Blog

Good Morning,

What a glorious one it is too... sunny, bright & warm.

My blog this week is a little different. It's a tale of the wonderful weekend ... open day at A.S.K Art studio/ gallery & exhibition at West Stockwith Church.

My friend & fellow artist Steph Baines approached me a couple of months ago & asked if I'd be interested in holding an Art exhibition at West Stockwith Church.

The primary objective was to help raise funds for the upkeep of this beautiful building which is in need of TLC.

After agreeing on a date we thought it would be a good idea to have an open day on the same day at the studio. A mini 'arts festival'.

A number of my wonderful clients exhibited their work in the church. Thanks to Jean Dagg, David Barker, Graham Spires, Karen Horner-Glister, Jane Boor, Cath Ray, Judy-Anne Newton for your beautiful work.

Thanks also to you wonderful people who contributed the most delicious cakes to sell:- Jean Dagg, Shirley Williams, Humaira Khan, Diana Wardell, Liz Woods. Your cakes were very much appreciated and raised £60 at the studio!!!

On the 17th of July, the garden was converted into a cafe/tea garden with plenty of umbrellas for shade, vases of lavender to dress the table, bunting, and rustic table cloths and chairs.

My two gorgeous step-daughters Mackenzie & Maddison were hostesses and did an excellent job serving hot & cold beverages & cakes.

Darrell, my husband was their glamorous assistant and, Murphy worked the crowd going from lap to lap.

We couldn't have asked for better weather, the sun shone all day as visitors came through the gate.

It was so lovely to see so many clients coming through the doors, there was a lot of catching up and chatter. 

18th July:- the exhibition at the church continued for a second day with plenty of footfall coming through. The church looked amazing displaying a wide range of local talent. 

There were paintings, watercolours, photography, clay sculptures, wooden sculptures, prints, sculptures. 

It showcased the wide range of talent in the local area.

I don't have a final figure raised for the church, yet.

I can't thank you enough for your support in this event. It could not have come off without your continued support and kindness.

Thank you xxx

Good Morning,

How are you on this second Monday of July?

It's very busy here preparing for the joint Open Day at the Gallery/studio & the exhibition at West Stockwith church, Saturday 17th July 11 am - 5.30 pm.

Paintings are in the process of being labelled and logged.

The garden is in the process of being converted into an outdoor 'cafe' to serve hot drinks and homemade cakes.

Invites have been sent, Murphy has been prepped to entertain.

It would be great to see you there.

I've also ordered a beautiful sunny day.

See you Saturday,

Amina & Murphy

Good Morning,

Happy Monday and it's the first one of July so today's blog is an activity.

It's a step-by-step drawing of a hand using a pencil.

There are also examples of drawings from different artists to help you develop your drawing.

Let me know how you get on.

News:-

Preparations for the open day and exhibition are underway. Cakes are being baked, bunting is being sourced and the invitations are out. We're very excited about the event and renamed it a mini Arts Festival.

I have a new page on my website called 'Weekend Workshops'.

If you fancy spending a weekend immersing yourself in creativity this is the page for you. The days are longer, lunches, cream tea & wine is included to make it an extra special experience.

All the information is on the page, the first-weekend workshop is called 'Beauties of Nature- painting in acrylics & mixed media'. It's on Saturday & Sunday 28th & 29th August.

Have a great week, enjoy the blog, more next week.

Amina & Murphy xx

Good Morning,

Welcome to this week's blog which continues the theme of using colour in painting.

There is a lovely painting called 'Grey Day, Sunset ' which is a great example of colour and mood.

The wax, scrunch & painting workshop at the weekend was great fun. There was plenty of creativity and activity using a range of medium. 

Due to the exhibition, open day and other commitments there are no workshops in July. The next is on August 6th which is 'drawing skills', it is a morning session only.

Check out the Adult Workshop page for upcoming workshops in August.

Only three weeks to go to the open day and exhibition, I'm becoming very excited as is Murphy. We hope you can make it to the mini Arts Festival day/ weekend.

Good Afternoon,

Happy summer solstice.

This week's blog is 'Tonal Values'. It will give some clarity and understanding about tone.

I hope you can make the studio/ gallery open day on the 17th July and, the exhibition at West Stockwith Church on 17th & 18th July.

All the details are on the website.

If you have a celebration coming up why not treat yourself & loved ones to a watercolour & cream tea experience. All details are on the website.

Enjoy the blog.

Best wishes,

Amina & Murphy x

Good Morning,

How are you this beautiful and warm day?

