Help! I Have No Room!

As we go through life we accumulate pieces of artwork from all kinds of places. Some is inherited, some is gifted, some is impulse bought and some is carefully chosen and deliberated over...

Have you ever thought how different your home would look if you took down all of your art and started again?

You know straight away that there are some pieces you would never get rid of, and also some that you may take down but still keep, safely wrapped up for another time. Perhaps even loan them out to family :)

You look at what's left and decide what to put where... you'd be surprised how different a piece looks in different light, or on a different wall...

All of a sudden you're back in control, you have those pieces that mean the most in prominent sight, and you have space... room for something new, a piece that you have looked at and loved but felt unjustified in buying because you already had so much...

Life is short... Look at your house with fresh eyes, look at your art with new critique, allow yourself to break old moulds and try something new...

After all... Variety is the Spice of Life!

Are You Twitterpated?

Facebook or Twitter?

Most of us love one and hate the other and yet here we are, spending (according to some reports) over 2 hours per day on social media!

As an individual you can choose whether to get involved and how much time to spend on it...

As an Independent Business, social media is pretty essential! It gives a relatively simple and effectively free way to promote yourself.

Setting up a Facebook Page and a Twitter profile is quite straightforward... but what next? 

What do you say? 

How do you say it? 

Can you really say something interesting in only 140 characters?

YES You Can!

One way to use both mediums effectively when you don't have time to master both is to LINK your accounts. You can make the link work in either direction but not at the same time. If you like Facebook, have an automatic link to Twitter, if you prefer Twitter, link it the other way :)

Facebook is quite easy to update with a simple status, a photo from your smart phone, a link from your website but when it comes to squashing all that into 140 characters then a kind of panic sets in... but when you link your accounts then a Facebook post will automatically tweet the same thing for you!

SIMPLES!

Linking your Facebook Page to your Twitter profile is easy - click this link to see how!

https://www.facebook.com/twitter/

Now go and do some Facebooking on your page and watch how your Twitter account suddenly gets busy too!

On The Bench (A Pocklington Poem)

The bench it is quite welcome

For many in this town,

For visitors and locals

There’s folk from all around! 

‘Rest your weary legs’ It calls, 

In solid wooden tones 

‘Don’t push on when you’ve far to go, 

You soon won’t be alone…’

People sit and stare awhile, 

Watching world pass by, 

Making conversation, 

With strangers by their side… 

Lovers sit and lose themselves, 

Arms draped round one another, 

Before they wander on again, 

And make room for another… 

Cyclists they love the bench, 

It gives them place to rest, 

As the daily challenge 

Of the Coast to Coast is pressed.

Dogs mostly sit beside the bench, 

(While owners drink their tea) 

Or sleep beneath its welcome shade, 

(The owners quietly read…) 

Tiny tots, with ice-creams, sit, 

Swinging tiny legs, 

While Mother waits with tissues, 

To wipe face despite protest! 

Sometimes bags and jumpers lie, 

Alone, unclaimed for days, 

Then quietly they disappear, 

As quickly as they came! 

The bench is like a time capsule, 

Where moments linger on… 

A place where you can rest your soul, 

Before you carry on… 

So when you come across a bench, 

Just like the one in Pock, 

Allow yourself a moment, 

To pause and just take stock… 

Life is busy, busy, 

With always lots to do, 

It’s easy just to pass on by, 

When STOP is what you should do… 

Come and visit Pocklington and enjoy all the town has to offer...

Original Prints? Original Thinking!

When an artist paints a picture it is called the 'original', we all know this.

When prints are made there can be two types: Open edition and limited edition. We just wanted to take a few moments to explain the difference for those who are new to all this :)

Open edition prints have no limit to how many can be printed. They just keep printing more and more for as long as the picture continues to sell. Open editions do not generally keep their value and most artists prefer a 'Limited Edition' .

A 'Limited Edition' Print run has a limited number of prints in the run (eg 50). Each print comes with a Certificate of Authenticity which states the number of prints made and guarantees that no more prints will be made. Limited edition prints often keep their value well and can go up in price depending upon demand.

Occasionally there are 'Artist proofs' or 'printers proofs' or some times even 'Hors de Commerce' pieces, These are basically an extra number of prints apart from the main run. In the olden days the first few prints weren't as good as the main run because of the setting up process of the printers press. These days all prints are just as good as the next and there is no difference. Having said that some people do find that they prefer the proof editions - although they aren't always available!

Welsh artist Kerry Darlington developed a new type of print called a 'Unique Edition'. These are limited in number but each one is hand finished with unique elements and is different to every other piece in the edition. It is a brilliant concept and has helped to make her work very collectable.

To see all of Kerry's available Unique Editions CLICK HERE!

Easels are Weasels!

Who would've known that there are so many types of easel? Small ones, large ones and in-between sized ones! Wooden ones, aluminium ones, heavy duty metal ones… Who would know that you could have an H-frame, a boxed easel or a tripod version?

