Every year the Workshop Arts Centre, where I hire a studio each week to paint, gives members the opportunity to be part of a self-managed group exhibition for a weekend. Despite having just returned from overseas, and about to go off again, I decided I would like to be part of it this year. The whole workshop was used for the exhibition, with artists displaying their work in studios and the gallery. The positions were allocated by lottery, so I was very pleased to get a space in the gallery, with proper hanging facilities and good lighting. We were asked to not bring too much work, as in past years there has been more of a garage sale atmosphere than exhibition, so I decided to restrict myself to drawings and small paintings, so no prints or miniatures, but I did bring some of my miniature books. We each manned our own space and were responsible for our own sales and organisation.
Fewer people than we hoped for came through, but I sold some of my small paintings and covered my costs, however, the positive for me was the opportunity to see my work massed together, and most importantly, talk to visitors as they came through. It was fascinating to see which works they responded to, and which artists, as the work on display was very diverse. I was particularly relieved to get a good response to my drawings, with people coming very close and studying them carefully, and showing interest in the inspiration behind the works and the techniques. I am very aware most people tend to gravitate to colour, so to get a positive response to graphite work was satisfying. Next time maybe they will put their hands in their pockets …
anna warren portfolio 
What a fantastic opportunity! Your collection of oils looks stunning, as do your drawings.
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Thanks so much Patsy! It was a really enjoyable weekend – I got enough compliments to send me home on a high!
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Great work! I love those little square paintings! I’ve made a series once for an art show using same size canvases..they’re so fun to work with.
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Thanks Casie – I love these little squares too, there is something satisfying about the shape.
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A fine showing! Congrats on your sales!
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Thank you Elena. I was glad to cover my costs!
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You’re a good curator, Anna. The way you have hung your drawings looks inviting. I like your style. Regarding talking to people, I think it can be intimidating for some members of the public to engage with artists. To go up and scrutinize work when the artist is right there – can be daunting. I must say I’d want to have a closer look if I was there. And another thing – I really like your framing…and I would frame very similarly. The frames are simple and stylish – not distracting at all from the work. Congratulations.
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I do appreciate your comment Julie – I find both hanging and framing a challenge! I was really happy with those frames though, they do work well with the drawings. Generally I like understated framing – I made the mistake of blue frames once, which looked great with the images, but they were a disaster, screaming ‘look at me!’ And yes, choosing the right moment to approach visitors is tricky. Most of the time I tried to keep out of view, then pop out if they looked really interested!
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It’s not only the quality of your works that’s popping out in theses pictures… I love the display!!
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Thank you so much! It is tricky trying to arrange artworks so they work together, so I’m glad you think it worked.
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Your exhibition looks really lovely Anna. After seeing the flat images of your work in the blog it is lovely to see them in a real life setting as such, gives them a different look. I agree with the others I like your framing, and agree with the reasons for your choices. Simple but elegant, it can never go wrong. Congratulations. Karen
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Thank you so much Karen! One of the things I particularly enjoyed was getting the works up on a wall, and having them interact with one another. Putting them on a wall at home is somehow not the same. I was lucky with the position too, on the end wall of the gallery.
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I love your little square oil paintings!! They are so atractive š I hope one day I can even have half of your taste to do such a wonderful display of your work! I’m happy it was worth for you!!
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Thank you so much! I do like little squares!
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I love seeing your work together like that.
It looks so beautiful. Your drawings are absolutely exquisite, Anna!
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Oh thank you Karen! What a lovely thing to say. I think you and I share a delight in the detail of the natural world.
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Lovely work, Anna!
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Thank you Andelieya!
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How lovely to see your work again displayed Anna .
Everyone else seems to have stolen my compliments Lol …. will just add your little square oil paintings are in a class of their own ….
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Oh thank you Poppy! Always appreciate your comments.
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Fabulous exhibition… love the fact that your gorgeous small square pictures stand together as a group!
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Thank you Kate! One of the things about those little chunky canvases I enjoy is that they can be stacked up and moved around, and aren’t constrained by just hanging on a wall.
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You make very pretty things! I really like your style and motives. The exhibition looks great!
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Thank you Sophy, I really appreciate your comment!
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