Friday 5 August 2016

Borders and Bees- on painting my hearth

I am not an artist, yet my house is filled with examples of my need to express myself and make my home unique to me. I still get a thrill when I step outside the normal rules and write on a wall or paint something in an slightly eccentric manner.




We have all become used to people painting their cupboards and chairs in delicate chalky pastels but to add words and patterns to the structure of the house feels different to me, more daring and so much more fun!




A friend asked me " How do you dare, what if it goes wrong?" I suppose I keep altering it in the hope it comes right, or in desperation paint over it...
 I always draw freehand and feel it doesn't have to be perfect, although I will admit that writing the first word is always nerve-wracking.



My most recent artiness is a painted heath rug. Well, it's not quite that but all my heath rugs had holes burnt into them by spitting logs and the original concrete hearth was damaged and ugly, so I decided to paint something instead- less of a fire hazard or an eyesore.
I started with a simple leaf garland,


and then added details as the mood took me. I love medieval Books of Hours, with their gold leaf, vibrant colours and their quirky borders with tiny flowers and creatures, so these were my inspiration.


I haven't the patience or skill to match their detailed perfection, for one thing it's darn painful trying to paint, lying on my tummy trying not to smudge any wet bits- but I think there is at least a 'feel' of these beautiful books in my slightly scruffy attempt.





I haven't been able to photograph the whole of the final painting, the room is small and the light bad, yet I hope this gives an idea of the finished result.
 


I still may add a suitable quotation but I have yet to find one with a hearth and fire theme that isn't too trite or sentimental. I'm happy though and I enjoy letting my creations evolve over the months and years. 
 

40 comments:

  1. Dear Jane - I love your eccentricity and originality. Good words and quirky images make a home individual, your house is charming and full of you. Love Cindy x

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    1. Thank you Cindy, perhaps I will be inspired with ideas above my station at Hever Castle tomorrow...? Jane xx

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  2. When you look around your home, it must feel like an extension of yourself, fitting like a cozy jumper. You are such a creative soul! Well done!

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    1. Thank you Marie, my friends say that my home is so very 'me' and I do love it! Jane xx

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  3. This is lovely Jane. I've painted the floor of mt cottage and I know what you mean. If you sit up you don't get the right angle to work,
    well done Diane

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    1. Thank you Diane, you're right, it's important to get at just the right angle, however uncomfortable! Jane xx

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  4. This is beautiful - perfect in its imperfectness which is always my preference! When do you plan on visiting west Wales again??
    xx

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    1. Hello Bridget, I am right in remembering you as the lady with the wonderful house full of books and tea and cakes? I had such a wonderful time in Wales and would love to visit again. Jane xx

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  5. I do love the idea of writing on your walls. Brave too. And how nice to know that no-one else has a room quite like yours

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    1. You must try it Marianne, it is such a comfort to have some of my favourite words around me. Jane xx

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  6. We did this quite a lot when the kids were young. I have a utility room that is screaming for something to be painted on the walls, but I'm not in the habit any more. Perhaps I should start looking for inspiration.... it keeps crossing my mind!

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    1. Yes, it was the same with me Jenny, I first thought of this when I painted a mural with my Mother, in my daughter's room. It gave me courage and has grown from there! Jane xx

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  7. Jane it is wonderful and so unique ... I think it is fabulous and although painful laying on the floor like that, what a result!

    Sarah xx

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    1. Thank you Sarah, I am pleased when I look at it now, so it was worth the discomfort! Jane xx

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  8. I really like text and poetry on walls in houses and gardens. This is really nice! I love the way you added a bit of gold to the leaves and those bugs and beasties .... this is a great way to embellish our homes. x

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    1. How good to hear of another fan of wall writing! I was pleased with the effect the gold gave, it lights it up a little, I think. Jane xx

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  9. Hello there I've just found my way here from Helen's blog. Your painting is just enchanting, it reminds me of the painted things in Charleston House, maybe you were a part of the Bloomsbury set in another life, what do you think? I love the pieces of poetry, and your hearth is super.

    Hugs Jane (Same name ;)

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    1. Hello Jane, I often find like minded people through dear Helen's blog. I'm very taken with the thought of being connected to the Bloomsbury group, I've loved Charleston House for years, such a wonderfully creative force within one house! Jane xx

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  10. Hello. I found your lovely blog via another blog I follow. I love this rug you have painted. The gold detailing on the leaves and bee are so beautiful. I admire your artistic creativity. My best to you, Pat

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    1. Hello Pat, thank you for visiting my blog and for your kind comments. I have to admit, the bee if my favourite too! Jane xx

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  11. There is a superb exhibition of colour in medieval manuscripts on at the Fitzwilliam in Cambridge.I recommend it - and its free.
    Have you done anything with pens for writing on glass? it would be a good match for your style.
    Liked the Dylan Thomas quote.
    Sorry, should have said I've just found your blog.

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    1. Thank you Angela, I would love to see the manuscripts at the Fitzwilliam. How long is the exhibition on? I like the idea of writing on glass too, I must look out the pens. Thank you! Jane xx

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    2. It's on until 30th December.
      Its a big exhibition .I'll go again near Christmas - it seems a good fit for that.
      I did a post on it (birds and Bustan) on my blog recently.

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    3. Thank you Angela, I think I should be able to make it then!

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  13. Hi Jane! How are you? I haven't been receiving notifications of your blog for some time, even though I used to so I have 'unfollowed' and then 'followed' to see if that works! Darned Blogger - they will keep changing things...

    I absolutely love the painted 'rug' - what a great idea - no more burns! x

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    1. How good to hear from you, I've not been doing much blogging but as with all things, I'm full of good intentions... I haven't seen any notifications from you either, I will follow your advice and see if we can get re-connected! Jane xx

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  14. You take me back. In a good way.

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  15. Beautiful writing and art, and I love your header and background, too. :)

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    1. Thank you Linda, the photo is of me and my grandmother in their garden, I've only recently re-discovered it!

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  16. Beautiful writing and art, and I love your header and background, too. :)

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  17. I hope this finds you and yours doing well. May we display your header on our new site directory? As it is now, the site title (linked back to its home page) is listed, and we think displaying the header will attract more attention. In any event, we hope you will come by and see what is going on at SiteHoundSniffs.com.

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    1. Thank you Jerry, you may, I've had a look at your site and am pleased to be listed! Jane

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  18. Your talent is shining through in this new home painting for the hearth.

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