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NEW NATURE JOURNAL PRINTS February 27 2022

I'm delighted to share that my new Nature Journal collection is now available to buy online as signed art prints. 

Inspired by nature, this new collection of annotated monthly paintings celebrates the seasonal flora and fauna spotted on walks near my home in the East Sussex countryside.

Measuring 40 x 50cm each, these museum-quality giclée prints are printed on beautiful smooth matt fine art paper and each one is individually hand-signed by myself.

To view the full collection please visit my online shop:

https://www.kellyhalldesigns.com/collections/nature-journal

Thank you for reading!

 


OPENING SOON - ARTWAVE EXHIBITION August 18 2020

I'm excited to share that as part of Artwave Festival 2020, I'll be exhibiting my work with the photographer Carlotta Luke, in beautiful St.Anne's House (formerly St.Anne's Galleries) on Lewes High Street.

On show will be my original Modern Vintage painting collections, plus a new sketchbook series, inspired by the Sussex countryside. Original artwork, signed prints, greeting cards & artist books will be available to buy, plus refreshments will be served.

Find us at:

Michael Bell Brand Communications

St.Anne's House, 111 High Street, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1XY

Exhibition open:

11.00-17.00 on 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 & 20 September 

Further information:

https://www.artwavefestival.org/2020venues/kelly-hall-carlotta-luke

https://www.artwavefestival.org/

Thanks for reading & hope to see you there!

 


A NEW ILLUSTRATION AGENT: MEIKLEJOHN November 18 2019

 

I'm thrilled to share that I'm now represented by leading illustration agency Meiklejohn.

Meiklejohn have been representing some of the word's most talented illustrators for over 45 years, collaborating with creatives on a wide range of commissions from exciting ad campaigns to beautiful book covers.

If you'd like to view my new illustration portfolio please visit:

http://www.meiklejohn.co.uk/artist/Kelly_Hall_MJN

If you're interested in commissioning me to work on your creative project, please contact:

Claire Meiklejohn

Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7593 0506

Email: claire@meiklejohn.co.uk

or

Louise Tummon

Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7593 0512

Email: louise.tummon@meiklejohn.co.uk

Thank you for reading.

 


MAKING HEDGEROW JUMBLE JAM & BRAMBLE MADEIRA CAKE September 29 2019

Autumn is my favourite time of year & while I'm out walking in the countryside I love to collect natural ingredients & try out traditional seasonal recipes - adding my own little twist. Blackberries, apples & damsons are plentiful at this time of this year & if you'd like to give them a try, these simple recipes will fill your home with the softly spiced scent of autumn.

HEDGEROW JUMBLE JAM

You will need:

900g prepared mixed fruit (e.g. blackberries, damsons, apples), 900g sugar, zest & juice of 3 oranges, 1 teaspoon of mixed spice

Method:

1. Place all ingredients into a large pan & boil gently for approximately 1/2 hour

2. Cover & leave to cool completely, then add a little water &/or re-cook until the desired consistency is reached

3. Allow the jam to cool slightly, before transferring into clean sterilized jars

This jam is delicious served on hot buttered toast, muffins or crumpets, it also makes a glorious filling for jam tarts.

BRAMBLE & ALMOND MADEIRA CAKE

You will need:

250g butter, 250g sugar, 250g flour, 4 eggs,1 teaspoon baking powder, 250g blackberries, 150g flaked almonds, 1 teaspoon almond extract, milk to mix, a few extra blackberries & almonds to decorate

Method: 

1. Cream butter & sugar, add eggs, flour, baking powder, almond extract & almonds & mix well

2. Dust blackberries with a little flour & fold gently into the cake mixture  

2. Transfer mixture into a greased & lined cake tin & sprinkle the top with extra blackberries & almonds

3. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 170C for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden-brown & a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean

4. Leave to cool slightly before turning out onto a wire rack, dust with icing sugar & garnish with extra blackberries

Simply enjoy with a cup of tea, or serve as a seasonal autumn pudding warmed with pouring cream.

Enjoy!

That's all for now, thank you for reading.

 


A FEATURE IN ARTICLE 'MEET THE PEOPLE OF LEWES DISTRICT' June 07 2019

I'm delighted to have been featured in a new online article 'Meet The People of Lewes District' which introduces members of the thriving, independent spirited community of creatives & entrepreneurs who draw inspiration from the local area & choose to call Lewes District their home.

If you'd like to read the article, it's available here:

This photograph was taken by wonderful Lewes-based photographer Carlotta Luke during my artist-in-residency earlier this year at McBean's Orchid Nurseries in Cooksbridge.

During the residency I created a series of graphite & gouache studies which I hope to exhibit as part of a newly forming collection of original drawings & paintings in 2020 - I'll share details as work progresses throughout the year.

Thank you     

 


GROW A FLORAL GARLAND April 30 2019

In my garden I love to grow cutting flowers to enjoy in my home & to give to friends & family. Last year, for the first time I grew strawflowers which are well known by florists & crafters for their exceptional high quality as dried flowers.

I grew them from seed, planted them out in the spring after the last frosts & cut them in late summer. I dried them out, then threaded them onto wire to create a simple everlasting floral garland - which brightened up my studio all winter long.

In some circles dried flowers are viewed as being old fashioned, but I rather like them - perhaps a dried flower retro revival is in order! So this year, I'm also growing a few other varieties of everlasting flowers including gomphrena & statice.

If you'd like to add everlasting flowers to your 'to grow' list for 2020, I bought my strawflower, gomphrena & statice seeds from:

https://www.seedsofitaly.com

https://www.suttons.co.uk

I'll let you know how they get on & will share growing updates over at: 

Instagram @kellyhalldesigns

Twitter @KellyHallDesign

That's all for now, thank you for reading.

 

 


MAKING WILD GARLIC & LEMON PESTO February 28 2019

If you're out & about walking in the countryside over the coming weeks, be sure to keep an eye out for carpets of wild garlic (or ramsons) growing in the damp woods - its delicious, aromatic smell is unmistakable. I like to forage several bunches to make zingy wild garlic & lemon pesto - a true taste of spring.

If you'd like to give it a try, here's the recipe & method:

You will need:

200g fresh wild garlic leaves - pick leaves carefully from the base to ensure bulbs stay in the soil for next year

100g toasted nuts - almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts or brazils work well

100g feta cheese 

Zest & juice of 1 or 2 lemons

Olive oil

Salt & pepper

Method:

1. Place rinsed & roughly chopped wild garlic leaves, toasted nuts, lemon zest & juice into a food processor & blitz until smooth

2. Add olive oil to create your chosen consistency & season with salt & pepper to taste

3. Transfer pesto into a clean glass jar - covering the surface with a layer of olive oil will help keep it fresh for longer

4. Your pesto is ready to use straight away & should keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 weeks - it also freezes really well in ice cube trays

I serve mine with fresh pasta or use it as a marinade to lift the flavours of fish, meat or roasted vegetables. If you enjoy home baking, it also makes a lovely seasonal addition to pizza bases & italian-style breads such as focaccia or ciabatta - simply spread onto your dough before baking

Just remember, this pesto packs a punch & a little goes a long way!

That's all for now, thank you for reading.

 

 


ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE AT MCBEAN'S ORCHIDS January 31 2019

I'm delighted to share that throughout February I'll be artist-in-residence at beautiful McBean's Orchids, based just north of Lewes, East Sussex. It'll be a pleasure & a privilege to draw & paint some of the most spectacular varieties of orchids in the world - in a gloriously peaceful (& warm!) setting.

I'll be working in the glasshouses, primarily with pencil, watercolour & gouache & I’ll be sharing work-in-progress shots on Twitter & Instagram throughout the month, so why not follow me over at:

Instagram @kellyhalldesigns

Twitter @KellyHallDesign

Established in 1879, McBean’s has been at the forefront of British orchid cultivation  - growing and nurturing a diverse range of outstanding quality orchids & winning over 70 gold awards at Chelsea Flower Show. If you'd like to find out more about McBean's Orchids, or visit their stunning shop take a look at:

https://www.mcbeansorchids.com

That’s all for this month.

Thank you for reading.

 


A NEW YEAR COVER FOR COUNTRY LIFE MAGAZINE December 31 2018

Earlier this month I was delighted to be approached by Country Life magazine with an invitation to have one of my Vintage Railway gouache paintings featured on the special New Year 2019 cover - to signpost a lead article on the 10 best British journeys. 

One of the listed journeys is the sublime West Highland Line from Glasgow to Mallaig, West Highlands so the team at Country Life selected my painting of iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland - where the line traverses the river on a crescent of 21 arches 100ft above the glen.

