JUNE 2010

ANGELA SMYTH news

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Well hello, how have you all been.  It seems ages since we last chatted. 


It's been really busy here with a couple of outside projects (more of which later) and a new exhibition to work towards.  So you will have to forgive the fact that my New Year's resolution didn't last for very long, remember the one where I was going to update the website every month.  Pah, not everyone is as perfect as you, thank you very much.


NEW GALLERY

I am now working with a new gallery - The Ryburn Gallery in......... Sowerby Bridge - just a few doors down from my studio!

It’s been open a few months and I was approached by the owner Peter & mnager sasha via this very website. They have some amazing work, and also a Harley Davidson in the middle of the gallery!

Which leads me to.....


AN EXHIBITION....

...in October at the very gallery.  This is both very exciting and utterly terrifying in equal measure because, as you may know (or not know) my home is here, and I just want to put on the best show that I can.  Otherwise, I won't be able to walk with my head up again.  The gallery is beautiful and I feel privileged that they have asked me to do this show - I hope I do the space justice.  When the arrangements have been finalised, I will let you know and maybe, you could come and say hello.  I have been told that there will be cheese and wine so even if you don't like art - come along and have some cheese (or wine, if there is any left, but you'll have to be quick)! I know October may seem a long way away, but I am already painting towards it now. It will include around 15 original paintings plus prints and some new merchandise I’m working on. Watch this space.

www.ryburngallery.com


UNDERWEAR (that got your attention)

And now -  one for all you ladies out there, or very small boned men (if you like this kind of thing). 


I was approached by a lingerie company in New York, headed by Margaret Shrum (that’s her on the right in the photo), and she asked if they could use my paintings to illustrate her book (called The Lingerie Diet). Which after looking it over I was glad to get involved.


Thankfully, this 'diet' has NOTHING to do with giving up your favourite food (or drink).  The Lingerie Diet is all about making women feel wonderful through wearing beautiful lingerie. Margaret has been involved with Agent Provocateur over here and is very well respected in the States.  It was an incredible project to work on, because as you all know, I love the cheekiness of women and often paint ladies in their scanties, having a ball (or two!).  I could write a whole piece on Margaret because she is so inspiring, but I don't think that I could do her justice, so I'm going to let you read about her yourself. Let me know what you think


You can download a sample chapter of the ebook from there for free at www.thelingeriediet.com


UPCOMING STUFF

I’m also working on some designs for a new product range with a fantastic group of people, which I will be expanding on next time.


ALSO (and this is very exciting for me) I am finally putting the finishing touches to a childrens book I started nearly 9 years (yes you heard right!) ago. There is a group of people who have come together to work on it (including my husband chris) and as well as creating a printed version it is being developed into a book for iphone & ipad plus loads of other amazing things. This will be a long project but I felt I needed to say something!


OLD NEWS

FEBRUARY 2010

EXHIBITION

The end of last year was fab because I was down in Bristol at the Alexander Gallery for my Christmas Exhibition (see previous news post)


I met some lovely new people and some lovely not so new people that I have met before.  Peter and Steve made me feel very at home and welcome, as they always do, and I have to say, I could have easily stayed down a few more days - I felt quite spoilt.  The next stop for us now is the Affordable Art Fair in Battersea on 11TH - 14TH MARCH, where the Alexander Gallery will be representing me.  Thank you again, Peter and Steve.


ARTIST & ILLUSTRATOR MAGAZINE

GREAT NEWS in the form of The Artist and Illustrators Magazine, which is out on 5th February.  I was interviewed by the lovely Martha for the magazine, and not only am I in it, I am on the cover too.  That has got to make my year! 


There is a three page article on my my work inside. The Title on the cover (as you can see is “The Art of Romance, with Jack Vetrriano & Angela Smyth. (!!!)  I just went “WHAT?!?”


This is a really big thing for me as when I was young I used to by this magazine and marvel at the people who managed to get in it, and hope one day I could maybe be an artist. I still buy it now, and now I’m on the cover! It’s an amazing magazine, and I’m really thrilled to be in it


The cover photograph was done by Andy Smith (who's website is linked to this one, please take a look at his images, they're amazing).  If you want the magazine, you'll have to be quick, because my mum's got her order in (and she's got a very big family).  click here to read article>>



ON-LINE SHOP


YES, IT’S RIBBON CUTTING TIME.. We are launching a dedicated on-line shop in conjunction with the Hawthorn Gallery this month. It is to sell limited edition prints and merchandise. We’re often asked where people can buy them, but it’s taken us this long to get it sorted (busy, not lazy). Have a look here>> .


I hope you like it, we will be adding things to it regularly. Please feed back about it because we want to get it right for you. In the future I am going to branch out in to different areas and design a range of merchandise - watch this space (just there, that one->   ).


