blog

November 2022 - Stour & Avon Article

12/04/2023

A HUGE thank you to author and journalist Lorraine Gibson for her brilliant write up about my Wimborne Square Christmas painting and new Christmas cards.
The Christmas cards were available locally at East Dorset Museum and Gullivers Bookshop.
(Original painting sold whilst still in progress)

New Stour & Avon Article: July 2022

09/08/2022

Big thanks to journalist Lorraine Gibson for her fantastic write up about my 'Painting the Town' Wimborne Calendar 2023 in the July 27th issue of The New Stour & Avon
... I'll be painting more of Wimborne's wonderful shopfronts just as soon as the heat cools off and my paints are pliable again!
Keep safe & cool, Ax

Carnival Flowers is Highly Commended in The Artist Magazine's Open Art

28/04/2022

Wonderful News!
My entry for this year's 'The Artist' Magazine Open Art Competition has been awarded Highly Commended by the judges :- )

'Carnival Flowers' will be be shown as part of the online exhibition at https://www.painters-online.co.uk/ from 10am on August 15, 2022.

Although not selected for the hanging exhibition which will be at Patchings Art Centre in Nottingham, this prestigious Art Competition attracts thousands of entries annually from national and international professional artists, so I am very proud and honoured that my local Wimborne painting has received this accolade from the judging panel.

You can vote for this painting, when the voting opens, in the 2022 People's Choice Awards.

A huge thank you for your support thus far, it's been absolutely amazing and is very, very much appreciated!
Ax

'The Artist' Magazine's Editor's Choice!

23/04/2022

Yayhoo!! My Oakley Butchers painting is this month's Editor's choice winner in The Artist magazine!
I am so chuffed, honoured & humbled - it has a whole page feature in the June 2022 edition, which is in the shops now.

Winifred's 1929 - end of lease

28/03/2022

It's very sad to see Winifred's leave the high street as their lease comes to an end.
They've epitomised the definition of community spirit by doing so much for charity and supporting small independent traders over the last year.
They will be very sorely missed.
Here's their last message on their facebook page:
''We didn’t want to leave empty windows so this seemed appropriate to support the community flags, we have also made a donation to the DEC Appeal.
Huge thank you to everyone for your support over the past year, it’s been amazing, goodbye for now''

The New Stour & Avon Magazine Write Up :- )

27/02/2022

I’ve been interviewed by local journalist and author Lorraine Gibson - and it’s out today in this fortnight’s issue of The New Stour & Avon Magazine!!
A very big thank you to Lorraine for seeing my art online and for writing such a great article about me and another big thank you to the magazine for giving me so much space in their publication too! :- )

Close-Up of 9-Up :- )

05/12/2021

Here's the festive versions of my shopfront paintings as a 9-up.
(I've been posting them on facebook and instagram if you'd like to see them without the use of a magnifying glass)
;- )

Big Frieze at Winifred's

05/12/2021

Winifred's Steve Reilly suggested I make festive versions of my shopfront series for display in his Christmas-themed shop windows.
So a bit of thinking later as to the best method to achieve this - the challenge was accepted!
It involved quite a bit of painting of additional Christmas Characters, but I am very happy to report that all the original paintings remain intact through overpainting onto acetate and digitally combining the images.
All the prints were then beautifully and professionally printed by local artist Cathy Cheyne. Grateful thanks to both of them for making it possible.

Window Painting at Winifred's 1929

06/11/2021

I was really honoured to be invited to paint some poppies on the windows of Winifred's 1929 to promote this year's poppy appeal.
Steve and his team are one of the local collection points selling poppies on behalf of the British Legion.
A big thank you to Steve for trusting me to do a good enough job and for all the lovely passers-by who gave me lots of encouragement and made supportive comments.
An especially huge thank you to the truly wonderful lady who gave me 20p at the carpark 'park and display' machine so that I could get a two hour ticket. You know who you are lovely lady xx

I am wondering if I can tick en plein air painting off my list of things to try before I am 85 and three quarters? It should count - after a false start, I was painting outside most of the time!
If you want to witness how the poppies really do look like stained glass windows when viewed from inside the shop, you will have to pop inside Winifred's and see for yourself!
As is traditional, I will conclude by telling you the poppies are acrylics on glass and that the panes are one metre wide.

