Brandywine Art is the home of Christine Morgan’s varied artistic explorations. You can contact Christine by email and view her art in her Picasa Gallery. var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push([‘_setAccount’, ‘UA-3388930-2’]); _gaq.push([‘_trackPageview’]); (function() { var ga = document.createElement(‘script’); ga.type = ‘text/javascript’; ga.async = true; ga.src = (‘https:’ == document.location.protocol ? ‘https://ssl’ : ‘http://www’) + ‘.google-analytics.com/ga.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })();Tumblr (3.0; @brandywineart)http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/<p><p class="MsoNormal">Meeting  Peter, who has moved into a flat in Vauxhall, for coffee was a good way to start  my day in  London last week. Coffee finished, he went home to install his new computer while I walked over Vauxhall Bridge to Tate Britain to see the new Picasso exhibition – <a href="http://www.tate.org.uk/britain/exhibitions/picassoandbritain/default.shtm">‘Picasso and Modern British Art’.</a> The show begins with a look at Picasso’s early visits to London (the first in 1919) then moves onto different British artists whose work was very definitely been influenced by him.  Ben Nicholson began using collage after seeing the way Picasso used it. I could see Henry Moore’s statuesque sculptures walking away from some of Picasso’s portraits of women.  A reproduction of Guernica hangs alongside work by Graham Sutherland, an artist I am only just beginning to discover. Seeing Frances Bacon alongside Picasso’s work has helped me understand his work better too. Work by David Hockney hangs in the penultimate room. I guess he had the luxury of looking back over the whole of Picasso’s life and, perhaps, the freedom of working after the great man had died. One commentator said that artists looked at the way Picasso worked and used his ideas only to find that by the time they were working he had already moved onto something new! It was through his genius that modern art came to Britain and made this new direction acceptable with the public. In the final room is the large ‘The Three Dancers’, painted in 1925 and presented to the Tate following the Picasso retrospective held in 1960 which was the first of the blockbuster shows. There are also some interesting photographs from the  fifties and sixties as well as (only) one of his ceramic pieces.  An excellent exhibition! </p></p>http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/18136397821http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/18136397821Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:46:39 -0500<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzi6tn56DS1qac4mwo1_500.jpg"/><br/> charcoal<br/><br/> <img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzi6tn56DS1qac4mwo2_500.jpg"/><br/> pastels<br/><br/> <img src="http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzi6tn56DS1qac4mwo3_500.jpg"/><br/> wax and Brusho<br/><br/> <p>Spent the day with cree8 friends working from a large still life that we all contributed to. I didn’t move far but spent my time exploring different materials and trying not to get too messy!</p>http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/17724083262http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/17724083262Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:41:00 -0500<p><p class="MsoNormal">On Saturday we spent a very cold but enjoyable hour by the Stour estuary between Manningtree and Mistley with our binoculars and telescope watching the birdlife as the tide came in. We saw redshanks, godwits, oystercatchers, lapwings and avocets to name but a few. The lapwings have the most amazing coloured plumage which I had never appreciated before and the avocets are so elegant – their beautiful shape and markings reflected in the ice cold water.</p></p>http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/17668867813http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/17668867813Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:22:29 -0500<img src="http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzelg5oDcB1qac4mwo1_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzelg5oDcB1qac4mwo2_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzelg5oDcB1qac4mwo3_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/>http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/17622663768http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/17622663768Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:07:14 -0500<p><p class="MsoNormal"><span>I have been making some plaster moulds - ready for the Baptismal Bowl I have been commissioned to make for a church in Crowthorne. I bought a plastic garden bucket, which I cut to the size I needed, to contain the plaster and shaped the clay formers on the wheel. I had bought a 25kg bag of potter’s plaster from Grant at <a href="http://bluematchbox.co.uk">Blue MatchBox Gallery</a> and used it all for two moulds and a small circular bat for wedging clay. However it is taking ages for the moulds to dry out as it has been so cold. They are now taking their turn in the airing cupboard!</span></p></p>http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/17276425928http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/17276425928Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:31:00 -0500<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lz2wg8dAyO1qac4mwo1_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lz2wg8dAyO1qac4mwo2_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lz2wg8dAyO1qac4mwo3_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/>http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/17264111679http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/17264111679Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:33:00 -0500<p>Another inspirational artist! <a href="http://www.westforestpotters.org.uk/joomla/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1">West Forest Potters</a> held their annual Potters Day on Saturday with <a href="http://www.carolyngenders.co.uk/">Carolyn Genders</a> as the guest potter. She talked about her work and influences and then demonstrated her methods. Using white earthenware she coils her pots and then, when dry, paints the surface with vitreous slips. She has such a free and colourful way of working it was an inspiration to see her at work. I hadn’t realised that vitreous slips contain a small proportion of glaze material so the pots only need to be fired once. I am working on some coil pots this week so have started them using her method - it is working well for me. Next project is to start looking at vitreous slips! </p>http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/16813028604http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/16813028604Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:48:17 -0500<img src="http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lygu5rmAqA1qac4mwo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>I went to Wokingham Embroiders Guild on Wednesday to see Textile Artist <a href="http://www.debbielyddon.co.uk/">Debbie Lyddon</a> talk about her work. A trained musician who since having a family combines her love of music and textiles in some amazing work. Check out her website to see her work. I found the evening very inspiring and bought a small collage piece which I am enjoying very much. My South Hill Park class followed the next day and I continued to work on the St Giles picture exploring some of the patterns in the reflections. At home in the evening and inspired by Debbie’s work I got my sewing machine out! What do you think?!</p>http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/16582249486http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/16582249486Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:37:03 -0500<img src="http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ly24itQmfD1qac4mwo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>And this is what I have done at my art class today using a couple of the London pictures and plenty of charcoal. I will try it with pastels next.