http://www.janharbon.com/index.php Copyright 2008, Jan Jan en-US SPHPBLOG 0.4.7.1 http://www.janharbon.com/index.php?entry=entry080829-064041 I seem to have been going to Wisley forever - not true, but it is odd that a journey that becomes very familiar seems to become shorter. I suppose you don't have to think about the way so much. I hope it doesn't mean my mind wanders, because that wouldn't be a good thing to admit to on the A3!
Here are all the brilliant students at work. Really good to meet new people and catch up with those I've met at previous workshops. Everyone worked really hard and achieved a lot - we still had a jolly time though!


As usual,
I am amazed at the way everyone paints in such a different way. I know I shouldn't be after all this time, but it's like handwriting. Whatever is it that makes us do things differently? I can see that the way you hold a brush might change things, but I know it's more fundamental than that. Putting paint on, knowing what will happen if it's wet, dry, etc., that's experience to a great extent. Not entirely though - some beginners have an exuberent attitude and throw the water at the painting, and others will have a tentative approach. They might change with practice, but that underlying character trait will always be there and affect their style (I think both ways are excellent by the way! I envy one and sympathise with the other - my painting is not immune from my personality!). It really starts at the "seeing" bit I think. It makes me believe that what I'm seeing is the same as my neighbour but we're seeing it in a slightly different way. For a start, what do we think is most important to begin with? To some, the shape is priority, or how the object sits in it's surroundings, or is it the colour first for some? And it's not the same colour for all of us either. Yes, it may be yellow, but I might see it as having lots of red in it, and someone else may think it tends more to the green or blue. Ain't it fascinating?
I know of course that we do see colours differently, but to see it appear on paper somehow underlines it in a very striking way.
We know that men of course, see it all quite wrongly! I don't know how often Geoff and I used to bicker about blue-green versus green-blue. Doesn't seem to have occured recently that I remember, perhaps he's given up!

Anyway, the main thing is, everyone had a good result at the end of the day!








After clearing up, I went for a walk around the gardens, all the lovely August dahlias and red hot pokers etc. The cannas were vibrant. How lovely that they grow so well here. They still look exotic, but don't seem to have the alien feel of a few decades ago. (Gosh, that dates me). I remember seeing them first in bedding at Hampton Court in the late 1970's and being a bit uncomfortable with them in their surroundings.
I'd hoped to go into the glasshouse to see how it was developing, but it was closed when I got there. Looked like it was developing rapidly from what I could see through the doors though. On the route back to the Hillside Centre, I saw quite a flock of these Ring necked Parakeets. I hadn't realised that they had moved out of London this far. It seems however, they've been around longer than I thought when I looked it up - 1969 they were recorded breeding in the wild, and are now established as "class C exotics", whatever that is (common, I imagine). Anyway they do look alien still - unlike the cannas!]]> http://www.janharbon.com/index.php?entry=entry080829-064041 Jan Fri, 29 Aug 2008 06:40:41 GMT http://www.janharbon.com/index.php?entry=entry080822-064316 Well, it did most of the time anyway! A very busy show, with record numbers coming through the gate at Wisley - and all coming to the show at some point or another. The fuchsia growers were delighted with all the visitors, and they had put on a magnificent display of, it seemed, infinite varieties. I did get to see inside the marquee on the third day! It really was that busy! Because of the crowds, Wisley allowed people into the gardens early, so they were able to queue outside the marquee, which didn't open until 10.
As our stand was on the outside next to the main entrance, this made our opening times at least half an hour ahead, and then it was non stop until closing time. Which a lot of visitors will not have realised, did not end at 5.30pm, as we had 2 evening events.
Firstly "Music in the Garden" as part of the open garden scheme and then the "Good Housekeeping" event on Wednesday. Both were a bit damp (well, a lot damp on the second night). Geoff took this photo of a trio playing in the pretty pagoda structure by the lake, but there were musicians, bands, choirs all over the place. We could hardly get out the gates at the end for the crowd around the bagpipers playing everyone out.
I can't remenber how I ever used to manage these shows on my own. It's brilliant now Geoff comes with me.(here he is on right)
He's always set up the structure of the stands, and always, of course, he's done all the mounting and framing of pictures anyway. I hope it's nice for him to hear all the praise for his work directly now. It's great for me, although I'm still tired out by the end! Good night's sleep however, and I'm happy to get back on track in the studio today!