'Dorset Art Weeks' Artist at Winifreds 1929

29/05/2021

I'm delighted to say that I am also a featured artist in Dorset Art Weeks with Dorset 2020 Art Society at Winifreds 1929 in Broadstone. They are offering 20% off all the artworks for the duration of Dorset Art Weeks (22 May - 6 June)

BTW: It really is true to say Winifreds 1929 have the perfect gift for anyone - check out their website to see some really cool upcycled furniture and seating!
Ax

'Dorset Art Weeks' Artist at Season's Green 2021

29/05/2021

I am delighted to say that I am a featured artist at Season's Green, Corfe Castle during Dorset Art Weeks (22 May - 6 June 2021) and beyond!
- click here to see my page on their website.
The following extract is taken from Season Green's facebook page:
''To celebrate #dorsetartweeks we thought we would share some of our favourite local artists with you. First up, Andrea Hook, whose bright florals and coastal scenes are painted in oils and acrylics with a palette knife. This gives them a wonderful texture which emphasises the bold use of colours. We've just listed some more of this award winning artists work online. As well as originals, we have cushions, coasters, cards and bags for sale.''

I’m an Azutura Artist :- )

20/04/2021

WOW! How exciting is this?
Azutura, the wall mural / wallpaper company are now stocking a selection of my wildflower and coastal images.

So if you’re feeling landlocked and you fancy a feature wall of ‘Harbourside’ in your lounge, or you want to see your conservatory blooming with a backdrop of ‘Jewel Border’ ...
here’s the link:
https://www.azutura.com/artists/artists/a-b-artists/andrea-hook

Personally, I’d love to see Jewel Border in a National Trust cafe (hint hint)
... just saying :- )
Ax

The Bumblebee Conservation Trust - Charity Auction Result :- )

28/12/2020

I'm delighted that my three donated lots to The Bumblebee Conservation Trust all sold and contributed nearly £100 to the total of £3,500 raised for this wonderful Bumblebee conservation charity.
It was very exciting to be a part of this and to see my bumblebee inspired cushions, tote and coasters fly off to new homes.
Thank you to everyone who helped to spread the word and who bought or placed a bid on any of the items.
Ax

Selected for ING Discerning Eye 2020: Exhibition Launch 19 November

16/11/2020

The public launch of the online exhibition and Prize Announcement is 7pm on Thursday 19 November.
Thereafter, the online exhibition continues until 31 December.

So thrilled to be a part of this prestigious art exhibition
A big thank you to ING Discerning Eye, Parker Harris and all the selectors.

Double Selection for ING Discerning Eye Exhibition!

22/10/2020

Unbelievably fantastic news!!
I've had BOTH of my submitted paintings accepted for the ING Discerning Eye Exhibition 2020 - which is normally held at the Mall Galleries, London but this year will be online.
This exhibition consists of smaller works which are chosen by six independently-acting selectors so that there are in effect six small exhibitions within the gallery. At this stage I have no idea who has/have selected my paintings for their section/s but I am completely blown away by my inclusion! The only stipulation is that at least 25% of the selected artworks must come from the Open Art submission, the rest are invited artists. Amazing!
I'll post more information when I have it, in the meantime I'm fully expecting a second email to say I've been selected by mistake!
The paintings are: 'Better With or Without?' and
'A Shadow of My Former Self'
ABOUT THE DISCERNING EYE
''The ING Discerning Eye is an educational charity, established in the UK in 1990, to encourage a wider understanding and appreciation of the visual arts and to stimulate debate about the place and purpose of art in our society, and the contribution each one of us can make to its development.
The Discerning Eye annual exhibition is a show of small works independently selected by six prominent figures from different areas of the art world: two artists (Dale Lewis, David Remfry RA), two collectors (Beverley Knight & Mervyn Metcalf) and two critics (Jo Baring, Tabish Khan).
Each section is hung separately to give each its own distinctive identity.
The impression emerges of six small exhibitions within the whole''

Empty Shop to Virtual Art Gallery : Update

29/08/2020

Just back from visiting Poole Quay and the Lower High Street.
I managed to get a very rare photo of me - in the Dorset sunshine next to my virtual paintings.
Wishing you a very enjoyable Bank Holiday, hope the sun is shining for you too!
A :- )

Empty Shop at Poole Quay Becomes 'Virtual' Art Gallery!

