Here is a selection of my work recently shown at Epsom Racecourse with Art Surrey. It was an interesting event with over 80 artists from all over the country showing their work. I was delighted to meet many of my customers who live locally. If you missed it, or would just like to review what you have seen here is a selection from my favourite themes : Mars, Goats and Birds. I have also added new themes- I was inspired by photographs from the National Geographic magazine of feathers to create the Bird of Paradise paintings. I have always loved Abalone shells and used them to inspire the colours and shapes of my latest work. There is also a quirky collection of paintings inspired by an Italian tractor called ORSI.
My recent work is inspired by pushing the boundaries of acrylic mixed media and adding new materials. I have discovered copper mesh and combined it with acrylics, alcohol ink and aluminium to create unique pieces of art. The aluminium gives the work a wonderful iridescence, the mesh unusual texture and the alcohol inks are strong vibrant colours.
Pineapple Parakeet World
Image 1 of 26
14x18" Mixed media, collage on gold metal leaf . SOLD
This painting was inspired by my Christmas cruise of 2019 to Scandinavia. On the quay at Oslo harbour were floating saunas and I could see the back of a couple who were having a great time.
The saunas were advertised on this rack of canoes. When I got home I found out the company was started by a young man who needed a bath! Having been out sailing he was surprised that on arriving in Oslo( a bit mucky) there were no saunas so he decided to provide his own for travelers and revelers.
My couple are having an especially good time having discarded their bathing suits and polished off a bottle of wine.
In the background you will see the Oslo skyline- completely ficticious except for the opera house on the right and the triangular sculpture.
Floating Saunas in Oslo, outline drawing
The sea and an additional Floating Sauna starts to appear.In the summer, they float them out into the harbour and people jump off.
In the harbour
The canoes are added and the crackled quay.After this photograph, I got so involved in the painting I forgot to take more pictures. I can tell you I spent a good deal of time decoration the sauna, finding the loving couple and throwing paint at the skyline.
Finished picture
If you have enjoyed Floating Saunas in Oslo you can see more in the July issue of Surrey Life and visit my exhibition at Denbies Wine Estate from July 19th 2022. Prints are available from £22.
1)How did you start painting? I did O level art at school. I was keen, so I would have other projects such as painting and pottery which I did at a local youth club and the art room at school. While I was working, I would paint a couple of abstract paintings a year. I love colour so these were unsophisticated efforts which were just an excuse to fling paint at the canvas. When I retired, I went to an experimental art class at a local college. This started me off experimenting and developing my skills. I started a painting group at my house for a few friends who encouraged me to start exhibiting.
2) How did you manage to get your first exhibition? I went to Denbies and got to know a fantastic lady called Sue Sheen who said that I could exhibit with her group- First for Art for a small fee. This was in 2018 and I have been exhibiting with her ever since then.
3) Who buys your work? I have sold work at Denbies to people from around Surrey and London, to tourists from Australia, America, and Poland. My work Is eye-catching – it’s bright and tactile. This is because I use acrylic, gold leaf, glass, collage and mixed media.
4) Where do you paint? I started in painting in what used to be my office in my house. I have an antique desk and carpet on the floor- so I had to be careful as acrylic is messy! The antique desk was covered with a plastic tablecloth, and I invested in a daylight bulb lamp. The carpet is now embellished with purple acrylic ink. When I tripped over the lamp and nearly brained myself, I thought it was time to get a studio. Luckily, my husband was quite encouraging, so I decided to build a log cabin at the bottom of the garden and join Open Studios.
What is Open Studios? Surrey ArtistsOpen Studios is organised by the Surrey Artists Open Studios program. It runs in June, and October. Local artists pay a membership fee to join and open their studios to the public. The program markets the artists studios through leaflets and their website. Members of the public can visit the artists studios and see their processes, materials and buy finished works.
Rue Stanley Art (surreyopenstudios.org.uk)
5) When is your studio open, and what will people see? I am opening for 5 days in October at weekends: 2nd,3rd,10th,17th,24th October 11-5pm. There is no need to book you can just turn up. I am in Tattenham Crescent so very local.
My work is semi-abstract inspired by the natural world and my travels. No travelling this year so I have travelled in my imagination: my latest collection features a series of abstract landscapes. I have also looked for inspiration in the garden and nature.
At my studio you will see paintings, jewellery & prints created from: collage, acrylic, mediums, glass, gold leaf, watercolour and polymer clay. Original unique artworks are from £20- £800. Plus, prints, jewellery and gifts from
