Art exhibitions in person versus online

I was quite surprised that someone in my work decided to buy her artwork online. She choose her artwork to match her home, based solely on the images she saw of the artwork online. It surprised me because like dating someone online surely you would want to see them in person first before you commit! You are investing in something you hope to live with you for a longtime, if it goes well! (N.B I met my husband online and then in person it does work). Maybe some see their artwork as less of a commitment than I would, something that you might only want for a few years rather than a lifetime!?! or maybe they are just less risk adverse than I am.... it happened that she loved her artwork and all is well thankfully.

Its important to see artwork in person because its really hard to get an idea of scale and colour online. I remember my art teacher explaining how important it is to visit art galleries because you can not tell what the image is really like from an image in a book. In fact you can see the same image in different books and the colours can alter significantly. This is the same for online images. I always try to explain to the children I am teaching the scale of some of the artwork. For example Mark Rothkos' colour canvases are immense! Seeing them online does it no justice whatsoever! I have to use big arms and the wall to demonstrate how big his work can be.

So it got me thinking about opportunities to go and view Artwork locally and to let you know about Art exhibitions where you can meet your artwork in person! And hopefully fall in love with it and buy it (or you can still go online but make sure you check the size out) Some of my original canvasses are going to be exhibited at these first two exhibitions as well. (So I know full well that the online pictures do not do the canvases any justice in fact the Seagulls image online is very dark and doesn't capture the blues of the painting). You can search on both organisations websites for my artwork.

It’s always great to have unique artwork and it’s great to encourage local artists. So here are four exhibitions and space for exhibitions in the local area that will be great to go and visit:

1.) St Michaels and all angels Church exhibition - all money raised goes to charity, it starts November 17th at 7pm with music and wine! It runs until November 27th. A short and sweet exhibition of local artists worth a visit for the building alone! It’s in a unique part of Blackheath walking distance from the station but only if you are able limbed. www.smagart.org.uk

2.) Blackheath Art Society are hosting another exhibition at Blackheath Halls as well as online, it runs from 17th November until December 22nd so you have longer to appreciate this one. It’s in the Cafe Area. I am exhibiting at both these exhibitions so do come along and play find my artwork.. I’m selling original canvasses this time not just prints. www.blackheathartsociety.org.uk

3.) Artfix is another great place to visit - love how they work with artists: grab a coffee, be part of a workshop and view a local artist they regularly exhibit individual up and coming artists. To view their current exhibitions go to www.artfix.org.uk its right near Greenwich market so you can see more local artists selling their creative treasures.

4.) Deptford Does art is another place worth a visit they don't

currently have an exhibition but they regularly show local artists and sell locally made artworks and objects www.deptforddoesart.com

They also do some great drinks and food. If you get a chance to go in person to see local artists please do. Local artists add so much to a community, creativity opens our minds to opportunities and challenges our biases. Go and support all the artists that you can!