Cate's Journal
To give you an insight into the world of a working Artist, I have decided to write a journal online.
Welcome to Cate's World!
01 10 2009
HOUNDS AND HORSES HIT HEADLINES
Today saw the publication of the article to highlight the plight of ex~racing animals and the Art intiative to help them.
Take look at the "News" page for the details!
HELPING HOUNDS
Well, the project I wanted to get off the ground is "flying" at last!
See the "NEWS" area for details.
Painting Malarky the greyhound from the "Greyhound Rescue" sanctuary in St Brelade Jersey, has been on my list of "must dos" for a while and I am delighted to see his portrait completed. It will publicise the initiative to get more Canine Portraits painted, with a gift from each donated to Greyhound Rescue and also prints will be available of the painting ~ either giclee on etching paper, to be framed behind glass, or as a canvas box print.All profits to go to the charity.
Both types, unframed, will be available to be delivered anywhere you might wish!
I also have a portrait of my German Shepherd Dog, Alfie on the easel now and he also will be printed in similar fashion , again to raise funds for needy dogs.
....eventually, I MAY get my Annecy phots up on this site!!
CHRISTMAS IS COMING
I am now back again from Annecy and hope to have the album of photographs from the trip up on the site soon, but with over 1000 shots to edit, progress is not going to be overnight!
I am also planning my usual Christams Gift initiative for Greyhound Rescue and Greatwood ~ please see the "NEWS" section of the site for details.
Freddie RedCat ( Rymarose Suchanight to give him his official name ! ) our gorgeous new kitten, travelled with his breeder Rosemary Woolfenden to the Three Counties Cat show in Southampton earlier this month and won Best Kitten in Show! Well done Fred and Rosemary!
Meanwhile back at the ranch, it's a pre Christmas spring clean ~ or autumn clean I suppose ~ to clear the decks for the Christmas orders!
My daughters had good results in the A and AS levels, so the summer is closing on a high note for them.
Wishing everyone a good final few weeks of warm weather!
~Cate
BACK BEHIND THE EASEL
July 7 2009
After a break which lasted from September last year until last month owing to ill health in my family and the need to attend to a good many responsabilities connected to this, I am back behind the easel and delighted to be working again as an Artist.
I gave the finance industry my best shot, but it was almost inevitable that I should return to this work.
I have a number of exciting projects coming up and will share them as they progress.
I am planning a trip to Annecy in the French Alps later this month and expect to have a great deal of inspiration from this.
I have already visited twice this year, once in February and again at Easter and I already have countless photographs to add to forthcoming albums on this site.
Annecy, February 2009
I have also added to my family and have a gorgeous Red Tabby British Shorthair kitten named Freddie.
Albert will always hold a special place in my heart but I was ready to share my home with another "Golden cat"....and Freddie just happened to have had his picture posted at the vet's the morning I took my dog to be vaccinated.....FATE!
Freddie June 30 2009
GREYHOUNDS WALK FOR GUNNER
September 6 2008
Gunner the Greyhound lived all of his 11 years in a shed and wired compound. He never made it to the track.Because of his deprived living conditions, Gunner had behavioural problems, arthritis and other health issues. Luckily for Gunner, his pight was to come to the attention of Gail and Malcolm Hickmott of Greyhound Resce, Jersey. Gunner now lives in comfort, a well loved and cared for member of "The Gang" of hounds at the Sanctuary in St Brelade. He still has health problems but will live out his days as a much wanted dog. My daughter, Caroline and I went on the sponsored walk through St Helier for All the Gunners of this World" , as Gail put it , to raise funds and awareness.
The rain held off and it was a very happy afternoon spent wih around FORTY hounds and some lovely owners and supporters.
Gail had asked me to photograph the event and over 40 pictures are now in the portfolio dedicated to GUNNER'S WALK.
TILLY TURNS SUPERMODEL
August 1 2008
Recently, Tilly, a gorgeous Cocker Spaniel Puppy was the subject of a photoshoot I really enjoyed! Her kind owner, Nina, gave her permission for Tilly to help promote "Puppy Packages" to help Greyhounds.
