In Memory of Bella

A sad goodbye to our beautiful Bella

We sadly had to put our beautiful girl, my studio companion, to sleep this month. It was totally unexpected and happened so quickly. We are all heartbroken as she was a big part of the family. Anyone that visited the studio over the last 10 years will know her as our noisy one, but always happy to see people. Our other retriever Beau is a bit lost without her, but he is getting plenty of walks and cuddles. My painting trips won’t be the same without her. She was at her happiest at the beach - a bit like me!

Exhibitions

STRATHEARN GALLERY

February has been a busy month in the studio. I have been completing and framing new paintings for several exhibitions. First delivery of paintings this month was for the Strathearn Gallery in Crieff. Their Spring Exhibition is now open with a large variety of contemporary Scottish Art.

“Hebridean Rest” by Emma S Davis RSW PAI. Oil on linen. 12” x 12”. Click on the image to be taken to Strathearn Gallery website.

DARRYL NANTAIS

I also had the perfect excuse for a wee trip to Auchterarder to drop off paintings to the Darryl Nantais Gallery. They have 2 galleries - one in Auchterarder and the other is in Linton, Cambridgeshire. I delivered work for both galleries and new work for the Fresh Art Fair in Cheltenham which opens in April. Darryl Nantais Gallery will be representing me at the art fair under their travelling name ‘Linton 59’. That was a good trip with 3 galleries/exhibitions stocked up in one go!

“St Monans” by Emma S Davis RSW PAI. Oil on linen. 12” x 12”. Click on the image to be taken to Darryl Nantais Gallery website.

SCOTLANDART

Next gallery was closer to home with a wee trip to Glasgow to drop-off new pieces to Scotland Art. The new pieces are available in their Bath Street Gallery and online too.

“Loch Lomond Sunset” by Emma S Davis RSW PAI. Oil on linen. 24” x 24”. Click on the image to be taken to Scotlandart.com website.

EDUARDO ALESSANDRO STUDIOS

Another nice trip was to Broughty Ferry to deliver still life work to Eduardo Alessandro Studios. Their still life exhibition opens early March. This gallery also have a large collection of limited edition prints and ceramic tiles available all year round.

“Pink Peonies And Eucalyptus” by Emma S Davis RSW PAI. Mixed media and oil on board. 26” x 22”. Click on the image to be taken to Eduardo Alessandro Studios website.

ARRAN ART GALLERY

Unfortunately the delivery to Arran Art Gallery wasn’t by me! I would have loved a trip to Arran - maybe next month. They have a collection of original work and a selection of prints available too.

“Summer Memories, Whiting Bay” by Emma S Davis RSW PAI. Oil on linen. 18”x 18”. Click on the image to be taken to Arran Art Gallery website.

SEAGULL GALLERY

A short drive to the Seagull Gallery in Gourock next, to drop off some new paintings. There is also a selection of my prints and framed ceramic tiles on display here too.

“No Place Like Home” by Emma S Davis RSW PAI. Oil on board. 20” x 20”.

Commissions

BESPOKE ARTWORK

Work hasn’t been limited to exhibitions though! Several painting commissions have progressed this month, including an oil painting of Crail that became a special birthday gift. I have another 3 in the studio at different stages and will show these once they have been handed over to my clients. Each painting is of a place of meaning, which will bring a special connection to the client.

'“Crail Harbour” by Emma S Davis RSW PAI. Oil on board. 15” x 15”.

Private Collections

WASHINGTON DC, USA

I have a few collectors that have always bought from the studio over the years, I love keeping in touch with them and seeing photos of where my paintings are hanging. Many of them have become good friends over the years too.

This month I have sent off another piece to Washington DC, USA to a private collector that already owns many pieces of my work. They now have a little bit of Edinburgh to add to their collection. Below is just some of the pieces on display on her wall at home.

A glimpse into my studio life

NEW VIDEOS FROM MY STUDIO

I have been recording some videos this month so I can share a bit of studio life, my painting process and a closer look at the materials I use. I will also be recording some of the painting trips I go on to show my inspiration and thought process from sketches to final pieces. Let me know if there’s anything specific you’d like to see!

Trip to the art store

NEW MATERIALS

A wee trip to an art shop is always fun. Expensive, but fun! I treated myself to some new materials this month.

WATERCOLOUR AND OIL BRUSHES

Some lovely new watercolour and oil brushes - a mix of flat and round and some tiny little brushes for the little details.

PENS AND PENCILS

I now also have a new collection of pens and pencils. I needed pens for drawing and I always choose waterproof and fade proof pens of various size and colour.

MICHAEL HARDING OIL PAINTS

I do love Michael Harding oil paints - their colour collection is stunning and they have the best white! Yes, I do have a favourite white, is that weird?

LIQUITEX SPRAY PAINTS

I love Liquitex spray paint, which is a water based acrylic paint so it has no fumes like other traditional solvent based sprays. I’d recommend to always buy extra nozzles though, as no matter how hard you try, they will always clog! Nozzles can be bought in bulk online. These are good to use as a base coat for oil paintings.

TEAR-OFF PALLETTE

I like to use a tear off palette for the days that I am working in acrylics - bad I know, but I hate cleaning my palette every day. I do use a proper palette for my oils as they stay wet for some time and I don’t need to clean it so often!

Looking forward

NEW PRINTED PRODUCTS COMING SOON

With ongoing exhibitions, commissions and fresh materials to work with, I look forward to a creatively vibrant March. Look out for new additions of original paintings in next month’s blog and I’ve been requesting some new samples of printed products, so will update you of these exciting new additions next month!