Today's blog is a continuation of colour theory and focuses on Warm & Cold Colours, depth & space .

I hope you enjoyed the wet-on-wet blog and had a go at painting.

Exhibition:- 

Saturday & Sunday 17th & 18th July, 11 am - 5.30

West Stockwith Church, West Stockwith, DN 10 4EY

The exhibition showcases my work and that of local artists. The entrance is £1 and there is tea, coffee and scones available to purchase. All money raised will go towards the upkeep of the church.

A.S.K Open Day:-

Saturday 17th July 11 am - 5.30 pm

Why not come along and see the newly extended garden gallery & studio? 

There will be tea/coffee & cake available, contributions are welcomed and will be donated to West Stockwith Church for upkeep.

Bistro-style tables & chairs will be set up to enjoy homemade cake & take in the surroundings.

Please drop me a line if you would like to come to the open day.

Best wishes,

Amina & Murphy x

Good Morning,

Happy Monday, I hope your weekend was hot, sunny, and relaxing.

It's the first Monday of the month so this week's art blog is an art activity.

Using watercolours follow the instructions and pictures step at a time to learn the wet-on-wet technique.

Let me know how you get on and share the blog.

The bi-weekly Art club will return Thursday 29th July 2 - 4 pm. For only £12.00 bring along a project you're working on and, if you need advice and guidance, it's available in abundance.

Preparations for A.S.K Open day & the art exhibition at West Stockwith are underway. Dates and invitations will be sent out soon.

Have a great week,

Amina & Murphy Art Dog xx

Good Morning,

What a beautiful sunny day at last. I hope you had a great bank holiday weekend out and about or at home.

This week's blog is a second instalment on the language of colour. 

It explains terms that are used frequently in Art & Design.

Have a great week.

Amina & Murphy xx

Good Morning,

Welcome to this week's blog which is about mixing colours and the terms used which can be confusing.

All is good and ticking along wonderfully here at the gallery/ studio. Workshops, watercolour & cream tea experiences & preparations for an upcoming exhibition & studio open day are keeping Murphy & me very busy.

Murphy is taking it all in his stride.

Please share the blog.

Have a great week.

Amina x

Good Morning,

Happy Monday... a little dull & overcast but it's feeling warm.

This week's blog gives, hopefully, helpful information about colourng pencils. A very understated artist's tool.

News Bulletin:-

• Art Exhibition:- Saturday/ Sunday 17th &18th July A.S.K Art & Design is holding an Art exhibition at West Stockwith Church, a stunning building with a great outdoor space. If you would like to exhibit a piece or two, email me the details and a photograph of the work. I already have amateur artists involved and am very excited.
• Studio Open Day:- As well as the exhibition there is a studio open day on Saturday 17th July. You can come along, have a tea, cake and view the new extended gallery and exhibition.
• More details on both events soon.
• Workshops:- there is still room on a couple of workshops, check the Adult Workshop Page for more information.
• Murphy News:- He's as cute & adorable as ever, his arthritis doesn't hinder him, although we have to carry him up the stairs.

Enjoy the blog, please share where possible.

Amina & Murphy x

Good morning,

How are we all as lockdown slowly eases?

Workshops:-

Saturday's 'Abstract acrylic Landscapes' session was a great success. Each outcome was different producing beautiful vibrant paintings. The wet weather didn't dampen the spirit, we were wrapped up warm, the heating was on full and throws were handed out to keep warm as doors & windows were open.

The next workshop is ' Abstract cityscapes in Watercolour & Mixed Media'. There is one space available, checkout the adult workshops page.

Exhibition:-

There is an upcoming exhibition in the pipeline... more news next week.

News also of a studio open day at A.S.K... next week.

Blog:-

This week's blog is 'Black is a colour, too'... has that captured your interest?

Take care, have a great week, 

Amina & Murphy xx

Good Morning,

Happy Bank Holiday, Happy May!

This month's art activity is all about creating tone and form using a very simple formula.

The subject matter is personal choice, I loved the picture of the lion, once I had started though it took quite a while. I found the whole activity really therapeutic and zoned out with Murphy fast asleep by my side.

Studio & Gallery News:-

April saw the opening of workshops and welcoming clients back safely into the studio.

The workshops have been varied:- watercolour & ink, Large Acrylic Flowers, Abstract Acrylics. 

There have also been bookings for 'Watercolours & Cream Tea Experience', very enjoyable.

The Creative Batik on Paper Workshop held on the bank holiday weekend produced some  beautiful & interesting pieces.