In case you miss the article & have a penchant for travel, other recommended journeys are the Hebridean Way, Causeway Coastal Route, Pennine Way, Hadrian's Wall, Leeds to Liverpool Canal, Offa's Dyke Path, Coleridge Way, South Dorset Great Stones Way & the South West Coast Path.

All of my Vintage Railway gouache paintings are available to buy online as signed art prints & greeting cards at:

https://www.kellyhalldesigns.com/pages/vintage-railway

Wishing you a happy new year filled with art, nature, travel & new horizons... here's to 2019!

Thank you for reading.

 


MAKING MINCE PIE CHOCOLATE November 30 2018

In the lead-up to Christmas I love making homemade festive foodie treats to give as gifts to friends & family. I’ve recently received several enquiries about my new creation - Mince Pie Chocolate, so I thought I’d share my recipe here. It’s super-easy to make & packaged in pretty glass jars or Christmas boxes it makes a deliciously quirky gift.  

If you’d like to give it a try. Here’s the recipe & method:

You will need:

1kg chocolate (I use milk & dark in equal quantities), 500g mixed dried fruit, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 4 teaspoons mixed spice, a good glass of Christmas spirit such as brandy or sherry (or orange juice if you prefer), zest of 2 unwaxed oranges, icing sugar to dust, a large baking tray greased & lined with non-stick paper

Method:

  1. In a large bowl mix dried fruit, spice, zest & spirit & leave to soak over night
  2. Gently melt chocolate in a large basin over a pan of boiling water
  3. Stir the fruit mixture into the chocolate & press into the baking tray
  4. Turn out when cool, dust with icing sugar & cut into slices
  5. The chocolate will keep packaged for 6-8 weeks  

Also, for those of you who didn’t see my blog last month, I’m happy to say that for the second year running, I’ll be opening my Christmas Pop-up Art Gallery & Gift Shop in Lewes, East Sussex.

The opening times will be 10am-8pm, 6thDecember (Lewes Late Night Christmas Shopping) & 10am-4pm, 7th& 8thDecember.

The venue is a lovely shop just around the corner from Lewes Tourist Information Centre at 2 Fisher Street, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2DG.

On display will be each of my artwork collections - available to buy as signed art prints, greeting cards, tea towels, bone china mugs & my new 2019 calendars plus studio samples & special seasonal offers - perfect Christmas presents & stocking fillers!

We’ll be offering free, homemade festive treats on Late Night Christmas Shopping between 6pm & 8pm, so if you’re in the area please call in & join us for a mince pie, a meringue - or a piece of mince pie chocolate!

For those of you who are too far away to pay us a visit in Lewes, special seasonal ‘Christmas Pop-Up’ online offers will also be available. I’ll be sharing details on Twitter & Instagram nearer the time, so why not follow me over at:

Twitter @KellyHallDesign

Instagram @kellyhalldesigns

That’s all for now, thank you for reading.

 


OPENING SOON - CHRISTMAS POP-UP SHOP 2018 October 31 2018

I’m happy to say that for the second year running, I’ll be opening my Christmas Pop-up Art Gallery & Gift Shop in Lewes, East Sussex.

The opening times will be 10am-8pm, 6thDecember (Late Night Christmas Shopping) & 10am-4pm, 7th& 8thDecember.

The venue is a lovely, cosy shop just around the corner from Lewes Tourist Information Centre at 2 Fisher Street, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2DG.

On display will be each of my artwork collections - available to buy as signed art prints, greeting cards, tea towels, bone china mugs & my new 2019 calendars plus studio samples & special seasonal offers - perfect Christmas presents & stocking fillers!

We’ll be offering free, homemade festive treats on Late Night Christmas Shopping between 6pm & 8pm, so if you’re in the area please call in & join us for a mince pie or a meringue!

For those of you who are too far away to pay us a visit in Lewes, special seasonal ‘Christmas Pop-Up’ online offers will also be available. I’ll be sharing details on Instagram & Twitter nearer the time, so why not follow me over at:

Instagram @kellyhalldesigns

Twitter @KellyHallDesign

Hope to see you in December!

That’s all for now, thank you for reading.

 


MAKING SPICED SLOE GIN September 30 2018

In the autumn I love to pick plump, purple sloes (Prunus spinosa) from the hedgerows & make aromatic spiced sloe gin. I make it during September & October & leave it to steep so that it’ll be ready in time for Christmas - decanted into pretty glass bottles it makes a gorgeous festive gift for family & friends. I’ve tried & tested many recipes & to date this is my favourite. I add pink peppercorns & cinnamon sticks for a delicious hint of spice - a perfect winter warmer to sip on the long dark nights ahead.

If you’d like to give it a try, here’s the recipe & method:

You will need: 500g sloes, 250g sugar, 1 litre gin, 1tbs pink peppercorns, half a cinnamon stick, 2 litre kilner jar

  1. Carefully rinse the sloes, pat them dry & freeze for 24 hours
  2. Put the sloes, sugar, peppercorns, cinnamon & gin into the jar
  3. Leave to steep in a cool dark place for around 3 months, gently shaking the jar every few days
  4. When it’s ready, strain the gin though a clean muslin cloth & decant into sterilized bottles
  5. The gin will keep for years & the longer you leave it the better it will get
  6. If you don’t have sloes to hand, damsons or blackberries also work brilliantly

This spiced sloe gin is delicious served neat with a bowl of tangerines & nuts to nibble on - ideally on a cold winters night next to a roaring fire!

I adore the traditions & processes of pickling & preserving & I love to watch the alchemy of the deep rich red-purple pigment of the sloes seep out into the clear gin. So for the first few days after making, I keep it on the worktop in my kitchen to admire - before tucking it into the cupboard under my stairs to let time work its magic.

My passion for pickling & preserving fresh fruits & vegetables is the inspiration for my ‘Pickles & Preserves’ gouache painting which is part of my Vintage Kitchen Collection. This design makes a lovely gift for a foodie friend (or for the kitchen) & is available to buy online as signed art prints & greeting cards from:

https://www.kellyhalldesigns.com/collections/vintage-kitchen-pickles-and-preserves

That’s all for this month.

Thank you for reading.

 


MAKING BAKED BLACKBERRY CONSERVE August 24 2018

The hedgerows are bursting with juicy blackberries & inspired by one of my favourite Elizabeth David recipes for roasted raspberry jam I’ve made a small batch of baked blackberry conserve.

This simple method of oven-cooking the conserve for a short time creates an intense flavour & preserves the fresh fruity taste of the blackberries.

If you’d like to give it a try here’s the recipe & method:

You will need: 800g blackberries, 640g sugar, juice of 1 lemon, 2 ovenproof dishes, a large mixing bowl & 3 jam jars

  1. Place the blackberries & lemon juice into an ovenproof dish & the sugar into another & put them in the oven for 30 minutes at 190C
  2. While they are still hot mix the blackberries & sugar together stirring gently with a wooden spoon - be careful as the mixture will bubble & fizz
  3. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before decanting into sterilized jars - the conserve is best stored in a fridge for up to 6 weeks

This conserve is delicious served with fresh scones & cream, waffles & pancakes or simply with fresh bread & butter & a nice cup of tea - enjoy!

My love of growing & cooking fresh fruit is the inspiration for my ‘Fresh Fruits’ gouache painting which is part of my Vintage Kitchen Collection. This design makes a lovely gift for a foodie friend (or for the kitchen) & is available to buy online as signed art prints & greeting cards from:

https://www.kellyhalldesigns.com/collections/vintage-kitchen-fruits

Happy fruit picking & thank you for reading!

 


A NEW VINTAGE RAILWAY CALENDAR FOR 2019 July 30 2018

I’m happy to share details of my new calendar ‘Vintage Railway Collection 2019’. The calendar has been produced in collaboration with my fantastic licensing partner teNeues Calendars & Stationary in Germany & I’m absolutely delighted with the beautiful design & print quality.

It features twelve original gouache paintings from my ‘Vintage Railway Collection’- inspired by the Golden Age of Travel & the classic railway posters of the 20th Century, this collection of paintings celebrates the iconic beauty spots & landmark visitor destinations across the British Isles.

The calendar will soon be available to buy online & in teNeues stockists worldwide - I'll be sharing stockist details shortly here & also over at:

Instagram @kellyhalldesigns

Twitter @KellyHallDesign

The featured twelve ‘Vintage Railway Collection’ designs are also available to buy online as signed art prints & greeting cards from my online shop at:

https://www.kellyhalldesigns.com/pages/vintage-railway

For purchases of signed art prints & greeting cards from my online shop, UK, European & Worldwide shipping options are each available & can be selected at checkout.

