2022 in a few paragraphs

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.

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!

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.

 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 Cafe Impromptu  Ashbourne where you can see all eight shop fronts on the wall as prints.

Cafe Impromptu Ashbourne, where you can see all eight commissioned paintings as prints.

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! 

Finished art demo painted at Hinkley Art Group

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.

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. 

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 website 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!

Please enjoy the Christmas period and hopefully, I will see you in the new year!
 

Up Coming Events

Mill Green Museum

I will be at Hall of Frames King Street.

Ashbourne Workshop in the Rain.

A couple of weeks ago I ran my workshop at St John Street Gallery in Ashbourne, in my head I had the idea that March would be the perfect time to get outside and do a bit of sketching!
Well as you all know its been brutal weather in Derbyshire and standing outside in pouring rain was not ideal.
Although actually looking back you get some interesting results and memories.
I managed to find us shelter in a doorway and we actually got some decent sketches and funny looks as we tried to capture the scene in front of us.
 Today I revisited the painting I started and totally destoryed it and brought it back again I think this captures how blumin cold and wet and freezing we were!

A Late Winter in Ashbourne by Ruth Gray.

The next date for a street scene workshop is June 12th details here hopefully not pouring down but glorious sunshine.

Id love you to book on so we can have a great creative day together.  Any abilities are welcome.

While you are here I have a brand new mailing list be great if you could sign up no more than six a year! Subscribe Here

Christmas Eve Notes.

Im sat in my Pyjamas drinking cup of tea number one with 1930s cartoons on its 8.25 on Christmas eve morning, the cat is curled up next to my number two son who like me is an early bird. 

Im looking at my over the top Christmas decorations and totally immersed in whatever that thing is they call Christmas spirit.

I am looking forward to 2017 a lot I have most of it planned out and am excited about a new art group that my friend Karina and I have set up see http://purpleandgrey.co.uk for details, we will be meeting at Tansley Village Hall on selected Wednesdays so join us if you feel like a social painting session with a few plein air trips planned too.

Talking of plein air Ive been in talks with a local group about some very exciting workshops with a twist more details when I get them! 

In January I have a joint exhibition at deda in Derby a separate post with details, will be sent out to invite you to that.

January is all about me painting at home in my studio its been hard to balance everything its funny that the image of an artist is of one just creating if only that were true a lot of running about and admin is involved and you have to be almost antisocially strict to pick up a paintbrush!

My ideal January is one where the snow lies thick on the ground and I cant go anywhere!

The Art group will start in February and I have a solo exhibition at St John Street Gallery in March. After that its all about working towards making new work and prints for my stalls I will be at local festivals and showing with Peak District Artisans and Medley.

I have art group demos lined up and really enjoy doing these so if you know of a local art group that would like an acrylic demo get in touch.

Summer I always take off August and spend time with the kids and recharge ready for the Autumn run up to next Christmas.

But for now its a week of mince pies and roast diners and cartoons! I would like to thank all my friends, collectors and followers for support and encouragement. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very happy new year.

Ruth Gray Images

Fine Art Landscapes - Anything But Grey.
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Dancing in Rolleston Woods

Dancing in Rolleston Woods

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Derbyshire Open Arts and More

For those that don’t know Derbyshire Open Arts is a county wide arts trail with over 300 artists in venues up and down Derbyshire, it takes place Bank Holiday 28-30^th May 1030 -5pm. It’s in its tenth year this year and this is the fourth time I have taken part.

This year I will have a stall at Florence Nightingale Hall Yew Tree Hill Holloway DE45AR, I have (along with Karina Goodman of Studio 61 Gallery and Martin Sloman of Cromford Studio and Gallery) organised a mini trail within a trail, as we have three locations for you to visit.

The Florence Nightingale location has 14 artists all displaying a variety of styles and media and I am looking forward to spending my weekend with them all.

I will have my card range, giclee prints and originals and look forward to welcoming you to the venue.