28/08/2020

A very HUGE thank you to Poole BID, and to all the businesses, agents and landlords who supported dressing this empty shop unit in Poole's lower High Street with some of my coastal images.
It was just completed in the last 24 hours, and I can't wait to see it for real!
A :- )

Winner of POL's 'Flowers & Grasses' Competition: July 2020

08/08/2020

Happy news! :- )
I’ve won Painters-Online's (Leisure Painter and The Artist magazine) ‘Flowers & Grasses’ monthly competition for July!
... the email said ‘it is a lovely, bright, cheerful painting - just what we all need at the moment’.

Thank you POL and Winsor & Newton for the vouchers!

#SoHappyICouldDoALittleDanceButNextDoorHaveGotTheBuildersIn-
AndTheyMightSeeMe!

SELECTED for The Artist and Leisure Painter TALP Open 2020!!

18/06/2020

Super, super happy to say that 'The Flower Stall' has been selected for 'The Artist Category' of the 'The Artist and Leisure Painter TALP Open 2020'!!

The full online exhibition will be shown at www.painters-online.co.uk from 10am on 9 July 2020, when the prize winners will also be announced!

Also online this year will be all the usual artist demos and events that are normally held Patchings Art Centre in Nottinghamshire.

So it will be an amazing event, and you are all invited to attend!
... I'm off to celebrate with a cup of tea (it's too early for cider which is the only bubbly we have in the house!)
Ax

Artist Insights Blog for Pegasus Art

23/05/2020

Following last month's win for my lockdown painting on the theme of Home for Artists & Illustrators Magazine, I've been invited to write a guest blog for Pegasus Art.
Click here to read it (opens in new window)
I think we covered everything in this blog - from the background story to this piece to motivation, favourite art materials and inspiring artists!
Thank you Pegasus Art for the opportunity :- )

Artwork of the Month - Artists & Illustrators Magazine: April 2020!

25/04/2020

WOW! So thrilled to get an email yesterday from Artists And Illustrators Magazine telling me I had won this month's painting competition on the theme of 'Home'!
I've won a fifty pound voucher to spend with Pegasus Art which is very timely as I'm continuing to paint in oils and really need some more fine brushes!
Very big thanks to Artists and Illustrators Magazine and to Pegasus Art! #overthemoon
Thank you for looking :- )

I've written a blog for Jackson's Art!

10/12/2019

EXCITING news! I've been invited to write a blog for Jackson's Art! (Oh my goodness me!)

Jackson's Art Supplies' Tegen Hager-Suart asked me to write a blog about the Belle Arti cotton canvas boards I use when painting my impasto acrylic and oil paintings.
The blog includes lots of detailed images of my floral and nature-inspired artworks which illustrate my painting process from start to finish.
It's been published (!) and you can read it here
Thank you for the opportunity Jackson's Art!

Buff-tailed Bumblebee published in Dorset Wildlife Trust's Magazine Winter 2019

10/12/2019

Just how far is this little bumblebee going to go?
Now it's popped up between the pages of Dorset Wildlife Trust's Winter Magazine!
Since painting this bee, and other pollinators, I have become a member of both the Dorset Wildlife Trust and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.
They are doing such great work to help save the plight of our wildlife and bees.

Bumblebee painting makes A&I Letters page! November 2019 issue.

09/10/2019

...so I emailed Artists And Illustrators Magazine to thank them for choosing my artwork as 'Artwork of the Month: July' and awarding me a £50 art supplies voucher from CASS ART...
and they have printed my email on their letters page in the November issue (out now)!!!
What a fantastic surprise!!
(so now I just need to thank my Mum for bringing me up to write thank you letters and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust for their id of the gorgeous buff-tailed bumblebee.)

SAA Catalogue & Paint Magazine double feature :- ) 1 of 2

11/09/2019

The SAA Paint magazine & Shop catalogue just landed on my doormat and some of my work features in both publications!
A detail from one of my wildflower paintings is in the Shop catalogue - illustrating the Liquitex heavy-body paints that I use in my painting-knife impasto paintings :- )
and .....

SAA Catalogue & Paint Magazine double feature :- ) 2 of 2

11/09/2019

'A Shadow of My Former Self' (self-portrait in oils on linen canvas) features in a self-portrait article inside the Paint magazine :- )
Feeling grateful
A big thank you SAA, much appreciated!