Lastly, if you're in London over the summer break & you'd like to see further examples of my artwork, I have a current exhibition ‘Celebrating the British Isles - An exhibition by Kelly Hall’ in the lovely Refectory Café in Southwark Cathedral which is open 9am - 5.30pm daily until 5th September 2018.

Further details about the exhibition can be found on the Southwark Cathedral website at:

https://cathedral.southwark.anglican.org/whats-on/celebrating-the-british-isles-an-exhibition-by-kelly-hall/?d=636686280000000000

Thank you for reading & happy holidays!

 


CELEBRATING THE BRITISH ISLES - AN EXHIBITION BY KELLY HALL June 30 2018

I’m excited to say that here in the studio all is busy with preparation for my forthcoming London exhibition ‘Celebrating the British Isles - An exhibition by Kelly Hall’.

The exhibition will be held in the elegant Refectory Café in Southwark Cathedral & will be open 9am - 5.30pm daily from 21st July - 21st September 2018.

The exhibition will showcase two of my current print collections:

Vintage Railway - inspired by mid-century travel posters this collection celebrates the iconic beauty spots & landmark visitor destinations across the British Isles.

Vintage Kitchen - inspired by Britain’s rich culinary heritage this informative collection celebrates regional, sustainable foods of the British Isles both old & new.

All prints featured in the exhibition will be available to buy (unframed) online from:

https://www.kellyhalldesigns.com/pages/collections

Visitors to the exhibition will be able to collect a special discount code from the Refectory Café & Cathedral Shop entitling them to free delivery with any online purchase made from my online shop between 21st July - 5th September 2018.

To accompany the exhibition a selection of my greeting card designs will also be available to buy in the Cathedral Shop.

If you are planning a visit to Southwark during the summer further details about my exhibition can be found on the Southwark Cathedral website here:

https://cathedral.southwark.anglican.org/whats-on/celebrating-the-british-isles-an-exhibition-by-kelly-hall/?d=636686280000000000

Details about the Refectory Café (& its lovely sunny courtyard!) can be found here:

https://cathedral.southwark.anglican.org/visiting/the-refectory/

That’s all for this month.

Thank you for reading.

 

 


MAKING ELDERFLOWER CORDIAL & 30 DAYS WILD May 31 2018

The hedgerows are full of elderflower blooms & I’m busy making fresh elderflower cordial - a true taste of summer.

If you’d like to give it a try, here’s the recipe & method:

You will need: a carrier bag of fresh elderflower blooms, 2kg sugar, 2 litres water, 2 unwaxed lemons, 85g citric acid

  1. Carefully rinse the elderflowers
  2. Make a sugar syrup by gently melting together the sugar & water together in a large pan
  3. Add the elderflowers, lemon slices & citric acid to the cooled sugar syrup
  4. Cover & leave to steep for 24 hours
  5. Strain the cordial though a muslin cloth & decant into sterilized bottles
  6. The cordial will keep in the fridge for up to 6 weeks - or it can be frozen
  7. Delicious served with iced fizzy water & a bunch of muddled fresh mint

I’m also trying my hand at making sugar-free elderflower cordial. I’ve simply adapted the recipe as above by omitting the sugar. The end result is an even sharper & brighter, natural flavour. Added to gin & tonic or sparkling wine - this is a real summer treat. Just remember that without the sugar, this version will only keep for a couple of days in the fridge - or it can be frozen.

On another note, I’ve just signed up to take part in 30 Days Wild the UK’s month-long nature challenge run by The Wildlife Trusts. Throughout the month of June I will be sketching, drawing & painting daily nature studies in the East Sussex countryside. If you’d like to take a look, I’ll be sharing my results here:

Instagram @kellyhalldesigns

Twitter @KellyHallDesign

30 Days Wild is open to everyone & invites participants to ‘Do something wild every day throughout June - 30 simple, fun & exciting Random Acts of Wildness’. If you’d like to find out more, further details can be found here:

https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/30DaysWild/Random-Acts-Of-Wildness

https://www.wildlifetrusts.org

That’s all for this month.

Thank you for reading!

 


A NEW SUSSEX LANDSCAPE April 30 2018

This month I thought I’d share a behind-the-scenes snap of new work-in-progress. I often get asked by customers if I paint in 'landscape' rather than 'portrait' format, so I thought I’d give it a try.

This is my working drawing of the breath-taking view from Seaford Head looking across the coastguard's cottages towards Seven Sisters - one of my favorite local Sussex landmarks where I love to walk, sketch and paint.

I’ve just entered this piece into the Sussex Open 2018 at the Towner Art Gallery in Eastbourne. If it gets selected, I’ll paint the final piece for inclusion in the exhibition.

Fingers crossed it gets accepted!

My 'portrait' format painting of Seven Sisters, Sussex is available to buy online as signed prints, greeting cards and tea towels from my website at:

www.kellyhalldesigns.com

That’s all for this month.

Thank you for reading.

 


A SUMMER EXHIBITION IN SOUTHWARK March 29 2018

 

I’m delighted to share that from 21 July - 14 September 2018 there will be an exhibition of my Modern Vintage artwork collections in Southwark Cathedral, London.

The exhibition is entitled ‘Kelly Hall: Celebrating the British Isles’ and it will showcase two of my current print collections:

Vintage Railway - inspired by mid-century travel posters this collection celebrates the iconic beauty spots & landmark visitor destinations across the British Isles.

Vintage Kitchen - inspired by Britain’s rich culinary heritage this informative collection celebrates regional, sustainable foods of the British Isles both old & new.

I’ll be sharing further details nearer the time, so if you’d like to find out more please follow me here:

Instagram @kellyhalldesigns

Twitter @KellyHallDesign

In the meantime, if you’d like to see my artwork and you’re planning a visit to Chichester in West Sussex - there is a permanent exhibition of my print collections on display in the lovely Cloisters Café in Chichester Cathedral. Further details about the cathedral and cafe are available here:

https://www.chichestercathedral.org.uk/visiting/cafe.shtml

That's all for this month and thank you for reading.

 


MAKING LEMON DRIZZLE GIN FOR SPRING February 28 2018

In January 2018 I set myself a new creative challenge. Each month of this year I’ll be trying my hand at making a different seasonal jam, jelly, gin, cordial, curd or (fruit) cheese. Inspired by my much-loved Mrs. Beeton cookbooks and my gouache painting of ‘Pickles & Preserves of the British Isles’.

Based on the zesty flavours of classic lemon drizzle cake, this month I’m making lemon drizzle gin. Adapted from my tried-and-tested sloe gin recipe, this easy ‘make’ should be ready in around 4 weeks - just in time for zingy spring holiday cocktails.

If you’d like to give it a try, here’s the recipe and method:

You will need: 1 litre gin, 11 unwaxed lemons, 300g sugar, 2 litre preserving jar

  1. Carefully peel rind from 10 lemons - avoiding bitter white pith
  2. Prick holes all over 1 whole lemon
  3. Add rind and whole lemon to gin and leave in a cool place for 1 week - shake every few days
  4. Add sugar and leave for a further 3 weeks - shake every few days
  5. Enjoy poured straight over ice, as a gin and tonic or as a cocktail mixed with sparkling wine or champagne - serve with a sprig of fresh mint

This recipe has left me with plenty of peeled lemons, so in anticipation of the spring holidays I’ll use the freshly squeezed lemon juice to make a batch of lemon drizzle cakes to keep in the freezer.

If you give my lemon drizzle gin recipe a try, do let me know how it goes via Instagram or Twitter. I’ll be sharing my ‘taste test’ results in late March over at:

Instagram @kellyhalldesigns

Twitter @KellyHallDesign

Lastly, my ‘Pickles & Preserves of the British Isles’ gouache painting is part of my ‘Vintage Kitchen’ collection and is available to buy online as signed art prints and greeting cards. If you’d like to take a closer look you can find details here:

https://www.kellyhalldesigns.com/collections/vintage-kitchen-pickles-and-preserves

That’s all for this month.

Thank you for reading!

 


MAKE A NATURAL WILD BIRD FEEDER January 26 2018

I’ve received lots of lovely comments via Twitter and Instagram about my recent post encouraging people to make a natural wild bird feeder - so I thought I’d share a little more detail in this blog.

Give hungry wild birds a helping hand this winter by making a natural bird feeder. This is a simple and fun way for people of all ages, to help birds through the winter when natural food sources are scarce.

You will need: dried pinecones, natural garden twine or string, wild birdseed mix and lard.