A NEW ARRIVAL (ACTUALLY TWO NEW ARRIVALS) 

Finally, I want to say a MASSIVE congratulations to Ian and Wendy (of the Hawthorn Gallery), on the birth of their beautiful twin girls Emily and Isabelle who were born at Christmas. Well done to both of you, we are all thrilled for you.

 

You remember when the news used to have those quirky bits at the end?

Well this bit aspires to those levels of greatness....



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I am exhibiting at The Affordable Art Fair in Bristol this week Opening night is Thursday 15th May. The Alexander Gallery are again representing me, so call in and say hello to them.

There are lots of new paintings to be seen there..... I say that apart from at the time of writing the couriers have lost 7 new originals - and don’t seem to be too worried - we sent them 7 days ago on an overnight!  Here’s hoping!!!




Well the new website has finally arrived. I hope you like it - we tried to think of everything, and the site is built to expand easily so we can add new bits very easily. The blog will take over from the news section in a “day to day” way, but the news will be where we post the more important things. Please email with any feedback, because sometimes you can just get a bit too close to a project and miss the obvious!


The Venus Jones Print is now on sale, with all profits going to Breast Cancer Haven - you can order at www.breastcancerhaven.org.uk  (see below for more details)



Updated March 25th 08


The Affordable Art Fair, London - A Big Thanks


Well, I didn't expect that! Thank you to everyone who visited the Alexander stand at Battersea last weekend, and thank you to everyone who showed an interest, passed on nice comments, but most of all thank you to all of you who bought my paintings! I really didn't expect to sell as much as I did, it was fantastic and I really appreciate it! I need to get on to the Bristol Art Fair now -so back to the easel... oh there's no rest.....





A Print for Breast Cancer Haven, Yorkshire

Angela Smyth

I am really pleased to announce a limited edition print release for Breast Cancer Haven to help raise money for a Haven in Leeds - BCH need to raise 2.2 million pounds to bring this wonderful facility to Yorkshire and they are nearly half way there.


Breast Cancer Haven provides centres delivering a free programme of care specifically designed to complement and enhance conventional breast cancer treatment and to help anyone affected by the disease.


We have produced a 10"x10" print of Venus Jones (the one of the gorgeous lady in the bath next to this) hand embellished with an edition of 200. All the prints will be mounted with an option of being supplied in one of 4 different, beautiful frames from Image Design in Harrogate.


The giclee prints are printed on 100% hand moulded cotton paper, are all signed and numbered and should come in a little bit cheaper than the usual limited edition prints of mine which are usually in editions of 50 only.


Have a look at www.breastcancerhaven.org.uk to see learn about the charity or email yorkshireappeal@breastcancerhaven.org.uk to see how you can help.


The Venus Jones Print should go on sale towards the end of April. They will be available from the Breast Cancer Haven website soon as well as a few selected galleries and shops who have kindly agreed to stock the picture for free. We hope to raise over £10,000 for the Yorkshire Appeal from the print. Please watch this website for details or email me with "Venus Jones" in the subject box & I will email you back when the print goes on sale. - Angie.


Wold Galleries - Exhibition

Angela Smyth

My paintings will once again be part of The Wold Galleries Exhibition (the last one was part of the Autumn one, This is part of the Spring Exhibition). The Wold Galleries is in the beautiful Cotswold village of Morton in Marsh, and is a fantastic Gallery. Ella & Kit put on an amazing show with some really stunning works of art from around the world. Have a look at their website at www.woldgalleries.com


Art Group Cards on the High Street


So we went into WH Smiths in Harrogate to buy my son Alistair a comic and I stumbled across my cards! It was great to see them in the Art Cards section, and I am really pleased how Art Group have presented them. We have since seen them in quite a few places like Paperchase, a few different WH Smiths and Galleries. I am just discussing the cards for the USA now. Look out for them!




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ARCHIVE


Lots of work........


I have just spent the last few weeks finishing off my paintings for the London Affordale Art Fair, and breathed a huge sigh of releif when they were finally sent to the mounters & framers. I am now trying out some new ideas, which should appear on the website very soon.


2nd February 08


OOPS!

Angela Smyth

So I didn't realise that people actually read this website! That was until I didn't update it - then people have been emailing saying where are the new paintings, what is the exciting news and all that (some have even been asking in the galleries - hello Rob!). So....... are you sitting comfortably?......


EXCITING NEWS No.1 - A PUBLISHING DEAL


Well a BIG bit of news is that I have just signed a worldwide publishing deal with The Art Group for greetings cards and poster prints.


Art Group are one of the biggest publishers in Europe and you will have seen their work in places like Habitat, Ikea & lots of galleries.


This is REALLY exciting. There is initially 6 cards to be released, followed by a further 6 almost straight away with the second lot being launched in the USA. I am meeting the lovely Helen next week to discuss the posters - so some of you may be the owners of the originals of cards being sold in America. Oh I am giddy!!


Their website is: www.artgroup.com


EXCITING NEWS No.2 - LONDON ART FAIR


Unbeknown to me Peter & Stephen at The Alexander Gallery submitted my work to The London Affordable Art Fair - and it was accepted!