We gave out lots of invitations to the exhibition - I do hope some of the people come that expressed an interest, be nice to see them again.
It's Bank Holiday weekend - how quickly summer is disappearing, and the flowers with it! I always think summer comes in two parts really, as flowers are mostly divided between those that are early and those that come into their best in the last two weeks of August/early September. It's just the way I see it, but I always think of the earlier ones as being fragile and brightly lit types, and the later as being robust, hot and passionate. That's how I feel like painting them anyway. And once it's in my mind, it's quite difficult to bring a delicate touch to flowers that I know need it, like fuchsias. So it's a bit of a battle. But what isn't!
The struggle(!), continues next week, with a workshop back at Wisley - be nice if the weatrher stays good for that too.]]> http://www.janharbon.com/index.php?entry=entry080822-064316 Jan Fri, 22 Aug 2008 06:43:16 GMT http://www.janharbon.com/index.php?entry=entry080815-060726 Wisley Flower Show coming up next week - the weather might just brighten up! See events
It's so like Autumn in the morning and evening here. You can see your breath it's so chilly - but without the autumn tints. Very odd. I know everyone says the sun always shone when we were young, but it is strange to see weather altering within more recent memory.
The picture on the left I started about 10years or more ago!
We had a an inexplicable rash of poppy fields in the neighbourhood. It even made the local paper! Some elderly locals could just about remember it happening before, and it hasn't happened since. It was really , really extraordinary to see field after field of scarlet. I'm not sure if anyone has satisfactorily explained the exact conditions required for the phenomenum, but poppy seeds can last for centuries. I'm not sure if it's just one of those 'tales', but I remember reading that seeds found in Egyptian tombs were capable of germinating. Hope for the future of botany if not the human race then!
I'm hoping to get the newsletter out by email before I go to Wisley - it is written, but I have to master something called 'mail merge' first! I have help.........]]> http://www.janharbon.com/index.php?entry=entry080815-060726 Jan Fri, 15 Aug 2008 06:07:26 GMT http://www.janharbon.com/index.php?entry=entry080810-143833 Well I'm getting a bit messy this week with pastels. It's made me realise how often I rub my eyes since I quite startled my son Tom. He thought I had black eyes, but it was merely the pastel dust, truly! I have to remember to check the mirror before I go shopping.
I don't think I want to attempt flowers in pastel. There's just something that I like about using them for landscape though. In fact, I'd say watercolour for flowers, pastel for landscape and oil for abstract. For me that's it most of the time.
Some of my landscapes are semi-abstract however - I'm particularly fond of the sort of striations you get in cliffs. Very satisfying shapes in cliffs and boulders.

