tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59039756776013264102024-03-05T18:41:32.834+00:00 Ruth Gray ImagesRuth Gray Images Anything But Grey Fine Art LandscapesRuth Gray Imageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15243031681472633541noreply@blogger.comBlogger175125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5903975677601326410.post-68649482082527087482022-12-10T12:28:00.001+00:002022-12-10T12:28:00.157+00:002022 in a few paragraphs<p>Well, my last blog in March was called 'on the road again' and I think I didn't get off the road this year! I love writing my blog but it has been the last thing in a long list of things this year so while I have a moment I will try and sumarise the year I've had.</p><p>After moving house and the pandemic things were very upside down along with working two jobs as well it was all a bit much but now, I've managed to just have one job and my art, but we are moving again!</p><p>This year started with me having time to create new works with a little bit of colour after spending a few years painting quite dark. Maybe we were all emerging from a dark time? I took part again in the Belper Art Trail, Derbyshire Open Arts, Haddon Hall and the Bonsal Trail and I was happy to be back at Cromford Mills Artisan Market again.</p><p> After Easter I was excited to be approached to create nine commissions, eight of Ashbourne shop fronts and one personal. So, from then on, every week was taken up with those so it may seem I haven't painted many this year to those that are following me but I can assure you I have been super busy art-wise. Please visit <a href="https://cafeimpromptu.com/" target="_blank">Cafe Impromptu</a> Ashbourne where you can see all eight shop fronts on the wall as prints.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyqTV71Yd_1WwUWNI45jZPlz0VbyoK7KjK1gq7wkv_7NWp0ZoJdoVlNblCf28oTLyzAeHch0eGO7O2mhudn5XS_m9M4OJz89WJN-qf8RMjo5G5Z6MI3y0Y8MoCGA7JJKtqSav1wIws3i1dyvrntnDa-GfmbfrEqiQsfY5rXpYQ2R4pni4DN2Z1OW7DQ/s600/Impromptu%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="600" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyqTV71Yd_1WwUWNI45jZPlz0VbyoK7KjK1gq7wkv_7NWp0ZoJdoVlNblCf28oTLyzAeHch0eGO7O2mhudn5XS_m9M4OJz89WJN-qf8RMjo5G5Z6MI3y0Y8MoCGA7JJKtqSav1wIws3i1dyvrntnDa-GfmbfrEqiQsfY5rXpYQ2R4pni4DN2Z1OW7DQ/s320/Impromptu%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cafe Impromptu Ashbourne, where you can see all eight commissioned paintings as prints.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Also, this year has been the welcome return of doing art demos at art groups it started off with everyone feeling nervous and wearing a mask but has ended with it being more like old times fingers are crossed it stays that way! </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzt7XFWz8eAzL9kbfZlYCmOrLnJyKO-dnFp3wwffebnJhxVplenjtto9TINSPtFe0ErLmnNSlIr3rtTFscrQb0pFrIvCtpptxO_jBr9VtZPb1JIUGCBkO5Nn1AnwtUTUQB7rgHhWuNZzMGmV0kDfxI9VwuXdlshxBYAcbnGXiAAo1VWDThqulBI6L-ZQ/s600/Chursh%20street%20ashbourne.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="600" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzt7XFWz8eAzL9kbfZlYCmOrLnJyKO-dnFp3wwffebnJhxVplenjtto9TINSPtFe0ErLmnNSlIr3rtTFscrQb0pFrIvCtpptxO_jBr9VtZPb1JIUGCBkO5Nn1AnwtUTUQB7rgHhWuNZzMGmV0kDfxI9VwuXdlshxBYAcbnGXiAAo1VWDThqulBI6L-ZQ/s320/Chursh%20street%20ashbourne.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished art demo painted at Hinkley Art Group</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The year ends with me working on another commission, this time a house portrait, so I am very happy how my year has gone. It is nice to place a canvas on an easel and know you are working on something special.</p><p>Next year's plans are to exhibit with Peak District Artisans again as well as have my own exhibition of recent works at Banks Mill Studios. </p><p>Oh yes we are moving house again! We left Belper a couple of years ago but we have missed being there so much so we are moving back on my <a href="http://ruthgrayimages.net" target="_blank">website </a>you will see I have painted the streets of Belper many times there is always something new to see so that is a very exciting thing to look forward to in the new year!</p><p>Please enjoy the Christmas period and hopefully, I will see you in the new year!<br /> </p><p><br /></p>Ruth Gray Imageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15243031681472633541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5903975677601326410.post-34974155646700552672022-03-12T11:12:00.001+00:002022-03-12T11:12:00.161+00:00On the road again!<p> </p><h1 style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 26px; line-height: 32.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></h1><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;">I have had a fabulous start to the new year managed to do some paintings sell some paintings (you know who you are thank you!) And I have been busy planning events and opportunities to sell my work so really this blog is a sneaky peek at new work also there are some dates for your diary below that you can incorporate into days out as art events are always in nice places!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;">So below are the dates and below that is some new work all inspired by the wonderful local area. Prints are available but they are taking longer to process so please give around a month for your orders.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;"> </span><p style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-size-adjust: 100%;">March 20th Artisan Market Cromford Mills<br /><br />March 27th ArtStand Strutts Centre A6 Belper.<br /><br />April 1-25 Spring Gathering Green Man Gallery Buxton.<br /><br />April 9th Number 28 Belper.<br /><br />May 1st 2nd 10-4 pm. Belper Arts Trail Hall of Frames King Street Belper.<br /><br />May 15th Artisan Market Cromford Mills<br /><br />May 28-29 10-4 pm. Derbyshire Open Arts National Stone Centre Porter Lane Wirksworth DE4 4LS<br /><br />June 4th Jubilee at Sudbury Gasworks.<br /><br />June 11th Number 28 Belper.<br /><br />June 18 19th 10-4 pm. Bonsall Arts Trail Venue TBC.<br /><br />June 25 & 26 Twitter Art Exhibit York, The Hiscox Building, York, UK<br /><br />July 17th Artisan Market Cromford Mills<br /><br />September 10th Number 28 Belper.<br /><br />September 18th Artisan Market Cromford Mills<br /><br />October 16th Artisan Market Cromford Mills<br /><br />November 20th Artisan Market Cromford Mills<br /><br />Haddon Hall November 24-27th Christmas Market<br /><br />December 10th Number 28 Belper.<br /><br />December Cromford Studio and Gallery Joint Exhibition</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><a href="http://ruthgrayimages.com/" style="color: #007c89; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><img data-file-id="5575757" height="279" src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/f761973c-b79a-869b-3d12-d68dbd264cf4.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 279px; margin: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; width: 400px;" width="400" /></a><br />From Belper Lane A3 acrylic on canvas, £400<br /><img data-file-id="5575769" height="279" src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/c6c0b4f7-e1f6-17ea-35a4-1c4c6cc805ff.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 279px; margin: 0px; outline: none; width: 400px;" width="400" /><br />Helter Skelter Nottingham, A3 acrylic on canvas £400.<br /><br /><img data-file-id="5575765" height="332" src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/afbb9a4e-755a-35d3-a1a1-ecc68cd08591.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 332px; margin: 0px; outline: none; width: 400px;" width="400" /><br />The Round House Matlock Bath 10 x 12 £260<br /><img data-file-id="5575773" height="320" src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/89f8f2f6-adac-cbab-2390-6d2020ae3bdd.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 320px; margin: 0px; outline: none; width: 400px;" width="400" /><br />The Coach House Matlock Bath 8 x 10 £250</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;">If you made it this far down the newsletter you are a true supporter! I have been included in an International Women's Day blog exchange and here's my entry I hope you find it inspiring read it <a href="https://annesphotos.uk/8th-march-international-womens-day-guest-blog/" style="color: #007c89; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">here</a></p>Ruth Gray Imageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15243031681472633541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5903975677601326410.post-44037639182670362372022-03-11T11:26:00.000+00:002022-03-11T11:26:33.711+00:00Guest Blog: By Annes Photos. Supporting International Women’s Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhO9UJ71zw5L2253Y_Nr12V0TK7JH-6Lj78Ip14MUef7TQEULhb6PYTcTa3vhTSZp4yapifonvRcgemWFxPike8H1ldNcMZbX-_ikhErBWrsBiuyo9siFG11BK2D2Y-sy8FDy8I80p4EHmPYIvXvBoDEXGrgvYf0Pp2ecbpclnbazdJh6wRubhMaK7ftA=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhO9UJ71zw5L2253Y_Nr12V0TK7JH-6Lj78Ip14MUef7TQEULhb6PYTcTa3vhTSZp4yapifonvRcgemWFxPike8H1ldNcMZbX-_ikhErBWrsBiuyo9siFG11BK2D2Y-sy8FDy8I80p4EHmPYIvXvBoDEXGrgvYf0Pp2ecbpclnbazdJh6wRubhMaK7ftA=s320" width="213" /></a></div><br /><p>Supporting International Women’s day, I am welcoming fellow creative Annes Photos to my blog</p><p></p><p>Allow me to introduce myself, I’m Anne Haile working as a Creative Photographer, Blogger and Photography educator/ judge / speaker. I’m delighted to be participating in this blog exchanger in support of International Women’s Day. Greetings to female creatives everywhere.</p><p>It is my belief that we need to be much more than creatives these days. In order to get our work seen and know we also need business skills, to be internet / social media savvy and to work co-operatively with others. Without all this our work will sit appreciated by ourselves alone.</p><p>Creative Photography</p><p>You may be wondering what is Creative Photography? Its photography with a creative edge. It starts with an idea (mine or a clients) which gets developed and made into a picture rather than simply taking a photograph what is put in front of me. This can be anything from placing a flower against a particular-coloured background or it can be a complex creation with many pieces built into a still life. Alternatively, it can involve styling a model or providing appropriate vintage items for a photoshoot.</p><p>This means that I can turn your ideas for your business photography into reality. I can provide image for websites and fine art prints for walls. As I hold a Licentiate from the Royal Photographic Society you can be sure all work is carried out to the highest standards.</p><p>Garden and Heritage Photography</p><p>As well as creative photography I offer garden and heritage photography. My photography won International Garden Photographer of the Year ( Calke Abbey) 2021 and has been features in several national exhibitions. During 2021 several of my projects were for Derbyshire based heritage charities which of course were carried out free of charge. If you have a great garden, you would like immortalised or an interesting heritage project you want to record then I would be delighted to hear from you.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyE0V3AaUnlML_nyEikvGXpuIj4eCjQmeoi1lphR6z5y2PSv0M1DsVJLf2vTvWhOEsjyohDPqeqzuiPxzqfAODIqonvMLJxXW39T3lk1Bjyt0qJD790QnOMEa1C3ZWoGhB2-62MR7LijtLni6949nWbQFD1iJ7YjHeY5RfPgm2dOMmTRvc5_s1rAzLpg=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="931" data-original-width="1600" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyE0V3AaUnlML_nyEikvGXpuIj4eCjQmeoi1lphR6z5y2PSv0M1DsVJLf2vTvWhOEsjyohDPqeqzuiPxzqfAODIqonvMLJxXW39T3lk1Bjyt0qJD790QnOMEa1C3ZWoGhB2-62MR7LijtLni6949nWbQFD1iJ7YjHeY5RfPgm2dOMmTRvc5_s1rAzLpg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Education and Talks</p><p>Would you like to learn to take better more impactful pictures? I offer one to one photography education and mentoring from the basics upwards including Photoshop education. This can be on-line via Zoom or in person as you prefer. Your choice and at your pace. There are several free photoshop tutorials on my blog at annesphotos.uk for those of you interested in using Photoshop to transform your photos into works of art.</p><p>As an approved judge I am available to Camera Clubs to judge competitions and to all groups and organisations for talks on photography and photo editing.</p><p>Blogging</p><p>Another side of my work is blogging, and I offer articles on the following topics:</p><p>Photography Basics, Creative Photography, Photoshop and Photo editing</p><p>Creativity – finding and developing it</p><p>Blogging and Search Engine Optimisation (I have an IT degree and spent more than 20 years working in this field)</p><p>Yoga and Meditation (I’m a fully qualified yoga teacher although not currently teaching)</p><p>Vintage, Antiques and Collecting</p><p>Vegetarian / Vegan life</p><p>All articles will of course have my images to support them. Articles can be free of charge for medium to high-ranking websites in return for links back to my own site.</p><p>Your Creativity on my Website</p><p>Your creativity can also be featured on my website. If you have something to say about creativity, then I would be happy to publish it along with details about you and your business and links back to your work. This is available for start-ups as well as more established businesses.