After Taste

noreply@blogger.com (susiehunt) — Mon, 12 Aug 2013 11:57:00 +0000

It is a sip of pleasure that has gone on, and on. The purchaser of my RA accepted picture is a super actor with his own star shining bright and and this has added another lift to my own pleasure - seeing his name in lights... And to think I was just happy to get past the first selection. The seconds of exposure on Culture Show, big bonus. Selling... Great. Enquiries from more interested parties and further interest in my work, finding out who the purchaser was. What a lovely time it is.

I have now been re visiting the film that inspired the work and am finding even more to glean from it. I have also reflected on the series of small but relevant keys that unlocked the possibility of it. So I will write the story to keep it safe.

It was ten years ago that my 75 year old father received an intriguing letter from a curator at the East Anglian Film Archives. Some home movies/ films were sent for dad to view. they may be of interest; Could he be the Graham Hunt mentioned in one of the black and white captions and if so, did he know who any of the other characters in the series of short films?

Dad was an only child. His mother died in childbirth when he was three and after that time for a few years he was looked after by his father and a housekeeper. His mother Blanche was a tiny woman - possibly only 4ft 10 inches, her family blamed my grandfather - Charles Hunt for her death, and so there is little or no contact with them again. The old movies were made around this time - when dad was about four to seven years old. (1933/6) they were made by his Uncle on fathers side.. Earnie. Dad is very recognisable in that although often blurry and very young - he has prominent big ears and skinny little limbs.

There are four sections of film with dad clearly present. A walk in the country, then, a most poignant sequence of play with grandpa (who I knew as a rather austere man) mucking about in a hay field, a birthday party for Esme dads older cousin - which has vignettes of little acting scenes as entertainment and also a sequence where Graham and Charles are getting into the car and to drive away.
It is all revelation, as after this time Charles married Paddy and for what ever reason, this family was lost. The obvious close relationship at such a delicate time withered with her joining the family.

Though I now know that there was some contact by letter and I think my sister and I met Ernie and Minnie (his wife - also very recognisable in the movies with solid dark framed round glasses - and a certain stylish quality) for a brief lunch visit with Paddy and Charles. Sarah and I were very young, but the event stayed in the memory due to a caterpillar in the lettuce and tension that we did not understand.

So moving on. Dad is now over eighty. I am living in Scotland and have friendship with Mary Cane, we both attend the MFA at Grays School of Art.
Mary has restored a series of buildings - a substantial Victorian house and its outbuildings and stables,
All done with quirky style and comfort. Some hand rendered care and some fashionable furnishings - it is a mix of personal arts and craft creativity and grander design - I find it very appealing.

About two years ago, Mary extracted a nostalgic and intriguing image from a 1930's movie about the House (Ardo). It showed two indistinct figures, that I read as female. What was distinct is the period of clothing and hats and a visible body language of companionship. Within that fleeting snapshot was a wealth of possibility. I used the image many times. It inspired a rich seam of pictures and they also had an appeal to others, which I did not expect. The universal desire for nostalgia and its richness in the pre war period was being tapped in these images.

It took me another year to think of re visiting the images of my father and his pre war family. The film is on video, so it is lucky we have been too idle to throw out the redundant machine. And my pathetic techno ability took even more time to realise the potential of the 'rapid' take facility on my camera. Even though back in my MFA days I had delighted in the movement it could capture with a quick succession of stills. But this is what I reference to as a trail of little clicks or chicks (or is it ducks) in a row to realise the possibility of some new work.

So I started a series of six paintings depicting my father as a young boy clambering over a hedge on a country walk. I put gentle colour into the faded black and white shots.
One of these I took out of the series as I felt it had stand alone appeal, the almost silhouetted figure looking straight out of the frame at the viewer. I titled it 'still, looking back at me looking back'
And with a feeling of trepidation that often accompanies sending work to open shows... I took it to the Royal Academy in London where it Joined the stacks of thousands of hopeful submissions.

Hedgerow Art and Alchemy - Strathdon July 13th

noreply@blogger.com (susiehunt) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:06:00 +0000

HEDGEROW ART AND ALCHEMY contact Susie: or Judy or Frances. One day workshop discovering and exploring through art and herbalism the wildflowers and herbs of beautiful Strathdon Saturday 13th July 2013, 10 - 4.00pm £50 including lunch and refreshments This unique workshop tutored by artist Susie Hunt and herbalist Judy Patterson will take place in and around a well situated art studio on the edge of the Cairngorm National Park, enjoying panoramic views of the Deskry River valley. The aim is to enjoy a gentle, heart-lightening day “getting up close” to the wild plants we live amongst and normally take for granted. We will be guided through various techniques to visually record and discover the properties of the plants we find. For more information contact francescrawford@yahoo.co.uk 019756 51719

Thanks Dad...

noreply@blogger.com (susiehunt) — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 11:26:00 +0000

It was a thrill to attend with all the successful artists. I found three other first timers along the route to viewing our work. (I think we latched on to each other, all looking a bit bewildered.) Procession along Piccadilly to St James Church and then back to The Royal Academy to see for ourselves that the work really was hanging and it wasn't all a joke.

The Varnishing Day

noreply@blogger.com (susiehunt) — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 11:19:00 +0000

Picture In the Royal Acadamy Summer Show

noreply@blogger.com (susiehunt) — Thu, 30 May 2013 20:44:00 +0000

For over two weeks I was in a lovely bubble of possibility. Having recieved the letter saying that my work was still under consideration for the R.A Summer Exhibition. I also had been contacted by the Culture Show and that was all wafting about my head. So arriving home, no sign of the letter... until I went into the Studio and saw it on the shelf next to the telephone. Opened and sighed with relief. Because that it what is it, after all the effort and hope.