In the past few weeks the busyness of preparing for the course has settled down. I've posted certificates and photos for my enrolment and filled forms in for funding; researched season tickets for the train and investigated the station that I'll use.
One of my favourite illustrators died: Pauline Baynes, known for her work on the Dictionary Of Chivalry, and numerous CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien books.
I found a jolly, if less enduring artist in Ashkahn.
The Southampton City Art Gallery has a particularly enjoyable three-room exhibition by local artists, all representing water in their own ways.
Wednesday, 20 August 2008
Tuesday, 5 August 2008
London, Last Weekend
National Portrait Gallery
BP Portrait Award 2008
I spent a long time at this exhibition, looking at methods, moods and motifs. The writeup on each piece says where the artist studied and to what level, which now feels so much more attainable.
British Museum
Hadrian: Empire And Conflict
A similar story here. I had never paid much attention to sculpture: it seemed a distant and magical talent. This exhibition was full of busts of emperors and their lovers. Now I'm looking forward to trying it out.
Victoria & Albert Museum
I wandered without aim but paid particular attention to the textile library; Islamic illustration & tiles; leafy patterns on jugs, paper and stained glass and an exhibition on theatre set design and costume.
BP Portrait Award 2008
I spent a long time at this exhibition, looking at methods, moods and motifs. The writeup on each piece says where the artist studied and to what level, which now feels so much more attainable.
British Museum
Hadrian: Empire And Conflict
A similar story here. I had never paid much attention to sculpture: it seemed a distant and magical talent. This exhibition was full of busts of emperors and their lovers. Now I'm looking forward to trying it out.
Victoria & Albert Museum
I wandered without aim but paid particular attention to the textile library; Islamic illustration & tiles; leafy patterns on jugs, paper and stained glass and an exhibition on theatre set design and costume.
Thursday, 31 July 2008
ArtVaults
A collection of doors to old buildings. They're usually shut up and ignored but each summer they turn into the best gallery in town, filled with mysterious and though-provoking contemporary art installations.
Despite Southampton's lacklustre heritage sector I'm really quite proud of what's going on.
Look at the website!
Tuesday, 29 July 2008
Shopping List
Today I went to Perry's Art in East Street with the list of materials that I need for the course. The staff are so helpful: I handed the list over and they guided me through the options for each item and even gave me a discount for buying student supplies. I left with:- A3 pad
- A3 acrylic pad
- Acrylic paints (set of 8)
- Drawing inks (set of 8)
- Conté pastels (set of 24)
- Brushes (set of 3)
- Masking tape
- Stanley knife
- 40" steel rule
Monday, 28 July 2008
Warming Up
This is the journey of a mature student, preparing for his return to study after seven years. Over the past few weeks I've had innumerable conversations, always full of advice and inspiration, about universities, courses and various interests. Following one such meeting this evening I'm looking for a topic for a practice essay. Thanks, Adam Chapman.
Sunday, 27 July 2008
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