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Prepare to be overwhelmed…Art in Action 2012 !

Tell me, what would you do if someone gave you the opportunity, for £15 (about $24), to meet around 400 like-minded, creative people, all open and smiling, willing to share ideas, inspiration, techniques and personal sketchbooks with you. What if I told you they would also let you handle their work, muck about with their supplies and take away the things you make? Would you be in heaven?

Yeah, me too.

That’s what Art in Action 2012 is all about.

To tell the truth, I really wanted to go because of a friend – Jackie Morris. Jackie and I have been corresponding thru our websites for a while now, she lives on the coast of Wales, I’ve been in Van for an extended time, so when she said she would be in Oxfordshire while I’m here too…well, it was too good an opportunity to pass up.

(Jackie demonstrating her watercolour/gold leaf technique) Plus, I must confess, I love, LOVE her illustrations and so had in mind to get several of her books for Binky and Isla Violet. (Actually I got them for me too 🙂 )

The show takes place on the grounds of a beautiful estate, Waterperry House. (R called it Katie Perry house, now try getting that out of your head 🙂 )
There are sculptures all over the grounds, about 25 huge marquees each dedicated to one discipline, a best in show marquee and several small tents for workshops and food stalls.

A small church beside the house. The setting for floral displays and a restful place to get away from the 6000 people who came this day.


My new friend Amanda Hislop demonstrating her technique.

Amanda’s sketchbooks.

Me looking totally overwhelmed!

Inspiration board from Jane Corbett. (Yes, the Princess Kate hat maker)

Four of my most favorite pieces in the Best of Show tent. That’s Jackie’s “The Heart Between” painting (sold, I’m not surprised)

One more of that exquisite glass sculpture. Next time I have $2000 I don’t know what to do with…


My books from Jackie, a painting of fish done while mucking about with new acrylics, more fish done with super beautiful charcoal sticks, my new water-soluble and erasable pencils and some memorabilia from the day.

Such a good day!!!

Comments: 11

  • July 20, 2012
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    wonderful site; passing it on FB and to my granddaughter!

  • July 20, 2012
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    Oh, this looks like a scrumptous artsy day. I would have loved it, too.

  • July 21, 2012
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    This sounds like an amazing experience! I love how there were demos too…fabulous!

  • October 16, 2012
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    great blog, i love that glass sculpture too!

  • October 16, 2012
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    Loved gazing with hunger at the fruits of all these gifted artists.

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