In Rue’s Studio at Tattenham corner, Epsom
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 £6.
Open Studio- Rue Stanley Art Studio- Cherrycroft, Tattenham Crescent (opp no 101) Epsom Downs KT18 5NR. Email: ruestanleyart@gmail.com. Website: www.ruestanleyart.com
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