  1. Tie a piece of twine onto the top of an open pinecone
  2. Cut lard into small cubes, then mix the bird seed and lard together
  3. Press the mixture into the pinecone
  4. Hang your birdfeeder outdoors

On the 27-29 January the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2018 takes place, so this would be an ideal way to encourage wild birds into your local park or garden. For further information and details on how to take part visit:

https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/

There’s nothing I love more than spotting and drawing wild birds and in my monthly column ‘An Artist’s Nature Journal’ in Country Living magazine, I share the flora and fauna I’ve spotted around my East Sussex home. If you’d like to take a look the March issue is out now. For details visit:

www.countryliving

Lastly, I’m happy to say that I’m running a special spring offer for Country Living readers. CL readers can receive 15% off online orders, the code is listed in the March issue and the offer is valid until 2 March 2018. To view my current designs and collections visit:

https://www.kellyhalldesigns.com/pages/collections

That’s all for now.

Thank you for reading and happy bird watching!

 


'WALK' A NEW BOOK COVER FOR 2018 December 31 2017

There is nothing I enjoy more than packing my sketchbook and thermos flask, putting on my hiking boots and stepping out for a good walk with my cocker spaniel, Pebble.

At the start of the new year, I love to browse through my collections of maps and travel books and plan walks that I would like to do throughout the coming months.

If you love walking as much as I do, then I’d warmly recommend this lovely new book ‘Walk’. It is written by author David Bathurst who has walked all the complete National Trails of Great Britain, and more. Published by Summersdale Publishers it will be available from 8th March 2018. For further details visit:

www.summersdale.com/sd-book/walk/

I’m delighted that the book cover features my original painting of ‘Swaledale, North Yorkshire’ which is from my Vintage Railway Collection. This design is available to buy online as signed art prints and greeting cards from:

www.kellyhalldesigns.com/collections/vintage-railway-yorkshire

If you enjoy walking and would like to find out more about walking routes and activities in your local area, plenty of information is available online at:

www.ramblers.org.uk

www.walkingforhealth.org.uk

www.nationaltrail.co.uk

www.nationalparks.gov.uk

That’s all for now, thank you for reading.

I’d like to wish you a very happy new year and I hope you enjoy lots of lovely walks in 2018!

 


‘AN ARTIST’S NATURE JOURNAL’ IN COUNTRY LIVING November 30 2017

I’ve always loved the book ‘The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady’ by Edith Holden. Following a family move from London to the beautiful East Sussex countryside, I was inspired to create my own modern-day, month-by-month, illustrated nature journal.

My nature journal is an ongoing personal project that is very close to my heart. It is a celebration of my combined love of drawing, painting and learning about the natural world.

'It is my aim to create a modern-day record of the flora and fauna of the British countryside through the changing seasons of the year - as seen through the eyes of an artist’.

I’m delighted to share that my nature journal is being published as twelve monthly columns in Country Living magazine throughout 2018. If you’d like to take a look, the January issue is out now. For further information visit:

http://www.countryliving.co.uk

To coincide with the publication of each monthly column during 2018, I’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes snapshots of artwork-in-progress, plus sightings of seasonal plants and wildlife. So if you’re interested in art and nature you might like to follow me on:

Instagram @kellyhalldesigns

Twitter @KellyHallDesign

Thank you for reading and happy winter watching!

 


CHRISTMAS POP-UP ART GALLERY & GIFT SHOP October 31 2017

I’m excited to say that to coincide with Lewes Late Night Christmas Shopping on 7th December, I’ll be opening a little Pop-up Art Gallery & Gift Shop.

The opening times will be 10am-8pm, Thursday 7th December (Late Night Christmas Shopping) & 10am-4pm, Friday 8th & Saturday 9th December.

The venue is a lovely shop adjoining Lewes Tourist Information Centre at 2 Fisher Street, Lewes BN7 2DG.

The exhibition will feature the full range of my artwork collections - available to buy as signed art prints, greeting cards, tea towels, bone china mugs & calendars, plus limited edition prints & studio samples - perfect Christmas presents & stocking fillers!

Special seasonal offers & festive treats will also be available, so if you’re in the area please call in & say ‘hello’.

Next month I’ll be sharing details about a fabulous, year-long project that I’ve been busy working on - due to be published in one of my all-time favourite magazines in November. 

That’s all for now, thank you for reading.

 


FANTASTIC FUNGI September 30 2017

I love the onset of autumn, as it signifies the start of the mushroom hunting season. With cooler, wetter weather settling in, as if by magic, edible wild mushrooms begin to appear in woodlands, fields & hedgerows. Stepping out for a misty, morning walk with a wicker basket (& my dog) can be hard to beat. My all-time favourite ‘foraging finds’ include humble field mushrooms & creamy white puffballs, delicious in simple stir-fries & warming soups - perfect after a chilly, autumn walk!

Mushroom hunting is a wonderful way to get outdoors & enjoy the countryside, so if you’re out & about in the coming weeks, keep your eyes peeled for these edible treasures. All you need is a wicker basket or cotton bag, plus a small knife & brush. Just remember to make sure you carefully identify mushrooms before cooking and eating them. For good basic tips visit:

http://www.wildfooduk.com/articles/wild-mushrooms-for-beginners/

Also remember to avoid picking too many mushrooms. For guidelines on sustainable foraging visit:

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/things-to-do/foraging/foraging-guidelines/

If you’re looking for a gift for a mycologist friend or mushroom-lover, my original gouache painting of Wild Mushrooms - a new addition to my ‘Vintage Kitchen Collection’, is available to buy online as signed art prints & greeting cards from:

https://www.kellyhalldesigns.com/collections/vintage-kitchen-wild-mushrooms

www.kellyhalldesigns.com

Also, on another topic, I’m excited to say that I’ll be opening a Christmas pop-up gallery & gift shop in Lewes, East Sussex on 7th, 8th & 9th December 2017. I’ll be sharing further details in my blog next month so watch this space.

That’s all for now, thank you for reading & happy mushroom hunting!

 


ON SALE NOW - NEW VINTAGE KITCHEN CALENDAR 2018 August 31 2017

This is a quick follow-up to my April blog ‘NEW VINTAGE KITCHEN CALENDAR FOR 2018' and as promised I’d like to share stockist details for my brand new calendar ‘Vintage Kitchen Collection 2018’.

The calendar has been printed and published by my fantastic licensing partner teNeues Calendars & Stationary and I’m absolutely delighted with the beautiful design and print quality.

It features twelve original gouache paintings from my ‘Vintage Kitchen Collection’ and includes five new designs - Pickles & Preserves, Wild Mushrooms, Fresh Herbs, Afternoon Tea and Fresh Fish.

The calendar is available to buy online here:

Amazon - https://tinyurl.com/y9do529h

Calendar Club - https://tinyurl.com/yabad49m

It is also available to buy from the following high street shops:

Medici Gallery South Kensington, London - 0207 5891363

Blackwells Art & Poster Shop, Oxford - 01865 333641

Pen To Paper, Brighton - 01273 676670

Kenilworth Books, Kenilworth - 01926 855784

Each of the twelve featured ‘Vintage Kitchen Collection’ designs are also available to buy online as signed art prints and greeting cards (all proudly printed in the UK) from:

https://www.kellyhalldesigns.com/pages/vintage-kitchen

That’s all for now, thank you for reading!

 

 


ART & ABOUT IN ST.IVES July 31 2017

 

Calling all art lovers!

I’ve just returned from a short break with my family in St.Ives, Cornwall. I come from a family of artists, and St.Ives with its strong artistic community, and its infamous luminous light, has always been a source of inspiration for me. St.Ives has a multitude of art galleries, museums and open artist studios, which cater for all tastes. In this blog, I thought I’d share a few of my favourite places to visit in this very special town.

As a starting point, a visit to the iconic Tate St.Ives is a must. With an ever-changing programme of exhibitions by national and international artists, this stunning architectural landmark overlooks Porthmeor Beach - one of the premium surfing beaches in the area.

http://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-st-ives

A top tip: A combined ticket is available to purchase which also admits entry into the wonderful Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. Here you can get a real behind-the-scenes glimpse into the magical home, unique gardens and sculpture studio of artist Barbara Hepworth. For further details visit:

http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/exhibition/barbara-hepworth-sculpture-modern-world

If you’re feeling creative, the nearby St.Ives School of Painting offers an exciting range of art courses and workshops in the famous Porthmeor Studios. Classes are suitable for all levels from complete beginners to those with more experience. For further details visit:

https://schoolofpainting.co.uk

Lastly, a short walk along Back Road West you’ll find the Penwith Gallery - home of the Penwith Society of Arts. The gallery was founded in 1949 by a group of leading artists including Ben Nicholson, Barbara Hepworth and Bernard Leach. The all-year-round exhibition programme showcases contemporary painting, sculpture and the crafts - often inspired by the striking Cornish landscape. For further details visit:

http://www.penwithgallery.com

My original gouache painting of Cornwall, depicts the stunning easterly view looking along Porthmeor Beach towards the Island, and out across St.Ives Bay to Godrevy Lighthouse. This painting is available to buy online as signed prints and greeting cards from:

https://www.kellyhalldesigns.com/collections/vintage-railway-cornwall

If you have the chance to visit St.Ives, I hope you love it as much as I do!