The work has to go before a panel to be acceptedl. They thought that my paintings were suitaly strange(!) and so I will be exhibiting there.


The event is at Battersea Park from the 13th - 16th March and I will have about 20 paintings there. www.affordableartfair.com


Also I will be at The Bristol Affordable Art Fair on the 16 - 18 May at Temple Meads, Bristol. I had my work there last year & it went really well, so here's hoping!!


AND ..... I will be at The Chelsea Art Fair 24 - 27 Apr 2008.


So ....... it's back to that easle - which is......


EXCITING NEWS No. 3 (for me anyway) MY NEW STUDIO


.......above my favourite cafe, just down the road from our house.


2 months ago I moved into my very own studio. Up until then I have been painting in a small room at home, which has been great but it was time to get out of the house!


The best thing about the cafe is that every morning it is full of wonderful characters & all of a sudden food has started creeping into my paintings.....


The other best thing (is it possible to have two 'bests'). is that the food is amazing & the girls who run the cafe are just wonderful - i have to fight them to pay for things - does it get any better? Big Latte before work - mmmmmm.


EXCITING NEWS No. 4


Congratulations to Nichola & Mike, who had the most fantastic New Years Eve present - a baby boy Isaac! I met them at the Hawthorn Gallery open night back in October & wrote a dedication on the back of their painting "to baby G" as they didn't know what the baby was going to be - and now they do!! . Well done - hope you're getting some sleep!


NOT VERY EXCITING NEWS, BUT NEVERTHELESS...


The reason I have been bad at updating this site is that we are trying to put together a new one. My husband Chris runs a design company & in between jobs he is trying to make something that is a bit different to this site & all the other artist ones. We have a few good ideas, but if there is anything you would like to see please email me and let me know. email: info@angelasmyth.co.uk


2007 NEWS

THE ARTIST TAKES OVER & SEASONS GREETINGS! - 23rd DEC 07


Through the wonders of technology (and with help from my husband, Chris) I have now taken over the updating of my site, so I hope it becomes a bit more personal now. There is some exciting news to tell in the new year, and i will be uploading new pictures soon. Also I am starting a blog - well the intention is there anyway!


I would like to say a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to everyone who has bought my pictures, taken time to say hello, and passed on lovely comments over the last 12 months. Particularly I would like to say a big thankyou to the galleries who have supported me as well. I look forward to working with you all next year & I really appreciate all your hard work on my behalf. Right, now where are those mince pies........... Love Angela xxx


THE ALEXANDER GALLERY BRISTOL - 12th Dec 07


Angela says "A big thank you to everyone who came to say hello on Saturday and braved the awful weather. Again it was so nice to meet people who have bought my paintings and spend time chatting. Also I would like to thank Peter, Stephen & Barbara for their wonderful hospitality. I t really meant a lot". The exhibition lasts until 31sr December.


THE ALEXANDER GALLERY BRISTOL - EXHIBITION - 8th - 31st December

Angela has spent the last 2 months locked in her studio getting ready for her first big solo exhibition at the Alexander Gallery Bristol. "I am really excited about this opportunity", she said, "and I have put together a collection of over 30 new pieces and 10 new sketches. I hope people will like them as much as I do. I have been working with new coulour palates and I have just finished my biggest ever painting (called dance first, think later) - 60"x 40" which may become quite an expensive hobby! I really hope they have big houses in Bristol!!!"


Some of the paintings in the exhibition can be seen on the Alexander's website where you can order a catalogue as well: www.alexander-gallery.co.uk


THE WOLD GALLERY - EXHIBITION - 5th Nov 07

Angela would like to say a big thank you to Ella & Kitt at the Wold Gallery for their wonderful hospitality & a fantastic exhibition. Angela met some of her collectors (which is always nice!) and even met Vanesssa who as well as owning many paintings of hers, owned a three legged cat like the ones in her paintings! A wonderful gallery and a lovely time had by all!


A GRAND NIGHT OUT - October 5th 07

Angela would like to say a big thank you to all of you who turned out on Friday October 5 at the Hawthorn Gallery. The evening was an amazing success, with collectors coming to meet Angela, talk about her work have her write dedications on the back of pictures.

A new set of sketches was revealed on the night, as well as new original paintings. A very special thank you to gallery owner Ian & his wife Wendy for putting on the fantastic event, and to Tony, Lynne & Sam for the food, drink & general all round nicities! Final guests were kicked out well after midnight, and a great time was had by all. Just a note: every drop of wine & beer went, but there as lots of orange juice left - hmmmm.



MAJOR EXHIBITION

After a very successful Affordable Art Fair in Bristol, Angela can now announce her first major solo exhibition in the South of England. It will be at The Alexander Gallery, Clifton, Bristol.

Preview night is 29th November, & opening night is the 30th.

Angela will be present for the Opening and the Preview nights.