</p><p>I have thousands of social media followers interested in photography, art and creativity mainly Instagram and Twitter and will always share your work with them. Additionally, I have thousands of followers interested in Vintage / antiques on Facebook.</p><p>Top Tips</p><p>· You can improve your creativity by looking outside of your own area. Watch a film, got to an art gallery, listen to live music or bake a cake for example. You never know, something may spark and idea.</p><p>· There is never enough time in a day but do take a little “me time” anyway. Your work can’t be any good if you are burnt out. Personally, I’ve been doing yoga for over 20 years. It calms me down and helps me focus as well as the usual physical benefits.</p><p>· Remember to have a bit of fun along the way.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-1FugqI4rZuSBusTzcS4xVTBOLMEU64KMEc0i-BHQJPoUyGLZ083m90nQgnfbOP3JRathUhEqkJA0hEFBKacrp83AwP3xwb58AsT0-3IRL8Z7OOxG67ojim1qHbGfZyNy--EpdqIGY3tGbzfh2f9_bG_s-7f2Jrb6qLIleblWUoTCIAV-uJy-bFaYbQ=s1800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-1FugqI4rZuSBusTzcS4xVTBOLMEU64KMEc0i-BHQJPoUyGLZ083m90nQgnfbOP3JRathUhEqkJA0hEFBKacrp83AwP3xwb58AsT0-3IRL8Z7OOxG67ojim1qHbGfZyNy--EpdqIGY3tGbzfh2f9_bG_s-7f2Jrb6qLIleblWUoTCIAV-uJy-bFaYbQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p></p><p>Working Together</p><p>Does any of this interest you? Whilst I work solo much of the time, I do believe that great things can happen when we work together creatively. So, if there is anything of interest for you then give me a follow and a shout. I follow back 😊 Website: AnnesPhotos.UK Instagram: Anne (@anne_haile) Twitter: Anne (@AnnesPhotos) / Twitter Facebook: Annes Photos | Facebook</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Ruth Gray Imageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15243031681472633541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5903975677601326410.post-2146295033275732402022-02-07T14:12:00.000+00:002022-02-07T14:12:54.937+00:00New work for 2022<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNiVIuDfv2X6f5_usgcv0u2ahwn1l0NmAgIoCzqZT0WqBxsXYbH8reUTuslX2Av8pW1YU3yojpY8fLeX-oqss3sfwSlHTE4aM6MvtMu0NZWdGu7unrUoIWhwpbxHH1ShYeupAFHkvsS3mmb5WN8uq9veJIYrXqxRhE59UFyzcHEvfe4-ABK6053qPB5A=s3677" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3604" data-original-width="3677" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNiVIuDfv2X6f5_usgcv0u2ahwn1l0NmAgIoCzqZT0WqBxsXYbH8reUTuslX2Av8pW1YU3yojpY8fLeX-oqss3sfwSlHTE4aM6MvtMu0NZWdGu7unrUoIWhwpbxHH1ShYeupAFHkvsS3mmb5WN8uq9veJIYrXqxRhE59UFyzcHEvfe4-ABK6053qPB5A=w200-h196" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Sunrise on the school run 40 x 40 cm acrylic on canvas.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">How are you all doing? It seems the news gets crazier by the day to the point now where I'm listening to much more music to distract me from the buffoon in charge. Thankfully I'm of an age where I know that things come to pass and we come out the other side eventually it just seems to have been a bloody long decade!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We are lucky though if only we open our eyes and see the beauty that is all around every day, last week or maybe it was the week before who knows but each morning I was blinded on the way home from the school run by magnificent sunrises which alongside massive traffic jams meant I had plenty of time to absorb all the colours. This inspired me to get the paints out and put them all down at once onto the canvas with one of them being the above piece called Sunrise on the school run showing the view on the way to Kilburn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My new job has sent me up some hills in Matlock Bath, and the surrounding area, here's one that I've just finished too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikZA-j7dezAR-cGzwRl-j57tHeIZ2NBeGO_mJ8RTIfUryQwFYZ03mKQjQos-cfa0_ggv61T-g4b16raJXUv-mjL1DcZxGFWE1paQ2_JW1p-CvFsh8AG2rO5aKCCveeBE4p_0RwK8oQTFTlGaEKz2WrbIan0XQAnfM3OBEenfkAlhH0QWdPWv25-ic56g=s4953" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3418" data-original-width="4953" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikZA-j7dezAR-cGzwRl-j57tHeIZ2NBeGO_mJ8RTIfUryQwFYZ03mKQjQos-cfa0_ggv61T-g4b16raJXUv-mjL1DcZxGFWE1paQ2_JW1p-CvFsh8AG2rO5aKCCveeBE4p_0RwK8oQTFTlGaEKz2WrbIan0XQAnfM3OBEenfkAlhH0QWdPWv25-ic56g=w200-h138" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Matlock Bath from the Jubilee Bridge.35 x 25 cm.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Along with the representational stuff I've just wanted to get the colour down so here's a few abstract studies, I love doing these very therapeutic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2zLa_K6cA_AJgALkwbukSf0arSM7uNjtyVsQg41tFBZW_Ncbo_T9ZrL_DARhKTmlEKG9rXWOdVZcU3dJsXxgbRi1MK3HlkOHkcLX101qypTx8D-tWUKLvxRfgjJzMZ59p2_S-DWqsW8nhULTT-ng6jZWXtZyngTUDiFhL8hGGQP6kMGTQRBcmEEhGaQ=s4242" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3534" data-original-width="4242" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2zLa_K6cA_AJgALkwbukSf0arSM7uNjtyVsQg41tFBZW_Ncbo_T9ZrL_DARhKTmlEKG9rXWOdVZcU3dJsXxgbRi1MK3HlkOHkcLX101qypTx8D-tWUKLvxRfgjJzMZ59p2_S-DWqsW8nhULTT-ng6jZWXtZyngTUDiFhL8hGGQP6kMGTQRBcmEEhGaQ=w200-h167" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">30 x 24 cm</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcH8ffrTbQnT6eLuQKhzAZ4gHoR54hqhiUypN1j4msELZATWNkhoe0mo2X23C7rCJTVSHnP3Nd5rKcRZSc36K4FGTNJX555ps2Tgeoe01W0PIgA2sSCxHq_4LUk4vWQq6i9-KpPunkdHk5Rms8WhmCvvRoxtiqOMuwjx-gTfx3XY0TzDARU28_Ukbf_w=s4368" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3542" data-original-width="4368" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcH8ffrTbQnT6eLuQKhzAZ4gHoR54hqhiUypN1j4msELZATWNkhoe0mo2X23C7rCJTVSHnP3Nd5rKcRZSc36K4FGTNJX555ps2Tgeoe01W0PIgA2sSCxHq_4LUk4vWQq6i9-KpPunkdHk5Rms8WhmCvvRoxtiqOMuwjx-gTfx3XY0TzDARU28_Ukbf_w=w200-h162" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> 10 x 8"</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbFsa5e4JFXxuGvbQWMKI0CcRx-e-ejUWC26VWedO3SxBqoeeOvHbJjly7i3Wbs3P2bQCT4j6BS8ECP2Vq_jIvIWgAM5fV8Hl4Lk_6d0Kb5N2qpP9F-6U_8YdYvqy5w1gH-subsKEahzqVriSN1zlxfGKBPY5Q37dSyJy38pOoIdFAryTUhGvopUC3KA=s4616" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3483" data-original-width="4616" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbFsa5e4JFXxuGvbQWMKI0CcRx-e-ejUWC26VWedO3SxBqoeeOvHbJjly7i3Wbs3P2bQCT4j6BS8ECP2Vq_jIvIWgAM5fV8Hl4Lk_6d0Kb5N2qpP9F-6U_8YdYvqy5w1gH-subsKEahzqVriSN1zlxfGKBPY5Q37dSyJy38pOoIdFAryTUhGvopUC3KA=w200-h151" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">6 x 8"</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg11PPvkk1-NLLw_XWmt1mvPpagiISKd6-mCOcI4pguSNd-LIZZqP_s6qODTnJ65oSQ4cbvtIdqFaz2YlBeevXzLTxONpTBohBW3U7nzw9-vEVGq6KBo7lqTejjyOYYjssbAMUSp3wbCsmGOLcfbXbO20WKb-S3YjNF8ZuD8WzA6d-TuOYGzP26_4WueA=s4465" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3507" data-original-width="4465" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg11PPvkk1-NLLw_XWmt1mvPpagiISKd6-mCOcI4pguSNd-LIZZqP_s6qODTnJ65oSQ4cbvtIdqFaz2YlBeevXzLTxONpTBohBW3U7nzw9-vEVGq6KBo7lqTejjyOYYjssbAMUSp3wbCsmGOLcfbXbO20WKb-S3YjNF8ZuD8WzA6d-TuOYGzP26_4WueA=w200-h157" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">30 x 24 cm</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The colours all look better in real life so I hope you can come along and see me this year at the various events I will be doing around the area. See my website <a href="http://www.ruthgrayimages.com">www.ruthgrayimages.com</a> for details.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was nice to see my painting in the background of this video the other day :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://youtu.be/ZdEaLKpwzZ8">https://youtu.be/ZdEaLKpwzZ8</a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Ruth Gray Imageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15243031681472633541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5903975677601326410.post-71508967385363688922021-09-29T15:45:00.001+01:002021-09-29T16:08:31.381+01:00Autumn News<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;">What a lovely time of year torrential rain followed by wind followed by bursts of sun. I never know what to wear!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;">I have exciting news you know that MA I did? I have only gone and got a job that is actually to do with it! After what seems like a whirlwind of a year of training retraining and applying and all that sort of stuff I am very lucky to be working for <a href="https://www.planningdesign.co.uk/" style="color: #007c89; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">Planning and Design Practice</a> based in Derby as a Heritage Assistant. It is not full time so I still will be doing my art and relief job at Derbyshire County Council.<br />I thought Id share some more pictures of the day at Aqueduct Cottage.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><img data-file-id="5310094" height="400" src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/9e15e008-eb4f-bc93-9097-e8890ca3434d.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 400px; margin: 0px; outline: none; width: 400px;" width="400" /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><img data-file-id="5310098" height="400" src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/c1f568ff-7a46-fc76-46cd-fdf96cbd0d5d.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 400px; margin: 0px; outline: none; width: 400px;" width="400" /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><img data-file-id="5310118" height="321" src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/4a67f95d-20a1-ec75-84ee-f4cd00344475.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 321px; margin: 0px; outline: none; width: 400px;" width="400" /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;">Prints and cards along with the original will be at my annual <a href="https://cromfordstudioandgallery.weebly.com/" style="color: #007c89; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">Cromford Studio and Gallery</a> Exhibition in December.<br />I have continued to paint the High Peak Trail and here is number 10!</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><img data-file-id="5310106" height="157" src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/3a36852e-306a-879b-ffb7-bf633b63bee3.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 157px; margin: 0px; outline: none; width: 400px;" width="400" /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;">The others are available to view on my website <a href="http://ruthgrayimages.com">http://ruthgrayimages.com</a> , they are 20 x 50 cm and I am really enjoying the slow journey down the incline!<br />I have just spent the morning ordering more greeting cards and if you would like a list of them please email me at ruthgrayimages@hotmail.com they are £2.50 each or £10 for 5. It's the first time I've ordered any since 2019 some pandemic got in the way of that! Let us hope there's a HGV driver that can bring them up from Devon where I ordered them!</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br />It is the season to be jolly and stood behind a table full of stock so please come and say hello at the various venues below!</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-size-adjust: 100%;">October 15 -17 2021 Medley Christmas Cromford Mills. Mill Rd, Cromford, Matlock DE4 3RQ<br /><br />October 23rd Assemble- Museum of Making Painting demo.<br /><br />November 18-21 Haddon Hall Gatehouse Popup Shop-Medley<br /><br />November 25-28 Haddon Hall Gatehouse Popup Shop- Medley<br /><br />December 4-19 2021 Medley Christmas Gothic Warehouse Cromford Mills. Mill Rd, Cromford, Matlock DE4 3RQ<br /><br />December 2021 Joint exhibition with Martin Sloman at Cromford Studio and Gallery.11 Market Pl, Cromford, Matlock DE4 3QE<br /><br /><strong>Thank you for getting to the bottom of what was supposed to be a short blog.<br />Bye for now<br />Ruth x<br /><img data-file-id="5310150" height="463" src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/caf69704-a1a7-4a05-3641-1b9322fbf5a7.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 463px; margin: 0px; outline: none; width: 400px;" width="400" /></strong><br />ps, that's me mate <a href="https://www.artbymandy.com/" style="color: #007c89; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">Mandy Jayne Ahlfors</a>.</p>Ruth Gray Imageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15243031681472633541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5903975677601326410.post-15913529431904413492021-09-15T14:13:00.000+01:002021-09-15T14:18:34.680+01:00New Work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOd0FJD-2dU-NoIXm59lOHZiqmMdnKrIECvVP5n2hRO3mjyQ0vG5b1J8_jxo0dZtxKwDpHq4Y4eEzss1PBjyZ1-ZU7gfDCr6mYjuGlPcMhzsSy_2EETVcKx9-JmIke8VSC0YuQ9-heRe8/s3411/Aqueduct+Cottage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2742" data-original-width="3411" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOd0FJD-2dU-NoIXm59lOHZiqmMdnKrIECvVP5n2hRO3mjyQ0vG5b1J8_jxo0dZtxKwDpHq4Y4eEzss1PBjyZ1-ZU7gfDCr6mYjuGlPcMhzsSy_2EETVcKx9-JmIke8VSC0YuQ9-heRe8/s320/Aqueduct+Cottage.