Thank you for reading.

 


NEW STOCKIST - THE GLORIOUS GARDEN MUSEUM June 30 2017

 

Calling all gardeners!

As a keen gardener, I’m thrilled that a selection of my new Vintage Kitchen greeting card designs are now available to buy in the stunning gift shop in the recently refurbished Garden Museum in Lambeth, London.

The first museum in the world dedicated to the history of gardening, the Garden Museum is a must-see for gardening enthusiasts hosting a wealth of gardening-related exhibitions, activities, debates, collections and archives.

Following an 18 month, £7 million makeover and expansion - with a new café and planting design by Dan Pearson - the Garden Museum has recently reopened it’s doors to the public,  and is well worth a visit. Further details are available from:

http://www.gardenmuseum.org.uk

In case you can’t make a trip to the Garden Museum, my full Vintage Kitchen collection is also available to buy online as greeting cards and signed prints from:

https://www.kellyhalldesigns.com/pages/vintage-kitchen

Thank you for reading and happy gardening!

 


TOWER BRIDGE - A LONDON ICON May 30 2017

My Vintage Railway Collection is inspired by my love of the classic railway posters of the 20th century. In celebration of our stunning capital city, a recent addition to this collection is my new gouache painting of Tower Bridge - an iconic symbol of historic London.

Tower Bridge was built across the River Thames in 1886-1894 and is crossed by over 40,000 people every day - connecting the London boroughs of Tower Hamlets (north side) to Southwark (south side). A stunning example of Victorian architectural design and engineering, it is a combined suspension and drawbridge - the cantilevered bascules are raised around 1000 times each year to allow river traffic to pass safely under the bridge.

If you’re planning a visit to Tower Bridge and you'd like to learn more about it, I’d warmly recommend a visit to the Tower Bridge Exhibition. This excellent London visitor attraction invites you to ‘step inside the most famous bridge in the world to explore its iconic structure, spectacular views and glass floor, modern exhibitions and magnificent Victorian Engine Rooms’. Further details are available at:

www.towerbridge.org.uk

My new Tower Bridge design is available to buy online as premium quality greeting cards and hand-signed 40 x 50cm prints from:

https://www.kellyhalldesigns.com/collections/vintage-railway-london

I’m delighted that this design will also be available to buy at John Lewis as 30 x 40cm prints from:

https://www.johnlewis.com/search?Ntt=kelly+hall+prints&Nty=1&_requestid=11446219

I’ll share details via Twitter and Instagram as soon as it's in stock at John Lewis.

That’s all for this month, thank you for reading!

 


NEW VINTAGE KITCHEN CALENDAR FOR 2018 April 30 2017

Recently I was thrilled to receive samples of my new calendar ‘Vintage Kitchen Collection 2018’. The calendar has been printed and published by my fantastic licensing partner teNeues Calendars & Stationary in Germany and I’m absolutely delighted with the beautiful design and print quality.

It features twelve of my original paintings from my ‘Vintage Kitchen Collection’- including five brand new designs. Inspired by Britain’s rich culinary heritage, this elegant and informative collection of paintings celebrates regional, sustainable foods of the British Isles both old and new.

The calendar is currently available for wholesale stockists to order from the new teNeues wholesale 2018 catalogue, which is available to view here:

http://www.teneues-kalender.de/itex/Kataloge/teNeues_Export_Calendars_2018/HTML/files/assets/basic-html/page-19.html

It will also be available for retail customers to buy in the coming months from leading UK and worldwide stockists, I’ll share details soon…

The featured five brand new ‘Vintage Kitchen Collection’ designs are: Fresh Fish, Afternoon Tea, Fresh Herbs, Edible Mushrooms, and Pickles and Preserves. These designs are also available to buy online as signed art prints and greeting cards (all proudly printed in the UK) from:

https://www.kellyhalldesigns.com/pages/vintage-kitchen

That’s all for now, thank you for reading!


FILMING WITH BBC COUNTRYFILE March 31 2017

As a Sussex-based artist, I am inspired by the strong historical connections between the South Downs and the radical mid 20th century artists and designers who were drawn to the area. The ‘Bloomsbury Group’ included Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, and elsewhere in Sussex Eric Ravilious, Eric Slater and Eric Gill practiced their art.

Consequently, it was a dream-come-true to be invited to take part in the South Downs episode of BBC Countryfile filming at Charleston Farmhouse, the country home of the Bloomsbury Group. Inspired by Vanessa Bell’s painting of Charleston (c.1950), I chose to paint a modern-day version of this viewpoint, so on the day of filming, I set up my easel on the south side of the pond and set to work drawing and painting. The Countryfile team had asked for a work-in-progress-style feature, so it was a delight to work with the excellent BBC film crew and to be interviewed by ‘TV legend’ John Craven. Since the broadcast of the episode on 5th March, I’ve received lots of lovely feedback from Countryfile viewers - and friends and family!

For those of you who are interested in the work of the Bloomsbury Group, I’d warmly recommend a visit to Charleston, ‘A spiritual home for artists’. For further details visit:

www.charleston.org.uk

As part of my research into the work of the mid 20th century Sussex artists, I recently visited current exhibition ‘Sussex Modernism: Retreat and Rebellion’ which explores the attraction and the influence of Sussex on the modernist movement. The exhibition is open until 23rd April 2017 at Two Temple Place - a stunning neo-Gothic mansion, which is well worth a visit in it’s own right. For further details visit:

www.twotempleplace.org

That’s all for now, until next month.

Thank you for reading.

 

Photo: Andrew Testa for The New York Times


CELEBRATING THE SOUTH DOWNS February 28 2017

11 years ago I moved from London to East Sussex in the South East of England, with my husband and two young daughters. We were drawn to the gentle drama of the Sussex landscape - the rolling South Downs, the dramatic chalk cliffs and the pretty shingle beaches fringing the English Channel. Each morning before I go to my studio, I enjoy walking and running on the South Downs with Pebble, my Cocker Spaniel. The stunning landscape of my adopted home county is an ongoing source of inspiration for my artwork, and I am constantly discovering new views of the South Downs which I plan to draw and paint in the future.

A selection of my Sussex-inspired paintings including: Seven Sisters, Lewes, Brighton Pier, Brighton Pavilion and Chichester, are available to buy online as signed prints and greeting cards from:

www.kellyhalldesigns.com/pages/vintage-railway

The South Downs National Park is England’s newest National Park (formed in 2011) and in 2016, I was delighted to be invited by the National Trails to create a bespoke gouache painting in celebration of the South Downs Way - the long distance footpath and bridleway which stretches ‘100 wonderful miles, from Winchester to Eastbourne’.

My new South Downs Way painting features the iconic view of Beachy Head in East Sussex, and it will be available to buy online as signed prints and greeting cards in March. If you are interested in this new design, and would like me to contact you when it is available to order, please feel free to email me at:

kelly@kellyhalldesigns.com

Lastly, I’m thrilled to say that I have a feature on BBC Countryfile (South Downs episode) on Sunday 5th March. For further details visit:

www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08hyhg9

That’s all for now from the South Downs… until next month!

Thank you for reading.

 

 


TIME FOR TEA January 31 2017

Calling all tea lovers...

In celebration of the quintessentially British tradition of taking afternoon tea, this is a sneaky-peek preview of one of my new Vintage British Kitchen paintings.

Inspired by the world-famous afternoon tea menus at Fortnum and Mason and The Ritz London, this new design will be available in the Spring to buy online as signed prints and greeting cards from:

www.kellyhalldesigns.com

Just a few reminders, I’m proud to say that all of my products are printed here in the UK, each online order is individually checked and packed by hand, with a choice of UK, European and Worldwide shipping options available at the online checkout.

I’ll be sharing details about more of my new designs soon.

Thank you for reading.

