A safe haven from London’s contemporary art

Art related events in London continuously amaze me.  A recent example was a portrait painting demonstration given at the Mall Galleries by James Horton, president of the Royal Society of British Artists (RBA).  I’m convinced that I spent too much time isolated in my own studio and now I’m being blown away by being exposed to other people’s work.  Mr. Horton was painting this young (squirming) woman in the middle of the main gallery with a crowd of people watching over his shoulders.  I was in awe of how accurately he rendered her face and how seldom he used white paint (note to self).  I found out after the demonstration that he takes art students on painting trips to places like India.  That might have to be added to my list of things to do in life.

The demo happened to be scheduled during the RBA’s Annual Exhibition, a group show of RBA’s members.  There were several pieces that I was drawn to but one in particular that I couldn’t stop staring at.  Of course a photo doesn’t do it justice (especially as this doesn’t illustrate the massive size of the canvas), but nonetheless I had to share a glimpse of this studio painting by Ken Howard.  Now I’m determined to see if he also teaches.  There just aren’t enough hours in the day, sigh.