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, this year is just flying by and it is unbelievable that the last blog I did was in April! I have been blogging but mainly for work purposes and my own business marketing has been a little neglected. That's not to say that my art has been neglected. Recently I have been painting more outside of my studio and it's been lovely to meet up with other artists and just spend the day painting. The painting above was very enjoyable to do I painted it with friends outside the renovated Aqueduct Cottage on Cromford Canal. Five years ago we painted the boards that were used to protect the building while it was being renovated, so it was nice to meet up again now it is finished.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Below is my series that celebrates 50 years since the High Peak Railway became a trail. I am enjoying taking my time with these. Was lovely to display them recently at Cromford Mill and gather people's reactions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have finished a commission recently but I will not share that just yet as it's a suprise!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So really I'm slowly getting things together again after moving house and changing my working practices to fit in around my family. I keep getting opportunities to do other things so I must admit I've been getting a bit waylaid! Next year I will have to get refocused again :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSo2-cvi5fXOIrX9RLIx73NYvWEqm-EgPxzRf5CLvr-vyP1a2GSZE1l6IWcVNWYjSqfKOsHJLrCoydNyQe_2DRZCIkP28DaOIwNb5myW5NGj1fpiJK-RUahuS5DSpqeUWuFUngRc_03AIn/s4978/High+Peak+Trail+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1949" data-original-width="4978" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSo2-cvi5fXOIrX9RLIx73NYvWEqm-EgPxzRf5CLvr-vyP1a2GSZE1l6IWcVNWYjSqfKOsHJLrCoydNyQe_2DRZCIkP28DaOIwNb5myW5NGj1fpiJK-RUahuS5DSpqeUWuFUngRc_03AIn/s320/High+Peak+Trail+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCWqKAjuZ7tf4sHukFlUHBwBnnaKCQ0UInkFNDyystRo_ZFNGDoIxLbwaVN2X5uNxECuuylNK5heUU8tRVaqh2Sxmq4DkGUPZlS_gr91Cakm_Q2xEdNlKN9qM4GZI6YnVTL_Oi0qKuA6t/s4927/High+Peak+Trail+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1930" data-original-width="4927" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCWqKAjuZ7tf4sHukFlUHBwBnnaKCQ0UInkFNDyystRo_ZFNGDoIxLbwaVN2X5uNxECuuylNK5heUU8tRVaqh2Sxmq4DkGUPZlS_gr91Cakm_Q2xEdNlKN9qM4GZI6YnVTL_Oi0qKuA6t/s320/High+Peak+Trail+6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHp_VStxgBCz5EZIyE8eRcp4pM6JCjq7BOu1k6oVDKiJOXOo0c7rcgaefN7daKM5r8twJ2a9ONJ-G7-j-VZoV1arGiBKNsu7RWJe8FbYlp15uK9CUXkGxnUaJ2BI4O9NRUKYkgt5l5IZa/s4952/High+Peak+Trail+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1935" data-original-width="4952" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHp_VStxgBCz5EZIyE8eRcp4pM6JCjq7BOu1k6oVDKiJOXOo0c7rcgaefN7daKM5r8twJ2a9ONJ-G7-j-VZoV1arGiBKNsu7RWJe8FbYlp15uK9CUXkGxnUaJ2BI4O9NRUKYkgt5l5IZa/s320/High+Peak+Trail+7.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pjaJRs1IEDGLo5H_yiwITsOpnl_F-wGH8srJbkHaUc1huInwsBn8IP0NbojH-RPYrKt6ul-nYLON-971ZMi7iGfO35WzRNUt3CUvPM0ghRzhlcC9v1dezYRKYMw9ANwWxmOM8T6QH2JA/s4912/High+Peak+Trail+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1928" data-original-width="4912" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pjaJRs1IEDGLo5H_yiwITsOpnl_F-wGH8srJbkHaUc1huInwsBn8IP0NbojH-RPYrKt6ul-nYLON-971ZMi7iGfO35WzRNUt3CUvPM0ghRzhlcC9v1dezYRKYMw9ANwWxmOM8T6QH2JA/s320/High+Peak+Trail+8.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5Mr0kMz3X0DBgb5OyhN9kNRmQwTEBDXD-Fu2P8-x4KhylrDXeCoUZY_vs-TUftszSGdRJpMwoye1aN0I2WGDmw5-QtD88J5oxUn0pmpAzSectV5ULXWd3X_ZuFy6z6FT8FaNiAuhEGVC/s4949/High+Peak+Trail+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1930" data-original-width="4949" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5Mr0kMz3X0DBgb5OyhN9kNRmQwTEBDXD-Fu2P8-x4KhylrDXeCoUZY_vs-TUftszSGdRJpMwoye1aN0I2WGDmw5-QtD88J5oxUn0pmpAzSectV5ULXWd3X_ZuFy6z6FT8FaNiAuhEGVC/s320/High+Peak+Trail+9.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYD5eqEWsdGQPpeV-6_gduco1BFd7X4xcLYJgwVbmX3LiC9EytkRgeyVo8b51Zxq5t8QZLu2FhdgM3i0Ma0GJF9Hme3vVgnDLyvV5N8L4lqDfpw0M1U5X4fW3PI57CJrlqZoh9uheb4UCA/s4591/High+Peak+Trail+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4591" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYD5eqEWsdGQPpeV-6_gduco1BFd7X4xcLYJgwVbmX3LiC9EytkRgeyVo8b51Zxq5t8QZLu2FhdgM3i0Ma0GJF9Hme3vVgnDLyvV5N8L4lqDfpw0M1U5X4fW3PI57CJrlqZoh9uheb4UCA/s320/High+Peak+Trail+10.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Ruth Gray Imageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15243031681472633541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5903975677601326410.post-10609022338228704252021-04-16T17:15:00.005+01:002021-04-22T07:16:44.414+01:00Pathway Portrayals and Tales<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg504QjfuL3PVn7N5ey6uZtC2CAh6-z5xyNA6V0HOWc3v7MqAgRwiPAoVL7_9-_MhdI9pIh4c-cwb1pGq-YpO1cA1gUtHxejw6amGvi50RSR3EQcXma4iMiSfpCefpMX601kCmMdkjG962Y/s600/High+Peak+Trail++1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="236" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg504QjfuL3PVn7N5ey6uZtC2CAh6-z5xyNA6V0HOWc3v7MqAgRwiPAoVL7_9-_MhdI9pIh4c-cwb1pGq-YpO1cA1gUtHxejw6amGvi50RSR3EQcXma4iMiSfpCefpMX601kCmMdkjG962Y/s320/High+Peak+Trail++1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High Peak Trail 1, Middleton Top.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've started a new series of work, called Pathway Portrayals and Tales all located on the High Peak Trail between Middleton Top and High Peak Junction. A couple of years ago I did a detailed photographic study of the trail and the images have been sitting there waiting patiently for me to get to them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGgBDhHRfRu57y0dwEn8i5clLjIECwZmch1XfBxYjWOKNQbAvMzL66FQvPRRpkhdx2TaRnLC-DkWO1MkAbYE5KJ_g6B1Y3csydSKBeVRevwjDOEVCFDAqc3d8aWDUFqFrD1nUfZ9Tbux1/s600/High+Peak+Trail+2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="234" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGgBDhHRfRu57y0dwEn8i5clLjIECwZmch1XfBxYjWOKNQbAvMzL66FQvPRRpkhdx2TaRnLC-DkWO1MkAbYE5KJ_g6B1Y3csydSKBeVRevwjDOEVCFDAqc3d8aWDUFqFrD1nUfZ9Tbux1/s320/High+Peak+Trail+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High Peak Trail 2, Quarry.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My new studio space is quite tight so I've decided to keep the works in a smaller format and I love this size which is 20 x 50 cm. I have 25 canvas boards all ready to be painted and I'm hoping that I can show them at either High Peak Junction or Middleton Top when they are finished.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJQzcXIEQGzlJA2rvHLZH5bpnymUIpx8GOlqOksoH6lHN-lKffr4TKUzNJQYFp1hrCcXTicyc9uvoA6WZAnjCxMhIYf8wB3196C-LkaQ4xggYSNhGwQRgFCLjjeszH2GfmWdKovZ1ojv_/s600/High+Peak+Trail+3.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJQzcXIEQGzlJA2rvHLZH5bpnymUIpx8GOlqOksoH6lHN-lKffr4TKUzNJQYFp1hrCcXTicyc9uvoA6WZAnjCxMhIYf8wB3196C-LkaQ4xggYSNhGwQRgFCLjjeszH2GfmWdKovZ1ojv_/s320/High+Peak+Trail+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High Peak Trail 3, Incline Begins.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is no rush so I'm taking my time, the trail was opened to the public 50 years ago in 1974 but was in the process of being converted in 1971. So 50 years later I'm celebrating it in these paintings. Keep following my progress on my social media and see how I'm getting on. The tales part of this exhibition I'm hoping will come from the people that interact with the paintings, I've already heard from one lady who had a cycling accident on the trail many years ago and had to be rescued! Id love to hear more tales so leave your comments or get in touch via my website <a href="http://www.ruthgrayimages.com">http://www.ruthgrayimages.com</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Ruth Gray Imageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15243031681472633541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5903975677601326410.post-36652581117630412872020-12-17T07:50:00.000+00:002020-12-17T07:50:10.570+00:00The End of 2020!<p> </p><h1><br /></h1>Medley show is on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at Cromford Mills 10-4 pm come and say hello in person! We have been having so much fun socially distanced of course!<br /><br /><img data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/34dac5f4-70a7-4370-9344-16eb5aba1ebc.png" data-file-id="5035502" height="150" src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/34dac5f4-70a7-4370-9344-16eb5aba1ebc.png" style="border: 0px; height: 150px; margin: 0px; width: 150px;" width="150" /> <img data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/b4cbd5aa-4d70-4520-bd10-a0a3adc58963.jpg" data-file-id="5035498" height="150" src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/b4cbd5aa-4d70-4520-bd10-a0a3adc58963.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 150px; margin: 0px; width: 150px;" width="150" /> <img data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/54527a03-d3df-48b8-af99-751154fd2d04.jpg" data-file-id="5035506" height="150" src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/54527a03-d3df-48b8-af99-751154fd2d04.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 150px; margin: 0px; width: 150px;" width="150" /><br /><br />Cromford Studio and Gallery Exhibition with myself and Martin Sloman is on until the end of December this includes all my chip shop paintings as well as my country house paintings and many many more. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/2b769e3e-236f-4201-8aed-21df47359670.jpg" data-file-id="5035510" height="300" src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/2b769e3e-236f-4201-8aed-21df47359670.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 300px; margin: 0px; width: 300px;" width="300" /></div><div>Duffield Gallery also has a large collection of my work for sale too, please support them if you can it's been a tough year all around for these galleries and I am grateful they are managing to survive thus far.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/452da03e-2118-4b31-a77f-9d86c7ccfe28.jpg" data-file-id="5035514" height="409" src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/452da03e-2118-4b31-a77f-9d86c7ccfe28.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 409px; margin: 0px; width: 300px;" width="300" /><br /><br /></div><p>It's the last couple of weeks of possibly the strangest year. There is virtually nothing about my life that is the same as this time last year apart from the art of which I am thankful. I'd like to say a big thank you to those of you who have bought my art this year it means a lot to me.<br /><br />We all make plans and have to be flexible but this year has been very elastic! And not just for me but everyone in the world. I have gone through disbelief, denial, acceptance, and change. And now I'm ready to embrace next year with no plans. I usually have my year laid out in front of me I know what shows I'm doing etc but to be honest I've no idea what will happen!<br /><br />We are moving house a decision we have made to ensure we are in a good position to withstand any further storms that come our way. I love my house and where I live but peace of mind and stability are more important to me now.<br /><br />This means my studio will be very very small but at least I will have a space to create, I plan to take my time next year to decide on directions to take my artwork as many of you who follow me know I have two district styles one that is my townscapes and the other which is more imaginative mixed-media landscapes. I believe there is space for both but after listening very hard to feedback I think I'm going to merge them both a bit more.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img data-cke-saved-src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/c1a69d68-9de1-49f2-971a-51784c999105.jpg" data-file-id="2381341" height="248" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/c1a69d68-9de1-49f2-971a-51784c999105.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 248px; margin: 0px; width: 300px;" width="300" /></p><p><br />So with a house move and a downsize comes the genuine need to make room so come and visit my stall this weekend where my prints and ink paintings are discounted and offers accepted on anything else.<br /><br />2020 has not all been bad I got a distinction for my Masters participated in some great collaborations with Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site and the Being Human Festival and got me a lovely little part-time job with wonderful work colleagues that will ensure I can be more experimental with my artwork. So here's to an interesting yet different new year!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/b9bb0cb5-d312-4a32-a50b-5e6e0920bd34.jpg" data-file-id="5035518" height="169" src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/b9bb0cb5-d312-4a32-a50b-5e6e0920bd34.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 169px; margin: 0px; width: 300px;" width="300" /></p>Ruth Gray Imageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15243031681472633541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5903975677601326410.post-91744024008040345932020-11-12T11:02:00.000+00:002020-11-12T11:02:13.738+00:00My 2020 moto: Look at what you can do not what you can not.