Monday 11 August 2008

At the West Barn.....















A fantastic preview evening was had indeedy! Lovely people, lovely comments and luckily for me, lots of sales to keep me painting ever onward. Something of everything went too, no one area has dominated over others for anyone who likes to know these things! Oil, watercolour, glass, photography, cards etc., all gave good account. All sizes too, whether over five feet or under 5 inches. A real mixed bag! (And impossible to predict as ever!) There were some wonderfully animated conversations over the paintings, especially "The Decision"- it seems we all have a story or opinion about wedding rings! (There was a surreal moment where it transpired several of us were all on second marriages, and spoke of where our 1st golden bands had ended up!) The power of a painting to promote such a wave of communication was awesome. I may pursue a more story-telling style in further pictures, purely for the unique reactions that different people take from your work. I would just like to say a really big THANK YOU to everyone who turned up and made the night so special- and you are all most welcome to come back and finish off the Pimms! We still have loads...help!!? Strangely, we found it hard to give it away today. Another fine day of (smaller) sales and warm conversations, but I fear people are a wee bit suspicious when we try to ply them with a free drink! They only relent when we tell them we used to run pubs and it is second nature to us!
Stop! Enough now of us, me and Serenarts! I really must mention the building before I sign off. It is a stunning piece of conservation work that has won many accolades- it is also getting quite a well-earned reputation for artists exhibiting. It dates back to before the beginning of the world began, was completely destroyed by fire in the '80's and then just left to ruin in the British weather. Finally in 2003 it was reopened by Charlie, after a total rebuild to a sympathetic original plan, using much of the original excavated stone. Clever stuff. It now sits like the final jewel in an old crown of mediaeval buildings here. There is a wonderful minstrel gallery overlooking the lower hall, and I have included a few photos (in no particular order , I'm afraid- no time to sort!) that will hopefully give you all an idea of the old and new history this place signifies. Tomorrow I will post a proper homage to all the buildings down here. Might pull in a few architects wandering by too! Enjoy!


2 comments:

Norma Pugh said...

Oh, how I wish we could have been there. Congratulations and we are so pleased it went so well. Looking forward to seeing you Saturday 16th. Love Mems and Peps

Serena said...

Thank you so much for coming down and supporting us (as ever!) It is such a long way and you always make the effort. It really is appreciated- and we think you're lovely! Very lovely! Big hugs xxxx