cmoorelife

Posts tagged ‘Brighton’

Find me at the Artists Open Houses

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Dukes at Komedia

Every weekend in May hundreds of houses, studios and venues open their doors for the Artists Open Houses festival. This free event has grown from modest beginnings 20 years back, to be one of the biggest in the country.

There is a vast, amount of work on display, providing a rare opportunity to shun mass production and stock up on something unique. You also get to waft through other peoples houses admiring the décor, gardens and in my case, lust after beautiful studio spaces.

Arches

This year I have some work on display at the fantastic Bailey and Alexander gallery in the new Arches on the seafront, opposite the West Pier. Number ‘1’ on the central trail. The arches have been renovated and now contain some great little boutique shops. Here’s what they used to look like, boarded up and unused, pre-demolition, on a misty Winters day.

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Colour swatch

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Adelaide Crescent

How much is that doggie in the window? Adelaide Crescent.   (Sorry pooch lovers, there isn’t really a dog in this picture, no matter how hard you look)

It’s February and it feels like it’s been dark forever! To combat all those winter blues, I decided to add a bit of Naples yellow and Permanent Rose to my palette.

These chaps must have been feeling the same, as they completely removed their windows to let in more light.

Seems a bit drastic, particularly with snow predicted. Still, those Regency enthusiasts know what they are doing.

If you are feeling a bit ‘grayscale’, I recommend taking a walk through Hanover. It has more colour than a Dulux swatch.Hanover Hanover

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No cars and no bras!

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Today was a perfect day for Brighton’s ninth World Naked Bike ride. It’s a peaceful protest against car culture and oil dependency. Naked Bike ride Old Steine

Naked Bike ride Level

Those brave enough to, bare as much as they dare, to demonstrate the power and vulnerability of cyclists.

If you are feeling shy... wear a mask!

If you are feeling shy… wear a mask!

The atmosphere was friendly and relaxed. Everyone seemed to be having a fantastic time, particularly those in the fountain at the Old Steine!

 

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Roll up the carpets… the Daleks are coming

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DalekThe Modelworld exhibition hit the Brighton Center last weekend. So many tiny things in such a huge space.

Lego

Man or model?

Crash in the main hall

Thankfully the Daleks were there to bring things down to earth.

Michael Tuckers amazing buildings are made from ordinary stuff like cereal boxes and Weetabix. Every miniscule tile on the roof is made from an individual square of paper.

Michael Tuckers amazing buildings are made from ordinary stuff like cereal boxes and Weetabix. Every miniscule tile on the roof is made from an individual square of paper.

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The tide is high

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Hove stormsTaking inspiration from David Cameron, I decided to jump on the bandwagon today and take in a bit of flood tourism.

I’m not shameless enough to gawp at those unfortunate enough to have their homes ruined by the ceaseless deluge we’ve experienced this winter. Instead I opted for the softer option of a visit to Brighton and Hove seafront.A buried bench

Despite a big clean up after the raging high tides in January, you will still find yourself wading through pebbles and bits of pier. Forget wellies, I recommend a hard hat and some totectors!

West PierThe West pier suffered further collapse a couple of weeks ago, although you wouldn’t know it until you face it head on.

It was like watching 5 year olds dance at a school play, as those normally tightly synchronised rows of beach huts shuffled shambolically in the wind, swimming amongst pebbles and bits of old net.Crumbling beach huts

There’s no room for exactness when you are Winter sketching, particularly when you can’t actually feel your hands anymore!

 

 

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Flounderer or figure skater, which are you?

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Royal Pavillion ice rink night timeI’ve tried ice skating a few times. I spent most of the time clinging to the edge, or sliding on my knees, staring up at the gleeful faces of 7 year olds as they swished past, flicking ice in my fearful face.

This is why the Royal Pavillion ice rink is the perfect skating venue for me. All I have to do is park myself in the warm comfort of the restaurant, and carefully lift a cup of mulled wine to my mouth without burning my tongue. It’s exhilarating!Royal Pavillion ice rink daytime

The rink couldn’t be in a better location, especially at night with the camped up lighting. The restaurant and bar provide plenty of seating if like me, you’d rather sit it out. I particularly recommend the beer battered halloumi on the evening menu.

The rink is open until 19th January so there’s still time to flounder or figure skate around the circuit.

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Anyone for camping?

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TipiIf you’ve passed through a typical campsite lately, you’ll probably think you’ve seen it all when it comes to tents. The general rule seems to be that if you can’t fit a 3 seater sofa and a fitted kitchen in it, don’t bother. So I was surprised to find my expectations topped when I saw that the Brighton Music Hall ‘tremendous tipi’ on the seafront.

It promises to provide an experience that would tempt even the most luke warm of campers. If only there was always a Sunday roast, winter Pimms, Father Christmas & live music on tap every time you pitched a tent, then some of us might be a bit more willing to rough it.

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