The exhibition will feature around 30 original new pieces.

The exhibition will run through until January 1st 2008.

For more details go to www.alexandergallery.co.uk.



MEET THE ARTIST NIGHT

The Hawthorn Gallery in Stalybridge (Nr Manchester) has long been a great supporter of Angela’s work, so on October 5th the owner Ian will be holding a “Meet the Artist” night, for the many collectors of her work.This will be an invites only occasion, where collectors will get to chat to Angla, see some of her brand new work and previously unseen sketches. www.thehawthorngallery.com


GLOUCESTERSHIRE EXHIBITION

The Wold Gallery Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire. Angela's work will be heavily featured in the Autumn Exhbition for The Wold Gallery from the 4th November until 2nd December. Angela has been asked to make a personal appearance on the opening day, which will be a private view. www.woldgalleries.co.uk


NEW LIMITED EDITION PRINTS

Since the last update we have been working on a bigger series of Limited Edition Angela Smyth Prints.

They have been incredibly well received by galleries & customers alike.

There are 15 different titles (we should be adding a few more soon) with an edition of 50 only. All are hand embellished by the artist, and 10 of the 50 will carry a hand re-marque on the mount. To see the prints view the gallery and look for the prints available tag. (We know this isn’t ideal ,so we are currently working on a separate print gallery - coming soon). For your nearest stockist please email us & we will direct you.


ARCHIVE


AFFORDABLE ART FAIR & ALEXANDER GALLERY

Angela is privileged to be represented by The Alexander Gallery, Bristol at The Affordable Art Fair in Bristol - May 18th - 20th . Her work will be displayed at their stand there. The gallery have recently bought a number of significant pieces of work. The Alexander are the worldwide publishers for Beryl Cook, a long time hero of Angela's - so she's very excited! www.alexander-gallery.co.uk


THE HAWTHORN GALLERY

The Hawthorn Gallery, Staleybridge (Nr Manchester) are continuing with their tremendous support for Angela’s work. Through owner Ian’s support there has emerged a good number of collectors for her paintings, so much so that there is now a waiting list for new originals. www.thehawthorngallery.com


LIMITED EDITION PRINTS

A series of 4 limited edition prints of Jazz musicians is now available, titled “Portraits of Partners” through galleries. Angela said “I have a book at home full of beautiful black & white photographs of black jazz musicians, but they were always in mid performance. I imagined how they would look if they were to sit for their portrait painting, in the quiet with their instrument. Of course I couldn’t let them be there on their own, so each had to have a partner - a bird, dog, or in the case of “Keeping it in the Family” the musician’s son”. In the background, the picture frames are on the wall, waiting for the finished portraits! “


The prints are 10” x 8”, giclee on heavyweight hand moulded paper with a triple mount. There is a limited edition of 40 of each painting all hand embellished, with a further 10 hand embellished with a re marque on the mount by Angela. There is an further print titled “in a minah key” which is 7" x 8", editions as above.


Please email us for stockists - info@angelasmyth.co.uk - or check the listed galleries websites.


MYSPACE

Angela is now on Myspace - www.myspace.com/angelasmyth. Why not drop by and say hello!


MAGIC IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER TOUR:


A tour of Angela's original paintings and prints is taking place throughout the year. the following galleries are coming up soon:


17th to 25th Feb Mulberry Tree Gallery Swanage

21st-29th April Chalfont Art and Frame

12th - 20th May AC Framing Luton


Angela had a few exhibits over the Christmas period, all very successful. She is pictured here at The Hawthorn Gallery, Stayleybridge, and with one of the buyers Rob Hicks. Thanks to Ian at The Hawthorn for his hospitality & biscuits!



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2 major solo exhibitions to be announced shortly


For recent original paintings, click the paintings link above.


Angela has designed a beautiful card range for exclusive shop Bijouled www.bijouled.co.uk. (She is also the model on their new brochure!)




If you want to get in touch, please email; info@angelasmyth.co.uk

the lovely venus

photos from a lost night at the Hawthorn Gallery, much wine was drunk, but none by me - I was too busy! (note blonde hair!)

late bloomers & buns rush

2 of the paintings at The Bristol Affordable Art Fair




JANUARY 2009


HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!


I really hope you have had a wonderful Christmas & New Year, and you’ve managed to not break any resolutions yet (mine usually lat about half an hour!).


I’ve had a bit of time off over Christmas, and this has given us a bit of time to re-design the website and add a few new things. Hope you like it. We will be adding new features over the coming months.


Just before Christmas you may have heard about some of the big publishing companies talking to me about a deal. I spent a lot of time thinking about these offers,and in the end I’ve decided to turn them down. It was really hard, as I was really impressed with their set-ups, but to be honest I prefer the way I work now. I know it would be a fast track to a big profile for me, but I really wanted to keep all this as ‘precious’ as possible and be able to offer something exclusive and different to the people who collect my work & the galleries I work with. I like the way that artists used to grow and develop, which should end in a lot longer career & better long term investments for my collectors. So.... you’re stuck with me for a bit longer, but on that note............