Exhibition News: Church House, Wimborne town centre, Dorset: August 11 - 18

06/08/2019

‘The Bathing Spot’ (dust-bath sparrows) and ‘In Clover’ (horse, cows and birds in the meadow) will be exhibited for sale.
Open 11 -18 August from 11am to 4pm daily.
This week is Margaret Hasted’s solo exhibition in the same venue - so why not visit twice!
All paintings in this exhibition are for sale, raising funds for LEAF charity.
Hope to see you there!
:- )

'Low Tide' wins Artists & Illustrators Magazine's Artwork of the Month!

10/07/2019

Really surprised and grateful to see 'Low Tide' win A&I Magazine's Artwork of the Month for July 2019.
A HUGE thank you to the editor Steve Pill and CASS Art for selecting this painting.
It means a lot to me that the figures in the painting are my family - although I may now owe them a meal out for being such painterly subjects and inspiring the painting in the first place! :- )

I'm in the SAA Catalogue!

16/03/2019

The SAA catalogue just landed on my doorstep, and I'm included as a featured artist on the Liquitex professional paint page! (page 34)
They chose 'Precious Metal' to illustrate the layering, water-colour style properties of the paint, but it is exactly the same paint which I use neat from the tube and applied with painting knives for my wildflower and coastal scenes.
With grateful thanks to the SAA for including me.

Dorset Wildflower & Coastal Stationery now at Kingston Lacy!

11/12/2018

Delighted to say that my Dorset Wildflower & Coastal Stationery can now be seen in Kingston Lacy's beautiful retail shop in the grounds of this beautiful Italian country mansion. It's the perfect time to visit right now as you will find the house adorned with decorations inspired by the women of the Bankes family. The gardens are open after dark so that you can enjoy enchanted illuminated walks and you can even visit Santa in the laundry! This house is simply stunning and the art treasures inside are equally as impressive too. Feeling very grateful :-)

Dorset Wildflower & Coastal Stationery selected as Local Artist Offer with the
National Trust, Dorset!

02/12/2018

#Overthemoon to say that my wildflower and coastal tins of blank greeting cards, hard cover lined notebooks and single cards, have been selected by the National Trust to be a local artist offer in their Dorset gift shops!
I delivered stock to Corfe Castle yesterday and the shop is looking beautiful!
All dressed for Christmas with the village lights switch-on later that evening.
Also available at Studland's Knoll Beach - if you prefer a coastal ramble before your Christmas browsing!
If you fancy shopping local and skipping the hassle of the online shop (and being out when they deliver) this year, these are two great places to start!
(Just saying...) :- )

Dorset Wildflower & Coastal Cushions are at Seasons Green, Corfe Castle

02/12/2018

Delighted to see my cushions @ Seasons Green in Corfe Castle.
This gorgeous 17th century gallery and artisan gift shop is well worth a visit when you're in Dorset.
Please be aware that this shop is at least twice as big as it appears from outside, so you may not be able to leave without working up an appetite and having to sample a traditional pub lunch in the village - or visiting the National Trust tearooms near by! :- )

Foundry Fifty Competition Win

11/11/2018

Delighted to be one of the winners in Foundry Fifty's stationery competition this Summer.
It gave me the opportunity to see how my painting knife paintings would look on A5 notebooks and printed tins of printed greeting cards.
Thank you Foundry Fifty and Artist & Illustrators' Magazine for making it possible! :- )

Cushions & scarves published in A&I mag's July issue!

14/06/2018

Delighted to have my Jewel Border artwork & cushions published in Artists & Illustrator's latest issue (July 2018) as a follow-up story to last month's selection as Artwork of the Month.
Lovely to see a little sneek peek of the Poppies & Cornflowers Scarf too!
Thanks A&I!

Jewel Border wins Artists & Illustrators Magazine's Artwork of the Month!

16/05/2018

'Jewel Border' has won April's Artwork of the Month - the Editor's pick of the best paintings submitted by Artists & Illustrators' artists!!! :- )
A BIG thank you to all at Artists & Illustrators Magazine and to Pegasus Art for their generous prize of art materials. :- )
Picture credit: A&I

Rum's Eg Christmas Card Winner

13/12/2017

Really delighted to be one of three winners of Rum's Eg Gallery’s, Romsey, Christmas Card Competition!
Rum's Eg held a call for entries for images they could use exclusively for their Christmas cards for 2017 and in return I received a bumper pack of beautiful professionally-printed cards for my own use.
It's a beautiful gallery, cafe and workshop base.
I only wish they were a little nearer to me, I'd be a frequent visitor for sure!