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJwoZkMBElNCGjN-g_-QLR9jjqhPtLaMkEzYjHvtPqZccmneiyVJxkuCrfw5RkNpBJzxZkEkmjmbItZ_0iAGnHPBDpUGRMAZi-d2x6W1ZCiBwaHzU0JVSC8Tofkgq2OHZY6auHuyhmdfM/s1080/Look+at+what+you+can+do+not+what+you+can+not..png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJwoZkMBElNCGjN-g_-QLR9jjqhPtLaMkEzYjHvtPqZccmneiyVJxkuCrfw5RkNpBJzxZkEkmjmbItZ_0iAGnHPBDpUGRMAZi-d2x6W1ZCiBwaHzU0JVSC8Tofkgq2OHZY6auHuyhmdfM/s320/Look+at+what+you+can+do+not+what+you+can+not..png" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> I've just had a look back at my blog posts for this past year it started so well I was looking forward to doing shows and finishing my MA I've got a distinction if anyone is interested! It seems odd to graduate with no fanfare no ceremony all a bit of a damp squib really. For myself and every other graduate, I add this is not a woe is me blog!</p><p>2020 has been an absolute pants year for all of us and to say I'm doing things differently and rethinking everything is an understatement. It has left me very changed.</p><p>My home life is so unpredictable as are many lives this year, in our family, we have mental health problems, caused by covid that will cause massive changes next year but we will navigate through it all we always do. My kids are trying to do GCSEs and are at the mercy of various government decisions. Throughout 2020 I've worked twice as hard as ever before the first half was defined by very long hours studying and writing and researching, this was followed by job searches and the realisation that my idea of getting a museum/heritage job was probably not going to happen since everyone I know who works in one is on furlough or has been made redundant. </p><p>I'm not in a position to be able to rely on my partner's wages to sit it out until something comes along, so alongside my artwork, I've got a local shop job and I absolutely love it. I love the customer interaction and the people I work with and even the shelf stacking is a very mindful task. There is no music no news no phones just the real world with real people actually talking. This last bit is the most important for me, I spent six months this year stuck at home in my house not going out anywhere and I'm not doing it again. Life in front of a computer screen zooming teaming and whatever is not how I want to spend my time. I'm very proud to be working and have a uniform, a wage, and to be able to feed my kids. </p><p>When I said it has been a changing year it has I have had a lot of time to work out what I want in the future and it turns out that I know exactly who I am and always have been. A bloody artist! Yes, I know shock horror now I'm trying to navigate a pandemic situation where my sort of line of work is difficult except for the privileged few who have, pensions, or the support and no financial worries. Lowry was a debt collector all his life and his work reflects a deep understanding of real-life, in fact, most of the famous artists I admire are the same. Having a job has relieved some of the panic that I was feeling about having no shows and art groups to do workshops with, and I'm hoping that it will free up my stress and anxiety to be able to just paint and not keep having to chase leads.</p><p>Some may look down on me and define me by this moment in time but I'm quite confident that things will get better and opportunities will come my way in the future after all I am the girl who moved to Australia and started off sweeping floors in hairdressers and ended up flying to Sydney once a week teaching corporate trainers in suits how to teach retail. I've been homeless and I've built two houses basically what I'm saying is life sometimes is absolutely hard but get back up again and bloody fight your way out of it!</p><p>So far in 2020, I've got my MA I've also got an internship, I've created offline creativity packs for Derbyshire County Council, I've been filmed demonstrating my artwork for the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, I'm taking part in the UK's largest Humanities Festival 'Being Human' I've passed a Level 2 Safeguarding and British Values course I'm completing a Level 2 Equality and Diversity course because I want to fully understand the world I live in. I've also painted a few pictures and hope to have my end of year exhibition but we will see! I'm not going to list all that I have lost because I believe in life things happen for a reason and if we have lost or had to stop doing something then so be it that was not my path. </p><p>My 2020 moto: Stop moaning and use all your skills and get your head down and do stuff. Look at what you can do not what you can not.</p><p>I will keep creating and homeschooling and working and hope that soon the galleries, museums, and shows and art groups and all the things I love and I know you love too will start up again. I know Im not without a good future.</p><p>Take care everyone Ruth xxx</p>Ruth Gray Imageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15243031681472633541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5903975677601326410.post-68622430711671458912020-09-27T08:25:00.003+01:002020-09-27T08:25:39.896+01:00Diversification!<p> </p><h1><br /></h1><p><br />Its been a while since my last blog because life has been nonstop. As soon as I was allowed out again after shielding, I spent time catching up with friends and family. I am glad I did as it looks like we are in for another tough few months.<br />Since I last caught up I’ve managed to get myself headed in new directions we all have to work differently in these times and artists are finding it quite the challenge as many of the usual routes to market are shut down.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img data-cke-saved-src="https://scontent.flhr3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/120195849_3265005660243910_8977707485248684169_o.jpg?_nc_cat=104&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=vl6sjzm0B2UAX8N0HC0&_nc_ht=scontent.flhr3-2.fna&oh=201d1095fcf22eb5e8926fa48959c8da&oe=5F97A899" height="225" src="https://scontent.flhr3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/120195849_3265005660243910_8977707485248684169_o.jpg?_nc_cat=104&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=vl6sjzm0B2UAX8N0HC0&_nc_ht=scontent.flhr3-2.fna&oh=201d1095fcf22eb5e8926fa48959c8da&oe=5F97A899" style="border: 0px; height: 225px; margin: 0px; width: 300px;" width="300" /></p><p>After finally finishing my MA I have secured an internship with <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.brightideasnottingham.co.uk/" href="http://www.brightideasnottingham.co.uk/" target="_blank">Bright Ideas in Nottingham</a> creating schools learning resources with an art twist relating to the cotton trade and working conditions for children in the Derwent Valley. Bright Ideas have worked on some fabulous projects take a look <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.brightideasnottingham.co.uk/" href="http://www.brightideasnottingham.co.uk/" target="_blank">here.</a><br /><br />Over the summer I had the honour of working on creating <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.derwentvalleymills.org/learn/learning-families/derwent-valley-mills-creative-activities/" href="http://www.derwentvalleymills.org/learn/learning-families/derwent-valley-mills-creative-activities/" target="_blank">offline activity packs</a> with Derbyshire County Council, for those that do not have access to the internet due to their circumstances be that refugee status or living in care homes. They were sent out with all the materials needed to complete each activity and I have heard they were most welcome. The packs focused on telling the story of the Derwent Valley and you can see the project here as well as <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.derwentvalleymills.org/learn/learning-families/derwent-valley-mills-creative-activities/" href="http://www.derwentvalleymills.org/learn/learning-families/derwent-valley-mills-creative-activities/" target="_blank">have a go</a> at them yourselves. My favourite to do was the artist book made from a cornflake packet!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/_compresseds/2c839cf9-6615-44fc-9e1c-005bbca90dff.jpg" data-file-id="4920046" height="212" src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/_compresseds/2c839cf9-6615-44fc-9e1c-005bbca90dff.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 212px; margin: 0px; width: 300px;" width="300" /></p><p><br />That project then led to another collaboration between, me the council, and Cromford Mill. Last year I worked on a feasibility study for art workshops at Cromford Mill which was all planned and organised for this year but as we know Covid19 has changed everything so holding 30 art lovers captive in a classroom is now not possible! Cromford Mill still wanted to do something and Derbyshire County Council wanted to promote the Derwent Valley for Discovery days so what has transpired is very exciting. Last Wednesday I went up to the top of Scarthin Rock and was filmed painting Willersey Castle with Adrian Farmer filling in on the history. We were all excited to be outside and away from the computer screen actually doing something hands-on and not talking via zoom! After an hour it absolutely poured down with rain so the finishing touches to the painting will have to be done at home! The film will come out soon and I will share it with you. It will promote my <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.wegottickets.com/event/506994" href="https://www.wegottickets.com/event/506994" target="_blank">Plein Air painting experience</a> held at the Mill on October 25th there are only a few spaces left so if you want to book do so quickly here.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/_compresseds/9f165544-1562-43f0-a4ff-f9bd452f35b5.jpg" data-file-id="4920054" height="193" src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/_compresseds/9f165544-1562-43f0-a4ff-f9bd452f35b5.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 193px; margin: 0px; width: 300px;" width="300" /></p><p>Another thing I am proud to be working on is the <a data-cke-saved-href="https://beinghumanfestival.org/" href="https://beinghumanfestival.org/" target="_blank">Being Human Festival</a>, ‘Being Human is the UK’s national festival of the humanities, led by the School of Advanced Study, University of London in partnership with the Arts & Humanities Research Council and the British Academy. Look again at Derbyshire’s rich heritage as a global industrial powerhouse via a series of online events celebrating the history of one of the UK’s most overlooked areas. The University of Derby‘s hub programme is rooted in partnerships with museums, archives and schools, and will include digital illustrated talks, ‘draw-a long’s, public performances and ‘citizen curating’ of some of Derby Museum’s most sensitive collections.’<br />My contribution is to create a craft video as part of a discussion around historical maps where I hope to encourage others to create their own maps which will form a future part of the Derbyshire Record offices collection. More details to come!<br /><br />Next weekend I am back with Medley again at Cromford Mill (I love it there!) We will be in the schoolroom next to the big marquee and we will have a great mixture of wood, glass, textiles, photography, and art for you to socially distance around! Id really like to sell a few things so it would be nice to see you as I have not been able to get out and sell much since March!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image may contain: one or more people, text that says "Autumn Medley A Group ofLocal Crafts People Medley Autumn Oct 2-4 Cromford Mill Ground Floor Mill Yard Building next to the marquee"" data-cke-saved-src="https://scontent.flhr3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p180x540/119648929_2107709099353230_7456218273762926628_o.png?_nc_cat=100&_nc_sid=e3f864&_nc_ohc=qqvpIxHRzTYAX8yp3JE&_nc_oc=AQkeNIpeA3vBh0WXBRYvVu1OJcnB2oPlUBgGJ49uwpXtCnCUcFCSd4c9QSpWd4bnLqtooepJusg3jVd716Kyh9ZF&_nc_ht=scontent.flhr3-2.fna&oh=e66776a84c58d0512fd88f5f3bf8b5a4&oe=5F94D536" height="114" src="https://scontent.flhr3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p180x540/119648929_2107709099353230_7456218273762926628_o.png?_nc_cat=100&_nc_sid=e3f864&_nc_ohc=qqvpIxHRzTYAX8yp3JE&_nc_oc=AQkeNIpeA3vBh0WXBRYvVu1OJcnB2oPlUBgGJ49uwpXtCnCUcFCSd4c9QSpWd4bnLqtooepJusg3jVd716Kyh9ZF&_nc_ht=scontent.flhr3-2.fna&oh=e66776a84c58d0512fd88f5f3bf8b5a4&oe=5F94D536" style="border: 0px; height: 114px; margin: 0px; width: 300px;" width="300" /></p><p>I am exhausted writing all this down I have many other things going on, but I think I have written enough wordage for now! <br />I really hope to see you next week! <br />Take care<br />Ruth x<br /><br /></p>Ruth Gray Imageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15243031681472633541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5903975677601326410.post-52390728216457490962020-07-09T08:58:00.000+01:002020-07-09T08:58:02.524+01:00Take a little pause.<br />
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As I sit here and begin this the radio is telling me that
the music people are seeking out this year is more upbeat than in previous years.