A LIMITED EDITION BOOK

We have decided to create a collectors book of my paintings from the last year or so. These books will be limited to 120 copies only and will be hard back, bound and printed on high quality stock. Each will come with a limited edition print and a little sketch on the inside.  They will come in a presentation box & it’s looking a bit thick already!


The idea is to write down some of the stories behind the pictures and an bit more in-depth writing about how it all comes together! I hope to have this all together for March (there’s a heck of a lot to get through, but we’ve made a start already). I’ll keep you posted.


NEW LIMITED EDITION PRINTS

You may have noticed that it’s been a while since any new limited edition prints have been released. There’s a good reason for that............. well there isn’t really. So we will be announcing the new ones in February with each print having an edition of 25 only.Each will be hand embellished by myself, so they will all be individual. Watch out for them next month.


See the Bits & Pieces page to see how you can win the Artist’s proof for one of these prints.


So get on that exercise bike & here’s to a wonderful new year to all of you.

Angelax x


OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 08


Well with November here you may be thinking about Christmas, and so was I this month - Christmas 2009!  The lovely people at Art Group contacted me and said they were asking 4 artists to come up with a Christmas range of Cards for 2009. I sent some ideas across & I am very pleased to say that they will be publishing four designs worldwide. Seasons Greetings indeed!


The response from last months Yorkshire Life article has been superb. I would like to thank everyone who emailed or got in touch with me as a result of the article, there were some lovely comments, and the main thing people said were that the paintings made them smile - which I like very much!


I’ve added some new paintings to the gallery page, and once again most of them have sold through but some will be popping up here and there.


This month I did a little labour of love - I painted some pictures for the cafe below my studio (Cafe No. 5) to use for their new logo. I loved doing them, as I love the cafe, and to be honest I’ve already been paid in latte’s & sandwiches!


Not too much news this month, but I suppose I’m allowed a quiet month now & then. I’ve just been working like crazy! There are some new downloads o the bits & pieces page.


Don’t forget to look at the blog for a bit more stuff!

Angie x



SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 08

OOPS! there has been a problem with the mailing list. If you have recently left your email address it may not have got through to us. So PLEASE leave your details again by clicking the link below. Thanks.


Hi, well September is nearly over & we are heading into Autumn already.

I thought I’d be a bit cheeky & get 2 months worth of news in on this one.

Angela Smyth artist

I am constantly amazed that I have anything at all to write on this news section, and yet I still manage to find things every month.


So heres a really nice piece. I have just had a 6 page (yes 6!) article published in the October issue of Yorkshire Life. If you aren’t from “round ‘ere” you probably won’t know it, but it is a big glossy lifestyle magazine that has a huge readership (I think they do versions like Cheshire Life, Sussex Life & possibly Lower Grimethope Life etc. . Every month they highlight an artist in a section called The Gallery, and this month they approached little old me!

I’ve already had some lovely emails from people who have read it, so thank you to you all. The article has a overview of my work & how I got here, and it features 9 of my paintings!

It also features the Venus Jones print I did for the Breast Cancer Haven appeal. And then... a big article on Michael Parkinson follows it!!!

Oh the life of a celebrity! I expect to recognised you know!


I’ve sold to a couple of new galleries this month, their details will follow soon, but it’s nice to know new places like what I do. I have also been confirmed for the Chelsea Art Fair with the lovely Peter & Steven at The Alexander Gallery. Also if you buy the magazine ‘Living Etc’ (trendy interiors magazine) there is a booklet enclosed from Love Your Art featuring some beautiful limited edition prints - & I have a double page spread & the front cover!  Thanks for taking the time to read the news setion- I realise it’s hardly The News of The World, but I do try my best. Take care Angie x

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AUGUST 08

Hello and I hope the summer holidays are treating you well, even if you may be a bit rusty with all this rain!


I have heard good news that the Art Group cards are selling extremely well both in the UK and abroad so I am really excited to see how this develops. There has been big changes at Art Group, but I’m pleased to say it doesn’t affect my work. I would really like to thank Helen & the team for their confidence in me.


I have just been away for a couple of weeks holiday, so news is a bit thin on the ground, but there is a bit more in depth stuff on the blog. Ta Ta for now. (Oh by the way, the photo last month (below) of me painting - the painting sold from that photo, even though it wasn’t finished - now that’s amazing!). Oh, and we’ve added some new freebies on the “Bits and Pieces Page).

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JUUUUUUUUUUUNE 08 - well the end of it anyway.


Well, June has been a bit of a frantic month. Not so much in doing lots of painting, but spending time going out to see galleries and working on brand new projects.


I am really pleased to announce that I will be working closely with two new galleries, one in Chester (The Watergate Street Gallery) and one in Pocklington near York (The Acorn Gallery). As with all the galleries I work with, I feel lucky to be working with such lovely people, so welcome aboard Diane & John and Alex & Alan (or is it me that’s welcome aboard - oh I don’t know..). If you read the blog there is a bit more detail about it there.


