Hello! We've had ice, ice, ice everywhere recently, even ice on the beach, it's been bitterly cold. Thankfully we have a wood burning stove, the best expensive purchase we ever made, the heat percolates through the whole house.
Thank you so, so much for your tremendously positive and encouraging comments on my last blog post, you have been so very generous, thank you. The private view went well, (once we got into the building, there were queues to get in). And I sold the "Determined Cat" sculpture at the private view! Marvellous! Hopefully in the remaining month, the other two pieces will also sell. There was a lot of art work of a very high standard at the show, so it felt like a real honour to be included.
Just to change the subject, today I've been finishing off these 6" by 4" postcard sized pictures. I've painted them to help raise money for my Niece's school (my sister saying that Millie would be very proud if I put some art work in, is the thing that got me!).
Her school are following in the footsteps of The Royal College of Art's "Secret Art" concept, of which you can read the full explanation here.
Basically, artists of fame, or not so great fame, (but practising artists), are asked to donate a postcard size piece of art work. But they must not sign it on the front, they sign it on the back. So no one knows if they are buying a famous artists work, it's guess work, and all is revealed at the end, when the work has sold, and the cards are turned over.
I remember this "Secret Art" thing starting when I was a student at the Royal College of Art, but I couldn't afford the £5 at the time to buy a piece. Hugely successful artists work was mixed up with lesser known artists pieces, so there was a huge buzz of excitement.
It's such a brilliant way of raising money don't you think? I'm putting in more than one piece, I'm donating five little paintings, to help raise more money, but also to give a buyer the option of having a set of four characters from the "Mole and Friends" books I illustrate (written by Jonathan Emmett). I thought I'd have a theme going too, and have them all interacting with butterflies.
Millie's school is at the other end of the country to where I live, so I'm not worried about showing these pieces, and my sister never reads my blog.
When I last skyped my sister, Millie came into view, and said to me, "you're going to be in the exhibition". I said, "yes I am". Millie responded, "I might buy your work!" Millie is eight years old. Bless her little cotton socks.
Well, I hope she's proud of me, and I can say with great conviction, that I've "done my bit".
Cheerio!
Vanessa xxx
You're a very good aunt! I love all of your paintings! I wonder why your sister doesn't read your blog? Both of mine do, but I don't think my brother does. Congrats again on the big show.. I'm proud to "know" you. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Posted by: Teresa Kasner | February 07, 2012 at 06:16 PM
What a brilliant idea Vanessa, I like the secret bit! Your moles are so adorable and I am so sure that some of the parents at Millie's school will recognise these friendly characters from your illustrations. Well done and well deserved on selling your determined Cat. I am sure some fortunate person will scoop up the other two. Are you planning to make cards with these lovelies too ?
Keep warm and cosy xox
Posted by: Penelope | February 07, 2012 at 06:20 PM
Vanessa, there is SO much excitement here! I have read your current and previous posts with great glee. How marvellous to see someone as worthy, hard-working, AND talented leap from the rooftops of artistic success with such grace. Bravo wonderful you!
I must confess when reading your description of "Secret Art" I got all excited thinking about the concept behind this fundraising event. It matches a child's perception of Willy Wonka's chocolate bar with the gold ticket concealed in the wrapper only much more exciting because it is art-oriented.
Sigh. Such wonderful things going on in this world of ours. Fortunately.
Posted by: Stephanie | February 07, 2012 at 06:20 PM
What an awesome aunty you are, Vanessa! And what a brilliant concept - I had never heard of the 'Secret Art' thing before. My husband organises a charity art auction every year (at the school where we work - each class makes a piece of art, then the parents bid). I wonder whether we could incorporate something like this.....
I'm so pleased that the big show went well for you - I'm sure there will be plenty more in the future!
Carly
x
Posted by: Crafted by Carly | February 07, 2012 at 06:37 PM
Lovely idea x
Posted by: faith76 | February 07, 2012 at 06:53 PM
Oh goodness, those postcards are just wonderful!
The Secret Art sales are such a great way to make money and I love that people buy on the basis of liking the image rather than the name attached.
Ice everywhere here too, and then water as the ice thawed. It's been a chilly, drippy day!
Posted by: Annie | February 07, 2012 at 06:57 PM
That is such a wonderuffle (it started off as a spelling mistake and then I liked the word...) idea. So much more fun than a secret santa. Lots of love, Kate xxooxx.
Posted by: greedy for colour | February 07, 2012 at 07:49 PM
This is a really nice thing to do, Vanessa, and I'm sure the buyer will be thrilled.
The cat...oh sob... he was so lovely. Even Mr HH was impressed! Congratulations though, you deserve it. Please please print cards showing the cat and dog (I think I already have the cloud/rabbit one?) I showed my cards to Mr HH the other day but they resolutely remain unsent, they're mine! Maybe I need another set to send? I've kept all your gift tags, when you're famous, I'll have a Vanessa original or two!