When considering display options for our forthcoming event at Saltmarshe Hall John and I were looking for a more portable and stylish way of displaying the artwork. We considered a few options but the easel seemed the best way forward… We started looking for something suitable, it had to be tall, floor standing, sturdy and of course smart! They would need to be stored when not in use so compactability was a consideration too!

We have now looked at and considered the practicalities of so many easels that we really are almost experts! Anyway, after the random use of the word craft on a Google search we came across these beautiful ornate wrought iron easels.

Standing 1.8 m tall they look beautiful and seem very sturdy too! They fold flat when not in use and seem to fit the bill perfectly!

So we took the plunge and bought 15…

Art in the Marshe

Last night after work John and I took a drive over to Saltmarshe Hall near Howden. Kate and Roland who own the property popped into the gallery earlier this year and we had a very interesting conversation about the possibility of holding an art event at the hall.

Set in 17 acres of Parkland this magnificent Regency building was designed by Pritchett and Watson who were respected Yorkshire architects of the day. They were also responsible for the design of Rise Hall, also in East Yorkshire and owned by Sarah Beanie of Channel 4’s programme ‘Selling Houses’. In fact the two properties recommend each other when functions overlap so that guests can take advantage of a building with a similar design but catering for varying capacities.



Kate and Roland have quite a story behind them having moved from a terraced house in Clapham to this totally new way of life. Kate is the first to admit that it has been a very steep learning curve but the lifestyle change to this wonderful rural setting can only be a good thing for their three young children.

Since buying the property last year the couple have renovated a significant part of the main house although one entire wing, the former servants quarters, are still as they were in the 1930s having being left unused since that time.



In the early days of the project Kate brought in a colour expert from paint experts Farrow & Ball who was able to advise them on the best colours to show off the beauty in the hidden gem of a building.



Now beautifully painted throughout the venue is perfect for weddings and conferences and even though this is their first season the pair have an impressive 21 bookings so far!



A regular programme of events at Saltmarshe Hall has brought people from far and wide into the building allowing its new sense of identity to be advertised widely via word of mouth and Kate and Rolands idea of an art evening stems from existing interest in art and music in the area.

John and I have agreed to take a display of artwork to show on the evening of Friday, 25 April and the event will be open to anybody who is interested to look around the hall and visit the exhibition.

For more details please contact Diane at The Acorn Gallery on 01759 307652.

For enquiries about hiring Saltmarshe Hall for weddings, parties and other occasions please contact Kate Whyte on 01430 434920.

CHiPs and Fingers! A Technology Story...

Having recently ventured into the world of outside exhibitions we decided to invest in a mobile chip and pin machine. Quite a simple idea we thought - we couldn't imagine there would be so many alternatives!

The card processing companies each offer their own Bluetooth version of a handheld machine which you can rent for a small fortune on a month by month basis. Not great when we only need it sometimes!

We started looking for alternative options... and there are a wealth of new companies vying for this market (and that of small stall-holders who frequent craft fairs and farmers markets). This, apparently, is very much a growing industry!

We looked into several of them and found appeal in paying a one off fee to own the device in stead of a monthly fee to rent one. But there are several choices....

At this point I did what any self-respecting businesswoman would do... I turned to the internet forums to see what suggestions and recommendations were offered by those who had already taken this journey!

Aha! 'WORLDPAY' was the cry from the web! They are set up with all major card issuers (except American Express) and their device is almost half the price of some others! I scurried off to investigate!

Sure enough everything seemed so much more straight forward and the saving on the terminal whilst still keeping similar commission rates made it a no-brainer! The calculator-like number pad pairs up with an app on my iPhone and I merely type the amount and description on screen. The customer enters their pin and away we go... I didn't need much persuading!






It occurred to me that this wonderful machine had the potential to come in useful at other times too! Home Approvals for example! 

We are often asked to take a painting to a customers home so they can see it in situ before deciding to buy - this gadget would be perfect for such occasions!

On one of its' first outings however, my customer surprised me when he announced that he does alot of travelling and his account is held overseas therefore the chip and pin facility doesn't work in the UK! I had started with the transaction so I continued... not knowing what to expect... but instead of spitting out its dummy it merely asked my customer for a signature... on the screen of my iPhone!

Given the touchscreen nature of the phone my customer duly signed his name using his finger and (after I confirmed a match) the transaction was accepted! I typed in his email address and a receipt was emailed immediately! His phone acknowledged receipt of the email with a suitably satisfying ping!

We were both very impressed but even more so when the customer produced his own phone and showed me a confirmation from his bank that the funds had already been deducted and were winging their way to me! Remarkable!

Top Sellers .

And the Winner is...

Every year we like to tell you who has won our 'Little Acorns' Top Sellers Award, in other words, who has sold the most pieces in the last twelve months... the results are in:

IN FIRST PLACE: DANNY ABRAHAMS 

Danny has had another phenomenal year here at The Acorn Gallery! 