You can see more of the results in Tilly's Album in the Gallery and also read about the promotion in "News".
I hope the idea will take off, especially with the Christmas market just around the corner...,yes, honestly....as soon as we hit the middle of August, some of my clients start to book work and it's probly just as well as I'm already booked until the end of September with a couple of orders to go out in November too!
ROCKIN' HORSES STEAL THE SHOW
July 12 & 13 2008
The two day West Show, held in St Peter, Jersey went with a real swing thanks to so much hard work by all the organisers and exhibitors.....and the audience was wowed by the incredibly skillful stunt riding of the Rockin' Horse Team, led by Guido Louis. You can see the pictures from the show in the Gallery.
The Rockwood Dog Display Team also entertained the crowds with their marvellous variety of talented canines from a tiny Yorkie who could beat the German Shepherds over obstacle courses to a Rottweiler who retrieved a flaming dumbell.
A sunny weekend full of smiles and great phot opportunities!
July 4 2008
Despite the threat of rain, I went down to the beach at Grouville to photograph a beautiful chestnut Trakehner, Bluewood Hamamelis ~ or "Hamster" to his friends. The weather held and his lovely owner, Nicci Drabble was full of enthusiasm and took him for an exhillerating gallop through the waves. He looked spectacular ~ Powerful and graceful.
The pair will certainly make a superb painting with the backdrop of Mont Orgueil Castle adding to the impressive composition....but in the meantime, the photographs for reference stand by themselves !
See all the images in Hamster's own Gallery, accessed from the Home Page.
July 2 2008
July has arrived and I have been making a point of taking the camera everywhere. My daughters think I am a little obssessive, but then again, it makes sure I do not lose the moment if I see something that catches my eye!
It's as if I am seeing the world afresh. It's been a while since I last indulged this habit of capturing everything that seems to make a good image but I am sure that whether it is done in a sketchbook or with a camera, it sharpens the perception and sparks off new and original ideas for pictures.
I have been documenting life around my own patch ~ Le Hocq in the Parish of St Clement. I have had a particular liking for the ever changing world to be found on the beach and the results will be going in a gallery on this site.
Here's a look at a couple of examples
You don't always have to travel very far to find the extraordingary ~ it can be there right under your nose, contained within your ordinary everyday experiences....it's your perception that makes the difference and your ability to show the world afresh to others with your own unique view that matters.
June 21 2008 Midsummer's Day
Last night I attended a vibrant performance by French group Sambadaboom, whose open air show at Grantez, St Ouen as the sun set included drumming, dancing and chanting that proved the perfect way to celebrate the Summer Solstice with everyone up on their feet, dancing and clapping!
Images are in the gallery.
June 16 2008
It looks like summer is finally here. The swallows are nesting in the barns at the fields where I keep my horses and at home, the seven chicks one of my hens, Paige, hatched are growing bigger by the day.
Yesterday, I found myself up and away at 3.45am to attend a concert given at the end of the breakwater at St Catherine's bay by Operatic group Diva Opera at dawn!
Nothing like a little light Mozart as the sun comes up on a fine summer's day!
You can see the resulting photos in the gallery.
What a superb idea, a grand piano and fine performers, all in evening dress at sunrise!
I have aquired a new computer and printer system which means I can now photograph subjects and within minutes give my clients a preview of their pictures. This is particualrly good for shoots which are undertaken as preparation for portrait paintings.
I recently photographed a beautiful Airedale terrier, two of whose photos you may see in the canine photography section. Within a couple of minutes, the digital images were loaded from the CF card and up on the screen for the owner to choose a pose that best showed the lovely character of her dog.
To think that not so long ago, the shoot would take place, the 35mm films had to be developed and printed and another visit had to happen so the client would be able to approve images used for painting references ~ all taking DAYS if not a week or more!
I am looking forward to being able to give clients the option to buy prints "hot off the press" INSTANTLY if they so choose!
If the shoot is out on location, I can at least submit emailed proofs to clients to save time.