April also saw the first Art Club every other Thursday 2-4pm. The next Art Club is on Thursday 13th May, booking, as always, is essential. If you have a project you're working on and need advice and guidance on tap while working on it, this is for you.

Good Morning,

Hope you're well on this beautiful Monday morning.

It was a busy weekend at the gallery/studio with the workshop 'Abstract Acrylics' which was full on. The day was sunny, the doors were wide open, Murphy welcomed everyone in his own individual manner, barking, wagging tail and a little kiss.

The finished paintings were beautifully executed in colour, pattern & texture.

News:-

• Art club may be moved to alternate Thursdays. The purpose of Art Club is to bring your own ongoing projects and materials and to work on them in the studio. There is professional guidance on tap, a lovely way to spend a morning all for £12.00.
• More dates have been added to the workshop calendar, remember to book via email or call me for a chat.
• Murphy's 'bump' has completely gone, thank goodness, we think it was an insect bite. The vet suggested he may have been in a fight... he obviously doesn't know Murphy at all!
• Next week, as it is the first Monday of the Month, there is an Art activity.

Charcoal Tips

Charcoal has been used for  drawing since prehistoric times: using soot & sticks of charred wood from the fire as drawing tools.

Charcoal Sticks:-

Stick is made from vine, beech or willow twigs charred at high temperatures in airtight kilns. Willow is the commonest type; vine & beech are more expensive but make a richer mark.

The only drawback with stick charcoal is that it is brittle & fragile, and, tends to snap if used vigorously.

Compressed Charcoal:

This is made out of powder ground from charcoal, mixed with a binder & pressed into short, thick sticks. It produces dense, velvety blacks. It is less easy to dust off than natural charcoal.

Charcoal Pencils:

They are made from thin sticks of compressed charcoal encased in wood. They are cleaner to handle & easier to control. Only the point can be used so they can't produce a broad side-stroke.

Versatility:

Charcoal is a wonderfully liberating medium, immediate & responsive. By simply twisting & varying pressure you can make fluid lines that vary from soft & tentative to bold & vigorous.

I hope this helps if you're unsure of charcoal but have always wanted to give it a go.

More next week. 

Have a great week,

Amina & Murphy xx

Watercolour Papers:-

There are 3 ways of producing watercolour paper: by hand, on a mould machine, and, on a fourdrinier machine.
Handmade Paper:
The very best papers are made of 100% cotton, and are usually made by skilled craftsmen. Handmade papers are lively to use, durable, and, have a pleasing irregular texture. They are expensive, but worth the cost.

Mould-made paper:
European mills produce paper on cylinder-mould machines. The paper fibres are formed into sheets with a random distribution, close to that of handmade papers. The paper is durable, stable, and, resistant to distortion under a heavy wash.

Machine-made paper:
Although inexpensive to purchase and produce, machine made papers are less resistant to deterioration, but may distort when wet. Some papers also have a mechanical, monotonous surface grain.

Watercolour paper is an excellent surface for acrylics, pencil, ink, gouache & pastel, as well as watercolour. Some papers are superior in quality to others, but it does not necessarily follow that an expensive paper will give better results.

Good Morning, 

Welcome to the new format of the blog. It will be a newsletter with tips on art materials and techniques every week.

The first week of every month will include an art activity.

A.S.K News for the week

• Workshops are up and running and filling up fast. If you go to the adult workshop page and have a browse, there's something for everyone.
• The gallery/ studio has been given a major deep clean as you can see from the photos and is open for business.
• Wednesday Art Club starts on the 21st April 10 am  - noon. Bring your own materials and projects, works at your leisure with tea, coffee and expert advice on tap. All for £12.00!!!
• Fancy treating a loved one to a watercolour and cream tea experience? Go to the relevant page for more information.
• Murphy News... a very stressful trip to the vets on Monday as he had a lump on his neck and head. The vet drained the fluid and said it was either an insect bite or he'd been in a fight. The latter explanation cheered up a stressful situation... Murphy is the most laid back dog and doesn't understand 'fight'. He's fine now, bumps have gone down and he is very happy... phew!

Tips on Drawing Pencils

Equally capable of producing a quick sketch or a finely worked drawing, the pencil is the most immediate, versatile & sensitive of the drawing media.
Drawing pencils come in a range of grades, from H for hard to B for soft.
Hard pencils range from 9H ( the hardest) to H, & soft pencils range from 9 B ( the softest) to B.
Grades HB & F are midway between the two.

