Country gents: New exhibition by Sutherland surrealist

Sutherland-based artist Mark Edwards  has another brilliant show at the Catto Gallery in Hampstead from October 2nd - 21st October .... His wonderful paintings depict scenes of men in great coats and bowler hats in snowy, wooded landscapes.  Working from a former shepherd's cottage, his "The White Wood" series has led him to being "described as a modern master of a very British form of surrealism".

The Catto Gallery in Hampstead, London, will exhibit 24 new original canvases from the series next month.

Edwards, who also illustrates books, said: "For me The White Wood is to do with silence, memory, separation and things that I still don't really understand, occasionally humorous yet sometimes disturbing.But where I once felt uncomfortable and tense, now I'm far more at home with the surreal and intangible"

Edwards studied fine art at London's Medway Art College and then Walthamstow College of Art in the 1960s. He then moved north to the rundown property on the shores of Loch Hope.

Alongside his painting, he worked as a gillie on the neighbouring Duke of Westminster estate, but  stopped in 2007 and began creating art from which The White Wood series emerged.

 Edwards now paints from his remote studio in a cottage in Sutherland.

Read this article on Creative Review www.creativereview.co.uk/cr-blog/2014/october/enigmatic-paintings-by-mark-edwards-on-show-at-catto-gallery

Mark Edwards is represented by www.artistpartners.com

A guide to commissioning: from brief to contract by Caroline Thomson 13.30 – 15.00, Wednesday 19 November

Call for entries – The Prize for Illustration 2015 – 4 weeks left to enter!

The Association of Illustrators (AOI) in partnership with London Transport Museum is delighted to announce that submissions are now welcome for The Prize for Illustration 2015. This year the theme is London Places and Spaces.

London has inspired countless great works of art, each reflecting aspects of the City?s unique character and qualities. The Prize for Illustration 2015 looks to continue this tradition by taking the theme of London Places and Spaces and invites submissions from illustrators throughout the world.

Each City space, however large or small, has its own distinct personality and uses, by all sorts of people for all sorts of activities. Grand scale architecture or wildlife oasis; internationally famous or local and secret; places for commerce, work, leisure and living. Contemporary architecture, historic treasures, and the vernacular; rivers,

Image by Erica Sturlareservoirs and wetlands. Imaginary or real, past or present, the only essential element is London.

The aim of The Prize for Illustration 2015 competition is to attract artwork for display that is colourful, inspiring and celebrates a vibrant, multi-layered London. Entrants are invited to visually capture an iconic or lesser known place in a single image. We want to see the quiet and contemplative to the crowded and loud, the imaginary or real to the past or present. Any place or space that is part of this amazing City and how we use it is welcome – your imagination is the limit.

Impress the jury with your illustrated interpretation of a London place or space and be in with a chance of having your work displayed at the famous London Transport Museum and winning the top prize.

Prizes will be awarded in three levels: First prize: £2000 and display of the winning image on a London Transport Museum poster Second prize: £1000 Third prize: £750

There is also the possibility that your shortlisted image will be featured on merchandise sold in London Transport Museum?s shop.

The competition is open to illustrators and students of illustration throughout the world. The top 100 entries selected by a panel of judges will be displayed in an exhibition at London Transport Museum that will open from May and run until August 2015. The winners will be announced at a private award ceremony that will take place in early May 2015.

The deadline for entry to The Prize for Illustration 2015 competition is the 28th September 2014.

For Terms and Conditions please contact the AOI   info@theaoi.com 

The Illustrators Guide to Business , event Hosted by the AOI

The Illustrators Guide to Business

Wednesday 30 April 2014, 10.00-16.30
Thursday 1 May 2014, 10.00-16.30

The Courtauld Institute of Art, Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 0RN

The essential two-day course organised by the AOI and taught by specialists will give you the business skills to succeed as a professional illustrator.

This intensive course has been put together to help any illustrator acquire the knowledge and critical skills crucial to building a successful career. Structured to be both comprehensive and manageable, each session is tailored to provide an essential step-by-step guide to a successful freelance career. It is also an exciting opportunity to meet with peers and get indispensable practical advice and support from industry experts. So stay ahead of the competition, increase your confidence and develop your strategy for the future.

Non Members £60 per day, £110 for both days
Students, AOI & SCWBI Members £50 per day, £90 for both days !
Advanced booking recommended call 020 7759 1015 to pay by credit or debit card.

For more information contact https://www.theaoi.com/
Attendees of the course are eligible to receive 20% discount on full price day tickets to Pick Me Up: Graphic Arts Festival at Somerset House taking place 24 April – 5 May 2014.

“Head to Head” event organised by the AOI

What is working life like for successful illustrators in the 21st Century? What issues are they dealing with? Come and find out

6-9pm 10 November 2010 Central London
Association of Illustrators Members £22, Others £26

This Head to Head event presents well known illustrators Jenny Bowers (Peepshow) and Garry Parsons, who create imagery for a broad spectrum of high profile commissioners, including editorial, children’s books, broadcasting and design.
They will be talking about their work, careers, motivations, and how they find work. The evening also includes discussions moderated by Rod Hunt, covering a range of topics, including, Have you compromised your ethics for money? Do you feel the need to adapt for the future? How do you deal with clients, and other issues raised from the audience.

https://www.theaoi.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=239&Itemid=47