 

 


WISHING YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS December 20 2016

As everyone is so busy with last-minute Christmas preparations, I’ve made this blog entry a brief one.

In celebration of the festive season I thought I’d share an image of my gouache painting of our hometown - Lewes at Christmas. I painted this back in 2012 when my business was in its early stages. Painted originally to sell in the Lewes Tourist Information Centre as UK printed greeting cards, this design is still one of my local best-sellers year on year.

2016 seems to have flown by and throughout December there’s been a flurry of activity in the studio as we’ve been packing and posting online orders in time for Christmas. I’ve also been busy working on a range of new paintings which will be available to buy in the new year as signed prints and greeting cards. I’ll be sharing details soon - so watch this space!

Please note, after a fantastically busy year, I’m taking a (much-needed) festive break and the studio will be closed for the Christmas holidays from: 21 December - 2 January. Any orders received during this time will be processed promptly when we re-open on the 3 January 2017.

I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

That’s it for now, more news to come - next year!

 


GIFTS FOR THE KITCHEN November 30 2016

Gifts and festive foods are the central focus of many of our Christmas celebrations. So, as a selection of my designs are available to buy as kitchenware ranges, I thought this blog should focus around the kitchen (the heart of the home) and those that cook in it.

I’m proud to say that I work in partnership with Ulster Weavers, a leading home textiles company based in Holywood, Northern Ireland. Originally founded in 1880, Ulster Weavers have held the royal warrant as suppliers of kitchen textiles to Queen Elizabeth II since 1995. Since our partnership was formed in 2013, Ulster Weavers have produced many of my designs as premium quality kitchenware ranges, including tea towels, trays, placemats, coasters, napkins and bone china mugs.

Gifts for the kitchen always seem to be so well received and I love the fact that Ulster Weavers products follow one of my favourite William Morris quotes: ‘Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful’. I believe that my kitchenware designs from Ulster Weavers make useful and beautiful gifts! To view the collections and buy online visit:

www.ulsterweavers.com/catalogsearch/result/?cat=0&q=kelly+hall

In addition, my Vintage British Kitchen greeting cards and signed-prints make classic, timeless Christmas gifts. Customers often buy prints in sets of three or four to create a feature wall in a kitchen or dining area. Shipped worldwide in sturdy postal tubes, prints are quick and easy to frame, fitting perfectly into off-the-shelf picture frames from John Lewis, Habitat and Ikea. To view the collections and buy online visit:

www.kellyhalldesigns.com/pages/vintage-kitchen

In my own kitchen at each weekend during November and December, it’s a festive hive of activity. I’ve been busy making Christmas Cakes and Puddings, and my daughters are perfecting their recipes for Mince Pies and Christmas Cookies. Next on the Christmas cooking list is edible gifts… yum!

Thank you for reading and I hope that you have a lovely festive time in your kitchen in the lead up to Christmas.

 


CELEBRATING THE SAVILL GARDEN September 30 2016

 

September seems to have flown by, I’ve been busy in the studio painting my new Vintage British Kitchen designs for a new calendar and launching my bespoke painting for the South Downs Way National Trail. This is now available to buy online as hand-signed prints and greeting cards at:

shop.nationaltrail.co.uk/collections/merchandise/products/vintage-south-downs-way-signed-print?variant=20525550533

October looks to be a busy month too, with my new exhibition ‘Kelly Hall: Celebrating The Savill Garden’ in the fabulous, modernist Savill Building in Windsor Great Park. Open from 1-31 October, the exhibition launches my new botanically-inspired painting for The Savill Garden. The painting is available to buy as hand-signed prints and across a bespoke product range, including greeting cards, tea towels, aprons and canvas shopping bags - all proudly printed in the UK. The Savill Garden product range is available to buy exclusively in the Savill Garden Gift Shop. For visitor information look at:

www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/en/experiences/the-savill-garden

To accompany the launch of The Savill Garden range, the exhibition showcases my artwork collections which will take you on a journey around the rich culinary heritage and the iconic beauty spots of the British Isles, from Sussex to Scotland. All hand-signed prints featured in the exhibition are available to buy in the Savill Garden Gift Shop and online at:

www.kellyhalldesigns.com/pages/collections

As ‘Artist in Residence’ at The Savill Garden, I will be on hand to chat about my artwork and sources of inspiration, I will also be sharing my creative process through live drawing and painting from 11am - 4pm on 1, 2, 15 and 16 October. So if you’re planning a visit to this very special garden on one of these dates - do come and say hello.

That’s all for now and happy Autumn watching!

 

 


PICKLING, PRESERVING & PAINTING August 31 2016

I’ve just returned from my summer holiday in Cornwall, where I spent three glorious weeks with my family in two of my favourite places, St.Ives and Rock. I’m busy catching up on emails and orders, so please excuse the brief blog this month!

As is usual at this time of year, I’ve come back to a glorious glut of fruits and vegetables. So over the coming weeks I’ll be busy making some of my favourite pickles and preserves.

I adore (not necessarily in this order) gardening, cooking and painting, and each of these activities often inspire each other. As soon as I’ve caught up with work in the studio and got on top of the weeds, I’ll be making a start on my collection of five new Vintage British Kitchen paintings. In particular, my passion for making home-made jams, jellies, chutneys and conserves will be a fabulous source of direct inspiration for my new Pickles & Preserves painting. The five new designs will be available to buy as signed prints and greeting cards in early 2017 from:

www.kellyhalldesigns.com

Lastly, I’m thrilled to say that I am featured in the new Country Living Kitchen Table Talent ‘bookazine’ which is available to buy from 1st September - for details, take a look at:

www.countryliving.co.uk/create/kitchen-table-talent/news/a849/where-to-buy-our-new-kitchen-table-talent-bookazine/

That’s all for now, and thank you for reading.


GETTING ORGANIZED, A NEW CALENDAR FOR 2017 July 31 2016

Recently I was thrilled to receive samples of my new calendar ‘Celebrating the British Isles 2017’. The calendar has been printed and published by my fantastic new partner teNeues Calendars & Stationary in Germany and I’m absolutely delighted with the beautiful design and print quality.

It features twelve of my original paintings from my ‘Vintage Railway Collection’. Inspired by the Golden Age of Travel and classic railway posters of the 20th Century, this collection of paintings celebrates the iconic beauty spots and landmark visitor destinations across the British Isles.

The calendar is available to buy now from teNeues stockists worldwide and online from:

www.teneues.com/shop-uk/calendars-2017/brand/teneues/celebrating-the-british-isles-2017.html

With the Christmas gift buying season fast approaching, I hope this calendar will be a real hit with people who have a passion for travel, vintage graphic art and the British Isles. Following hot on the footsteps of this first publication with teNeues, I’m currently working on an exciting collection of new paintings for a calendar for 2018 and I’ll share updates as the project progresses.

Lastly, while on the subject of travel, if you happen to be flying with Flybe airlines in the coming weeks, keep an eye out for my feature in the new August issue of Flight Time inflight magazine. Also available to read online at:

www.flybe.com/flight-time-magazine/

That’s all for now.

Happy summer holidays!

 

 


PAINTING THE SOUTH DOWNS WAY June 30 2016

I’m delighted that work is now well under way with my new bespoke painting of the ‘South Downs Way National Trail’ in the ‘South Downs National Park’.

The ‘South Downs Way’ is a 100 mile footpath and bridleway which runs along the South Downs between Winchester in Hampshire and Eastbourne in East Sussex. I have found it to be a real challenge selecting an iconic viewpoint to paint, which would describe and do justice to the full length and breadth of this famous and well loved trail. I carried out initial research in local libraries, museums and galleries, and following many discussions, I finally made my selection and decided to paint the classic view of Beachy Head - with the rolling Downs and the magnificent white chalk cliffs, above the crashing white-capped waves of the English Channel.

The gleaming chalk stacks that form Beachy Head have come to symbolize the English coastline. Being the highest point on the south coast at 163m, the famous headland takes it’s name from the French ‘beau chef’ or ‘beautiful headland’ and Beachy Head Lighthouse, which opened in 1902, was built with great ingenuity and daring as materials and workers were lowered by cable car from the clifftops.

If walking, running, cycling or horse riding the full100 mile stretch of the ‘South Downs Way’ isn’t for you, I’d warmly recommend the undulating walk along this dramatic stretch of coastline. Just today I went to sketch some fine visual details and gather colour reference for my painting - the sound of skylarks and buzzing bees, coupled with the sound of waves crashing onto the beach below, was a heady combination.    

