Not The Royal Academy

'After the Long Hard Winter, it was Time for a Picnic,' (2) oil and acrylic, 45 x 30cm

It's almost a month since my return from Latvia, and I still haven't had the time to write about the new Rothko Centre, and my exciting trip. Interrruptions appeared in the form of emails, housework, galleries notifying me that I can go ahead and apply to them, hubby returning from Cyprus, and lots of paintings demanding to be finished. I also still haven't written my article for the JACKDAW, which has to be submitted by the end of May. Deadlines tear at my dreams!

Not wanting to have long lapses between my posts, I'm attaching a new painting, and will write about Latvia very soon!

'Paphos Joy,' oil and acrylic on canvas, 60 x 45cm

Yesterday I was called by the Llewellyn Alexander gallery (London) about their Not The Royal Academy Exhibition (an annual Salon Des Refuses, that runs at the same time as The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition). My painting above was rejected for inclusion in this exhibition, but the NTRA wants it, and a second painting. Today I had to rush the second painting (below) to the framer, as they have to be delivered next Wednesday.

'Summer Shadows.' oil and acrylic on canvas, 40 x 30cm

More painting materials arrived today by post, and I'm starting a new series of five canvases. Meanwhile, my application for a US gallery is almost completed. It's been particularly long and complicated, but worth

the extra effort as the gallery is one I really admire.

(Click on the images for a larger view.)