Artists & Illustrators Magazine : 'Social Scene' mention :-)

02/10/2017

Really surprised to turn the pages of a magazine and see my name recently!
Published in August's 'Artists & Illustrators' Magazine is a comment I wrote on my Facebook page about my enthusiasm for painting with palette knives!
A very big thank you to A&I Magazine for their glossy print share :-)
... I'd love to know if anyone did swop their brush for a palette knife and gave it a go ...

BTW: Selected for The New Forest Open Art Competition!

08/07/2017

Delighted to say that 'By the Way' has been selected for The New Forest Open Art Competition 2017.
Really pleased to be part of this lovely exhibition in Lyndhurst.
It's the fourth time I've exhibited in this juried competition, so I am really grateful to have made it in this year!
The exhibition opens on Saturday 15 July and runs until Saturday 7 October - it's a really long one this year...we might all be wearing woolly hats again by the end!!

SAA Artist of the Year 2017

22/04/2017

Very happy to have four paintings 'Commended' for reaching the top 200 shortlist for SAA Artist of the Year 2017.
I'll take that as a sign to keep painting then! ... :-)

A&I 'Artists of the Year' Exhibition at the Mall Galleries

23/02/2017

So honoured to have been shortlisted for this exhibition!
The private view at the Mall Galleries last month was very well attended and it was great to finally see the shortlisted paintings for real.
I was relieved to see that my postcard sized painting of 'Orchard, early evening' wasn't the smallest after all!
Photograph shows the editor Katie McCabe opening the event, with my painting in the centre of the trio above her.
There are more photographs from the evening on my facebook page https://www.facebook.com/andreahookartist/.
An extremely big thank you for all your support and votes :-)

Voting Open for A&I 'Artists of the Year' 'Readers' Choice'

26/12/2016

Very pleased to be part of Artists & Illustrators Magazine's 'Artists of the Year' Competition 2017'!
My selected artwork 'Orchard, early evening' is a small palette knife painting of the trees in my
childhood garden.
There will be an exhibition of all 50 shortlisted artworks at London's Mall Galleries in January (23 - 28).
All of the artworks are eligible for the Readers' Choice award, which is decided through online votes from the public.
A&I magazine are encouraging all entrants to ask family and friends to vote.
Thank you, your votes are much appreciated - and extra special thanks if you decide to vote for mine :)

Shortlisted for A&I Artists of the Year, Mall Galleries!

23/11/2016

I'VE BEEN SELECTED for Artists & Illustrators' Artists of the Year 2017 Competition!! :)
(can't believe it!)
'Orchard, Early Evening' will be exhibited at the Mall Galleries, London from 23 - 28 January, 2017 - alongside the other 49 selected artworks!
Am I allowed to say that I am really excited??
It is Number 1 on my bucket list to have a painting on exhibition at the Mall Galleries and it still feels like I am dreaming to be honest -
I may just have to print out the confirmation email so it feels a bit more real.....

Exhibition News: Mottisfont, National Trust, nr Romsey

03/09/2016

A BIG thank you to Mottisfont, National Trust, (Hampshire, SO51 0L) for selecting 'Strandline' for their Open Art Exhibition :)
...and for asking to use the image on the publicity :)
.The Exhibition runs from Saturday 1 October to Sunday 13 November 2016.
Update: Sold
A fantastic exhibition and venue - well worth a visit.

Exhibition News: 'Opportunities' at L'Artishe Gallery, Swanage

30/08/2016

September is a beautiful time to spend in the Purbecks...so I am really quite jealous that my paintings, prints and cards will enjoy a whole month at L'Artishe Gallery as part of the Opportunities Open.
Running from Saturday 3 September to Friday 30 September, it features work from 22 artists, so it promises to be a very exciting and varied exhibition!
**OPENING EVENT** Saturday 3 September from 2pm - 4pm.
(The perfect time to pop in, enjoy the exhibition, have a drink and meet the artists)
L'Artishe Gallery is at 71 High Street, Swanage, BH19 2LY.
One hour parking along the road from the gallery.
Hope you can visit :)

Winner: Best painting voted by the public at Broadstone Art Society's Summer Exhibition!