On that note I’d just like to say thank you to the main gallery owners I work with: Ian, Peter & Stephen, Ella & Kit, John & Pauline and Alex & Alan. You really do make my job a pleasure  - and thank you for putting up with my erratic nature - and yes I will get your invoices out Ian......!


The Bristol Art Fair was great again, and as always Peter from The Alexander Gallery did a sterling job. He’s now told me there’s another art fair in September to work towards - a slave driver - watch this space for details.


I have just begun working on a range of 5 limited edition prints for children, to be distributed by a new publishing company, mainly sold as through a mail order catalogue in some of the high end interiors & lifestyle magazines - a bit like the Plumo catalogue you may have seen. . This is a project that will run alongside my own prints and doesn’t affect the way I work, but it’s an exciting opportunity. More later....


For a bit more personal view & a bit more chitchat, please see the Blog

page (I need to watch myself, this is sounding a bit too professional...).





 

in the studio - awaiting mounting - ahem!

updated 24th November

old news

Art Group Cards

APRIL 2009


Wow, what a busy few months. I thought artists were meant to swan around and walk along river banks, musing over life and all it’s intricacies..... Oh well, not true, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. An exciting time for the first few months of 2009, so carry on dear reader...


AFFORDABLE ART FAIR, BATTERSEA


I have spent the last couple of months working towards the Affordable Art Fair in Battersea, and again it was a fantastic fair for me. I was represented for the second time by Peter & Steven at The Alexander Gallery, and they worked very hard. I sold a lot of paintings including one “heaven can wait” (which was angels with a big pile of cakes - see gallery) that was bought by a cake shop! I love the idea of that! The Bristol Affordable Art Fair is on 15-17 May where I will have more paintings exhibited (one of my pictures made the front of the official invites - popping out of Clifton suspension bridge - nice :-) ).


<--- my wall at the AAF (the step ladders were removed before it opened of course..).





CARDS & POSTER PRINTS


The lovely people at Art Group have put together a new selection of cards and poster prints for distribution and sale worldwide. The last set they did of my works sold really well, and (the best bit for me) got my name out to a lot more people than I could have dreamt of, especially in the UK and America, but also through Europe. I’ve had some lovely emails from people who have bought the cards and read the piece on the back, then looked me up on the web - so thank you all.


The poster prints are a new departure for me, and I’m hoping they will do really well. There are 6 images being published, 2 of the risque ladies, 2 from the relationship series and 2 beach themed ones. I’m really excited to see them, as they are in production at the time of writing.  You can see the crd range on the ‘Cards’ page.



<--- these are the posters...





A SPECIAL BOOK


Part of the work we have been doing over the last few months is putting together a very limited edition hardback book of my work over the last couple of years. It is 120 pages and contains  loads of paintings, stories about the pictures and some insight to how I work. There will only ever be 100 of these books printed,and each one comes with a small hand embellished limited edition print (only available with the book) and I draw a sketch on the inside page of each one. These are available through The Hawthorn Gallery and The Alexander Gallery or directly through this website by dropping me an email.


The books are 8 x 10” and come in at £120.00 as they are made to order as one-offs and are image wrapped on the cover.


CLICK HERE TO VIEW PART OF THE BOOK ONLINE>>   How exciting!

















COLLECTOR’S EDITION PAINTINGS


I was asked by Ian at The Hawthorn Gallery to produce some small paintings that represented the themes of the pictures I’ve done over the last 12 months, which I’ve loved doing. They are meant as a special collectors series for the gallery, and there will be 15 only, mounted in a beautiful, special presentation mount. I know a few have already sold but if you are interested contact Ian. It was lovely to see a big wall dedicated to my work when I dropped the series into the gallery (see picture). I felt very honored.




So here’s ‘til next time, and promise it wont be as long! Angela x

Little old me with a big old wall of paintings!

Ian & me with two of the collectors edition paintings.

OLD NEWS

A LITTLE SUMMER WORK

I was asked to illustrate the summer events brochure for Halifax’s most famous building -

The Piece Hall. It was a really nice job to do, as the place is undergoing a bit of a transformation at the moment. It is a beautiful, grand old Georgian building that was originally built for selling cloth. It has a huge courtyard with loads of interesting shops in the colonnades.


This brochure is for all the exciting events happening within it’s walls for the summer, and I got to do loads of little sketches which were coloured in on the computer afterwards. We also dropped in some retro fabrics to make it quirky. It is all based around those 1950’s seaside brochures - which was right up my street.


Click on the brochure and have a look through it - and who knows you may see something that’ll take your fancy (might see you there!).









A PAINTING FOR CHARITY

I was recently asked to donate a painting to a charity auction by Adrian Grove in support The Group B Strep Support. Adrian and his wife sadly lost their newborn son Cayden to Group B Streptococcus last year. As you can imagine this devastated them and and they now organise an annual ball to raise funds for the group in Cayden’s memory.


