Hello lovely friends,
I hope that you are all keeping well as we head out of Winter and, maybe if the rain stops for a moment, we start to see the first glimpse of Spring. I can’t believe that we are already in the middle of February, although I am enjoying starting days with daylight in my studio.
I thought that you would like know what plans I have for the year already. Some things are firm and others still in planning! Either way, it is gearing up to be another exciting year, and non-stop from January (OK, we have missed that!).
Artists & Illustrators Magazine - April Edition OUT NOW
First up — don’t forget to pick up the April edition of Artists & Illustrators which is out now!
I’m absolutely delighted to have a six-page ‘Step-by-Step’ feature in this brilliant issue on working en plein air and alla prima while on holiday. In the article, I share practical tips and simple exercises in oil and gouache, showing how a focused, thoughtful approach while on holiday can help you return home with finished paintings and a wealth of strong sketches — plus plenty of tips on making the most of painting while you’re away.
A huge thank you to Artists & Illustrators for including me in such a fantastic edition — alongside Peter Brown’s ‘Major Interview’ and a feature on ‘How I Work’ with Rob Pointon. I’m so thrilled to be featured in the same issue as two fellow Members of the Royal Institute of Oil Panters.
When and where? April Edition - OUT NOW
JANUARY - PASTEL SOCIETY
I was also over the moon to have a pastel selected for the Pastel Society once again this year. The show has now closed, but here are some images from the packed private views and my pastel After the Harvest. After the Harvest was painted en plein air at the end of Summer, high up in the South Downs, when the fields were golden and the skies were gorgeous.
Works are still online for you to browse by clicking here.
After the Harvest, Pastel, 25x35cm
A packed Private View at the Mall Galleries
FEBRUARY - PAINTING ‘TREES IN THE LANDSCAPE’
Looking ahead, my next online landscape course with Winslow Art Center kicks off this Thursday 12th February at 5:30pm UK. Trees in the Landscape will be one of my favourite courses to teach. We’ll explore the subtle shifts of shape, colour, and light, and discover how trees can transform a landscape’s composition. Trees are such an important part of a landscape, so understanding how to use their shape as individual elements and also en masse can transform a painting.
Across the weeks, we will look at both oil and gouache, your selection of colours and how each can be used to create different effects. Expect plenty of hands-on guidance, demonstrations, and inspiration to help you bring your landscapes to life.
All mediums and experience welcome!
When February 12th, 19th, 26th, 5:30-7:30 pm,
Where: Online.
Details available from winslowartcenter.com
MARCH - ROYAL WATERCOLOUR SOCIETY SPRING SHOW
The RWS Spring Members’ Show is coming up, and this year I’ve set myself a little theme for the paintings I’ll be showing. I’m exploring the beautiful rain (!) across my favourite beach, keeping the watercolour fluid and loose. I’m already underway with the series, so keep your eyes peeled!
Rain leaving the beach - Watercolour 60×76cm
When: 20th March-18th April, 11am-6pm daily.
Where: Bankside Gallery, 48 Hopton Street, London, SE1 9JH (Right by Tate Modern)
JUNE - SOCIETY OF WOMEN ARTISTS
This year, in addition to exhibiting my work, I am excited to be giving a demonstration. My aim will be to provide you with ideas and the inspiration to keep loose when painting. I will bring sketchbooks and a wide range of materials that we can discuss and get hands-on with. At the demonstration, I will be painting in oil.
When: Exhibition open 23rd-27th June, Demonstration Saturday June 27th, 2:30-4:30pm
Where: Mall Galleries, Pall Mall, London, SW1
OCTOBER - “THE POETRY OF PLACE - Painting the Umbrian Landscape”
Your opportunity to come and paint with me … enjoy Italian hospitality and stay in a castle! What more could anyone ask for?
This Autumn, from October 3rd to 10th, I will be running a week-long workshop in Umbria with the Winslow Art Center. All mediums and abilities are welcome. I will be using both oil and gouache to take you through my process including sketching and creating final work en plein air. I will be giving individual tuition as well as working as part of the group in what is going to be a fun, hands-on experience for everyone.
Imagine staying in a beautiful castle, surrounded by sunlit hills, olive groves, and medieval villages ... and just painting!
We’ll paint the stunning local views, with daily exercises, demonstrations, and one-to-one guidance. It will be a full week to immerse yourself in colour, light, and the joy of painting in a truly magical setting.
When: October 3rd-10th
Where: Castello di Petroia, Gubbio, Umbria, Italy
Details: Click here for more details and booking information
LOOKING AT THE REST OF THE YEAR
There is so much going on, with dates and details still firming up for a few events. I will be adding a new page on my website shortly where you can see “Whats On” as soon as I know!
Just a few events include the RWS shows that run throughout the year, Chelsea Art Society’s Annual Exhibition in June (17th-22nd) as well as its Members’ Show in November, and a small group of us based on the South Coast - Southern Plein Air - will be running a pop-up in May (18th to 24th) in one of the arches on Brighton’s sea front. I am also planning a show with Arundel Contemporary, most likely in August.
I will also start using You-Tube more to post videos of me working and also telling you what is happening, to go along with my Social Media.
Please keep an eye on www.lucymarks.co.uk, Instagram, and You-tube!
GALLERY NEWS
Harbour Gallery, Portscatho – A selection of my work in Oil, Gouache and Watercolour are on display in this beautiful space in Portscatho, Cornwall.
Where: 8 The Quay, Portscatho, Cornwall, TR2 5HF
Painting Portscatho Beach from the Boatman’s Shelter
Do go and treat yourself to April’s Artists & Illustrators magazine. I am sure that you won’t be disappointed.
Look after yourselves- and as always if you see me out and about say Hello - it’s always great to meet you all.
Lucy x