30/08/2016

A very big thank you to everyone who voted for 'Vintage Dress' as their favourite painting.
It's the first time this painting has been exhibited anywhere, so it was really lovely that it was so well received :)
Thanks everyone

Exhibition News: Broadstone Art Society Exhibition: 21 August - 27 August

17/08/2016

Broadstone Art Society's Summer Exhibition will open on Sunday 21 August to Saturday 27 August - from 10 am to 5 pm daily - closing at 4.30pm on the final day.
At the Youth Centre in Moor Road.
There's a special theme of 'People in Paintings', but there is usually something for everyone in this really popular event of original art at very affordable prices!
Hope you can visit :) :) (Tip: Visit early to bag yourself a bargain!)

Exhibition News: New Forest Open Art Exhibition: 16 July - 3 September

06/07/2016

Feeling really honoured to be selected for the New Forest Open Art Exhibition for the third year running!
The exhibition opens on Saturday 16 July and runs to Saturday 3 September and is open from 10am to 4.30 pm daily.
FREE Entry. It's at the New Forest Centre, Lyndhurst, SO43 7NY

Exhibition News: Southampton City Art Gallery Open: 25 June - 10 September

17/06/2016

I have two paintings selected for 'A Sporting Life' which opens on Saturday 25 June in Southampton City Art Gallery.
All residents of Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Wiltshire and Dorset were invited to submit their artwork for this summer's selling exhibition - themed around the subject of 'sport and recreation'.
To mark this Olympic Games year, all sporting activities .... walking, running, sailing, football, swimming, climbing or any number of countless activities or diverse sporting pastimes could be included.
Entry is FREE :) Everyone welcome.
The gallery is situated in an beautiful building with 'works covering eight centuries from Renaissance to the present day, but the core of the collection is twentieth century and contemporary Art'.
The current exhibition 'Beasts or Best Friends - Animals in Art' (recently shown at the Russell Cotes Art Gallery in Bournemouth) will be running at the same time as the Open so you can see two for free! ...or three for free if you visit the permanent collection too!
Image: Watching Cowes Regatta (1892), Philip Wilson Steer

Exhibition News: The 17th St Barbe Open: 11 June - 23 July

28/05/2016

Delighted to be selected for St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery's Open Art Exhibition.
Around 90 paintings (which could be submitted on any theme) are in this selling exhibition in Lymington, Hampshire SO41 9BH.
All welcome.

Featured Artist with Cowling & Wilcox

14/04/2016

This Q&A interview with Cowling & Wilcox certainly got me thinking about my art from every angle!

With thanks to C&W for the opportunity and for asking such interesting questions!

Featured Artist with POL: The Artist & Leisure Painter Magazines

07/04/2016

I'm a featured artist this month in Painters on Line's (The Artist and Leisure Painter magazines) regular bonus e-letter.
I was asked for the story behind Vintage Dress for my section.
I really enjoyed writing it.....although it may have taken me longer than painting the picture in the end!!
You can read, skim or skip the article here...

Exhibition News: Cross Barn Art Exhibition: 23 - 24 April

04/04/2016

I am honoured to be exhibiting two paintings with the Cross Barn Art Artists, (a fantastic group of gifted artists, lead by the super-talented Jamel Akib).This, one weekend only, exhibition runs from Saturday 23 April (10am - 5pm) to Sunday 24 April (10am - 4 pm), and is at the Cross Barn, Odiham, nr Hook RG29 1JX. Don't miss your chance to be served coffee or cake by one of the artists! 10% of artist sales go to the children's charity Barnardo's. Hope to see you there! :)

Exhibition News: Broadstone, Dorset: 27 March - 2 April

21/03/2016

Dates for your diaries: Broadstone Art Society's Spring Exhibition
~ Sunday 27 March to Saturday 2 April.
10 am - 5 pm (4.30 pm on the final day)
The Youth Centre, Moor Road, Broadstone, BH18 8AZ
I will be exhibiting four paintings with BAS this spring.
As usual, there will be a selection of exciting and varied paintings for sale at reasonable prices.
All artwork created by local artists.
There will also be a wide selection of artists' greeting cards for sale.
All welcome :) Free admission, but donations welcome on behalf of Corfe Mullen Scouts.

