Freize at Regent's Park and Nalla Design

Great to see Vicki Young of Nalla’s design featured in Saturday The Times .  I really enjoyed working with Nalla on the recent Christmas campaign for Greene King IPA.

 

Also went to Frieze & Frieze Masters; enjoyed both events for their diverse approach.

Loved the Petersham Nurseries input at Frieze.  Regents Park is such a great venue.

 

Having been to the House of Illustration at Kings Cross last week, a really interesting cross-section of art in different disciplines, particularly E.H. Shepard's illustrations.

 

Looking forward to Goya and silver point drawings at the National and British Museum.

 

Melvyn Bragg’s Radio 4 programme on Hans Holbein The Younger was really insightful.  I think Holbein’s pencil and chalk drawings are so powerful and contemporary, almost like being in the presence of the sitters.  Drawing is difficult but underpins so much.

 

 

Banksy to Ai Weiwei

Banksy's Dismaland has just closed!

I was intrigued to see it and glad I did - it was worth the 4 hour drive there and back again…

I went with friends and we had such a good time. Despite its name and intentions of the staff to prevent it, there were many laugh out loud moments, as well as impressive ones, looking at the art and amazing installations on show. A lot of skill and investment had gone into the whole production. Tickets sold out as soon as they hit the internet; I'd have gone back.

The wood from the structures is going to Calais to make shelters for refugees!

I saw Ai Weiwei at the RA - also thought-provoking like Jeff Koons, I also saw at the Whitney, New York, 2014 - a great technician and ideas person. I wondered how hands-on he is or is concept all? - particularly his exhibits showing stages of his incarceration, and his marble field of blades of grass. I'd love to see his studios and where he stores his vast pieces before they go on tour.

Looking forward to the silver paint drawings at the British Museum. Talking of drawing, really enjoyed studying the Maclise Waterloo Cartoon at the RA. Amazing draftsman on an awesome scale! The kind of skill that in its classic style is out of fashion at the moment but, despite its stylistic approach, worthy of a visit.

Saw Bridget Riley at Bexhill recently; another great influence on interior design and graphics.

Looking forward to seeing the film The Lobster and A Bigger Splash. Enjoyed Dear Lupin at the theatre.

Glad to see the Armada portrait back at Woburn Abbey; one of my favourite iconistic pictures of Elizabeth I - all those Pearls divers risked their lives for!

 

Alexander McQueen

Great exhibition, apparently the best attended of almost any other exhibition at the V&A and was just as brilliant as the Isabella Blow exhibition at Somerset house recently. The creative ideas adopted to present his pieces were inspired.

Pleasure & Pain

Really enjoyed the ‘Pleasure & pain’ shoe exhibition at the V&A, as well as talking to the curator about her ideas for presenting the exhibition – a must for all shoe lovers!

Summer Exhibition

Loved the turquoise blue and pink backgrounds to the artworks and also thought the hanging of the pictures appeared to give the impression of more space.

Another Year at the RA Summer Exhibition

This year the variety and invention creates a more dynamic content. 
Away from the bling of the Grayson Perry tapestries, which provide a running text on the woes of modern society, there are many works to appreciate.  The overwhelming presence of work by already established RA members restricts the imprint displayed by the public and diminishes the exhibition as a result.  So many RAs use their time-worn formulaic work to recycle year on year, whilst new talent embraces challenge and fights to get through the sometimes baffling selection of criteria.
I enjoyed the mix and will go again.

David Bowie to George Bellows

Saw the Bowie exhibition on Thursday - very comprehensive collection of his work from the early beginnings.  His influence on the arts can be seen when looking at the collection of photos and memorabilia from other areas of the arts he has inspired.  It felt like being at a Bowie concert - there's so much music and film performance.

Really enjoyed the George Bellows at the Royal Academy, particularly his early work.  I felt that in later years he concentrated more on the comfortable side of art - paintings of wealthy families.  I left the exhibition wishing the last part had been as exciting and painterly as the first part.

Evening at Sadlers Wells

The Tanztheater wuppertal Pina Bousch, performing Vollmond; elements reminded me of the impact of water at Fuezerberouta I saw at the Round House in Camden very recently. I loved the fluidity of the lines, the draping of cloth and the humour. Some of the content was difficult to translate but the athleticism of the performers was enthralling. The music was extremely varied and at times totally abstract but also melodic and vaguely familiar. The effect of the water thrown in the air against a black back drop was like diamonds on velvet, brilliant.

The theatre was packed and I am definitely going back for the Flamenco in March - having just seen Manet at the RA, I.m reminded how black as a tone always elevates everything in contrast to it.

