By Royal Appt - Sarah Dunn

My second By Royal Appt goes to the rather fabulous Sarah Dunn.

Sarah and I found each other through a mutual friend and met up for a rather good natter. I fell in love with her work instantly, how could you not?

Thing is I'm not normally knocked over by 'celebrity' portraiture. For me I find it either falling into the 'little bit too editorial' or 'little bit too glossy' territory.
Two things you could never accuse Sarah of though; because inside the cover of her portfolio you'll find a softness, a warmth and genuinely relaxed captured moment with each and every one of her sitters.

But then Sarah was once Harry Borden's assistant and she had the good sense to marry a chap from Blackpool College. (Can't go wrong in my books) So the pedigree is there and in my opinion she's surpassed it.

You can see more of Sarah's work on her website here. You'll find her extensive Potter Portfolio, goosebump inducing Potter video , a few Hobbits and a lot more besides. Enjoy!

Inspiration - Spoon River Anthology

Chatting in a coffee shop recently with a good friend prompted me to dig out this book.

Edgar Lee Masters' 'Spoon River Anthology' was given to me at Sixth Form and it's a book I visit time and again. It's a beautiful collection of free-verse monologues (I got that gem from the jacket) that heart-breakingly charts the loves and loses of a small town in America.

Each character is introduced to us by way of their beyond the grave confessions and sorrows. You end up feeling as though you've been brought into each of their trusts, and as you read on through the book links between the characters are revealed.

You can read extracts here but personally I think this is a must for your bookcase.

By Royal Appt - Chris King

Before I start this new blog feature I just want to explain the "By Royal Appt" part.
For some time now I've held the nickname 'Queenie' on Twitter. It was handed to me by photographer Luca Sage after a portfolio crit and extended online friendship between us and a few other like minded creative types. It all became a bit Blackadder with them all offering me the pressies of new work and ideas for their folios.
I am by no means a fool with delusions of grandeur (well not to much anyway).


So without further ado my first By Royal Appt, a title never to be abbreviated, goes to Chris King and a selection of his images from the Hove Town Hall series.

I proudly own this print

I'm such a fan of gazing into empty spaces like these and I fell in love with the series as soon as Chris showed it to me.
It's the absence of people and the endless stories your brain attaches to the locations in a split second. That chance to imagine what's been discussed there, what decisions made.
I also think the colour palette is exquisite, it's almost jewel like, all golden wood and jade carpets. The perfect complement to this gem of architecture.

I know Chris is currently working on a new personal project, a combination of portraits and locations, I for one can't wait to see the results. I'll cut the waffle here and just let you absorb the work. Enjoy!

And if you fancy buying a print click here.

Just about to start reading . . .

Fred & Edie by Jill Dawson. And I am not at all ashamed to say I was initially attracted to this book by its cover. Beautifully drawn by Alice Tait.

Inspiration

Drawing in my B'day card from wonderful Andrew W

My new IPhone wallpaper courtesy of Oli Frape

My daily walk over The Thames

A piece I am finishing for a friend