It's been a while!

It's been a while!

Well, what can I say, I've been so busy that I've completely neglected my lovely little Blog! Well, from now on, every Friday will be an update on what's been happening here at Baroque&Roll.

Firstly though, I must update you on what has happened in the last month or so.....

After successfully selling several pieces of my Baroque&Roll portfolio, I have been in a position to purchase new pieces of furniture which I have transformed into gorgeous works of art.
I went on a bit of a buying spree to tell the truth, and picked up 3 very different items.

The first was an old school (era 1970's, I think), cabinet with an integrated Bush radio. The original cabinet was designed with several compartments to store vinyls. There is also a section in the cabinet to put a record player. I wasn't expecting the radio to still work, but to my surprise, it does!

After the tragic death of Amy Winehouse, I thought it would be a fitting tribute to use a painting design of the singer/songwriter that I have had in my 'to do' pile for years. I have also wanted to use the vibrant turquoise colour for a long time and think it works really well in this style. Not only is there the artwork on the exterior of the piece, but the lyrics to one of Amy's most well known songs, 'Rehab' are painted on the internal doors.

The second piece I have had the pleasure of creating is a stunning Georgian style side cabinet with a bow fronted profile. To this piece I wanted to do something floral so found an image of an Iris in full bloom. This has been positioned centrally and has real impact due to the detailing of the piece. It is certainly one of my favourite pieces to date. The cabinet is painted in a Farrow&Ball's Cinder Rose which is a sumptuous pale pink. This colour has been continued over the whole piece including the drawer and door internals.

The third piece I have completed is a coffee table with glass top. It took me a while to decide what to do for the artwork in the end, but, after making the decision to go for a close up of a tigers face, I was VERY pleased. And, the results speak for themselves. The frame of the table has been painted in Farrow&Ball's 'Down Pipe', a rich grey with a hint of green.....

The table had Ball and Claw feet which I just love-they are  so beautifully crafted

The fourth and final piece I have completed recently has been a dining room chair featuring a peacock feather for the artwork. I painted the original artwork some time ago now and I am so pleased I have now been able to use it. The frame has been covered with silver leaf. The silver leaf has a naturally cracked effect which I think looks great, and adds a real texture to the piece. The upholstery is in a navy blue Chenille which adds another dimension of depth.

I feel like I'm really progressing with work now and each and every piece I am producing, seems to just get better and better. My painting technique has come on leaps and bounds since I first started to paint in this style and I am totally at ease and comfort with it......although, having said that, I still get nervous before starting a new artwork-I suppose it's just because I want them to be as good as the last. 

There are several more pieces in the pipeline which I am really excited about, including a telephone chair, a wardrobe or drinks cabinet featuring a vintage burlesque dancer, and something to do with Alice in Wonderland. I saw a wonderful quote from Alice in Wonderland recently, that simply says:

'if I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense'

I'm planning to use this in another piece. Typography is definitely something I am interested in using in my pieces so watch this space. I came across this photo in Blog by Kim Piotrowski, it just made me smile.....

I can just imagine a 1960's G-Plan side cabinet with something like this on-could be used

as children's toy storage....mmmm, I think I've just thought of my next piece 

WATCH THIS SPACE!!!

McQueen Mugshot

McQueen Mugshot

I started this piece about 4 months ago and it has been hanging on my studio wall staring at me since then.

After spending so much time designing my website, and emailing suppliers, and sending out newsletters, I felt the urge to paint! So, I sat down and continued to work on this piece until it was finished. It has turned out a beauty, and I can genuinely say, is one of my new favourites.

Big Steve = Happy Chappy

Big Steve = Happy Chappy

Well, the cigar cabinet for my step dad Steve went down a treat! He was made up, and I think my step bro Jared would like one for his 30th now!

It was a wonderful weekend of family and food. Mum and Steve put on an incredible spread as always-an almond soup, lobster, the biggest prawns, followed by tuna and cannellini bean salad. Then came my desserts-I had created an afternoon tea affair which consisted of handmade chocolate coffee cups filled with espresso mousse, mini pavlovas with Chantilly cream and hazelnut praline, white chocolate and raspberry cheesecakes, Blueberry frangipane tarts and finally, black forest gateaux cupcakes! Woof, it was good. We didnt even get round to having cheese and biscuits which is very unusual for our clan. Anyway, I digress from Baroque&Roll........

This week has started off with an email from Notonthehighstreet. I submitted my work to them at the end of last week. The reply explained that they loved my work and would love me to feature me on their website. I now just need a few (well, £575) pennies and then I can get my work on there. After speaking to my mum, I think it would really benefit the company if I could get my work on there. I have also been proactive in getting my existing work onto Ebay. Its not how I shall sell my work in future, however for now, I need to get them sold so I can invest that money back into the business in order to grow. I have put decent reserves on all the pieces so I'm hoping there is somebody out there who will buy them ALL!