Fancy a Snoop?

It’s time once more for York Open Studios!

This wonderful art event is one of my Highlights of the year. It’s a fantastic art exhibition that spreads all over York, showcasing some of the top artists in our city. Whether you’re an art fan or not, its a great day out! If nothing else you can pinch lots of complimentary biscuits and cups of tea on your way round the trail. But one thing that I’m certain of is that you’ll see a huge variety of artwork and get a chance to speak to some really interesting people. Including myself and the cows of course! Join us at Bar Lane Studios York, YO1 6JU for two weekends of fun.

This will be my second year with YOS and I am delighted to have been selected to return for the 2018 exhibition. Whats more my fellow artist, Bar Lane Studio Resident and good friend, Charis Raine will once more be exhibiting alongside me.

: Dexter – Lauren Terry

: Hermione – Lauren Terry

: Found – Charis Raine

: Camping – Charis Raine

Last years event was a big hit with us having around 1000 people enter our doors over the two weekends. It gave us an opportunity to chat to people who already own our work, and talk to new people about our passion for what we do.

It’s also perfect for those who would like to see art in the flesh before they invest, or if you’re wanting a collection of Cows you can see them side by side and get advice and recommendations from the artist themselves.

The other great thing is you can buy your pictures framed! As you know, we can’t post glass frames due to the high risk of breakages, but at this event we can frame your pictures while you wait and you can take them away with you that day.

We have road side parking behind the studio, along with Nunnery Lane and York Station car parks just a short walk away. If you don’t drive then our studio is only 10 minute walk (5 if you’re fast) from York Train Station. So we are easily accessible!

But of course we’re not the only artists exhibiting! There are a massive 129 artists opening their studio doors for the event! You can see the full list of exhibitors under Artists and Makers on the YOS website but here are a few of my top picks!

Sue Clayton Venue 31 Shipton Street, York

As you well know I am all about capturing Character in my art. It brings life to paintings, captivating and evoking emotion. I apologize for the somewhat ‘arty farty’ analogy, but it’s true!
Sue does just that. Her work is not only full of vibrancy and colour but encapsulates all the character of the sitter, creating paintings full of personality.
I especially love this one of our local Sainsburys trolley man Andrew. I remember him telling me all about his upcoming portrait painting at the checkout queue as I did my weekly shop! I think he must of told everyone in the supermarket he was that excited and now that I see the painting I know why!
I’m always in awe of portraitists but Sue Clayton is definitely a favourite! She even shares her skill set with others holding portrait painting classes in York Art Gallery.
Read more about Sue on her website here

Mim Robson

It will be Mim’s first year exhibiting at YOS, so I am new to her artwork and find it really intriguing. Working with nature her art is very fleeting. Working with nature such as land art, sand art, or natural items such as leaves and plants pieces have a very short existence, but I think that’s what makes them so exciting. Luckily she also works in textiles and photography so you can take something home with you!

Her art needs to be seen to be fully understood and appreciated, you can view her artwork here, be sure to check out the sand art, it’s mesmerizing!

PICA Studios Venue 40/41 7 Grape Lane

If you fancy seeing a spectrum of artists all under one roof then a trip to PICA studios is a good place to go.
With 10 artists all under one roof, you can see a variety of artists and makers in one fell swoop!
Artists include;
The figurative animal forms in mixed clay, slips and oxides by Penny Phillips
Emily Stubbs vibrant hand crafted pots and vases, full of colour and texture.
Lu Mason with a unique collection of mobiles and brooches made using colourful acrylic/perspex.
Evie Leach, one of the skilled jewellers taking part in YOS. Her contemporary pieces takes inspiration from geology and architecture creating strong, angled jewellery designs.
Also exhibiting at PICA Emilie Flower, Samantha Swales Snowden, Jade Blood, Rebecca Carr, Lesley Birch and Lesley Shaw.