In my teens, I had a brief flirtation with the gothic indie style of music, I
think it suited my wish to portray myself as the dark and moody teenager not
the frightened unsure one I really was. But it was miserable sitting alone in
my black bedroom so I soon switched back to my usual upbeat I can do anything
hairy rock genre and have never looked back since. Yes I know its not high brow
to admit to dancing around to ACDC but it makes me happy, my main point is music
has the ability to lift the spirits and I think we could all do with a little
bit of that right now.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The last few weeks have been a blur of trying and failing
and not trying and succeeding I have had to have a long hard look at what I do
well and what I try and do and fail at. In these uncertain times, I think panic
can set in, the news cycle is a whirl of doom which if one is not careful can
blow you off track. In my life, I have already graduated twice into a recession
once in 1992 and then again in 2010 just as austerity kicked in. If I had paid
attention to the news, then I would have thought there was no way that in 1992
I could start a career in fashion design and in 2010 launch an art business in
the UK. I am about to graduate in a pandemic … I see a pattern here best-laid
plans out the window!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I think we can only work with the circumstances we are given
and must find ways of adapting our expectations without losing our dreams.
There are new ways of working but first, we must accept that the old ways are on
pause right now. I am very lucky I have been supported by my customers throughout
lockdown and I have enjoyed creating some lovely work for them. I am not sure
that I will be able to sell face to face for a while which is sad but new
technology is making things easier. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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All walks of life are changing and some adaptations are going
to make life better for some, here I am thinking of those that hate the daily commute
and those whose physicality holds them back yet now can work remotely equal to
others. Many are frustrated and just want life to fall back as it was but that
will take some time. Overall I have been carrying on as normal getting up early
working in my studio till around 4pm and not much has really changed but on the
other hand, everything has changed I do miss the human interaction I<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>miss setting up art groups and workshops and
meeting people and sharing my art. But patience is required, and this time will
pass.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But I have not been listening to miserable music no I seek
out the upbeat, now is not the time for self-imposed melancholy now is time to try and find something that
brings a smile to your day even if that’s hard right now. Take time to reflect
on what you can do within the confines of all these restrictions and it doesn’t
have to be a big project, it can be silly like finally fixing that thing that
drives you mad or watching trash TV, who cares. I am not here advocating that
you start book writing and reading war and peace! I feel things are speeding up
out there and before we know it, we will soon fill our days with other people's
demands so take a little pause before that happens, if it hasn’t already!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://ruthgrayimages.net/">http://ruthgrayimages.net</a>
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These little works I painted to help me feel upbeat not my usual style but they did the trick at the time :)<br />
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<br />Ruth Gray Imageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15243031681472633541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5903975677601326410.post-82999270141465238892020-05-15T11:27:00.002+01:002020-05-15T11:27:52.427+01:00A little fun for a Friday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/CnJcggiwrTk/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CnJcggiwrTk?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
Inspired by the Belper Moo, that happens at 630 every evening in Belper. Some fun sketches.<br />
Stay safe<br />
RuthRuth Gray Imageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15243031681472633541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5903975677601326410.post-4210397344678837872020-04-25T09:37:00.000+01:002020-04-25T09:37:57.040+01:00The chip shop obsession continues<h1>
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<br />Well, I'm working on being able to touch my toes, and I'm nearly getting there! Who would have thought that me the queen of sitting would be jumping about in the living room trying to do keep fit! I will spare you the actual image of this it's a strictly curtains drawn event! But progress has been made I can sit down on the floor and get up unaided! Silver linings eh!<br />Apart from my contortions in front of the TV, I have been contemplating what it takes for something to become a national icon and no I don't mean myself I mean the chip shop of course!<br />Last year I embarked on this mammoth project for my MA studies and I'm finally getting round to writing it all up. From my research it seems to boil down to a lot of us having the same emotions and memories, Chip shops have a continuity that goes back 160 years run by individuals, family businesses that serve us something that is unique to this country. Each area of the country have their different takes on it but essentially you can go anywhere in the UK and get a bag of chips to cheer you up. I know my Australian friends will insist that they have chippies but I can honestly say after I landed back in Blighty the taste of a soggy chip was the best day ever followed by standing barefoot on grass knowing there was no deadly spider underfoot!<br />
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<img data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/ef0c9127-e3c7-4512-aca0-5bcb0c67ca0a.png" data-file-id="4648285" height="350" src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/ef0c9127-e3c7-4512-aca0-5bcb0c67ca0a.png" style="border: 0px; height: 350px; margin: 0px; width: 350px;" width="350" /></div>
Is this serious research I hear you ask? What is she going to do with a dissertation about chip shops? Well, I take heritage very seriously and I can tell you there's nothing more central to the British than the fact we are an island nation surrounded by the sea and full of green fields. In these apocalyptic times be comforted to know that potatoes will grow and fish will be caught and they will be battered and fried and eaten :) My research has uncovered the secret to us all surviving! <em>Hey, it's not as far fetched as a dose of bleach followed by a quick sun bed session!!!!</em><br /><br />So is she painting at all?<br />Yes, I'm painting I've just finished a lovely commission and started a new work a theme seems to be emerging again little back street businesses the sort you walk past they've always been there until they aren't.<br />
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<img data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/8393c56f-8172-481d-b3fb-5e10e532e1e6.jpg" data-file-id="4648297" height="350" src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/8393c56f-8172-481d-b3fb-5e10e532e1e6.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 350px; margin: 0px; width: 350px;" width="350" /><br /><em>Maycock's Butchers Overlane 40 x 40 cm</em><br /><img data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/30062b72-bae5-4d82-8e97-0d87cc45fd3c.jpg" data-file-id="4648301" height="350" src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/30062b72-bae5-4d82-8e97-0d87cc45fd3c.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 350px; margin: 0px; width: 350px;" width="350" /><br /><em>Clayton Engineering Belper in progress. </em></div>
So there you go a little update on all things in my world, yes I'm going slightly insane but in a good way! Keep occupied and carry on! Thank you for the replies to my chippy questions if you have any more observations or thoughts about what they mean to you please reply Australian fans if you have found a local chip shop that can make soggy chips I apologise and send my congratulations to the owner ... how hard can it be?<br />Anyway bye, for now, stay safe<br />Love<br />Ruth<br /><img data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/f4768422-7d1e-41da-8f8f-45b1bc62f4bc.jpg" data-file-id="4611941" height="100" src="https://mcusercontent.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/f4768422-7d1e-41da-8f8f-45b1bc62f4bc.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 100px; margin: 0px; width: 100px;" width="100" />Ruth Gray Imageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15243031681472633541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5903975677601326410.post-80851066131202341532020-03-24T15:58:00.000+00:002020-03-24T15:58:24.826+00:00Why we run away to the seaside and Matlock Bath<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeM6bUP2dSRvhzqfp39EdZLlkwVVl1_2StAC151kwztsGtEB1rpEPzHifkonRpmdIyovwiTlAXEeNJxD0zlyn42A_3t4b2JQJnOKMD3TQG_buVawLsEAQfjJkbjQnH-zN9AQcNO_Y5K_AF/s1600/matlock+bath+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="495" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeM6bUP2dSRvhzqfp39EdZLlkwVVl1_2StAC151kwztsGtEB1rpEPzHifkonRpmdIyovwiTlAXEeNJxD0zlyn42A_3t4b2JQJnOKMD3TQG_buVawLsEAQfjJkbjQnH-zN9AQcNO_Y5K_AF/s320/matlock+bath+1.JPG" width="264" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruth Gray Matlock Bath. 2020.</td></tr>
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Let me state here first I have not been running anywhere! I'm a #stayathomecreative! But this last weekend there have been so many images of folks going in their droves to the coast and Matlock Bath among many other places. These are scary times and my recent research into chip shops has revealed that chip shops, childhood, and seaside all mean a lot to us as cherished memories.<br />
The queuing that has been witnessed outside of chippies have been epic but not good for the health of the nation! Maybe it is our need for something familiar, and happy that has seen this flight.<br />
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I'm longing for the day I can nip out to the chip shop safe in the knowledge that I'm not going to die in the process but for now, I'm content with collecting more of your chip shop memories via my surveys.<br />
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If you have any time on your hands could you fill out this <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/5HWDSFT?fbclid=IwAR16vR9e8EtEFW4mQmllz_bnNsD-NuRWgzTMzHQ__n5n8zvU_r25G1wvYCg" target="_blank">SURVEY</a> for me it is really helpful towards my dissertation!<br />
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The painting above is a finished demonstration that I started at my workshop a couple of weeks ago when we were allowed out! I have painted this before a long time ago but I love the image so much I gave it another go!Ruth Gray Imageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15243031681472633541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5903975677601326410.post-2464439639508618172020-03-22T13:08:00.001+00:002020-03-22T13:08:34.551+00:00Not the time for self pity.Last week I wrote a blog post called the ABC of doom I have since deleted it because quite frankly it was a self-pity fest! I was scared and panicked about the onset of this changing situation that has since last week completely engulfed all of us equally and for me to be only thinking of my situation as I was then is terrible because we are definitely all in this together.<br />
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My situation is that as a sufferer of rheumatoid arthritis I have to stay home and keep a distance this for me is not so difficult as by nature I'm a homebody and love nothing better than being inside writing or painting etc both activities that require vast amounts of silence and time. I'm also lucky that I have two beautiful boys that occupy themselves and apply themselves to homework without the need for nagging.<br />
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So far so good but although I'm a character that tries to find the positive side I do find that the prolonged amount of time ahead of us is quite overwhelming and if allowed to contemplate this prospect I can become quite sad. So I am actively practicing mindfulness and being in the now and knowing I can only control my own actions.<br />
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It's easy to become consumed by social media posts and I have found myself plunged back into Facebook/ Twitter as a way to keep in touch but it is with caution as others fears and sorrows can be catching as can other peoples ways of homeschooling and filling time all of a sudden there are experts on everything telling us we should use this or that resource or our kids will fall behind. I find myself wondering if I measure up to them. But if our children do what their own school is recommending that's all that is needed my main concern is their mental well being as they adjust to all of this I'm not going to push them until they are ready.<br />
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I believe we should take a step back and assess how we alone truly feel about this situation and decide what is the best way we are going to cope before rushing into anything. This is so we can do the best thing by our own family and by extension the rest of society.<br />
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Art groups have each taken their own time to cancel their events we must have patience while we wait for the realities to dawn on individuals. This time last week it was unthinkable that we would be closing down pubs and cafes etc but the way I see it there is more to come and adjust we must and fast.<br />