As far as I am concerned, this IS progress and I certainly wouldn't want to go back to the "good old days"!
Am I becoming impatient as the years advance or just eager for faster results for my clients, results over which I have FAR better control?
May 18 2008
I am so happy that my most recent clients have been so delighted with my work.
Because of the situation involving the health of my Mother following an illness and the aftermath of a fire at our home, I have been very pushed for time and have stayed up into the wee small hours working on the two paintings several nights this past week.
Boris
Kentee
They really were well received and I am thrilled to be able to produce lasting memories of two such beautiful animals for their loving owners.
The comments of the owner of Kentee, Gail Hickmott of Grehound Rescue (Jersey) can be read on the Clients recommendations page.
All in all two very satisfying pieces of work which I have been privileged to paint and have enjoyed immensely!
May 12 2008
Another warm and wonderful day with a little miracle having brightened the weekend ~ one of our hens, Paige, appeared from sitting under the hedge with a new brood of 7 chicks. No matter how many times I've seen these newly hatched balls of fluff, cheeping and running after their Mother, I'll never fail to marvel at them and the attentiveness of the hen as she clucks and purrs and fusses over them.
A magical time under the pink and white of the apple blossoms ~ makes you feel particularly glad to be alive on a day like this!
May 8 2008
After the fire, three weeks of working with my husband, John, for around 8 to 10 hours a day, washing, cleaning, clearing up and painting (walls ! ), the house is finally beginning to look a little more "normal" and that terrible smell has finally vanished.
I have returned to work and feel almost swamped by the backlog which has built up not only during this period of time but over the five weeks prior to this when the needs of my Mother who has been unwell, needed to be put first.
I have two dogs on the easel to complete within the week.
I'm not panicking but the pressure is a little "warm" to say the least!
Meanwhile, outside, the grass is lush and the fruit trees in full blossom. The ponies look plump and shiny in their new summer coats , sleek after the last of the winter woolliness has moulted and dozing lazily in he sun.
That's another reason I want to clear my backlog of work ~ I'd just like to see the sun myself!
Welcome to Cate's World!
01 10 2009
HOUNDS AND HORSES HIT HEADLINES
Today saw the publication of the article to highlight the plight of ex~racing animals and the Art intiative to help them.
Take look at the "News" page for the details!
HELPING HOUNDS
Well, the project I wanted to get off the ground is "flying" at last!
See the "NEWS" area for details.
Painting Malarky the greyhound from the "Greyhound Rescue" sanctuary in St Brelade Jersey, has been on my list of "must dos" for a while and I am delighted to see his portrait completed. It will publicise the initiative to get more Canine Portraits painted, with a gift from each donated to Greyhound Rescue and also prints will be available of the painting ~ either giclee on etching paper, to be framed behind glass, or as a canvas box print.All profits to go to the charity.
Both types, unframed, will be available to be delivered anywhere you might wish!
I also have a portrait of my German Shepherd Dog, Alfie on the easel now and he also will be printed in similar fashion , again to raise funds for needy dogs.
....eventually, I MAY get my Annecy phots up on this site!!
CHRISTMAS IS COMING
I am now back again from Annecy and hope to have the album of photographs from the trip up on the site soon, but with over 1000 shots to edit, progress is not going to be overnight!
I am also planning my usual Christams Gift initiative for Greyhound Rescue and Greatwood ~ please see the "NEWS" section of the site for details.
Freddie RedCat ( Rymarose Suchanight to give him his official name ! ) our gorgeous new kitten, travelled with his breeder Rosemary Woolfenden to the Three Counties Cat show in Southampton earlier this month and won Best Kitten in Show! Well done Fred and Rosemary!
Meanwhile back at the ranch, it's a pre Christmas spring clean ~ or autumn clean I suppose ~ to clear the decks for the Christmas orders!
My daughters had good results in the A and AS levels, so the summer is closing on a high note for them.
Wishing everyone a good final few weeks of warm weather!
