Words from the Shore- Day Five Devon Open Studios - Devon Artist CHarlotte Ellis

One Moment

‘Stunning! Beautiful style of work- very refreshing. Love the quotes too! Thank you.’

Devon Open Studio's second Saturday in Lympstone was a good one as I welcomed  all sorts of visitors into my home and studio. Some intentional ones selected me from the guide, attracted by the sight and  sound of my work. Many simply followed yellow signs whilst walking or cycling through Lympstone and others were return visitors from previous open studio events. My home looked calm and welcoming in dappled,between the showers, sunlight. Each wall drawing your eyes to peaceful watercolours, bright acrylic semi-abstract seascapes and nature based lino prints. My tiny garden studio was viewed by many as they stepped outside surrounded by glistening plants with leaves catching the sunlight like a necklace of raindrops.

Receiving a lovely email from one of yesterday’s visitors telling me how much she loved the print and pack  of estuary bird cards she had bought, was a good start to the day. In fact, she loved the cards so much that she wanted to buy another five packs to send out as gifts to her friends. It is such a good feeling when your work is admired and the great thing about giving a set of cards as a gift is that they can be sent so easily through the post. During Open Studios visitors come and go and although sales might not be made at the time, ideas are gathered and at a later date sales are often made. I’m always happy to post things or deliver locally so this pattern works well for me.

Feather

Visitors arrived who already knew and liked my work and some were introducing it to friends for the first time. It is so lovely to hear someone describing my work with such enthusiasm to a friend- it feels quite an honour. Past visitors return and conversations are continued from a point we left off from a year ago at a previous open studio event- always interesting. Last week, I was gifted tomatoes and today’s gift was two slices off freshly baked fruit cake from a regular customer who knows how much I love home-made cake.

Let the Light Dance on

I was delighted that a recent favourite watercolour, ‘Let the light Dance on’, found a new home. It’s great when a painting goes somewhere that I know will bring a sense of peaceful calm and such pleasure. Day five was a good day made special by friends and customers, braving the rainy weather, dropping in to help create a lovely atmosphere. Quote of the day from my visitors book:

‘Just lovely as usual. Feel good inside when I see your work’.  

Come and visit and see how it makes you feel.

Open Studios will be open from Thursday to Sunday this week 10-4.

It will be good to see you.

My paintings can also be viewed in Seaglass Gallery, Lympstone, Devon.

Charlotte Ellis - Devon Artist