A Zodiac of Painters Following on from last week’s art theme, I am looking at various artists representing their Sun signs.  The next two weeks will be taken up with Wimbledon blog season!  Does the painter depicted under your Sun sign resonate with you, or do they push your buttons, I wonder…? Aries – Vincent […]

Categories: Art

David Hockney (1937 – 2026) “Art is not just a luxury or a self-contained activity.  It has a profound influence on other aspects of our lives…” ~ David Hockney David Hockney is our national treasure artist.  His work is something everyone can enjoy.  He passed away last Thursday, but will be forever in our hearts. […]

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The Rivals Exhibition, Tate Britain The new exhibition highlights the rivalry and contrasting personalities of contemporary artists Joseph Mallord William Turner and John Constable, who lived in the 18th and 19th Century. J.M.W. Turner (1775 – 1851) “He was a genius of the first order—far the greatest painter that England has ever produced…” ~ Kenneth […]

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Jack Vettriano (1951 – 2025) “I have what I want and that is the support of the public and that means far more to me than the approval of a bunch of well-educated art buffs” ~ Jack Vettriano It was reported this week that the controversial and self-taught artist Jack Vettriano died at his home […]

Categories: Art · Obituary

Me Me Me It was my 74th birthday on Friday, and it seems to be my turn to be under the astrological spotlight! Last Sunday evening, I discovered that I had correctly predicted the finalists for this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing, from weeks back. On my actual birthday, I visited the David Hockney […]

Categories: Art · Astrology · Book Review

Banksy “To uphold maritime law and rescue anyone in peril without prejudice…We answer the SOS call of all those in distress, not just to save their souls – but our own “. ~ Mission statement of the “Louise Michel” This week the artist Banksy privately funded a rescue boat to help save refugees in the […]

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William Blake “To see a World in a Grain of Sand And a Heaven in a Wild Flower Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand And Eternity in an hour” ~ William Blake, from the Songs of Innocence and Experience Exhibition Last week I went to see the William Blake exhibition at Tate Britain, […]

Categories: Art

Fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld died last week, from complications of pancreatic cancer.  He certainly created a unique and unforgettable style and image for his own person, as well as the creativity in his work, and continuing the line set by Coco Chanel.  In the Guardian Obituary by Veronica Horwell, she says “He had a genius […]

Categories: Art · Obituary

“The Pre-Raphaelites – Lizzie Siddal” This is the fourth in my series about the Pre-Raphaelites.  In no particular order, the others are:- 11/9/2009: “The Pre-Raphaelites – A Soul Group” 14/10/2012: “The Pre-Raphaelites – John Ruskin” 12/1/2013: “The Pre-Raphaelites – Dante Gabriel Rossetti” As you can see, the last one was four years ago!  But I […]

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Vincent Van Gogh “But I could have told you, Vincent, This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you” ~ Don McLean Searching for alternative viewing from the Olympics last night, I settled into a fascinating investigation of the truth behind the tale of Vincent Van Gogh’s ear on BBC 2.  This also […]

Categories: Art