Hen xxx
Posted by: Hen | February 07, 2012 at 07:55 PM
I have been reading The Best Gift Of All with my boys today- I wish we could sneak along and buy your beautiful paintings! Rx
Posted by: Rachael | February 07, 2012 at 08:00 PM
Great news about the exhibition - I was passing through Waverley on Saturday, but didn't read the blog til I got home - boo!
Love the Secret Art idea too - I love to have what pleases me in my home, and this seems a great way of getting something you like for a bargainous price.
Posted by: Claire | February 07, 2012 at 08:24 PM
What a great idea! And congratulations on selling a piece at the private view!
Posted by: Archie the wonder dog | February 07, 2012 at 09:14 PM
Oh, I really do love the Determined Cat. You must be delighted when you sell a sculpture, but do you also feel a little bit sad?! Bx xxx
Posted by: Becky | February 07, 2012 at 09:29 PM
Well done on selling the cat- I'm sure the others will sell too, they are so lovely.
Posted by: Kate | February 07, 2012 at 09:52 PM
What a brilliant idea! Your little cards are so lovely. :)
Vivienne x
Posted by: greenrabbitdesigns | February 07, 2012 at 10:08 PM
What a great idea, love your paintings, I'm sure they will be very popular.
I guess you have mixed feelings about selling the determined cat. You must make such a connection with your pieces when you spend so much time with creating them. He was so lovely.
Carol xx
Posted by: Carol | February 08, 2012 at 12:59 AM
you are a sweet auntie!!
love, xxx
Posted by: Alessandra | February 08, 2012 at 02:47 AM
Brilliant idea. Glad the exhibition went well. I bet your sister secretly reads your blog - why wouldn't she????? Good luck with the Secret Art event.
Posted by: lynne | February 08, 2012 at 09:02 AM
Wow - your stuff is amazing!
I meet your parents in the simian mountains and joined their tour for a couple of hours - we of course discussed you and I just had to look you up and im sure glad I did. They were right, your work is fantastic.
Danielle
NZL on a motorcycle.
Please say hello to your parents when they return from their adventure.
Posted by: Danielle Murdoch | February 08, 2012 at 11:01 AM
Your paintings are lovely and what a nice thing to do. Hope they raise lots of cash at the sale.
Dawn x
Posted by: D A Nelson | February 08, 2012 at 12:29 PM
What a great idea. Your niece sounds very proud of you. Well done and congratulations re your previous post. How fab is that!
Posted by: Lynne | February 08, 2012 at 01:25 PM
I think the "Secret Art' is a wonderful idea! I hope that lots and lots of money is raised for the school. I'm sure your niece is very proud of her talented Auntie. Of course I agree with the two above who suggested these would be lovely notecards. I'm wondering if there are copyrite issues because of the books, or do the characters remain yours? You know I would buy them! I love your cards but I have to say that they have only been sent to very special, art-worthy people. One of these days, when a few other things get paid, I hope to be the proud owner of a Cabban original. Till then I'm so happy that you share with us here.
Posted by: Liz in Missouri (with Lucy) | February 08, 2012 at 03:43 PM
I stumbled on your blog and had to look twice - I know that mol! How wonderful to "meet" the artist behind it :)
Posted by: Mari | February 08, 2012 at 03:49 PM
Was just reading the Diamond in the Snow to the kids tonight - we love these creatures! Lots of love, Joanne xxx
Posted by: Joanne | February 08, 2012 at 10:29 PM
oh, what a lucky niece you have. And what a wonderful fundraiser. Oh and congrats on your sale at the private viewing, although how you ever let those animals go is beyond me!
Posted by: Wool Free and Lovin' Knit | February 09, 2012 at 01:15 AM
What a brilliant fundraising idea! I LOVE your artwork - so whimsical :-)
Posted by: Nikki Relffe-Arnold | February 09, 2012 at 07:56 PM
Thank you for your lovely comment regarding Rufus.
Posted by: Lynne | February 10, 2012 at 08:17 AM
Hello, Vanessa. What a very clever girl you are! I love that I arrived at your blog via a link from another blog, only to find that you are the talent behind illustrations I have always admired - they are full of joy! Can't understand the ice comment, though. Today where I live it is 38C!! No ice on our beaches!!
Thank you for showing us your inspirations.
Posted by: Samantha | February 10, 2012 at 09:14 AM
i think your the world's best auntie! oh how lucky that school is, and how thrilled some unsuspecting buyer is going to be. you are so cool.
and i LOVE those little paintings!! yes, cards please??
Posted by: lori | February 10, 2012 at 05:44 PM
I wasn't able to post this earlier but I just dropped in to tell you that I've got an award for you over at my blog! :)
Posted by: Liz | February 10, 2012 at 11:06 PM
Oh my goodness I LOVE them Vanessa!!!!! Will you be making them into prints??? raise further funds perhaps? I will be fist in line to purchase!
thea.
xx
(spoonful)
Posted by: theaxx | February 14, 2012 at 11:31 PM
Ah! I do read every now and then! These are fabulous cards Vanessa. Thanks so much for doing them for Millie's school in Buckinghamshire. I almost wish we could do an auction for them! LOL Fiona xxx (little sis!)
Posted by: Fiona Austin | February 18, 2012 at 07:34 PM