#whatsonsurrey - Rue Stanley Art

New Mixed Media Painting Workshop

03/02/202403/02/2024Rue

Experimental Mixed Media Painting Workshop 18^th April 2024 10.30am to 4.30pm. The Horton, Epsom, Surrey

In the last year I have been asked by visitors if I hold classes. I have given this a lot of thought, and I have designed a class from which I hope you will get value.

Mixed media is a challenge to deliver in one day. So, you will work on 3 projects which should provide you with enough knowledge to get you working effectively in these exciting materials.

The class will be held at The Horton Arts centre in Epsom which is a delightful building with a café and free parking.

Booking is direct with The Horton, click here to BOOK NOW , or see the end of this article for the link.

Would you like to have some fun and unleash the power of your art?

If you value choice of expression in your artistic journey and would like to experiment, then this workshop is the perfect fit for you. Guided by Rue you’ll explore the possibilities of materials and techniques that allow your imagination to flow.

Embark on a journey of creative expression as you start with an explanation of some basic principles of colour and acrylic mixed media. Followed by the opportunity to experiment with materials and start the first of your three artworks of the day.

In the second half you will learn more about the materials available to enhance your experience and creativity using acrylic paint. You will use some unusual products such as alcohol and gold leaf to complement your work.

Unlock endless possibilities with an array of materials at your disposal including coloured gesso, acrylic paints, Isopropyl alcohol, acrylic liquid medium, metallic paints, and shimmering metal leaf. Your creativity will soar as you explore the options.

Please bring photographs, magazine cuttings for reference and if you have product at home that you would like to explore creative uses for, bring that too.

During this class you will:

Learn about surfaces for mixed media and how to pick the best one.
Learn hacks professionals use to make creation easier.
Learn how to overcome Painter’s Block.
Enjoy a discussion and demonstration of art mediums and novel products.
Learn to create focal interest and layering.
Learn to use metal leaf.
Understand the importance of sealing, drying time and how to varnish your work.
Learn how to frame your artwork professionally.
We will equip you with the knowledge and a painting kit for you to continue experimenting at home.

You will receive your own mixed media painting kit to use during the class and to take home. Consisting of 12 tubes of acrylic paint colour, 1 small bottle of liquid medium, pipette, 2 sheets of metal leaf and 2 brushes. Additional materials will be available for your use.

Knowledge required:

Beginner friendly, not suitable for under 18’s

What to bring:

Reference material Inspiration and any art materials you might like to use.

Where? The Horton, Arts & Craft Centre, Haven Way, Epsom, Surrey KT19 8NP

How to book: Click here to book your place on The Horton Website

Pictured: Rue working on Cornucopia in her studio in 2022. See more about Cornucopia here.

New Work Exhibition Autumn 2023

Related Images:

An artists view, exhibitions and opportunity

13/12/202301/02/2024Rue

The Horton Community Arts centre in Epsom, Surrey. New venue for artist Rue Stanley and friends in 2024.

I had a great year in 2023. I exhibited at four venues and sold my art to lovely people in Epsom and Dorking. I also entered a number of art competitions to exhibit in London. It was my experience of these competitions that led me to the conclusion that I need to take control of my own career and create my own exhibition opportunities.

As an artist you can enter the competitions from £20 per painting and with some of these it appears a lottery for the artist and a money spinner for the organisers. Helpful software platforms have been created to manage the online process of submissions which are great revenue generators. The summer exhibition run by the RA charge over £30 to enter and have over 10,000 entries. One art society in London had the clever idea of inviting guest artists at a small fee of £15 a time. This contributes to the cost of their 4 private views in the first week with drinks and nibbles!

I was fortunate this year to work with two artist led organisations: First for Art run by the talented Susan Sheen and Arthouse Galleries run by Dilys Foster and Kate Winskill. This provided me with a great opportunities to exhibit and sell my art and I would like to thank them all.

I have decided that it’s time for me to take back control: No more art society competitions! No more of the lottery of the Summer Exhibitions and the Mall Galleries! I will organise my own exhibitions and invite artists to exhibit with me and share the costs between us!

I have been looking for a new venue for 2024 for a while. I am really pleased to have found The Horton Community Arts Centre in Epsom, Surrey. I will be curating my first exhibition there in June 2024. I will be exhibiting a large selection of new my work, plus prints covering 18 metres. I will be joined by 4 other talented artists : Lynn Toulson, Emma Champion, Sue Sheen and Photographer Laurence Berle.

Lynn’s work is inspired by nature and her surroundings. She works from her own photographs to create beautiful textured works in oil and acrylic in a realistic style that is beautiful and contemporary.

Emma is an experimental photographer and mixed media artist working primarily with darkroom materials and camerless techniques. The artwork she makes is a collection of fleeting moments, emotional responses, reflections and affirmations.

Sue paints her work in an eclectic style and her work reflects her mood and the light of the day. Her work can be figurative or abstract and is executed in acrylic and mixed media.

Laurence is a talented photographer and chooses a diverse range of subjects from wildlife to aircraft.

Rue is an experimental mixed media artist using a wide range of media and materials to create vibrant, sculptural tactile work that depict whimsical and unusual subjects.

The Horton Community Arts Centre, Haven Way, Epsom KT19 8NP 9.15am-4pm Free parking, free entry & cafe.

Rue Stanley & Friends The Horton 25th June to Saturday July 25th 2024.

Related Images:

Five things you didn’t know about artist Rue Stanley

28/09/202101/02/2024Rue

In Rue’s Studio at Tattenham corner, Epsom

Open studio is now closed. You can see new works now at Rue’s Artwork Store

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: 2^nd,3^rd,10^th,17^th,24^th 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

Email: ruestanleyart@gmail.com. Website: www.ruestanleyart.com