Saturday 23 November 2013

Eynsham is waiting for you!

We are open

Eynsham's artists are open for business from 11am to 5pm today! Come along and see our latest wonderful creations. With so much variety of original work on offer and with such warm welcomes from all the artists, we feel sure you'll be delighted with what you find.

Here's where we all are.

Wednesday 13 November 2013

Minster Lovell in snow

Minster Lovell in snow - Eric White
Pastels are not an easy medium to master, but Eynsham painter Eric White makes it look as effortless as breathing. His pastel paintings of snow scenes are especially magical. Here he describes a snowbound quest to paint the ruins of Minster Lovell (pictured right).

"Having painted the ruins at Minster Lovell in all weathers I wanted to complete the set by depicting the scene shrouded in snow. So when, a couple of years or so ago, the opportunity arose to set out with sketch book and camera with Oxfordshire in the grip of freezing temperatures and a heavy fall of snow, I headed off west along the A40.

"Snow transforms and somehow enhances everything  with its change of light and softening of edges. Minster Lovell was my final stop along the Windrush valley as I rattled off a few dozen photos and quick sketches. The cold there was intense. The water in my drinking bottle was solid ice.  This would have to be a quick stop as there was only so much daylight left. Mission accomplished, I was back in the car and heading off in the direction of Asthall as I could not see me getting up the hill out of Minster back to the main road, such were the icy conditions. However, I had not foreseen that the road out of Asthall would cause me so many problems too. I made four or five attempts before I was beaten by the ice and had to travel home via Burford.

"The painting that resulted from this little adventure shows that it was all worthwhile in the end; a happy ending to a foray into the icy depths of Oxfordshire in winter."

Eric will be exhibiting on 23 and 24 November at 28 Mill Street, Eynsham, OX29 4JS. 





Monday 11 November 2013

Hand-drawn map of Oxford

Jane Tomlinson has been mapping again. For nine weeks this summer she abandoned her paints and colourbox to concentrate on drawing her sixth 'portrait' map of Oxford's historic heart.

Jane says: "My maps occupy a quirky hinterland between 'folkish' homespun cartography and artistic endeavour. They a
re entirely subjective, yet you can still use them to navigate your way around a place."


They show not only roads, topography and geographical features, but also history, local characters, individual buildings, activities, nature, famous people, weird facts. 

The original drawing of the map of Oxford will be on public display for the first time in Eynsham on 23 and 24 November at 18 Newland Close, OX29 4LE where copies will be available for sale.

Jane started drawing maps of Oxfordshire villages 3 years ago by accident. She began by doodling a map of Eynsham to help a visitor find her way around. It grew organically into something rather more epic! The villages and towns Jane chooses to draw all have a personal emotional resonance she lives in EYNSHAM, used to live in STANTON HARCOURT (where she still has family) and got married in WOODSTOCK (she still has family there, too.)

Jane calls them her 'love letters' to the places depicted. In recent years she has drawn AVEBURY in Wiltshire and STRATFORD-UPON-AVON where she was born and grew up. The map of Oxford's historic heart concludes the 'love letter' series.

"People have responded to my maps very positively" says Jane. "I think it may be because we are all so used to the dry objectivity of Google maps, satnavs and road atlases that people like to see places interpreted in a different way - in my case with personality and love (and a dash of humour).  Collectively, the maps form the story of my life, but the things I have drawn will chime with everyone."

All six of Jane's maps have recently been acquired by Oxford's Bodleian library which is clearly shown on her Oxford map.

Find out more about all Jane's maps 

Buy a copy of the Oxford map

Friday 8 November 2013

Gorgeous jewellery from Joanna Ripley

Joanna Ripley will be displaying a wonderful collection of jewellery during the Artweekend in Eynsham. She's created a huge range of bracelets, earrings, necklaces and accessories - from smaller, more modest items to something 'standout'.

Jo says: "Please come and say hello and have a browse."  Preview what she has on offer at www.joannaripley.co.uk

Pictured is a handcarved Serpentine pendant and with freshwater pearl necklace - £80. A perfectly beautiful gift!