I'm a bit impatient to get back to the flowers now of course.(Really, is there no pleasing me), but the studio is so messy with the pastel that I'm reluctant to clear up before I've done another couple more paintings that I have in my head. Meanwhile we are getting ready for the RHS Wisley Flower Show in a couple of weeks time. (See Events for info.)
I do hope the weather stops being so wet before then. It's all so wearing to cope with dripping brollies and stuff. More for the public than me - I'm safe in my covered stand. I'm looking forward to it anyway, it's always good to get out there with the designs and see which ones are the most successful this year!
If only I knew - it's never the same ones as the last time......]]> http://www.janharbon.com/index.php?entry=entry080810-143833 Jan Sun, 10 Aug 2008 14:38:33 GMT http://www.janharbon.com/index.php?entry=entry080731-061501 Not a romantic interlude, the title of a CD! I've just finished the cover, it's for a compilation of poems, letters, recollections etc., of Edward Thomas, the war poet who lived locally in Steep near Petersfield. The poems are really lovely, and since he wasn't a "battle" poet, the illustrations are to do with the countryside around here. I first did the painting on the right, then extracted what was required for the cover shown on the left.
Chris Brown editor of the "School Librarian" has produced the CD, it will be available in Autumn, from the Edward Thomas trust, although contact me if you want to know more, as I don't think there is any more info. at present.
Actually, this is quite a good example of photoshop techniques! The painting, which will be a Limited Edition print as well, I manipulated and cut about until I had the right arrangement for the CD. I think there are about 20 layers there altogether. When I first started work illustrating, I would have had to literally cut and paste, with gum solution, and even so, it would be unlikely to be so colourful, as colour printing was an expensive affair. Just how revolutionary the computer, not to mention photoshop has made the business of preparing for print is astounding if I stop to think about it.
Looking for something in an old portfolio, I found a job from the 70's - it had three overlays, where I had separated the colour out ready for silkscreen. All in pen and ink of course. Black & white illustrations are a bit of a novelty at the moment - but I still think of myself as an illustrator in that medium in spite of the fact that I haven't done any for some time. It became very undesirable because colour was the exciting new thing. I remember what a buzz was around when (Times or the Telegraph?) the first Sunday colour supplement came out. It seemed so extravagant!
I'm hoping to include some pen & ink for the exhibition. I'm quite often asked if I use a pen and coloured ink for some of the work I do now, but in fact no, it's all brush and watercolour. History will out though, and that's what's made me paint the way I do.
EXCEPT! I'm just doing some pastels this week. Just for a change! I had to have a little holiday from flowers, although goodness, not the right time of year to ignore flora!
More next week!]]> http://www.janharbon.com/index.php?entry=entry080731-061501 Jan Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:15:01 GMT http://www.janharbon.com/index.php?entry=entry080718-173456 Well here are the iris on the left, accompanied by the chief critic. I could even say armchair critic, as she and I tussle all day about who this chair belongs to. Anyway she has her uses as she does give scale to the photograph.
I would like those of you that know how much I loathe stretching paper, that in spite of using a heavyweight Bockingford, I did actually stretch this. I even had to buy some thick MDF for the purpose as Geoff hadn't got any. This is unheard of in this builder's family - I can rely on him to have an adequate supply of whatever I could possibly need as a rule. I did originally stretch the poppies shown on right with my usual thinner MDF, but it ended up like a banana. Geoff to the rescue with bits of wood and screws and stuff. Looks flat now!
I have one more large one to do like these, but I have to say I've returned to my comfort zone for a week to do some smaller pictures that have a more pressing deadline. I'm happy now!
Mid week, friend Jan and I had a day out in Guildford to see the Peter Blake ABC exhibition and hear a lunchtime lecture about the artist and his pictures. Guildford House is such a lovely old place, and we had a very good lunch in the courtyard there. I've said this before about similar venues, most recently the Allen Gallery Alton: Who could really choose Starbucks etc if they knew about these places?
We also stopped off at the Guildford Arts exhibition at the Yvonne Arnaud theatre. As it is every year, work from a great mix of artists and sculptors. What I like about it is the balance between paintings by local artists that visitors may well be familiar with, and those that are from farther afield. Opportunities of seeing their work probably unlikely except in London and where they live themselves.
I've gathered that the fuscia society will provide the competition at Wisley this year. So I will have to prepare myself for saying no, I don't have a fuscia card at the moment. I will make up for it by having a L/Ed print or two ready instead. A fuscia card would be good, but I can't produce one in the current range. I think I will next print run though, as the two images including fuscias done previously always sold out quickly. So why it hasn't occured to me before to do it I don't know. Always the same -too many flowers not enough time... ]]> http://www.janharbon.com/index.php?entry=entry080718-173456 Jan Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:34:56 GMT http://www.janharbon.com/index.php?entry=entry080712-074430 Meanwhile I'll say about the 2009 calendar. We sold all we had taken to Chelsea (and all that Geoff packed while we were there too), and we now have the next batch ready to go. There has been a good take up from those we supply with cards, so I can see that by the time the exhibition finishes in October, I may just be out. Which is, of course what we would like! However, having spoken of the trials and tribulations in getting it prepared, I should at least offer it online. The mini calendar is 9.5 x 9.5cm (size of a mini disc case). Cost is £5, and p&p is £1. If several are ordered, postage increases by 35p a time.
I am just sorting out workshops and so on for 2009 too - but I will get a newsletter out shortly with all the information about the exhibition workshops and activities, and hope to have early next years info there too. Those with email of course get it sooner. I did say last year that my list had grown so much that I was having to keep it to emails, but those who don't have access to the internet I will continue to post information to. (Although I guess if you're reading this, it won't by definition, matter to you!- unless you've changed your e-address in which case, it will be one of the many "failed" deliveries I get every time I send info. out! Want to tell me something?!)


Good news - it's stopped raining - hope it's sunny where you are!

MINI DESK CALENDAR...........£5 +£1 p&p

]]> http://www.janharbon.com/index.php?entry=entry080712-074430 Jan Sat, 12 Jul 2008 07:44:30 GMT http://www.janharbon.com/index.php?entry=entry080630-162650 Almost blessed with good weather over the weekend of the Unusual Plant Fair at Gilbert White's House! Some showers on the Saturday and lots of wind on Sunday! Not a washout though I'm pleased to say.
The weekend just gone was spent doing two workshops at separate venues. I think people who like flowers must be special. Always a smile and really good to get on with. I don't know if landscape painters are like it - perhaps it's just painters generally?
Anyway, I enjoyed both workshops, and I was made very welcome at both.
The "Fantasy" tulip was a new painting made into a canvas limited edition print ready for Chelsea, as part of a trio of tulips. I couldn't believe that Tesco were still selling tulips this week. It just seems very odd, and much more unsettling than selling fruit & veg out of season. I suppose we have become accustomed to seeing that. I do try not to go along with it though. (Excepting salad I'm afraid).
July tomorrow, and I'm going to do nothing but paint for 4 weeks. I may make some way to filling the blank walls that I can see at the Allen Gallery (All in my mind's eye of course - other exhibitions are progressing there very satisfactorily now that all the refurbishments there are complete. Really good place for a coffee in Alton by the way. Lovely garden too.)
I make lists of paintings/subjects. Not sure if it helps, but there is an illusion of achievment when I can tick something off!