Group B streptococcus (GBS) is the most common cause of life-threatening infections in newborn babies in the UK. GBS infections affect around 700 babies each year in the UK, of whom sadly 75 die and another 40 suffer long-term problems as a result.


The charity informs expectant mothers, educates medical staff and supports research to try to develop a vaccine.


Group B Strep Support receives no funding from the Government and relies upon donations from its members and supporters.


I gave one of my favourite paintings (so much so that it has been one of the only originals we have had hanging in our house- it came back from an exhibition & my husband Chris asked if we could keep it for a while) ‘A Town Tradition’. 


The story behind the picture (you may have heard this)

There is a place near to where I live.  It's quite a poor place and the people who live there are very close knit, if not just a little lawless.  There is a tree in the middle of the village where, when the inhabitants have grown out of their shoes, they hang them from the tree so that other people in the village can help themselves if they can't afford new shoes.  I loved this idea, but I decided to put wishes and love letters on my tree - but the feel of it is the same.  Lots of people taking care of each other.


The auction has donations from some well known people such as Michael Caine  John Travolta, The England Cricket Team &  Manchester Utd, plus there has been lots of donations of paintings and prints from artists including Peter Smith & Sam Toft.


Have a look at the website for the ball at:

www.caydensautumnball.co.uk


Here’s to a really successful event in memory of Cayden.


NEW LIMITED EDITION PRINTS

We are just putting together a new set of limited edition prints, as we have been getting requests for different images. I know things have been a bit hit & miss with the limited editions, but we should have it all sorted out soon, so watch this space.


So that’s it for the time being, over & out, Angie. x

click the book to browse through it by clicking the bottom right hand corner when you get there

The Piece Hall

JULY 09

EXHIBITION

I am pleased to announce that I will be having a month long exhibition at The Alexander Gallery, Bristol during December.


I exhibited here 2 years ago and had a wonderful do, and this time there will be over 20 new paintings for you to peruse (which I am starting exactly..............tomorrow?).


I’ll get full details soon, but it’s an exciting thing to be doing, and it cements the long term, wonderful relationship I have with Peter, Steven & the girls at The Alexander.


The exhibition will run from the beginning of December into the new year.


Watch this space for more details and catalogue.




CANVAS PRINTS

The nice people at The Art Group have decided to release the poster prints they were doing as box canvas prints too. This is for the worldwide market, which is amazing.


They’ve already been spotted in a few places such as York, so I’m on the hunt too.


I always get such a kick out of seeing my pictures when I don’t expect to, even if it’s just one of the cards. My favourite was recently at Salts Mill (The huge David Hockney Gallery near Bradford) where I saw loads of my cards in the shop. I always want to buy one, which is a bit stupid as we’ve got loads!


BOOK SALES


Just to say thank you to everyone who has bought one of my books. I’ve had amazing feedback & feel honoured that people have parted with their hard earned cash to buy it. It has been a labour of love for us, so it’s greatly appreciated!   details are below (in the April news).


Til next time

Angie x

AUGUST  09

The Alexander Gallery

some of the Art Group canvas prints

OCTOBER

ME (YES, ME, ANGELA SMYTH) HAS BEEN SHORTLISTED FOR RED MAGAZINE’S ‘RED’S HOT WOMEN’ AWARD!

Yep, little old me! Now those of you who know me of old would think this is as unlikely as me becoming the next queen of England, but  it’s absolutely true! I’ve read Red Magazine for years and I always marveled at the women in it - and now this happens!!


And when I saw who was judging it I nearly fell off my chair! It’s such an honour to be shortlisted, and details are a bit scant at the moment, but I will update as soon as I know more. On the back of it there will be a lot of PR going on so watch out.


There’s a bit more detail here,where you can see the judges and categories -  www.redmagazine.co.uk/redAwards2009/


More details to follow soon ........ Nice (heehee!)



....AND A FANTASTIC MAGAZINE ARTICLE in CONCEPT FOR LIVING

And it just gets better. a couple of weeks ago I was interviewed by Jennie Musgrove and photographed by Eleri Griffiths for a feature in Concept For Living Magazine.


The article is to appear in the November Issue. The magazine is billed as “The North’s best selling home & garden magazine”, and I’m really pleased, as I’ve loved it for a long time. It’s a big trendy glossy with amazing designs & interiors, and they featured my cards last month, then rang to ask for an interview.


I had a lovely time with the girls when they came to the studio and they made me feel really at ease. The magazine is out on 16th October. Watch out!


A sneak peak at www.conceptforliving.co.uk/



NO NEW PAINTINGS ON THE SITE FOR A WHILE........

I’m working on the exhibition for The Alexander Gallery which will start on the 6th December, so as the painting will be all work in progress I won’t be putting any up until about mid November. Sorry, but a girl needs to concentrate you know!