Follow the blog here: http://gallery2gallery.blogspot.co.uk/  

Event News

I am preparing for a couple of events after Derbyshire Open Arts I am currently working on my Buxton Spa Prize painting I have been given the Town Hall as my subject this year.

 ‘The Buxton Spa Prize is an open art competition to celebrate the town’s culture, natural beauty and heritage. ​Over 100 artists entered the second year in 2015. The aim of the Buxton Spa Prize is to make the town an internationally recognised centre for visual arts. The winning artist will receive a grand prize of £5000.’

I love going to the opening night and seeing the great paintings definitely not to be missed! Exhibition 1st July - 14th August http://www.buxtonspaprize.co.uk/

I have also taken inspiration from the town and painted Spring Field Gardens Acrylic 40 x 40 cm on canvas board.

Staying in Buxton my next event will be at Great Dome Art Fair, The Royal Devonshire Campus Buxton.

July 15 - 17 Preview evening - 7-9pm, Weekend 10am - 4.30pm

‘Browse and buy from a huge range of outstanding art and design direct from PDA’s members at our award winning annual exhibition. Contact PDA for a ticket for our exclusive private view on Friday 15th July 7-9pm. Meet our newest members and enjoy our popular talks and demonstrations, Charity Silent Auction and unique Artists’ Original Postcard Raffle.’ www.greatdomeartfair.co.uk

Follow the links below to my galleries and associations.

The Two Birds Gallery https://www.facebook.com/thetwobirdsgallery/

Out Framed Ripley Bespoke Picture Framing  http://www.outframed.co.uk/

Cromford Studio and Gallery http://cromfordstudioandgallery.weebly.com/

St John Street Gallery http://stjohngalleryandcafe.co.uk/

Studio 61 Gallery http://www.karinagoodman.com/

The Gallery Sutton Bonnington http://suttonboningtongallery.com/

Suki Gallery Tutbury https://www.facebook.com/sukicraftgallery

purple and grey http://purpleandgrey.co.uk

Peak District Artisans http://www.peakdistrictartisans.co.uk/

Banks Mill Studios http://banks-mill.evolvederby.co.uk/

Collaborative Events in May

There are open events everywhere in May and Derbyshire is no exception.
 Next weekend its the turn of Belper Festival and the arts trail this year has over 100 artists tucked away in venues all around the town. I think I've hit the jack pot as I am lucky to be showing work alongside Sara Brightly www.sarabrighty.co.uk  and Kate Brooks  www.facebook.com/katebrooks27

Our Venue is:
Belper Arts Trail, Black Swan Lower Ground Bar, Black Swan, 44 Market Place, DE56 1FZ
May 1st, 2nd 10 - 5pm
http://www.belperarts.org/Artist2016/Ruth%20Gray%20Images/

Belper Artists Cafe Reminiscence Vintage at Number 28 Market Place Belper.

 I will have a stall and be demonstrating painting at this lovely event also part of the Belper Arts Festival May 7th.
I will be accompanied by the uber talented Tony Hall and his ipad art see here: http://www.anthonythomashall.co.uk/
 And Claire Simpson who makes fabulous craft pieces and runs amazing projects take a look here: http://storiesunderstones.weebly.com/index.html
 I can highly recommend the cakes as my son says he had the best birthday cake ever made by these lovely ladies!

Then at the end of May its the big one Derbyshire Open Arts I am running an event at Florence Nightingale Hall in Holloway Derbyshire near Matlock I have gathered together with the help of Martin Sloman and Karina Goodman, 14 wonderful artists and makers to spend the weekend with we are part of a mini trail with g2g which connects Cromford Studio and Gallery with Studio 61 Gallery. Florence Nightingale Hall sits in between with lots of parking nearby.

Derbyshire Open Arts, g2g Florence Nightingale Hall Holloway DE45AR
 May 28,29,30th 2016

Follow the blog here: http://gallery2gallery.blogspot.co.uk/  

The g2g events also expand into a larger Cromford wide trail so make a day or three of it!

For all my other events see http://ruthgrayimages.net