Self Portrait Article in Leisure Painter: May 2016 issue

21/03/2016

Following The Artist and Leisure Painter magazines' Self-Portrait competition, I was asked to write the story behind my painting for an article - which is published in the current issue (May) of Leisure Painter.
Here is the full length version of my blog (Photo credit: POL):

‘A Shadow of My Former Self’
by Andrea Hook
Oil on Linen canvas
16” wide x 20” deep (40 cms wide by 50 cms deep)

On taking up the self-portrait challenge, I chose oils as I hadn’t used them for portraiture before. I also wanted to do a conceptual piece so I knew an appropriate title would be crucial. The title came to me first in the end. Someone posted an old photograph from their school days on Facebook, with a shadowy figure just visible through the classroom window. I quipped ‘Who’s that in the background – a shadow of your former self??’ and was about to post it when I thought ‘No, I’m keeping that!’ An image began to take shape, but I needed just the right photograph of myself as a child to fit the missing piece and a quick scan through the old family album, unfortunately, yielded nothing suitable.

A while later I was attending a family event. It was the sort of do where, later in the evening, an elderly great aunt usually produces an envelope of black and white photographs from her handbag and circulates them around the room. We weren’t disappointed. A photograph of me progressed along our table, and I instantly saw the distinctive silhouette that the bow in my hair made. I had found my shadow. My image was complete.

The next weekend I asked my son to take some photographs of me – I knew that after doing the usual Sunday chores - washing, cooking the roast and clearing up – I would have exactly the right expression on my face that I was looking for! I pre-warned him I wasn’t going to smile (so don’t make me!), flattened my hair in the mirror (made a mental note to apologise to my hairdresser later) grabbed a huge old jumper from the back of the airing cupboard and took a seat. I chose the kitchen table as it is the scene of my daily drama – cyclically exchanging tablemats and plates for table top easel and palettes. I present the photo of the younger me to the viewer to consider this child – with all the hopes and dreams of what she would be as an adult….and I present myself as an adult, wondering who this girl is and what exactly her dreams were. It is a study of the passing of time and the age-old frustration of trying to balance the things you want to do against all the things you have to do first. The clock dominates. It is late in the day; I am (literally and figuratively) ‘up against time’.

At face value, it really does appear to be a fairly negative narrative, but I found painting it surprisingly cathartic. Contrary to the implication that I have in some way lost more than I have gained over time, I found plenty to consider and appreciate in my adulthood – countless things to be grateful for and personal goals achieved that I should remind myself of more often, over and above the daily distraction of white noise. So am I indeed ‘A Shadow of My Former Self?’ Well - if some of my childhood aspirations haven’t come to fruition, it is simply because I haven’t achieved them….yet!

Commended at Planet Art: PEDAS Open

28/11/2015

Delighted to be awarded one of the Commended prizes at today's Planet Art Open private view at The Gallery Upstairs, Upton Country Park.
The Planet ART Open was designed and organised by PEDAS to run alongside the current 'United Nations Climate Change Conference' in Paris, and requested artwork, sculpture and prose from artists in response to this issue.
The statement I submitted in support of this work was:
Strandline (High & Dry):
'For all our supposed intelligence, if we fail to act on climate change - with the associated extreme weather conditions, rising sea levels and exceptional tides - we will find ourselves adrift and marooned like flotsam and jetsam on the strand line. Our presence on this planet could be as fleeting as the footprint on the sand.'
A BIG personal thank you for the amazing number of compliments I have received - both personally and on Facebook - in response to this painting, and for 'Daisy Chain' which was also accepted into the exhibition.

And the Winner is...New Forest Open Art 2015: First Prize

09/07/2015

Eyeworth Pond, nr Fritham, New Forest' has been awarded first prize at the New Forest Open Art Exhibition at the New Forest Gallery, New Forest Centre, Lyndhurst. SO43 7NY.
Wow!
A big thank you to the judges, the New Forest National Park, the Centre and all their volunteers and Exxon Mobil. There's lots of gorgeous artwork there, many of which would get my vote for my favourite artwork. You have until Saturday 12 September to visit and vote for the one you think is your favourite!
'Sunshine on a Palette'
Dorset Artist - inspired by nature and the beautiful wildflowers & coast of my home county
Oil & acrylic original paintings
All images © Andrea Hook

Selected for 'The Artist' Highly Commended Online Exhibition 2022
Double selection for 'ING Discerning Eye Exhibition 2020', Mall Galleries
Selected for 'The Artist' category of The Artist and Leisure Painter Magazines' Open Art Competition 2020
Selected for Artists & Illustrators Magazine's Artist of the Year, Mall Galleries Exhibition 2017
Winner of the New Forest Open Art 2015