EXHIBITING IN LONDON

My publishers (that sounds good!) The Art Group are holding an exhibition - This is what they say:


“The Art Group is excited to announce it’s first ever gallery exhibition, a showcase of works from our most accomplished artists, designers, illustrators and photographers!


Exhibiting in a contemporary gallery for the first time, the show will provide a unique opportunity to be part of a never-before-seen collection of works. We want to demonstrate and celebrate the breadth of superb creativity & innovative talent we work with at the Art Group, as well as providing a stage for the public and our clients to experience the works in a gallery setting – with the chance to purchase a favourite piece!”


And this includes me!!


WHERE: Maverik Showroom, 68-72 Redchurch Street, Shoreditch (close to the top of Brick Lane)

www.maverikshowroom.com


The Maverik Showroom is a really lovely, light and spacious gallery situated right in the heart of London’s East End gallery scene. The showroom comprises 2 floors and a bar area, and will be a fantastic venue to launch the Art Group’s very first Art Exhibition! Please


WHEN: W/c Monday 30th November, 2009. Opening times TBC.





RED’S HOT WOMEN AWARDS - LONDON NOVEMBER 3RD

As I said last month I was (unbelievably) short listed for Red’s Award “Red’s Hot Women” to celebrate the UK’s most inspirational women..

Well............I was invited to go down for the award ceremony in London. It was held on the 19th floor of Mill Bank Towers, overlooking the Thames & The Houses of Parliament, and was celeb & amazing-woman-tastic!


Radio 1’s Jo Whiley hosted the event, and was joined by Sarah Brown (charity organiser & PM’s wife) Jools Oliver, Actress Fay Ripley...  oh & loads of other impressive women!


The 12 amazing winners are listed HERE>>   and include Miranda Cooper - Songwriter for Girls Aloud and The Sugarbabes, Natalie Massenet - founder of online clothing site ‘Net -A-Porter’, Katharine Viner - Deputy Editor of The Guardian, Rose Grimond founder of Orkney Rose (Orkney islands food producers).


There were six Highly Commended women - including ME!


I couldn’t believe it, especially since the other highly commended women included Emily Eavis - organiser of Glastonbury, film maker Vicky Psarias, Polly Tommey of The Autism Trust,  Stephanie Flanders - BBC Economics Editor and Cerrrie Burnell – Cbeebies Presenter.


It was one of the most incredible days I’ve ever had, and everyone there was so lovely. It was also very glam (never seen so many heels)! We made some new friends and came away very inspired. So Thank you to Saska & Sam, and all the people at Red Magazine...... I’m still giddy!


CONCEPT FOR LIVING

There is great big article in Concept for Living Magazine (a very nice glossy Interiors mag) about my work. It’s a big double paged spread, and talks about the inspiration behind a lot of the paintings. You can have a quick read HERE>>  (it’s near the back of the magazine) but much better if you buy a copy. Thank you so much to Jennie who wrote the article & Elerie for the photo. I had a really great time with them when they visited the studio. www.conceptforliving.co.uk/

 

STILL WORKING.........On the exhibition for December

Paintings have gone for mounting, but I’m trying to cram a few canvases in after the framing deadline! As you can see from the home page the theme of the exhibition is “Make Mine A Life Less Ordinary (Scenes from a Night In A Small Town). One MASSIVE canvas 60” x 48” - won’t fit in the car, so we have to borrow Angie’s (from the Cafe below my studio - yes i know confusing) van to ship it to Bristol - clever eh?!?   All will be revealed soon.........

 

NOVEMBER

December - quick update

a quickie to get you up to date - I’ll try to fill in a bit later this month.


I WILL BE THERE.....

....at the opening of The Alexander Gallery Exhibition on Sunday 6th December. I’ll be around from 12pm to 4pm, so please drop in to say hello and grab a nibble of cake, it would be lovely to meet you. There’s some really nice cafes & shops in Clifton too! Nervous, moi?


The full exhibition can be viewed here>>


Here’s a map to the gallery courtesy of good old google maps >>


CARDS

I received in the post  a couple of lovely sets of christmas cards from the lovely people at Art Group. These are the designs I did this time last year (that’s how long it takes to get them done!). They are sold in packs of 10 and 50p from each pack goes to Save The Children. They should be available from the usual places.


LONDON, BABY!

I have 2 pictures in the Art Group’s first ever exhibition “Lets Play”. There are 40 artists, photographers & illustrators exhibiting. One new one ( A Full Hand) and an older picture Rules of Seduction.


Have a shuftie here  http://www.artgroup.com/lets-play


PRESS

There’s been a lot of nice press over the exhibition in Bristol, articles in “Bristol”, Somerset Life, Area Magazineand watch out for a big article (hopefully) in the Western Daily Press on 5th December. We’ll be down in Bristol, so will be watching out!



DECEMBER 2009

Ryburn Gallery

Lovely Lingerie Ladies