~Cate
BACK BEHIND THE EASEL
July 7 2009
After a break which lasted from September last year until last month owing to ill health in my family and the need to attend to a good many responsabilities connected to this, I am back behind the easel and delighted to be working again as an Artist.
I gave the finance industry my best shot, but it was almost inevitable that I should return to this work.
I have a number of exciting projects coming up and will share them as they progress.
I am planning a trip to Annecy in the French Alps later this month and expect to have a great deal of inspiration from this.
I have already visited twice this year, once in February and again at Easter and I already have countless photographs to add to forthcoming albums on this site.
Annecy, February 2009
I have also added to my family and have a gorgeous Red Tabby British Shorthair kitten named Freddie.
Albert will always hold a special place in my heart but I was ready to share my home with another "Golden cat"....and Freddie just happened to have had his picture posted at the vet's the morning I took my dog to be vaccinated.....FATE!
Freddie June 30 2009
GREYHOUNDS WALK FOR GUNNER
September 6 2008
Gunner the Greyhound lived all of his 11 years in a shed and wired compound. He never made it to the track.Because of his deprived living conditions, Gunner had behavioural problems, arthritis and other health issues. Luckily for Gunner, his pight was to come to the attention of Gail and Malcolm Hickmott of Greyhound Resce, Jersey. Gunner now lives in comfort, a well loved and cared for member of "The Gang" of hounds at the Sanctuary in St Brelade. He still has health problems but will live out his days as a much wanted dog. My daughter, Caroline and I went on the sponsored walk through St Helier for All the Gunners of this World" , as Gail put it , to raise funds and awareness.
The rain held off and it was a very happy afternoon spent wih around FORTY hounds and some lovely owners and supporters.
Gail had asked me to photograph the event and over 40 pictures are now in the portfolio dedicated to GUNNER'S WALK.
TILLY TURNS SUPERMODEL
August 1 2008
Recently, Tilly, a gorgeous Cocker Spaniel Puppy was the subject of a photoshoot I really enjoyed! Her kind owner, Nina, gave her permission for Tilly to help promote "Puppy Packages" to help Greyhounds.
You can see more of the results in Tilly's Album in the Gallery and also read about the promotion in "News".
I hope the idea will take off, especially with the Christmas market just around the corner...,yes, honestly....as soon as we hit the middle of August, some of my clients start to book work and it's probly just as well as I'm already booked until the end of September with a couple of orders to go out in November too!
ROCKIN' HORSES STEAL THE SHOW
July 12 & 13 2008
The two day West Show, held in St Peter, Jersey went with a real swing thanks to so much hard work by all the organisers and exhibitors.....and the audience was wowed by the incredibly skillful stunt riding of the Rockin' Horse Team, led by Guido Louis. You can see the pictures from the show in the Gallery.
The Rockwood Dog Display Team also entertained the crowds with their marvellous variety of talented canines from a tiny Yorkie who could beat the German Shepherds over obstacle courses to a Rottweiler who retrieved a flaming dumbell.
A sunny weekend full of smiles and great phot opportunities!
July 4 2008
Despite the threat of rain, I went down to the beach at Grouville to photograph a beautiful chestnut Trakehner, Bluewood Hamamelis ~ or "Hamster" to his friends. The weather held and his lovely owner, Nicci Drabble was full of enthusiasm and took him for an exhillerating gallop through the waves. He looked spectacular ~ Powerful and graceful.
The pair will certainly make a superb painting with the backdrop of Mont Orgueil Castle adding to the impressive composition....but in the meantime, the photographs for reference stand by themselves !
See all the images in Hamster's own Gallery, accessed from the Home Page.
July 2 2008
July has arrived and I have been making a point of taking the camera everywhere. My daughters think I am a little obssessive, but then again, it makes sure I do not lose the moment if I see something that catches my eye!
It's as if I am seeing the world afresh. It's been a while since I last indulged this habit of capturing everything that seems to make a good image but I am sure that whether it is done in a sketchbook or with a camera, it sharpens the perception and sparks off new and original ideas for pictures.