Manet at the RA

Enjoyed the Manet at the RA on Sunday 17th Feb - followed by afternoon tea at Selfridges.  Loved the display at Jonathan Adler and Anthropologie - two of my favourite brands.  I enjoyed the Manet's where black anchors the composition, often set against whites or skin tones.  The influence of photography, as in his sister-in-law's portrait, is obvious and often divided his work into two camps.  For me, I don't think his skills as a draughtsman were his forte but his use of colour, tone and texture is always rewarding. 

I also had time last week to call in at the Portrait Gallery to see The Lost Prince.  The wonderful miniature by William Larkin never fails to exhilarate the senses - his delicate portrayal of ruffled lace!  I felt Kate Middleton's portrait was a lost opportunity; more befitting a L'Oreal advert, technical but not inspired. 

Art & Culture in Istanbul

Just spent a long weekend enjoying Istanbul's culture and history.    The Sultan's palaces are incredibly opulent, colourful full of history and great wealth.  The Blue Mosque has an atmosphere of religious ceremony, particularly when call to prayer, with awesome tile decoration, walls and ceiling. The absolute surprise and highlight was the Basilica Cistern, built and designed by the Romans in 500AD to provide water for the city.  Have to say the Turkish people are incredibly welcoming, courteous and keen to please.  Really recommend it as a destination for anyone who is interested in ancient culture, where East meets West.  Also thoroughly recommend the Sirkeci Konak Hotel, near Sultanamet, as it's right in the heart of the old city and a really well-run boutique hotel.

Advent Calendar Creates Impact Both Sides of the Atlantic 

Just out, Advent Calendar for leading American Hedge Fund, showing a ‘Dickensian’ street scene set in front of the New York Stock Exchange, featuring Angela Merkel, handing out the fatted goose to Italian, Spanish and Greek street urchins in National colours, Ben Bernanke (Federal Reserve Chairman) as Father Christmas throwing dollar bills from a helicopter, Lloyd Blank-Fein of Goldman Sachs in down-at-heel clothing, Uncle Sam offering hand-outs, market stall selling cut-price corn and gold, and much more. 

The Calendar has attracted much interest; taken up by Bloomberg News, with an interview of Pamela for their online site and plenty of Tweets from both UK and USA. 

See the illustration for this great concept on the Pamela’s website:  http://www.pamelastoreyjohnson.com/about_pamela.html

Christmas 2012 TV Times Christmas Special

Illustration completed for the Christmas TV Times Special’; this is now on the shelves, showing Santa and his reindeer.  Six years in a row of illustrating the TV Times Christmas Edition; a circulation of around 900,000.

Exhibitions, Commisioned work and Gardens

Loved Bronze at the RA and enjoyed looking around the Jonathan Adler shop, such interesting and creative design ideas.

Currently working on an Advent Calender for an American Hedge Fund, Christmas at the New York Stock Exchange! My Fungi illustration for Microsoft Small Business is looking good on their leaflets and this week I have just heard that I will be doing the front page of the TV Times again - Great news. Christmas must be coming as I have also been commissioned to do the Houghton Phillips Xmas card.

Visited an exhibition at Lauderdale House two weeks ago in Highgate, featuring local artists, where we also met some old friends and had a really enjoyable evening.

Managed to visit Hidcote gardens in Gloucestershire before the weather deteriorated, what an inspired vision, experiencing 'garden rooms', different atmospheres and colours around every corner and wood - will definitely go back and stay in Chipping Campden next year.

Out and about in London

Having seen pieces of Damian Hirst's work at different times, I was interested to see such a large collection at Tate Modern on Friday 20th April.

My overriding feeling is that he is a great showman, marketeer and technician. The brand that is Damian Hirst is clearly successful and draws the crowds, which then enables the work of other artists in the gallery to have a viewing they would otherwise not get. After that experience a pleasant evening spent at the Dock Cafe off Portobello road rounded off the day.

Tuesday 24th April, I will be doing a portrait day at a local school in Hertfordshire which I aways enjoy as the children are so enthusiastic.

I am also looking forward to going to the Decorative Antiques and Art fair at Battersea later this week and the Claude/Turner exhibition next week.

David Hockney & Johann Zoffany at the RA Versus Yayoi Kusama at Tate Modern

So many exciting exhibitions in London right now. I have seen Hockney twice and was completely impressed by his ipad work, so innovative and original. Zoffany, one of my favourite 18th century artists. To the non TV viewing audience of the 18th century, my interpretation of Zoffany is Downton Abbey versus Hogarth's East Enders, with Canaletto in between.

Yayoi Kusama at Tate Modern immersed me and the viewers in a riot of colour and polka dots and takes me back in time to Andy Warhol and the Factory. I really enjoyed the visual feast of all three exhibitions and the complete contrast between them.

