This is the first time I have opened my studio for visitors. I have set up a selection of my work to show the range and diversity of what I spend my time doing. The weather is cold, rainy and blowing a gale but dont let that put off your visit.
August 5 -7th
John Piper worked throughout the greater part of the twentieth Century, exploring a wide range of techniques and subjects. This course is based on his work about the countryside, and how historical buildings connect to their environment.
He used printmaking to illustrate his interests so we will explore mono print as a means to generate ideas. Imagery will come from architectural sources and we will endeavour to capture the effect of ‘shabby chic’ that so appealed to him.
For more information contact: alison@missendenschoolofcreativearts.co.uk
This workshop looks at the work of Gillian Ayres, a widely respected British abstract artist working across the second half of the twentieth century. Her work has huge energy and vitality, with bold colour and shape and non figurative in its style.
We used this reference to create our own abstract images with strong colour contrasts and surface textures and a playful approach to media
Students enjoyed the freedom of applying paint in various ways: drips, dabs, splattering, pouring and scraping and aimed to emulate the excitement of colour and shape as seen in this popular artist’s work.
Work is progressing on the large scale piece. I have made fabric for the central area and appliqued shapes within it. I have done a lot of stitching within this area and now filling in some gaps to adjust colour.
I have added leaves to the sides, These also have a great deal of stitching on them. Each one took about 5/6 hours.
I have completed the top band with flowers and have worked out the border around the central section. This will have a 17 century verse stitch on it but I haven’t stitched that yet.
A simple pattern of small squares will divide the four quarters. I have made this ready but it will be placed over any seaming that will be done as I join the outside bands.
I have been stitching every day since I finished the design as I am concerned that I will run out of time to complete. 
I have been wondering how to interpret my walk pictures to create meaningful imagery. This is a start but clearly needs a lot more thought and consideration.
The second of the Missenden weekends looking at pattern is coming up soon on the 9/10th March. We will be researching Art Deco sources to see how they put imagery together to make geometric patterns and creating print blocks from images derived from architecture to make some repeat patterns in the Art Deco style.
This is my completed design for a large scale hanging that I have finished over the Christmas break.