I have been documenting life around my own patch ~ Le Hocq in the Parish of St Clement. I have had a particular liking for the ever changing world to be found on the beach and the results will be going in a gallery on this site.
Here's a look at a couple of examples
You don't always have to travel very far to find the extraordingary ~ it can be there right under your nose, contained within your ordinary everyday experiences....it's your perception that makes the difference and your ability to show the world afresh to others with your own unique view that matters.
June 21 2008 Midsummer's Day
Last night I attended a vibrant performance by French group Sambadaboom, whose open air show at Grantez, St Ouen as the sun set included drumming, dancing and chanting that proved the perfect way to celebrate the Summer Solstice with everyone up on their feet, dancing and clapping!
Images are in the gallery.
June 16 2008
It looks like summer is finally here. The swallows are nesting in the barns at the fields where I keep my horses and at home, the seven chicks one of my hens, Paige, hatched are growing bigger by the day.
Yesterday, I found myself up and away at 3.45am to attend a concert given at the end of the breakwater at St Catherine's bay by Operatic group Diva Opera at dawn!
Nothing like a little light Mozart as the sun comes up on a fine summer's day!
You can see the resulting photos in the gallery.
What a superb idea, a grand piano and fine performers, all in evening dress at sunrise!
I have aquired a new computer and printer system which means I can now photograph subjects and within minutes give my clients a preview of their pictures. This is particualrly good for shoots which are undertaken as preparation for portrait paintings.
I recently photographed a beautiful Airedale terrier, two of whose photos you may see in the canine photography section. Within a couple of minutes, the digital images were loaded from the CF card and up on the screen for the owner to choose a pose that best showed the lovely character of her dog.
To think that not so long ago, the shoot would take place, the 35mm films had to be developed and printed and another visit had to happen so the client would be able to approve images used for painting references ~ all taking DAYS if not a week or more!
I am looking forward to being able to give clients the option to buy prints "hot off the press" INSTANTLY if they so choose!
If the shoot is out on location, I can at least submit emailed proofs to clients to save time.
As far as I am concerned, this IS progress and I certainly wouldn't want to go back to the "good old days"!
Am I becoming impatient as the years advance or just eager for faster results for my clients, results over which I have FAR better control?
May 18 2008
I am so happy that my most recent clients have been so delighted with my work.
Because of the situation involving the health of my Mother following an illness and the aftermath of a fire at our home, I have been very pushed for time and have stayed up into the wee small hours working on the two paintings several nights this past week.
Boris
Kentee
They really were well received and I am thrilled to be able to produce lasting memories of two such beautiful animals for their loving owners.
The comments of the owner of Kentee, Gail Hickmott of Grehound Rescue (Jersey) can be read on the Clients recommendations page.
All in all two very satisfying pieces of work which I have been privileged to paint and have enjoyed immensely!
May 12 2008
Another warm and wonderful day with a little miracle having brightened the weekend ~ one of our hens, Paige, appeared from sitting under the hedge with a new brood of 7 chicks. No matter how many times I've seen these newly hatched balls of fluff, cheeping and running after their Mother, I'll never fail to marvel at them and the attentiveness of the hen as she clucks and purrs and fusses over them.
A magical time under the pink and white of the apple blossoms ~ makes you feel particularly glad to be alive on a day like this!
May 8 2008
After the fire, three weeks of working with my husband, John, for around 8 to 10 hours a day, washing, cleaning, clearing up and painting (walls ! ), the house is finally beginning to look a little more "normal" and that terrible smell has finally vanished.
I have returned to work and feel almost swamped by the backlog which has built up not only during this period of time but over the five weeks prior to this when the needs of my Mother who has been unwell, needed to be put first.
I have two dogs on the easel to complete within the week.
I'm not panicking but the pressure is a little "warm" to say the least!
Meanwhile, outside, the grass is lush and the fruit trees in full blossom. The ponies look plump and shiny in their new summer coats , sleek after the last of the winter woolliness has moulted and dozing lazily in he sun.
That's another reason I want to clear my backlog of work ~ I'd just like to see the sun myself!