</p>http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/16122168088http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/16122168088Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:56:52 -0500<img src="http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ly24b7AUvx1qac4mwo1_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ly24b7AUvx1qac4mwo2_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ly24b7AUvx1qac4mwo3_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ly24b7AUvx1qac4mwo4_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><p>I took these pictures when I was in London last week. While walking form The British Museum to Covent Garden I came across these colourful buildings on High Holborn/ St Giles High Street. The sun was low in the sky and lit up the buildings like beacons. The buildings opposite, in shade, were transformed by the colourful reflections in the windows. St Giles Church was decorated with temporary stained glass!</p>http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/16122002632http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/16122002632Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:52:17 -0500<p class="MsoNormal">A trip to London – the first for ages! With time rather tight, rather than my usual route to The British Museum – via Goodge Street and Heals – I surfaced at Tottenham Court Road and found myself walking past <span> </span>the most amazing art shop, <a href="http://cornelissen.com">L. Cornelissen and Son</a>. <span> </span>Originally in the Covent Garden the shop, established in 19^th century relocated in the eighties to Great Russell Street complete with the original fixtures and fittings. The walls are covered in shelves, cupboards, and drawers which hold the shops immense stock. Large jars full of colours adorn high shelves. Well worth a visit!</p> <p>Next stop was the <a href="http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/exhibitions/grayson_perry.aspx">British Museum and <span> </span>The Tomb of the Unknown Craftsman</a>, an exhibition curated by Grayson Perry which uses his own work as well as objects from the museum’s collection to take the viewer on a journey into his imaginary world<span>  </span>while exploring craftsmanship and sacred journeys. The exhibition opens with a vase ‘You are here’ which is a collage featuring characters saying why they have come to the exhibition and finishes with a decorated cast iron ship – a memorial to the countless craftsmen throughout the ages who have created the handmade wonders of the world. <span> </span>Sitting in the centre of the ship’s deck is a flint hand axe, 250,000 years old<span>  </span>- the first tool fashioned by humans. <span> </span>There was so much about the exhibition I enjoyed – the variety of the objects chosen, seeing the way in which the past has inspired artists and craftsmen and the skill of so many unnamed<span>  </span>individuals.<span>  </span>Travelling along with Grayson Perry’s imagination is fascinating <span> </span>- ‘When I was young I had an imaginary civilization. Then I became an artist and my civilization traded with the world and all its history. Now I’m not sure where my imagination stops and the world starts’. And this quote - <span> </span>‘A relaxed, humble, ever-curious love of stuff is central to my idea of being an artist’.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The exhibition has been extended to 26^th February. <span> </span>If you are a National Trust member you can get 25% off the ticket price.</p>http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/15831032965http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/15831032965Sat, 14 Jan 2012 11:30:29 -0500<img src="http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxndyokxOw1qac4mwo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>The finished rug………</p>http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/15678919528http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/15678919528Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:56:48 -0500<img src="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lx6dyaVRWX1qac4mwo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>My first New Year resolution was successful - I didn’t have a hangover yesterday!</p> <p>My second is to sell more pictures. David has kindly completed my tax return and the mixed media division needs more sales to recoup the money invested in framing! Interestingly the pictures I’ve sold this year have all been framed by me which should tell me something! However I think the professionally framed work looks so much better - pity it costs so much! If you’d like to help me fulfill my resolution please do get in touch!</p>http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/15182894518http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/15182894518Mon, 02 Jan 2012 09:37:00 -0500<img src="http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lx2ps9WMnj1qac4mwo1_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lx2ps9WMnj1qac4mwo2_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><p>At last a use for all David’s old shirts! Collars, cuffs and buttons removed then torn into strips and I have something else to use on my peg loom while watching Great Expectations. </p>http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/15082305246http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/15082305246Sat, 31 Dec 2011 10:02:31 -0500<p>Still time to shop for that extra special gift - cree8 shop open until 1pm Christmas Eve!</p> <p>Then open December 30th and 31st, January 4th-7th so you can spend your Christmas money!</p>http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/14633892782http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/14633892782Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:44:43 -0500<img src="http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lwmk9lyDgC1qac4mwo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>I have been experimenting with my new peg loom. Using some chenille yarn and silk I’ve made a rather scrummy bag. Cushion cover next me thinks.</p>http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/14633746588http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/14633746588Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:41:44 -0500<img src="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lw9fe9j9021qac4mwo1_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lw9fe9j9021qac4mwo2_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lw9fe9j9021qac4mwo3_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><p>I love the sculptural shapes that are left once the autumn winds have swept the leaves fromm the trees! We were in Bury St Edmunds at the weekend and enjoyed walking in the Abbey ruins and also at Ickworth. I think these trees were ready to come to life!</p>http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/14270947353http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/14270947353Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:27:42 -0500<img src="http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lvzgs9NWnD1qac4mwo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>And this one shows Chris Moran’s quilts!</p>http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/14009169275http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/14009169275Sat, 10 Dec 2011 05:21:00 -0500<img src="http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lvzgnylRhd1qac4mwo1_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lvzgnylRhd1qac4mwo2_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lvzgnylRhd1qac4mwo3_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lvzgnylRhd1qac4mwo4_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><p>A few pictures from the MoreArts Shop. Lots of lovely goodies!</p>http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/14009133948http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/14009133948Sat, 10 Dec 2011 05:19:06 -0500<img src="http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lvq42m6YZa1qac4mwo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>We take over 43 Peach Street today. Lots of work to do to get the shop set up but we will be open at 10am on Wednesday. Come and visit!</p>http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/13773810272http://www.brandywineart.co.uk/post/13773810272Mon, 05 Dec 2011 04:08:45 -0500