I will soon be doing some work again at Woburn Abbey in the Curators Dept and am currently working on commissions for corporate clients.

My new page in the Contact Illustrators design Annual is 156 and available to see in the 28th Edition, now out. I am in the process of designing more pieces for the 'Funky Botanical' range which continue to generate successful sales and interest, with the help of Andrew Garner of Visual Impact. A range of prints from the collection can be seen at Breathing Space Spa in Harpenden, Herts and on my website.

Summer Exhibition - Royal Academy

Pam here - have wanted to get to the summer exhibition but not seen it yet.

If you have seen the show, do let me know your thoughts and recommendations on any specific pieces?

I have been a little disappointed in recent years to see so many of the same RA's exhibiting pretty similar works from year to year, (Mary Feddon excluded - love her work) taking up valuable places that could be filled by new artists? Any suggestions how to get round that?

By the way, really like the Saatchi Gallery space and the way it is set out - the cafe/restaurant next door is quite good and well priced - some interesting exhibits.

Interested to hear any thoughts on art work generally and current exhibitions in London? - have also enjoyed the watercolour exhibition at the Tate Pimlico, have you seen the fantastic miniatures?

All the best - Pam

Artworks at Breathing Space Spa

What great weather, lets hope it lasts for the summer!

A newish e magazine called Harpendia, (www.harpendia.com) looking at all the local news and events has just come out with the 'Spring Edition' and it features the Breathing Space Spa and the Arworks I have produced for it. These have been painted with the Spa in mind, encouraging an atmosphere of calm and relaxation. Hope you like them - feed back is good, but be gentle!

Am working on a whole new project, with painted furniture which I am hoping to launch later in the year, will let you know how and when that is coming along.

Best wishes to all - Pam

Video of Artworks at Breathing Space Spa

A fantastic new video of a selection of artworks from each collection has been put together by Andrew Garner of Visual Impact! These works are shown against the exotic backgrounds of the health Spa, from the cafe to the treating rooms on the second floor. I am particularly pleased with the lighting at the Spa, which shows off the artwork to its best advantage and creates an informal and relaxing environment.

I have added to the Abstract range very recently and am preparing to launch my personalised painted furniture collection in the first half of next year.

In addition to the special offer of the set of four smaller block mounted prints, we have also offered an additional discount of 15% on all canvasses, block mounted prints and prints for the month for December 2010.

Do let me know if you have any suggestions for improvements on the site.
Pam

Breaking News

My TV times christmas cover will be out in print from monday 6th December across Great Britain. This is my 4th TV Times christmas cover in succession.

To coincide with this, my Xmas promotion will run from 1st December to 30th December.This will cover all designs in the Funky Botanical range, giving a discount of 15% on prints, boards and canvas wraps.The Funky Botanicals have met with great success, since their launch in September.

I have also added two new canvases to the abstract gallery from December - 'Neon' and 'Circuit'. Both are mixed media and acrylic; available as paper prints or stretched canvas.

In 2011 I will be launching my limited edition painted furniture collection and am in discussion at present with a leading design magazine regarding a promotional article. Watch this space for more news, new products and artwork.

Pamela Storey Johnson: Artworks at Breathing Space Spar and Sports Therap...

Pamela Storey Johnson: Artworks at Breathing Space Spar and Sports Therap...: "On Tuesday evening (9th November) Keith and Jane Lunn opened a really impressive and sizeable extension to their already successful Spar and..."

Artworks at Breathing Space Spar and Sports Therapy clinic

On Tuesday evening (9th November) Keith and Jane Lunn opened a really impressive and sizeable extension to their already successful Spar and Sports therapy business in Thompsons close, in Harpenden. Not only have a great deal more therapy and treatment rooms,  plus brand new equipment, for activities such as Osteopathy, sport massage and physiotherapy been added but the original spar has been refurbished to an equally high and impressive standard, with no expense sparred to provide clients with a unique relaxing and memorable experience.

Keith and Jane asked me to provide and design artworks for the Spar and restaurant area which has been great fun. I have supplied Original Abstract paintings, Funky Botanical canvass wraps and original Exotic Gardens paintings. All these images can be seen on my website and prints ordered and in some cases the original artwork. It is great to see the artwork in such a beautiful and well designed setting. Andrew Garner, owner of Visual Impact, will be posting a video of the paintings in situ on both mine and Breathing Space's websites.

Abstract collection

I am currently working on a series of 4 new abstracts to add to the collection over the next month.

Pamela Storey Johnson

I am delighted to have  again  been asked to illustrate the Xmas edition front cover for the TV Times on sale end of November 2010.