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The hardest part is that the weather is improving and folk want to be out and about, if only it was pouring with rain we'd all stay home but like I say I can only control my own actions. People's personalities are going to be magnified at this time the selfish will be seen for what they are the kind will shine.<br />
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This blog post is really an outpouring of thoughts that are mine alone we each have our ways of coping and as usual art will be my crutch through this time. As an artist, it is my disposition to observe and contemplate the effects all this will have on us, so far I have seen some really positive actions taking place in the country for the collective and not the self this is encouraging. If you are feeling sad you won't be celebrating an anniversary, birthday or some such event remember it is not forever and ever but it is for now. Patience and kindness is required with each other and for each other.<br />
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<br />Ruth Gray Imageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15243031681472633541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5903975677601326410.post-40863305676254602382020-01-02T16:20:00.003+00:002020-01-02T16:20:45.273+00:00Workshops and Art Groups 2020<h1 class="x_mc-toc-title" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 26px; line-height: 32.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">First, let me wish you all a happy and prosperous new year. I hope you have all had a great holiday, while it is still the very beginning lets make some space to create before everything else takes over. So if you have been planning to schedule in some painting time I have some dates below just for you. I have also some dates for inspirational learning using the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site for inspiration. </span><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: navy; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Belper Sunday Painters <br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" />Session Dates 2020 Sundays 10.30 am – 12.30 pm £5 on the door.</span><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Block 1<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" />• January 12th<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" />• February 9th<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" />• March 8th<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" />Block 2<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" />• May 10th<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" />• June 14th<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" />• July 12th<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" />Block 3<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" />• Sept 13th<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" />• October 11th<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" />• November 8th<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" />ALTON MANOR COMMUNITY CENTRE<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" />GREGORYS WAY<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" />BELPER<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" />DE56 0HS<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" />No need to book just turn up £5 on the door or free to members of Purple and Grey join here: <a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://ruthgrayimages.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=57202dee9ce97620be8226f89&id=70d208432c&e=16a7edad96" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: #007c89; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: normal; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">http://purpleandgrey.co.uk</a></span><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: navy; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Painting Class:<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" />Learn to express emotion in your artwork with texture and colour. March 11, 10-2 pm £35.08.</span><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Using a variety of media you will paint a piece of art, taking inspiration from the spa town of Matlock Bath.<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" />Naturally mindful painting is a good way to relax and unwind from everyday stress.<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" />This workshop will inspire you to express emotion in your work with texture and colour.<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" />Materials are included but please bring your own canvas or paper, and wear old clothes.<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" />All abilities are welcome, refreshments included but bring a packed lunch. Pay and display parking is available onsite.</span><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Grand Pavilion Matlock Bath<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" />South Parade<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" />Matlock Dale<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" />DE4 3NR<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" />Spaces are limited please book here: <a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://ruthgrayimages.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=57202dee9ce97620be8226f89&id=7299fc41b2&e=16a7edad96" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: #007c89; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: normal; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/painting-class-tickets-87953835289</a></span><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /> </h1>
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<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://ruthgrayimages.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=57202dee9ce97620be8226f89&id=f4446c3c2d&e=16a7edad96" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: #007c89; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><img data-imagetype="External" height="424" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/4f4b5e4f-1e3d-4588-aa0d-a24bd7b2eb18.png" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; height: 424px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline; width: 300px;" width="300" /></a><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /> </div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: navy; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Details coming soon:</span></h1>
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<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" />June 6: Cromford Mills Painting Workshop, be inspired by the World Heritage Site and paint Cromford Millls details coming soon. </div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: navy; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> One to One Workshops</span></h1>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;">You can book me for a one to one workshop too prices are more because of the bespoke attention you will receive, please email me at </span><a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="mailto:ruthgrayimages@hotmail.com?subject=One%20to%20One%20Lesson" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #007c89; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">ruthgrayimages@hotmail.com</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;"> to arrange.</span><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;" /><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;">Hope to see you soon</span><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;">Kind regards</span><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;">Ruth Gray</span>Ruth Gray Imageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15243031681472633541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5903975677601326410.post-83880092428816023622019-12-12T11:55:00.000+00:002019-12-12T11:55:20.493+00:00New Work, Sheffield Dusk and Sheffield Sunset.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is the moments in between that count I'm sure there's an advert this Christmas about that, (speaking of which, what has happened to Christmas ads they are so samey!) Anyway I digress.<br />
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Moments in between are the times in the car or as I was yesterday on a bus traveling back from a fab day in Leeds with nothing to do except stare out of the window. It is so rare I get these moments as I'm usually driving frantically to or from somewhere and you see nothing but a blur.<br />
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But yesterday I enjoyed an hour of watching the sunset over our wonderful country. I saw the scars of industry past and future. Cranes building and wind turbines creating clean power, hills of grass that cover the slag heaps of yesteryear. It made me want to paint as the colours were so beautiful deep reds and golds with dark rain-filled grey all amazing and for that moment I could forget all the crap going on in everyday life.<br />
Anyway, this morning before dawn, I was up and at 'em' canvas on the easel and off I went.<br />
And here they are 30 x 30 cm, I will bring them to the Christmas farmers market so you can see them if you are around. 9-1pm Number 28, Market Place Belper.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjy3kX7Ujib6toS1yN90VMA9scc6b63aGIKYhMeXQ2H-oI2p_dRhKHm23BG7xIMhRaW20Y62XitrF2mT4lEP75YMtIV-civE-Rr-tv5rjhujcOLLl-PPZEhSqZmdlMpomJ1pZU28kNgzUk/s1600/Sheffield+at+Dusk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="600" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjy3kX7Ujib6toS1yN90VMA9scc6b63aGIKYhMeXQ2H-oI2p_dRhKHm23BG7xIMhRaW20Y62XitrF2mT4lEP75YMtIV-civE-Rr-tv5rjhujcOLLl-PPZEhSqZmdlMpomJ1pZU28kNgzUk/s320/Sheffield+at+Dusk.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheffield at Dusk</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheffield at Sunset<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<br />Ruth Gray Imageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15243031681472633541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5903975677601326410.post-43885341518152300592019-11-23T07:43:00.002+00:002019-11-23T07:43:15.674+00:00Festive Plumbing, Exhibitions, and Shows<span style="font-weight: normal;">It is been a busy month I've had some amazing commissions and sales and I'm loving how my work has been framed by my client. It has really made me rethink my own framing choices.</span><br />
As artists, we have to be neutral and cater to all tastes but the treatment of my Ilkeston piece below really impressed me.<br /><br />
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I'm not sure about you but Christmas this year seems to have appeared from nowhere one-minute I'm thinking about Autumn leaves next, I'm panic buying gifts again!<br />At the moment I'm playing catch up with everything it's one of those forth bridge moments in our house as one thing gets fixed four other things break it is like we are not allowed to relax and enjoy the bits in between work! This year has seen every appliance in the kitchen pack up and now it is the plumbings turn. So not only has it been wet beyond belief outside but we've had our own mini downfalls inside and I've not managed to find anyone who will bother to fix it so I'm going to wrap a towel around it, put a bucket under it and tell you about my artwork!<br />
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<span style="color: red;">Christmas Cards</span></h1>
Enhancing mantels this year could be the contents of my six-pack of boxed Christmas cards £11.50 for six different designs reply to this email if you want a pack either collect or I can post out to you at standard postage rates.<br /><br />
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<img data-cke-saved-src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/5dc6f8fc-16c8-4027-96b1-dfb2efb131a8.jpg" data-file-id="4455461" height="200" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/5dc6f8fc-16c8-4027-96b1-dfb2efb131a8.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 200px; margin: 0px; width: 200px;" width="200" /><img data-cke-saved-src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/3b9af360-1ca5-4e2a-b4d8-f9c8b2392678.jpg" data-file-id="4455465" height="200" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/3b9af360-1ca5-4e2a-b4d8-f9c8b2392678.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 200px; margin: 0px; width: 200px;" width="200" /></div>
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<span style="color: darkgreen;">Cromford Studio and Gallery</span></h1>
The annual event now in its seventh year is my joint December exhibition with Martin Sloman at his gallery in Cromford. This year I have painted some of the houses and halls of Derbyshire influenced by my work in heritage, I've spent some time this year working surveying the public at a few grand places and its allowed me time in between to really look at the architecture and settings of these wonderful buildings.<br /> I hope you will join us on <span style="font-size: 18px;">December 22nd</span> between 10 - 5 pm, call in say hello and have a mince pie and last-minute gift shop in the lovely little gallery that Martin runs so well. The gallery is open Wed-Sun 10 -5 on the Market Place Cromford.<br />
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<a data-cke-saved-href="http://ruthgrayimages.com" href="http://ruthgrayimages.com/" target="_blank"><img data-cke-saved-src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/790db4ce-7363-4c99-9586-2da288b463bf.png" data-file-id="4455433" height="241" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/790db4ce-7363-4c99-9586-2da288b463bf.png" style="border: 0px; height: 241px; margin: 0px; width: 300px;" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a data-cke-saved-href="http://ruthgrayimages.net" href="http://ruthgrayimages.net/" target="_blank"></a><span style="color: blue;">Medley</span></h1>