This stretch of coastline has been described as ‘the roof of the world’ and one of my favourite graphic artists, Eric Ravilious, painted this very same viewpoint in 1939. He was quoted at the time as saying ‘An immense bar of light on the sea is splendid…and must be done’.

My new ‘South Downs Way’ painting will be available to buy as signed prints and greeting cards from the National Trails online shop later on in the summer. In the meantime a selection of my Sussex-related designs are currently available to buy at:

http://shop.nationaltrail.co.uk/collections/south-downs-way?page=2

Lastly, keep an eye out for my story in the gorgeous new August issue of Country Living magazine, where I am a featured ‘Rural Artist'.

That’s it for now, until next month!

 


FLOWER POWER May 31 2016

Inspired by the flowers bursting into bloom on the drawing board in my studio and in my garden, I thought I’d make the theme of this blog a floral one.

Over the past few months I’ve been busy working on a new bespoke, botanically inspired painting for ‘The Savill Garden’ in ‘Windsor Great Park’. The painting is a celebration of the very special Royal plant collections within the gardens. Flowers are such a timelessly classic subject matter and visits to ‘The Savill Garden’, the ‘RHS Lindley Library’ and of course ‘Chelsea Flower Show’ have provided me with a wonderful inspirational floral backdrop for this fabulous project. After several months spent studying, drawing and painting plants, I think I’m fairly hooked on painting flowers and I’ll be sure to add them into my future portfolio.

So, with the new painting finished, over the coming months I’ll be working in partnership with leading UK-based kitchen textile manufacturers ‘Ulster Weavers’ on an exciting new co-ordinated product range to launch at ‘The Savill Garden’ in September… more details to follow later this summer.

To continue my floral theme, I’m thrilled that my ‘Vintage Railway, Chichester’ painting has been selected to promote the ‘Chichester Cathedral Festival of Flowers 2016’. The Festival takes place from 2-4 June and the majestic nine hundred year-old Cathedral will be transformed with over eighty stunning floral arrangements, all following the theme of the title of the Festival: 'The Artist's Palette'. The theme will reflect artists represented in the Cathedral, local Sussex artists and other well-known artists. For further information take a look at:

www.chichestercathedral.org.

If you are visiting Chichester over the summer, my current exhibition ‘Kelly Hall: Celebrating The British Isles’ is open in the beautifully refurbished Cloisters Café at ‘Chichester Cathedral’. It will run until the end of August and all signed prints featured in the exhibition are available to buy via my online shop at:

www.kellyhalldesigns.com

My blog next month will be all about the ‘South Down’, as I’ll be starting to work on an exciting new bespoke painting and product range for the ‘South Downs Way National Trail’ in the ‘South Downs National Park’. I’m delighted that, in order to pave the way for this new project, a selection of my Sussex signed prints and greeting cards are now available to buy from the National Trails online shop:

http://shop.nationaltrail.co.uk/collections/south-downs-way?page=2

That’s all for now.

Thank you for reading!

 


CELEBRATING 5 YEARS IN BUSINESS April 30 2016

I’m thrilled to say that ‘Kelly Hall Designs’ has been in business for 5 years, so I thought I’d share my story so far…

In my early career I worked as a freelance artist and designer working on a broad range of commissioned projects and as Learning Manager at The Design Museum in London. Following the birth of my two daughters and a move from Islington, London to Lewes in East Sussex, I launched my business ‘Kelly Hall Designs’ in 2011- with my husband and business partner Andrew Hall.

When we were deciding on the direction of our business venture, we identified a significant gap in the souvenir market between what the customer was being offered and what we believed they wanted. So, drawing initial inspiration from the ‘Festival Of Britain’ (1951), ‘Kelly Hall Designs’ set out to celebrate the British Isles and give the humble souvenir a makeover. Drawing on extensive research into the history of tourism in Great Britain, I set myself the brief to paint ‘Classic, elegant artwork collections with a real sense of place’ that could be applied across premium quality, design-led product ranges which are ‘Beautiful, useful and durable’.

The journey really started when I pitched my artwork and business idea to Sally Bass, the Manager in the Lewes Tourist Information Centre. Several months later ‘Kelly Hall Designs’ launched with my two first co-ordinated ‘Lewes’ product ranges: ‘Vintage Railway’ and ‘China Blue’ which included greeting cards, bone china mugs, tea towels, tote bags and lavender bags - all proudly made in the UK. It was so exciting to see them displayed in the lovely shop windows on Lewes High Street - both ranges received wonderful responses and they continue to sell well to this present day.

Since 2011, my artwork collections have continued to grow, as has my ‘Small but perfectly formed’ business. Since the humble beginnings of ‘Kelly Hall Designs’, I am proud to be working with a network of fantastic UK-based manufacturers and licensing partners, and my artwork collections and products are now available to buy in many leading retailers, museums and galleries across the UK, including The Royal Pavilion Brighton, John Lewis and Liberty.

So looking at 2016 and beyond, to kick-start my 6th year in business I’m busy expanding my core artwork collections and new product ranges. I’m also working on some exciting special projects including a bespoke range for the ‘South Downs Way National Trail’ in the ‘South Downs National Park’, and also a bespoke botanically inspired range for ‘The Savill Garden’ in ‘Windsor Great Park’.

With my paintbrush in hand and my customer’s traditional and contemporary lifestyles firmly in mind, I believe the future is bright - here’s to the next 5 years of 'Kelly Hall Designs' in business!

Thank you for being a part of my journey.

 


STEP INTO SPRING March 24 2016

I’m delighted to say that my new exhibition ‘Kelly Hall:Celebrating The British Isles’ is now open in the beautifully refurbished Cloisters Café at Chichester Cathedral. It will run until the end of August and all signed prints featured in the exhibition are available to buy via my online shop at www.kellyhalldesigns.com. Chichester is a stunning cathedral city in West Sussex with a wealth of historic and cultural attractions - and great shopping too! If you’re planning a trip, I’d warmly recommend taking a look at www.visitchichester.org

The artwork in my ‘Celebrating The British Isles’ exhibition is also featured in a lovely new calendar of the same name for 2017. I’ve been working in partnership for the past 6 months with leading international publishers ‘Te Neues’ and the calendar will be available to purchase at www.teneues-calendars.com, and from ‘TeNeues’ stockists worldwide from May 2016.

Following the launch of my exciting new kitchenware ranges with ‘Ulster Weavers’ in February, I’ve had customer enquiries about stockists. For your information, the ranges are available to buy online now via  www.ulsterweavers.com, and from ‘Ulster Weavers’ stockists worldwide.

That’s all for now and thank you for reading.

Happy Spring watching!


HAPPY NEW YEAR, HAPPY NEW ARTWORK January 28 2016

I’m delighted to kick-start 2016 with the launch of my 7 brand new ‘Vintage Railway’ paintings. This growing collection is inspired by the Golden Age of Travel and my lifelong passion for the fabulous vintage railway posters of the 20th Century. The artwork is currently being proofed and printed and the 7 new designs will soon be available to order as hand-signed prints and greeting cards from my online shop at www.kellyhalldesigns.com

I’m also excited to say that as an addition to my tea towel designs, Ulster Weavers will be launching my new giftware and homeware collections at Spring Fair, NEC Birmingham, Hall 9, Stand C28/D29 from 7-11 February. The 3 new co-ordinated product ranges feature artwork from my ‘Vintage British Kitchen’ collection, all beautifully printed onto classic bone china mugs, napkins, placemats, coasters and trays. I’ll be attending a launch event at the stand from 2-6pm on Monday 8 February, so if you’re visiting, come and say hello!

If you’d like to find out more, I’ll be sharing further images and information about my new artwork, products and up-coming exhibitions via:

Twitter @KellyHallDesign and instagram @KellyHallDesigns

That’s all for now - Happy 2016!

 

 

 


GILL SANS & GOUACHE November 30 2015

While the wild wind and rain is hammering down outside on the windows of my studio, I’m busy working on a new collection of my ‘Vintage Railway’ paintings. As I’m drawing and painting a lot of Gill Sans type and working my way through many tubes of gouache paint, I thought I’d share a few related behind-the-scenes facts in my blog this month.

I use the Gill Sans typeface, which I draw out and paint by hand in Spectrum Red gouache on all my ‘Vintage Railway’ paintings. Gill Sans was designed in 1927 by Sussex- based sculptor, wood engraver, type-designer and letter-cutter Eric Gill. Gill took inspiration from Edward Johnston’s ‘Johnston’ alphabet designed for the London Underground - it was his aim to design a font for use on posters and advertisements that was clean, modern and traditional at the same time. Following its release, Gill Sans was an immediate success and it went on to be selected by British Railways for use on all its posters, timetables and publicity materials. It’s for this reason that Gill Sans was a natural, authentic choice for use on my own ‘Vintage Railway’ paintings. (For those that are interested, a selection of Eric Gill’s works are on display at the wonderful Ditchling Museum of Art & Craft).