His exhibition in August was almost a sell-out and every week we are finding people who are just discovering his work for the first time! 

Danny is going from strength to strength and as one of his top selling galleries we are very proud to support him on his rise to greatness :)

..

IN SECOND PLACE: KERRY DARLINGTON 

After another incredible year Kerry has maintained very strong sales ! Kerry is one of the top artists in the UK and with the increase in her exposure these last few months we are sure the coming year will see her profile continue to grow :-)

..

IN THIRD PLACE: MACKENZIE THORPE 

This well loved artist has maintained a steady level of sales and with his recent Autumn releases we guess he may challenge for second or maybe even top spot!

..

IN JOINT FOURTH PLACE: LUCY PITTAWAY & KATY JADE DOBSON

 These ladies have had a fantastic year with us here at The Acorn Gallery and we are looking forward to seeing what 2017 brings for them and us!

IN JOINT FIFTH PLACE: ALEXANDER MILLAR & RAYFORD

These guys have had a great year here at The Acorn Gallery and we are very excited to see what fantastic new pieces will come from them in 2017 :-)

The Art of Storytelling

And so another chapter begins in the illustrious career of Welsh artist Kerry Darlington. Kerry's hauntingly beautiful artworks and stunning unique editions, with their high gloss resin finish, have made her work instantly recognisable!

Some pieces, like the breath-taking 'Ophelia' are desirable to the point where they now change hands for many times their original price.

So for this year, Kerry has released four superb new editions, with elements including stylised ice crystals and snowflakes which have yet again left us in awe of her creative abilities.  

The Snow Queen

'The Snow Queen' is resplendent in shimmering blue with her powerful polar bear companion. This image was inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia, written by CS Lewis, who believes that myths are not just stories but alternative histories to our own existence. 

The bear hibernates associating it with dreaming and offers a reminder that it is good to sometimes slow down and reserve our energy. The blackbird is a bird of high symbolism, a keeper of secrets who watches us as we learn to navigate the paths of light and dark...

The Call of the Trees

This stunning piece is covered in details from the winding trunk and magical gold leaves through to the beautifully painted animals. The roots reach down into the earth, enhanced by shimmering gold and silver highlights that sparkle as the light catches... 

Trees are the keepers of the Earth, providing shelter for animals and birds, running their roots deep into the soil to keep them strong. From ancient times the call of the trees has covered the earth with a mystical calm keeping us in tune with nature and helping us stop and catch our breath in this often mad world...

Flying Home

Kerry's motto is that she 'paints everything she can't see and a little of what she can'. The fairy folk feature strongly in many of her works and this piece is no exception. The immaculate presentation and attention to detail is incredible, 

Romeo and Juliet

Shakespeare's tale of the star-crossed lovers is the subject of this final piece, with a stunning array of swirling colourful galaxies and bright shining stars... 

 Who is to know which will be the next Ophelia...?

NEW ARTIST MrGo is the Go To Man of the Moment!

MrGo is the intriguing name of the latest addition to the Acorn stable! Hailing from the south of England and now living and working in the busy metropolitan hub of our capital city, MrGo has found his way on a journey which has taken him right through school and university and several jobs before he finally found his calling...

His exciting Debut Collection, launched through the innovative Wishbone Publishing, has a varied theme but each piece has something to intrigue us... 

'Love You to Death'
£295

'Love You to Death' is bold and striking and the contrast of the 'happily ever after' pretty pink roses contrasts with the dark skull... the normality of the light 'sky' compared to the dark patterned 'underground' really makes you look harder and yet what might first repel you now draws you in and intrigues you still further...

'We All Scream'
£295

The photo-realistic quality of 'We All Scream' is stunning, created with a digital painting programme and every stroke done by hand... the deliciousness of strawberry, raspberry, dark cherry and vanilla is all too obvious from the luscious red lips but is this a reminder that we indulge all too often and the scream surrounding the chocolate flake is maybe the helplessness we all feel when faced with the inevitable dilemma of the local ice-cream parlour...  

'Bang' Gold-Leaf Edition
£295

The farsical use of a gun which fires a 'BANG' flag from the end is well known in comedic circles but imagine it pink with a half peeled banana for its grip and suddenly the laughter is almost hesitant as we wonder why the clash of shapes and colour... the addition of gold-leaf on the wording of this very limited edition adds class and a certain 'je ne sais quoi'... intriguing... 

'Great Escape - Acquiesce'
£295

From the photo-realistic to the cartoon-like, MrGo has shown us the width and breadth of his talent but yet there is still more... In the 'Great Escape' series 'Acquiesce', 'Empire' and 'Shine On' MrGo shows us he is also an incredibly talented figurative artist with a clear natural ability to draw...

The ten pieces in this edition are all limited to just 25 or 45 pieces each and with the ultra-keen prices of this debut collection we are sure to see a fantastic response to the opening song of this most impressive young man!