A very soft lead will produce rich, black marks, and is excellent for rapid sketches & expressive line and tone drawings.

Hard pencils make grey, rather than black marks. They are suitable for precise lines and details.

‘Drawing is the true test of Art’ - Jean Auguste-Dominique Ingres (1780-1867)

Good Morning,

I hope you've had and are having a wonderful Easter break.

As we slowly return to some form of normality my blogs that include an activity will be the first Monday in every month.

I am, however, going to run a weekly blog giving news about workshops, exhibitions & open days etc.

The weekly blogs are also going to include tips on drawing, painting materials and techniques.

Please share the blog and let me know how you get on.

Amina x

Good Morning,

It's week 13 of the blog!!!! I can't believe how quickly time has gone.

As lockdown eases, the weekly blog is reverting back to a monthly blog, the first Monday in the month.

The next blog is Monday 5th April.

Workshops start up from the week beginning Monday 12th April and Wednesday Art Club starts on the 21st April.

All the information is on the adult workshop page and Art Club page.

This week's blog is making a colour study in oil pastels of Matisse's 'Still Life with a Magnolia'. 

Oil pastels are great for blending and using on larger pieces, the colours are vibrant and they give a stunning end result.

Enjoy the session, please share the blog, and, if you would like to share your results with me drop me an email.

Have a great week,

Amina & Murphy xx

Good Morning,

Hope you are well on this beautiful sunny March morning. The blossoms are blooming, daffodils are everywhere, days are drawing out... I love spring.

However, after that build up, this week's blog has nothing to do with spring.

I've always loved the work of Bridget Riley and Victor Vasarely, both Op Artists , they had a considerable impact on the world of textiles & design.

Op Art is a style of abstract painting which flourished in the 1950's & 1960's, it explored the effects of optical illusions.

I digress... enjoy the session, it's inspired by Op Art.

Workshops:-

Workshops are up and running from 12th April, if you go to 'adult workshop' page and have a browse. Call or email for bookings.

Art Club:-

Art Club starts on Wednesday 21st April, 10 am - noon. Bring your own projects & materials. I'm on  hand for guidance, advice and to ply you with tea, coffee & biscuits.

Murphy is on hand for cuddles. First session is only £10.00 ( only £12.00 after that).

Good Morning,

This week's blog has a really relaxing art activity which is excellent for good mental health.

So, if you want to lose yourself for 30 minutes, or longer, give it a go.

Not long now before you can 'lose' yourself in a workshop in the studio/ gallery.

Go to the 'Adult Workshops' page and have a browse, there are new workshops available. 

Also, Art Club every Wednesday morning 10 am - 12 noon, go to 'Art Club' page for more information.

Have a great week, it's lighter in the mornings and evenings and, how beautiful are the snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils?

Amina & Murphy xx

Good Morning,

Happy St David's Day, happy 1st March.

I hope all is well in your world & you're looking forward to the easing of restrictions.

I have updated my workshops on 'Adult workshops' page. Why not have a browse, something may just take your fancy. There are some new additions to the workshops. 

From Wednesday April 21st, why not come along to Art Club from 10 am - midday to work on your own pieces. Bring your own projects & materials, help, advice, tea/coffee & biscuits are provided all for £12.00. Spaces are limited to 6 at the moment, booking is essential.

This weeks blog is on colour mixing ( Abstract Trees). A great skill to master and practice.

Please share the blog and let me know how you get on with the activity. It can be adapted to different abilities.

Enjoy the session. 

Good morning,

How are you in this last week of February.

March is around the corner, warmer days and more daylight hours... not that I'm wishing my life away!!

This week's blog is a drawing activity.

I love peacock feathers and, although they look complex to draw, they're not.

Follow today's technique and before you know it you'll have your own unique drawing of a peacock feather.

Enjoy the activity, please share the blog.

Have a great week, next week... March1st!!!

Amina & Murphy x

Good Morning,

Hope all is well in your world on this mild February morning. It's positively balmy compared to the snow and freezing conditions last week. Not warm enough for shorts yet unless you're a post person.

I'm hoping to confirm workshop dates as soon as Boris sets out his plan to get us out of lockdown. Can't wait!!

In the mean time this week's art activity is colour matching using mixed media, Monet's water lilies.

Enjoy the session, let me know how you get on and please share the link.

Amina & Murphy x

Good Morning,

It's a winter wonderland outside my gallery windows today. Very picturesque, I'll have to dig out my snow boots for my daily walk. Perfect weather to stay in and create a unique art work.

