Artists Open Houses in Brighton

Well it is nearly May now, so that makes me excited about visiting some artists open houses in Brighton. If you don’t know about this event then get on to a web site and find out more.

Artists Open Houses run along side The Brighton Festival and is Brighton’s artistic community’s own art event, where local homeowners throw open their doors to the general public every weekend during May.

Now I consider this a brave thing, imagine having loads of strangers tramping through your pad in all weathers! If you are shy, like me or have white carpets, it must be a nightmare. But loads of artistic homeowners do it and it brings so much pleasure to the many visitors.

What is unique, is that you rarely get the chance to see a wide range of art in normal home surroundings. And even if you are not interested in the art, just peeking in some strange house can be a real eye opener. Rows of terraced cottages all the same in a row, but completely different inside. Some posh interiors, some not so posh, but mostly created with amazing creativity and imagination.

So give it try. There is so much to see. From abstract art, figurative art, some plain crazy art, sculpture, pottery and jewellery... Something for everyone, even tea and cakes, really making this a number one not-to-miss event. Find out more, visit... http://www.aoh.org.uk

My top tip is: to get off to a good start, try the Five Ways Artists (easy parking in several streets)... http://www.fivewaysartists.com

Easter break in France

Having recently visited Monet’s house and gardens at Giverny. I can’t get over what a special place it is.

The Garden is full of colour and scents as Monet liked. The street outside his house must always be full of tourists, not too many to spoil it in March.

Having gone so early in the season I found the atmosphere restful. I might change my mind if I went again in the summer. The local Church where Monet is buried is currently undergoing restoration. The workmanship is breathtaking. Every last detail is so perfectly executed.

Having read a little about the Impressionists. I find so many books talk about the tecniques used but never really get down to the bottom of the real reasons why the new art wave at that time developed the way it did.

One thing so often forgotten is the dramatic change made to the raw materials available at the time and of course the influence of photography.