I paint all of my original artwork on to stretched cartridge paper using Winsor & Newton gouache paint. Goauche is an opaque watercolour paint that dries smoothly and produces brilliant colour. Gouache has been available since 1935 and has been traditionally used by designers, illustrators and commercial artists to create artwork for reproduction into print - including many of the original railway posters of the 20th century. Due to the combination of high levels of pigment and gum arabic binding agent, gouache dries to a fantastic matt finish - which minimizes levels of reflection when photographing or scanning artwork for print. I scan my finished artwork myself and I’m constantly amazed at how accurately the gouache retains its brilliant colour when reproduced into digital print formats.

…and so it’s back to the drawing board. I’m happy to say my seven new ‘Vintage Railway’ paintings will be available to buy as signed prints and greeting cards in Spring 2016 (from www.kellyhalldesigns.com).

Lastly, with Christmas approaching fast, I’m delighted that my ‘Pudding & Pies’ signed art print has been featured in the current Guardian Christmas Gift Guide:

www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/ng-interactive/2015/nov/19/christmas-gift-guide-2015-shopping-buy-online?gift=120

That’s all for now until my Christmas blog in December.

Thank you for reading.

 


AUTUMN INSPIRATION September 30 2015

 

AUTUMN INSPIRATION

I revel in this time of the year, the golden sunlight, the lengthening shadows, the leaves starting to change colour. At the weekend I enjoy trips to our allotment to pick pumpkins, dahlias, apples, plums and grapes, and take meandering walks with my family around the Sussex countryside collecting rosehips and sloes. I love researching traditional British recipes and cooking jams, jellies, chutneys and syrups using my allotment and foraged hedgerow ingredients. Successes so far this season include Rosehip and Apple Conserve, Grape and Rosemary Jelly, Plum and Apple Chutney as well as Sloe Gin - which should be ready just in time for the festive season!

Back in my studio, I’m busy working on a new collection of paintings to include some of my favourite British beauty spots - the Yorkshire Dales, the Lake District and the Norfolk Broads amongst others. My stretched paper and drawing boards are lined up in my studio like soldiers and I’ve been hand setting, drawing and painting the Gill Sans type for each piece. I’m working on seven new paintings over the coming months and these new designs will be available to buy as signed prints and greeting cards in Spring 2016 (from www.kellyhalldesigns.com).

Lastly, I’m happy to be preparing for a Christmas exhibition of my prints in the stylish Café Lazzati at Southdowns Sports Club in Lewes. The exhibition will be open to the public from 8 November 2015. On show will be a selection of my Vintage Railway and Vintage British Kitchen prints - all available to buy - I know it’s a bit early to mention but they do make great Christmas presents!

That’s all for now and enjoy this Indian summer.


SUPER STUDIO August 31 2015

I’m delighted to have moved into my newly built studio. After 9 months of building work, it’s a real treat to have all my art materials, books and treasures out in the open again. We've nicknamed it the 'Skylounge’ because it has panoramic views of our hometown Lewes, the South Downs and surrounding areas. The amount of daylight that floods in through the skylights is just perfect for drawing and painting - I feel very lucky.

I’m excited to say that I have just signed off a fabulous new tabletop collection with partners Ulster Weavers, which will be launched at Spring Fair,Birmingham NEC in February 2016. The lovely team at Ulster Weavers have invited me to join them to do an informal ‘Meet the Artist’ session on their stand on Monday 8th February. I always enjoy sharing the behind-the-scenes stories about my creative process and the ideas and inspiration for my work. Plus it’ll be great to chat with potential stockists and hear their immediate reactions to the new range - come and see me if you’re visiting.

Lastly, as an avid reader of lifestyle and interiors magazines, I’m thrilled that ‘Period Living’ has included a little feature about my new ‘England’ tea towel design (available from www.ulsterweavers.com)


CORNWALL HERE WE COME June 30 2015

In the midst of this fabulous British heat wave, I am reminded of the long summer days of my childhood spent on Porthmeor Beach in St.Ives with my family. Clearly I’m not the only one with the summer holidays in mind, as I’m thrilled that my Cornwall print featuring this famous surfing beach continues to be my current best seller! (available at www.kellyhalldesigns.com)

I come from a family of artists, and St.Ives with its strong artistic community has always felt like a second home to me. The luminous pale sandy beaches, picture-perfect fishing harbour, and fantastic quality of light, continue to be a real draw for art-lovers and tourists from around the world.

In my potted guide to St.Ives, I would truly recommend a visit to the St.Ives Museum, which is run by a committed team of local volunteers. This treasure trove holds numerous collections of fascinating local artifacts, which give an excellent overview to the rich history of the town.

For a drink and a bite to eat, you can’t beat the Porthgwidden Beach Café, situated overlooking the small-but-perfectly-formed Porthgwidden Beach. On a recent visit, we enjoyed a feast of beautifully cooked local fish, washed down with a glass of chilled white wine, whilst gazing out to sea.

My last recommendation has to be a visit to Tate St. Ives, which has an ever-changing programme of contemporary and historic art exhibitions, catering for all artistic tastes. This iconic, local architectural landmark overlooks the fabulous Porthmeor Beach which, as I mentioned before, was central to my Cornish summer holidays - and now my own children’s! After a day spent taking in local history, food and culture, I can think of nothing better than watching the surfers tackling the awesome Atlantic waves, as the sun sets over Clodgy Point.

Returning swiftly back to Sussex, I’m delighted to say that my brand new studio is almost complete and ready to move into - I’ll look forward to sharing photos soon.

That’s all for now, I hope you enjoy the heat wave and happy summer dreaming...


GLORIOUS GARDENS May 22 2015

I have a life-long passion for British floral heritage and garden design - a recent research trip to Queen Victoria’s fabulous Osborne House and gardens on the Isle of Wight was a real treat. My current obsession with Victorian kitchen gardens, glasshouses and potting sheds was well catered for, and I’d warmly recommend a trip to anyone with similar interests.

Recently, I feel very lucky to have been approached by the organizers of the fabulous ‘Chichester Cathedral Festival of Flowers 2016’. They will be showcasing my ‘Chichester, Vintage Railway’ painting in the promotion of this wonderful, fund-raising event. As an artist, plants and flowers are a rich source of inspiration for my colour palette, so ‘watch this space’ for my new floral collections.

Inspired by my best selling ‘Fresh Vegetables’ print (available at www.kellyhalldesigns.com) I have set myself the challenge to grow a selection of the featured vegetables. I’ve chosen varieties that are easy-to-grow, taste good, and look beautiful enough to paint! So, in my spare time, I’ll be found pottering in our vegetable garden - I’m hoping for crops of Rainbow Chard, Courgettes, and Hundredweight Pumpkins, just in time for Halloween.

My final news is that I’m absolutely thrilled that a selection of my ‘Vintage Railway’ prints are now available to buy at John Lewis, from the newly refurbished Pictures and Frames department in the Oxford Street store, and online.

Thank you for reading and happy gardening!


SET FOR SPRING March 26 2015

As Spring starts, March sees my studio filling up with box-upon-box of freshly printed greeting cards, tea towels, prints - and daffodils! We’ve been busy packing and sending out orders for delivery to my lovely stockists old and new, in readiness for the Easter holidays. My best selling design to date is ‘Palace Pier, Brighton’ which I’m delighted to say is available to buy in the fabulous Royal Pavilion Shop, and the super-stylish Castor and Pollux seafront gallery in Brighton - as greeting cards, tea towels and signed prints.

I love traditional British seaside towns, and a recent ‘Bright and Breezy’ day trip with my daughter to the wonderful De La Warr Pavilion in a Bexhill On Sea, East Sussex, was a real inspirational treat. The current exhibition ‘Ladybird By Design’ features over 200 original, hand-painted illustrations from the classic Ladybird books from the1950s to the 1970s - and is well worth a visit - especially if combined with lunch at The Italian Way just over the road!

I’m happy to say I’m receiving a terrific response to my current exhibition ‘Kelly Hall:Celebrating the British Isles’ at Southwark Cathedral Refectory. If you’re in London over the Easter break and would like to take a look, the exhibition is on until 10 April 2015. All framed prints in the exhibition are for sale, and I’m delighted that the charming Southwark Cathedral Shop is also stocking a selection of my prints and greeting cards.

Have a very Happy Easter!