The fun that is Medley it gets better every year we work together, here's what you need to know, Its November 30 - December 8th 10 - 4 at weekends and 10 - 3 in the week, I'm not there Tues, Wed, or Thursday so if you want to avoid me those are the days to come but otherwise it would be a joy to see you! <br />
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<img data-cke-saved-src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/88008b59-5ce9-4728-8838-b80ebd6b3c92.png" data-file-id="4455437" height="397" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/88008b59-5ce9-4728-8838-b80ebd6b3c92.png" style="border: 0px; height: 397px; margin: 0px; width: 280px;" width="280" /></div>
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If you come to Medley in the first few days and say<br /> <span style="color: red;">'You're a cracker' </span><br />to me, you have the chance of winning an A4 print of your choice as I have 10 Christmas Crackers to pull and one of them will contain a voucher for one A4 print. First come first served! <br />Hope to see you there!</h2>
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<a data-cke-saved-href="http://ruthgrayimages.com" href="http://ruthgrayimages.com/" target="_blank"><img data-cke-saved-src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/caa5b5c2-9369-4d34-9568-7a4538a1d1a7.jpg" data-file-id="4455441" height="100" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/caa5b5c2-9369-4d34-9568-7a4538a1d1a7.jpg" style="border: 0px initial; height: 100px; margin: 0px; width: 100px;" width="100" /></a>Another event in December is the Belpers Christmas Farmers Market Saturday, December 14th, 9-1 pm. Number 28.<br /><br /><span style="color: darkgreen;">Support your local galleries this Christmas<br /><br />Duffield Gallery Belper<br />Hall of Frames Belper<br />Two Birds in Castle Donington<br />Suki Gallery Tutbury<br />St Johns Street Gallery Ashbourne<br />Cromford Studio and Gallery<br />Out Framed Ripley</span></div>
Ruth Gray Imageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15243031681472633541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5903975677601326410.post-35250777220343631722019-09-08T14:07:00.002+01:002019-09-08T14:07:31.828+01:00Shows and Events <h1>
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Where has the time gone but seriously I can't keep up another birthday has come and gone and now it's back to screaming at the kids to get up and go to school and also for me to start thinking about upcoming exhibitions and what I'm going to do when I grow up!<br />One exhibition I have been planning for some time is my show at Cromford Studio and Gallery in December this year I decided to start painting the halls of Derbyshire so far I have eight and if I get time I will add some more.<br />They are all framed beautifully by Hall of Frames in Belper and I'm really looking forward to them all hanging together. see the rest on my website: <a data-cke-saved-href="http://ruthgrayimages.com" href="http://ruthgrayimages.com/" target="_blank">http://ruthgrayimages.com</a><br />
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<img data-cke-saved-src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/ea9d2ac2-2c90-4e6a-88cd-f24cddeeef0e.jpg" data-file-id="4238921" height="201" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/ea9d2ac2-2c90-4e6a-88cd-f24cddeeef0e.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 201px; margin: 0px; width: 200px;" width="200" /><br />Elvaston Castle</div>
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<span style="color: mediumblue;"><strong>My Derwent Valley work is on show till - February 2020 INNOVATE EXHIBITION, A CELEBRATION OF THE REGION’S INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE Derby Royal Hospital.</strong></span><br />
<br />University starts at the end of this month so I feel like I've got a few weeks spare to enjoy just being an artist. I'm combining my efforts by painting and studying chip shop history for my MA dissertation and my kids are so thrilled at being driven to chip shops all over the country! I need to come up with 15,000 words on-chip shops so if you know any let me have them!!!!<br />
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<img data-cke-saved-src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/e14dfdd4-7b65-41c5-b82c-ef1412da8736.jpg" data-file-id="4238925" height="301" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/57202dee9ce97620be8226f89/images/e14dfdd4-7b65-41c5-b82c-ef1412da8736.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 301px; margin: 0px; width: 300px;" width="300" /><br />Bamfords Chippe Scarborough</div>
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<span style="color: mediumblue;">Show dates</span></h1>
Next weekend I'm taking part in a quick pop up show at Cromford Mill with Medley we will be in the Gothic Warehouse at the end of the canal Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10 - 5 pm. A glorious spot to come and visit and enjoy the last of the warm rays before the frost sets in.<br />
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The week after I'm planning on being at the fourth Duffield Art Festival 21-22 September in Ecclesbourne School Duffield see the brochure for all the exciting things happening at Duffield that weekend. <a data-cke-saved-href="https://storage.googleapis.com/wzukusers/user-19208159/documents/b75bd14938e24ecf9136948cc9f1b287/DAF%20programme%202019.pdf" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/wzukusers/user-19208159/documents/b75bd14938e24ecf9136948cc9f1b287/DAF%20programme%202019.pdf">https://storage.googleapis.com/wzukusers/user-19208159/documents/b75bd14938e24ecf9136948cc9f1b287/DAF%20programme%202019.pdf</a>Below are some more dates for your diary:<br /><br />October 20th Arkwrights Artisan Market Cromford Mill<br /><br />November 16 - 17th Arkwrights Artisan Market Cromford Mill<br /><br />November 23 - 24 Elvaston Castle Christmas Market Mad Hatters Events<br /><br />Dec 7-15th Medley at The Gothic Warehouse<br /><br />December 1st – 31st Joint exhibition with Martin Sloman at Cromford Studio and Gallery.<br />December 22nd Meet the artist at Cromford Studio and Gallery.<br /><br />Ruth Gray Imageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15243031681472633541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5903975677601326410.post-86223303861857041292019-08-30T17:27:00.003+01:002019-08-30T17:27:45.760+01:00Best Chip Shop in the World.Chip shops who knew they could be so interesting, I've just painted number 8 and it was one my husband took me to see in Chesterfield, it looks just like a house no signage or any hint its a chip shop but who needs signage when you are 'Margaret's Chippy best chip shop in the world' according to facebook reviews, I found the website and Margaret ran it for 52 years and is now enjoying just greeting old customers while its run by a new couple. Regulars return and are prepared to queue for as long as it takes.<br />
An interesting thought if your product is good enough and you are consistent no need to shout and cover yourself in neon lights! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XMWYkK7CNE4HGM96XKzWgEdfcjIBLEv5pob9_LjcNpo44KJFv0GKU4xLh8iTn72M-l7D3AyeKhxf3-eiWMYslN2UPqrz5mIyPWmH3YN8JZsTh8XyMTlhIwGXoc47TRPSAjyvIHSkDACF/s1600/Duke+Street+Chip+Shop+Whittington+Chesterfield.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="594" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XMWYkK7CNE4HGM96XKzWgEdfcjIBLEv5pob9_LjcNpo44KJFv0GKU4xLh8iTn72M-l7D3AyeKhxf3-eiWMYslN2UPqrz5mIyPWmH3YN8JZsTh8XyMTlhIwGXoc47TRPSAjyvIHSkDACF/s320/Duke+Street+Chip+Shop+Whittington+Chesterfield.JPG" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Margaret's Chippy, Duke Street Chesterfield 20 x 20 cm acrylic on canvas</td></tr>
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If you have any chip shops you love let me know!<div>
See all my other chip shop paintings on my website: <a href="http://ruthgrayimages.com/" target="_blank">http://ruthgrayimages.com </a><br /></div>
Ruth Gray Imageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15243031681472633541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5903975677601326410.post-81144755695120307382019-08-04T14:27:00.000+01:002019-08-04T14:27:51.983+01:00Summer update.Its the summer holidays but things have not slowed down at all. I have finished most of my university work for this year, I just need to read through what I have written. I have been working at a museum in Rotherham the last couple of weeks and next week I will be working for City Arts in Nottingham. I love the variety of my freelance heritage work I get to meet lots of interesting people and see how things work behind the scenes of some great places. In a few days, I also start my volunteer work for Strutts North Mill which will fit in well with my sons' school as it is across the road.<br />
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This time of year I tend to look at my website and branding and see what needs changing this year I have allowed everything to slip as I have been studying so my profile pictures and marketing materials were all looking tired and uncoordinated and in the times in between work I have redesigned my logo and ordered all my postcards business cards banners etc for my stall and I can't wait to test them all out in the next few weeks. I have used my favorite painting as a backdrop image and thought about which aspects of my work I most want to promote so I've used those as my tag line.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLGhL8wFkuSBFU7XZzcvBMA0Tx_zcJyZq8YVkDK5-6UUj_fZ30LAQxYPHXDOOSZPtjIZuQcwZ_QkXTxKeFcZft5UQzdX9FsFEEpTAKwfousT8qO-tiDo3PariAPPUM1VOh8OSaF4rj6QH/s1600/Ruth+Gray+Images+facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="820" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLGhL8wFkuSBFU7XZzcvBMA0Tx_zcJyZq8YVkDK5-6UUj_fZ30LAQxYPHXDOOSZPtjIZuQcwZ_QkXTxKeFcZft5UQzdX9FsFEEpTAKwfousT8qO-tiDo3PariAPPUM1VOh8OSaF4rj6QH/s320/Ruth+Gray+Images+facebook.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have also spent a lot of time sifting through the nightmare that is my art room I seemed to have created a cocoon of chaos where there was only enough room to step to my chair the rest of the space was piled with boxes. After several trips to IKEA and flat-pack hell, I have sort of improved the situation what I really need to do is have a studio clearance at some point. I have thought also about decorating the space changing it all to white but the thought of the task of taking all my stuff out of there and putting it back....... this is probably why artist studios are so interesting I'm thinking Francis Bacon!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for francis bacon studio" height="200" src="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/art/2016/05/18/Francis_Bacon_in_his_studio_in_London_in_1974_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqkB6NGcx1p0Y6SxevG-oALZauXawUznerYFjnxU0dfYk.jpg?imwidth=450" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Francis Bacon in his studio.</td></tr>
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As for new work I have been very lucky to have had commissions to complete so those have kept me busy painting wise but I can't share them until they have been given as gifts.<br />
I'm hoping to get away for a few days soon just to get out of the house as if I'm home I'm working it's very difficult to switch off when you are self-employed and I just want to spend time with my kids before they have beards!<br />
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I have a couple of selling events coming up where you can come and say hello if you wish I will be at Belper farmers market August 10th and Swarkston Nursery August 17th and 18th.<br />
I will also be at Purple and Grey Art Group August 7th and 21st Tansley Village Hall so you are welcome to join us for our morning art group.<br />
Hope to see you soon!<br />
RuthRuth Gray Imageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15243031681472633541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5903975677601326410.post-23007963968050965552019-06-30T14:40:00.000+01:002019-06-30T14:40:00.940+01:00New Work<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6AtM1CNF4klAVQMOmDbFbrE_nKNfRLGCoBAOlbo4ZbRjee-Cq-Qgih9ZnghXdypUoul4Z0pvNOIHLmzZRoEJJn-OBjzqop-HO3kVxAGd5QbZnxNafAsYS76udZtB2b5j8n2CSiCftT8uF/s1600/Aldeburgh+Fish+and+Chip+Shop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="443" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6AtM1CNF4klAVQMOmDbFbrE_nKNfRLGCoBAOlbo4ZbRjee-Cq-Qgih9ZnghXdypUoul4Z0pvNOIHLmzZRoEJJn-OBjzqop-HO3kVxAGd5QbZnxNafAsYS76udZtB2b5j8n2CSiCftT8uF/s320/Aldeburgh+Fish+and+Chip+Shop.JPG" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aldeburgh Fish and Chips. Since 1967</td></tr>
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Well, I'm definitely loving having time to paint again and now I have my new subject matter I'm happy again. My new series is the British chippy. I'm hoping to study all things chip shop related for my dissertation next year so in the meantime, I'm doing a few paintings of long-standing chip shops. For my series, they can be anywhere in the UK but have to be at least fifty years old. If I don't set these parameters then I could be some time! I may occasionally break the age rule if I find a particularly interesting one!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCImSFVVm0rHvsnxkG3cVeotbE4lIvcQWvboj5IORY9A-D3eW1VqNTb0zh8HooDbdfNXEcyE_OyWqZhg9c1bMPufDTS7nf_I52MLDu_LocvIEldYpxL9lRw4EUohSGQuNocYi9qOTju5X/s1600/Wessingtons+Fish+and+Chips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="600" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCImSFVVm0rHvsnxkG3cVeotbE4lIvcQWvboj5IORY9A-D3eW1VqNTb0zh8HooDbdfNXEcyE_OyWqZhg9c1bMPufDTS7nf_I52MLDu_LocvIEldYpxL9lRw4EUohSGQuNocYi9qOTju5X/s320/Wessingtons+Fish+and+Chips.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wessington's Fish and Chips since 1949.</td></tr>