]]> http://www.janharbon.com/index.php?entry=entry080630-162650 Jan Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:26:50 GMT http://www.janharbon.com/index.php?entry=entry080623-200505 Well it may not be everyone's idea of a day out, but I really enjoyed seeing the results of Cans Festival in Leake Street, Waterloo. Organised by the redoubtable Banksy, the sculptures had gone, but the wall art remained. These boys are so talented. The first image is by Blek le Rat, the French graffiti stencilist. He's now (almost?) an establishment figure in France, and a bit of a ground breaking figure I understand. The Banksy image on the right is one of the wry stories that he tells so well. He did three paintings, but I liked this the most.
There was a great variety of styles- the artists did come from all over the world- I would have liked to have seen them all working around one another. There is a rather disjointed film on YouTube, although the Cans Festival Director's Cut gives a good summary.
The faces by Vhils are so clever. I know a power tool was used to etch out the bricks, but such planning. What with the dust and all the the paint spray it must have been a fairly unhealthy atmosphere in that tunnel.The photo on the left is of the end of the tunnel, where one and all could join in.
(No I didn't, not enough practice you see).










I then, just for a contrast(!) went to Park Walk Gallery in Chelsea to see the Rosie Sanders exhibition, which was very interesting. I had seen some of the work on the website, but it made such a difference to look at it in reality. I did enjoy looking at it, although as ever, I wonder if I spend more time looking at how artists do things than just taking pleasure. Perhaps it could be said that by examining things in an analytic way I'm heightening my enjoyment. I don't know whether that's true or not. Certainly I did the same thing at the Tate Britain "Drawn from the Collection". Lots of lovely drawings. I try to be positive about everything I see but I find Tracey Emin "difficult". I don't actually want to share her experience.
Anyway, I found most of it just wonderful. I went to the Tate particularly to see the William Blake collection. It was of course lovely to be able to see it together with the books and helpful commentary. I can't see now why I was so impassioned with his work when I was sixteen. I can only suppose that I must have had my dark and gloomy teenage art angst around then. Couldn't describe it as cheerful!

My next day out was altogether more leisurely and equally enjoyable. I met my schoolfriend Jenny, and we visited the Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy, along with several extremely civilised and lengthy breaks for coffee, cake and chats. Well the cakes were pretty good and overall we thought the exhibition was too.
Easily identifiable favourites among the Royal Academicians, and quite a bit I had no idea what to make of. I need educating. I'm quite willing, but I don't know if I'll manage to ever find the self absorbtion of Tracey Emin...well, anything other than that? If people can draw, why don't they?]]> http://www.janharbon.com/index.php?entry=entry080623-200505 Jan Mon, 23 Jun 2008 20:05:05 GMT http://www.janharbon.com/index.php?entry=entry080614-210553 I should never say I'm aiming to do something - it always goes awry! Hence I shan't do the Gilbert White's garden picture in time for the Unusual Plant Fair (see Events page), I decided to have a few days off instead and go to London next week and see some exhibitions. I've convinced myself that it will do me good! Also meeting my best friend from schooldays, who is shortly to start her art degree. (She's already had one busy career as a midwife and nurse, not to mention mother of three). There's achievment.
I've been out and about this week delivering stock and paintings, and also stewarding at Mottisfont for the Society of Floral Painters. It's a lovely exhibition and still on for a few more days. I was just going to pop into the Rose Garden, but it's simply impossible to leave it at that. The roses are so beautiful, and the scent is wonderful. Time just stands still.
The picture above has been in the exhibition, now sold, it completes the seasons in the "collection" range. See limited editions
Bit sad completing a set - because I always think, oh, I could say some more, but then all the ideas go back in the bulldog clips for another time. At least, I hope nothing ever doesn't get used. It always seems so important when I first get it down. (Probably seem very silly ideas a year later if I come across them in truth. If not, they might get done!)
]]> http://www.janharbon.com/index.php?entry=entry080614-210553 Jan Sat, 14 Jun 2008 21:05:53 GMT