I hope all is well where you are. This week's activity is influenced by the 14th February. 

However, it is a great watercolour exercise and it can be whatever you want it to be.

Enjoy the session and the snow!

Good Morning,

It's February!!!! Days are slowly getting longer and spring is around the corner... snowdrops are making a grand entrance which warms me to the core.

I hope you are keeping well and staying positive.

I'm waiting on Boris to lift the lockdown for workshops to recommence.

I can't wait, I'm itching to open my gallery/studio doors. Murphy is missing your lap to sit on and lots of fuss. 

However, to keep your creativity flowing this week's activity is painting in black and white tones.

Tone describes the relative lightness or darkness of an area of colour.

It can be easily understood when it deals with black, white and grey.

Enjoy the session, if you would like to 'show and tell' I would love to see your outcomes.

More next week. 

Have a fun filled, sparkly week.

Amina & Murphy xx

Good Morning,

Happy Burns Night.

How are you on this sunny day?

My blog today is inspired the artist Henri Rouseau who painted lots of jungle scenes with lots of plants and trees. He had never been to a jungle but used pictures and  plants in  conservatories and gardens to help him.

It's also a great exercise in creating as many shades of green by using minimum colours.

Enjoy the session. Let me know how you get on.

x

Good morning,

Happy 'Brew Monday', hope you're keeping well on a lovely sunny day.

This week's art activity is all about how tones can change the mood of a picture.

This is a continuation of last week's blog... experimenting with tones.

Workshops:-

All workshops for this month and February are being postponed till March/ April. I will finish posting/ email new dates soon. Some workshops already have new dates. Check out the page' Adult Workshops'.

Enjoy the activity, more next week.

Amina & Murphy x

Good Morning,

During lockdown I'm hoping to publish an art blog every Monday. This will include an art activity which is great for mental health and well being. This week's activity is 'Experimenting with tones'. 

If you want to message or comment on this blog please do, 

take care.

Amina x 

Good Morning,

Happy New Year, I hope you are well and staying positive.

Due to more COVID restrictions and being in tier 4, I will keep you informed with upcoming workshops.

If a workshop has to be postponed I will send out different dates when it can go ahead. However, I can refund you the deposit if you don't want a different date. I will try my best to accommodate your wishes.

The grand opening of the gallery is postponed until we are all free to move around too. The artwork is open virtually on my website for you to view. If you would like to purchase a painting this can be done in monthly deposits, please call or email for details.

This month's activity is how to draw a poppy in pen. It is suitable for everyone and can be adapted to suit different needs.

Have a great January... the nights are slowly drawing out, spring isn't far away.

Amina x

Good Morning,

A.S.K Art Gallery & Studio

I was hoping to give you dates and booking details for a private view for my exhibition F.A.B ( Flowers & Butterflies) at my new A.S.K Art gallery and Studio.

Unfortunately, like most events across the country it's on hold for now until our current situation improves. It just means I have longer to make it a more spectacular and beautiful space for you to come and sit and drink tea/ coffee.... a glass of wine?

Workshops

I have new dates on my 'Adult Workshop' page for 2021, so, if you get a chance and want to be inspired in the New Year, why not take a look.

Gift vouchers

Why not give a loved one a gift voucher for A.S.K Art & Design, Gallery & Studio, this Christmas ( or birthday). The vouchers can be used for workshops or to buy a painting & and are valid for 12 months.

Commissions

Do you have a particular painting, portrait or  drawing you would like to commission, look no further. I can work alongside your desires and wishes and make a bespoke piece of Art just for you.

Please call or email if you have a question/s about any of the above.

Good Morning,

Welcome to October's Blog.

My major news is the extension of the studio. The wall has been knocked through, the ceiling plastered and a new roof is now keeping the heat in and the cold out.

The result is a beautiful bright and airy space.

We are now in the process of decorating and laying the floor.

There will be a grand opening ( by appointment only ) at the end of November. More about that next month.

I have new dates for workshops for December... Christmas extravaganzas, a much more enjoyable way of spending a Saturday than shopping amongst the masked crowds!

There is still room for the workshops Friday 16th October in 'Watercolour Techniques', and, Saturday 17th October 'Large Dramatic Skies in Oil Pastels'. 

Call or email me for more information.

The art activity this month is 'Drawing Eyes', straight forward and little outlay needed.

Enjoy beautiful October, autumnal leaves, pumpkins, warm knits, wooly hats and open fires.

Amina & Murphy xx