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It's not just chippies I've been painting but also demos please see Leadenhall Market City of London, for Matlock Art Society. Apparently, there has been a market on this site since Roman times.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNzW398ZbD7JRnDfkCCGDhe7qaALj6nCoH-QpMNJmBchO0w0ohDERm6JQfWopUziYTasqo_lX7GNPeZmaRczasNcNs_p3hHHSJVFv3by_DvvV39TIG6YQwBdhcdQFCzYLqx5ndqcT2WCw/s1600/Leaden+Hall+Market.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="469" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNzW398ZbD7JRnDfkCCGDhe7qaALj6nCoH-QpMNJmBchO0w0ohDERm6JQfWopUziYTasqo_lX7GNPeZmaRczasNcNs_p3hHHSJVFv3by_DvvV39TIG6YQwBdhcdQFCzYLqx5ndqcT2WCw/s320/Leaden+Hall+Market.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leadenhall Market Demo for Matlock Art Society</td></tr>
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I have also been working on this commission for the owners of their lovely cottage in Belper.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0VSbi7Vi5ze9klFpW7HkSaWgVD7t7thxlugllxlsFb_fSnVZGMptQZpfyWRvcaQUxz5QY9JTnobmRMqdNgN36069JCs5-oiuCOYuwFQypT_8m3CQRNDtJzDVoElI8fLWGtEwNYPqi87v/s1600/Number+31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="600" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0VSbi7Vi5ze9klFpW7HkSaWgVD7t7thxlugllxlsFb_fSnVZGMptQZpfyWRvcaQUxz5QY9JTnobmRMqdNgN36069JCs5-oiuCOYuwFQypT_8m3CQRNDtJzDVoElI8fLWGtEwNYPqi87v/s320/Number+31.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Number 31 Commission for the owners.</td></tr>
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This week I will be facilitating an art project at a local primary school, starting a new commission and some consultancy work for Purple and Grey as well as hopefully working on my last project for my MA this academic year. I have also offered to volunteer at The North Mill in Belper too so its busy times ahead! <div>
I will be at Belper Farmers Market next Saturday at Number 28, and on Sunday I will be doing my Belper Sunday Painters at Creartii which I've loved doing. Look out for next year when I take Belper Sunday Painters to a new venue with the lower price of £5 per session if you are interested in joining me just nine times a year send me an email to <a href="mailto:ruthgrayimages@hotmail.com">ruthgrayimages@hotmail.com</a> and I will put you on the list. </div>
Ruth Gray Imageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15243031681472633541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5903975677601326410.post-76837670713099119392019-06-10T13:23:00.000+01:002019-06-10T13:23:55.403+01:00Painting and Youth!Painting I just love it! Good job I hear you say as you are an artist! But I realise more than ever that I do love painting its a great way to zone out for a while and I certainly do need to do that occasionally as life lately has been hectic but then when isn't it. I reckon over the years I'd have gone nuts if it wasn't for dabbing away with a paintbrush if I'm ever overwhelmed or sad I shut myself away and paint to take my mind off it if I'm in agony because of my arthritis I paint and soon feel better. But I don't paint just to escape I do it because I love it and that's important.<br />
We should all try and fit something in that we love doing because as I've said many times life is short and one day we will regret spending time doing crap stuff others want us to do. Painting is not the only thing I like doing and this year I've been lucky enough to be able to study and because I'm doing it part time I get to carry on for another year.<br />
Going back to school or rather University has been fun and at times deep! I've been so deep in bloody books I don't know what day it is and as I'm doing history the actual century gets confusing too! But overall its been fun and enlightening meeting new people especially the lovely twenty-somethings who remind me I'm glad not to have to do it all again but also remind me of that fabulous feeling of endless possibilities of where life will take them. They are yet to marry, buy a house, get a job if indeed they want to do any of that because that was what I had to do maybe they don't have to yet because times are different and expectations of what should be done by thirty are different. So I've been listening carefully to their stories and hopes and it has opened my eyes to their struggles and dreams.<br />
I am very aware of my age all of a sudden and realise that no matter how down with the kids I think I am, I'm just not and can't be because the generation gap is acute what I took for granted when I was young isn't there for our young I had help with my rent due to housing benefit so I could leave home and save for a mortgage houses were cheaper technology didn't exist my phone was down the road in a red box! There's a lot of pressure on the young zero-hours contracts, social media always got to be achieving no financial support from the government its very difficult to get a foothold on adulthood. I wish them all well, to be honest, they are so much more mature than I at that age, the nineties are somewhat of a blur I have to say!<br />
What's this got to do with painting? I don't know really but I suppose I see so many twenty-somethings making a go of social media for their artwork and I think I've probably wasted a lot of my past not doing what I should have been so now I paint when I can, study and generally try and live a full life.<br />
So then what have I been painting well here's two I did this last couple of weeks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrASxcPmWcWm-NT1JFansA2exptE1NvHJsRwAiHN1rwIqJFUh-GvZcoNUAM_tZMFoHfp90r5n83AsoZ2fhyphenhyphenWFk5arfSHJpUpZKMz8C8oW7J7KbmaCChdouLULwSP6NWQVKo96KCPGmzYuD/s1600/Corner+House+Cleethorpes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="598" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrASxcPmWcWm-NT1JFansA2exptE1NvHJsRwAiHN1rwIqJFUh-GvZcoNUAM_tZMFoHfp90r5n83AsoZ2fhyphenhyphenWFk5arfSHJpUpZKMz8C8oW7J7KbmaCChdouLULwSP6NWQVKo96KCPGmzYuD/s320/Corner+House+Cleethorpes.JPG" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corner House Chippy Cleethorpes 20 x 20 cm</td></tr>
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<br />This painting above marks the beginning of a new obsession The Chip Shop! So let me have any of your favorite chip shops!<br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiW8xPFaEaBqtYxqTVK17QGxpcM_JayQvmWza6spJGxxQYt-6j7O31FcY81WVEJQqsq6NcdedFtCKfTV23O6iXbys151jQBlfZE7J7mb7JjnLAm1no5uiWnKumpUzCDHOg8phMPNjGDTCR/s1600/Berwick+Upon+Tweed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiW8xPFaEaBqtYxqTVK17QGxpcM_JayQvmWza6spJGxxQYt-6j7O31FcY81WVEJQqsq6NcdedFtCKfTV23O6iXbys151jQBlfZE7J7mb7JjnLAm1no5uiWnKumpUzCDHOg8phMPNjGDTCR/s320/Berwick+Upon+Tweed.JPG" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Berwick Upon Tweed 16 x 20 inches.</td></tr>
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This one above started as a demo at Sutton Colefield Art Group and I've been working on it a while.<br />
Next weekend I will be at Matlock Art Society running a workshop and demoing so contact them if you'd like to come along.<br />
The week after I will be at Stanton in the Peak open gardens 1-5 pm so do come along and spend an afternoon looking at art and gardens.<br />
<br />Ruth Gray Imageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15243031681472633541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5903975677601326410.post-10805521319086539072019-05-01T19:01:00.000+01:002019-05-01T19:01:10.438+01:00A Legacy of InspirationOk so I've just driven five hours along motorways and windy new forest back roads and found my Aunts house she greets me at the door and immediately takes me for a long walk......<br />
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Its been a long sad month since she passed away and her funeral yesterday was both hard but reassuring of a life well spent.<br />
Not a moment of her time was wasted. She knew how to live a full life from home cooking fabulous meals to decorating her home with found treasures from the beach. To making everyone she encountered feel special.<br />
Time spent with her was a joy she would fill your head full of positive images from her travels and tales of family success she rarely spoke ill of anyone.<br />
She taught me to paint and bought my first professional art materials when I was very young.<br />
Her paintings filled her walls and she used art to educate herself and as a way of finding new friends when she frequently moved around the country with my Uncles job. It was her I had in mind when I joined an art society in Australia as she told me you are never alone if you have art in your life, and it is so very true. Artists can strike up a conversation as though they have been your friend for years because there is always something to discuss from the composition to the paint you use or just sharing a problem you may have with a scene. <br />
Driving with my Aunt was fun as she would always take the road less traveled so we could discover beautiful views. Trips out always involved coffee and cake and a mooch around lovely galleries and shops, her life was wonderful because she made it so.<br />
Life is a choice after all and it is the choice between seeing the beauty or not seeing the beauty.<br />
To die having lived in the best kind of way is to leave a kind of magic dusting of happiness on all who knew you.<br />
I will miss her but she is with me as I continue on my journey.<br />
Love you Auntie xxx<br />
<br />Ruth Gray Imageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15243031681472633541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5903975677601326410.post-71128803275199343582019-03-22T10:05:00.001+00:002019-03-22T10:05:37.861+00:00Why Facebook isnt working.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuciDG-TkXEYo78nZBx9Ei11g4OKEdAabSRvXPIXaW57sJjbadL6RDQdehUCmrZZaY9O0N16X421pSh702KC2xdCDFOMFXUpUa88-6TfDXYBV0JxQ60n-QFQWONfMGmgUfLOdaPFtvn5iN/s1600/Granya.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="600" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuciDG-TkXEYo78nZBx9Ei11g4OKEdAabSRvXPIXaW57sJjbadL6RDQdehUCmrZZaY9O0N16X421pSh702KC2xdCDFOMFXUpUa88-6TfDXYBV0JxQ60n-QFQWONfMGmgUfLOdaPFtvn5iN/s320/Granya.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Granya Australia (sold) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Today I've been contemplating my decision to come off facebook as a personal page it's been about eights months now. Last week I had some extremely sad news from a friend and she had lost contact with me because I had come off facebook she found me via my business page, I'm glad she did find me and this has lead me to consider my actions in coming off the platform. I know I've missed out on many events and new opportunities but I've also missed out on some other things births, deaths, marriages for instance.<br />
For the most part, Facebook is full of dreadful pictures of pets and dinners but it is also a way of connecting to those that mean most to you. My problem was I let it get out of hand and had too many people I didn't know. It was time-consuming and impersonal. <br />
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So where does that leave me now am I about to announce my return? No, not yet I am still in two minds. I believe Facebook is a reflection of real life but magnified it gathers all the data on what you have been looking at online and feeds it back to you in the form of advertising and suggestions leaving little room for the friendships. I hear <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/03/06/zuckerbergs-announcement-changes-everything-facebook/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.55283191773e" target="_blank">rumors</a> that it is about to address these issues so I think I will wait until then.<br />
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I remember when I first started using Facebook in 2007/8 it was a brilliant way to reach back to my family when I was in Australia and likewise a brilliant way to keep up with friends when I came back to the UK. It was also a good tool to make new friends locally. In real life before social media we use to drift in and out of peoples lives and probably had a core group of people after social media we gather friends, find old school friends, add work friends, add anyone we meet at social gatherings and before you know it there's a huge mix. So it was a funny thing that when I use to open up my newsfeed it was full of people I didn't know Facebook suggested them to me based on what I look at generally which is art but my family are into sport, rambling, cycling, motorbikes all sorts of stuff I don't like so, in the end, Facebook for all its cleverness doesn't work because we are friends with people for other reasons than what we ourselves like to look at online! <br />
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So after this revelation, I will continue to use it for business only and possibly keep missing out on things, but for my own sake, I think that is better than reading a timeline full of suggested stuff. so until Facebook get back to being more personal I will leave it for now.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">I Need Your Help!</span></h2>
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I've been working recently with Cromford Mills if you have time to help me gather some data for them to run creative workshops I'd be really grateful if you would fill out ten short questions on this <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/TV9YL2J" target="_blank">survey. </a><br />
Ruth Gray Imageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15243031681472633541noreply@blogger.com0