Happy New Year

Is it too late for me to wish you all a Happy New Year? I hope not, because I do; I wish you all the best for 2023. It looks like it could be another tricky one for many of us, but I hope art, whether mine, yours or someone else’s, brings you some joy and relief from all the difficult news we keep hearing.

2022 was a year full of discovery for me.  I’ve discovered more about who I am as an artist and why I like to do what I do.  I’ve discovered that I do really need to get out in those hills and enjoy the rhythmic movement of walking and running.  And I discovered that putting these together, and sharing the results with people, makes me happy.

My last finished piece of work for 2022, was a commissioned piece, done for a lovely couple who called in to see me on their walk passed my studio.  They aren’t able to get into the hills, the same as they always used to, so wanted something to put over their new log burner as a focal point. They explained what they liked about my work, the view of the hills which meant the most to them, and specified a few features they would like me to include, together with the finished size .  The result was the below.

As always when I put new work out there, and even though I had shown them a watercolour sketch first, I was worried how it would be received, and in the case of any commissions, whether it would meet the brief. I needn’t have been concerned, they were delighted when they picked it up.  I checked that after having it on the wall for a month, they were still happy with it and they sent me the following comments. 

“We are more than happy, it’s bringing a great deal of pleasure. We haven’t thought of a name yet!!”

I gave them the task of choosing a naming, as it was so special to them. But as they still haven’t thought of one, if you have any ideas to help them, let me know and I’ll pass it on! It needs the word “peace” or “peaceful” in it.

Click HERE to name the commission

Just in case you’re curious, below is the watercolour sketch I did before I converted it to stitch, along side the photo of it

What a lovely start to the new year!

Since the beginning of the year I’ve been working on an another piece, this one is for my daughter and son-in-law who were married last July.  They want a piece to celebrate their wedding and chose to use the flower arch in front of which they were married.  However the Cheshire landscape behind this didn’t have quite the interest I was looking for.  Tom proposed to Charlotte on Moel Famau so I decided to incorporate this in the picture.  

Below is the watercolour sketch I did for them, to demonstrate the idea. They loved it!  I’m about half way through the making of it, I’ve just got to lay down the colours for the flower ring and then do all the stitch sketching. 

Commissions based on a brief from a client are a new way of working for me, but I’m really enjoying the challenge of producing a unique piece of work to celebrate special memories.

Do you have a special memory you’d like capturing in a unique and timeless piece of art, using my “Paint With Fabric, Draw With Stitch” technique?

I’m more than happy to talk to you about your idea. I don’t charge special prices for a commissioned piece, they are priced according to size using the same formula as all my work. You can see some prices and sizes in my web-shop.

Click HERE to see prices in my webshop

Get in touch however you feel comfortable, through social media, email or the contact form on my website, absolutely no obligation until you’ve either accepted my sketch idea.

info@melaniebaugh.com                           https://melaniebaugh.com/contact

New Collection!!

Until I started landscape stitch sketching in lockdown, I’ve always considered myself an abstract artist.  I know that you can argue that all my landscapes are semi-abstract, as they don’t portray an accurate representation of the views I see.  However I’ve had a hankering to investigate a more simple abstract way of working. I’ve developed these mine abstracts, focusing on colour and line, and less about detail.

The first 12 mini abstracts will be on my website soon and will be available for a special introductory price. Future abstracts will be priced more in line with my usual size formula

Keep your eye on my Social Media for updates!

Workshops

Yes I know……. I’ve been going on about starting something up again for ages, and I’ve done nothing about it.  This time I’ve got more of an idea.

It’s been such a long time that I don’t know how many of you will be available to join in again, so I want to do a workshop to gauge the interest.  

  • Would you like to learn how I do the mini abstracts?
  • With the background fabric I use?
  • Audition and layer up the fabrics to achieve a watercolour affect?
  • Stitch sketch with a sewing machine?

Click HERE to let me know if you’re interested.  Let me know whether you'd be interested in a weekend or week day workshop.

AND IN THE MEANTIME…….

Need some inspiration? Got a query or want some advice on a piece you’re working on?

Then turn to“WORKSHOP WEDNESDAY”

Every Wednesday I’ll post on my Facebook and Instagram pages inviting you to comment and I’ll do my best to help.  If I can’t, then I’ll try and signpost you to who or where you’ll find some information.

Click on either of the icons below to like and follow my  pages and join in

Don't forget if you’re looking for ideas for presents or cards, whether you're treating yourself or others, my originals and prints are available on my webshop. Or celebrate a special occasion with a unique piece with special meaning just for you.

 Click HERE to pop over and have a look!

If you want to see it in "real life", my work can also be seen at:

ArtWorks2, Betws-y-Coed

where there's a great selection of art works from lots of talented artists!

The Craft Centre, at Bodnant Gardens

lots more talented artists as well as the beautiful gardens and cafe!

Beauty On The Square, Ruthin

a warm welcome and great gift ideas!

Llanbenwch Caravan Park, Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd, Ruthin

the caravan park is closed at the moment but the shop and cafe are open! Lovely place to enjoy coffee, cake, or bacon butty(!) by the fire

If you've got any queries, about anything in this newsletter, or just want to say hello then don't hesitate to get in touch however you feel comfortable, through social media, email or the contact form on my website

info@melaniebaugh.com                           https://melaniebaugh.com/contact

And don't forget to follow me on social media to keep up to date with my new work, news, courses and offers... and "Workshop Wednesday"! 

Take care

Mel