OK Let’s Party!! Highlights for me from The London Print Fair this week. I love this coming together of international galleries specialising in print in all its forms across the centuries. I am always so inspired by what I see. I have here in order a work by the fabulously subversive Ralph Steadman, tender portraits by Henry Moore, a great woodcut by Lyonel Feininger (1871-1956) ‘On the Quay Wall’, 1921, a beautiful woodcut tree called ‘Survivor’ by Janka Malkowska, a gallery wall, a fabulous woodcut by Ken Kiff, a tiny yet powerful etching by Rembrandt, a dance of death by Michel Wolgemut (1434-1519), moody boy by John Byrne, wonderful work by Patrick Procktor, the fabulous Steadman again drawing Hunter S Thompson, gallery wall, gallery wall of old posters, exquisite tiny Paul Nash etching, very covetable Prunella Clough, Mabel Royds (1872-1941) The Wind and the Sun and the Traveller’s Cloak - c.1910 , gorgeous Venetian grille by Patrick Procktor and finally a Graham Sutherland early etching at @abbottandholder whose guest I was. Recommended #print #printmaking #etching #woodcut #lithography
Great to be back in the Sky Garden, Fenchurch Street tonight enjoying the 360 degree panorama of London champagne in hand. I worked on the interior landscape design for this 38 story high space 10 years ago, so it was a real treat to revisit it as a guest of Adamsons Architects to help celebrate their 30 years in business. So many dear friends amongst the big crowd. Great party thank you.
A highlight for me in Paris was seeing Calders Circus at @fondationlv . I’ve only known this amazing body of work from that extraordinary film of him animating these wonderful creations with his wife spinning the vinyl. He started making it in Paris in 1926 and showcased it to much acclaim from the artistic community including fellow artists Marcel Duchamp, Joan Miró, Piet Mondrian, and Isamu Noguchi. “I love the mechanics of the thing—and the vast space—and the spotlight.” Calder said of the circus. Picasso left a 2 hour show in silence - high praise from him - and it has gone on to become a milestone of American art history. It might be elevated as high art but in essence it takes us back to childhood wonder in the escapist world of performance, daring do, acrobatics and vaudeville found under the big top. It is innocent, inventive, saucy, charming and delightful. I was blown away #calder #circus #paris
The eye must travel. Sunday sketch continuing my friends series. The lovely and talented photographer Ian Mcmaugh, based in Sydney, Australia and a true world traveller, beautifully documenting landscapes and vernacular architecture wherever he goes. He is widely exhibited and published. 8B and 3B on cartridge paper. #drawing #sketch #portrait #beard #silver
SO CHIC
An Englishman in Paris
With my artist friend @stephenrichards_drawing
#bowler #parisstreet #malefashionmodel #maleportrait #cecile.brouste @cecile.brouste
Details of Francisco de Zurbarán (1598-1664) at the National Gallery in the first major UK exhibition of this marvellous artist from Baroque Seville. Powerful, beautifully painted and unsettling religious and mythical images. The still lives of fruit in particular were extraordinary #painting #spanishbaroque #seville
I saw an astonishing production of Peter Grimes at the Royal Opera House, London tonight. Deborah Warner set it in a contemporary seaside town, down at heal but with a strong angry community. The riot scene with Union Jack flags and thugs is instantly recognisable and unsettling. Grimes ego floating in the void is a very powerful touch. Great singing by Allen Clayton, Bryn Terfel and Maria Bengtsson, and a wonderful interpretation of Brittens score by Jakub Hrůša. Grimes for our times @royalballetandopera #petergrimes #britten
Au revoir Paris. It’s been a truly wonderful trip, spending time with many dear friends, enjoying great food and conversation and seeing beautiful art. The city of light looked magic in the sunshine. Until the next time. Photograph by the lovely @cecile.brouste #paris #france
l’or du ciel nocturne. A selection of photos I took of some ravishing jewellery in gold, silver and brass by Alexander Calder (1898-1976) on show at an expansive and huge show of his work at @fondationlv Paris. He made jewellery throughout his life, exploring the same themes of movement in metal and expressed fastenings that he did in his sculpture. His wife Louisa was his muse and wore many pieces as well as Peggy Guggenheim, Georgia O’Keeffe and Angelica Houston. #calder #jewellery
So long @la_ferme_de_letre It’s been a wonderful and peaceful stay at your Burgundy farm. The place is bursting with life, especially after the rain today Thank you @john_p_armstrong and @vainfrenchguy for your hospitality and wonderful cuisine. I’m very full and relaxed. Pencil sketch of Stellar in a peach tree in the charming courtyard. #pencilsketch #drawing #burgundy #sketchbook
Stellar and the bird. Pencil sketch in the beautiful garden of @john_p_armstrong and @vainfrenchguy Burgundy, France. The tree looks like it’s made of cat tails now I see it again! #sketchbook #drawing #pencilonpaper
