What's New?
See on this page a selection of my current and most recent work.
See on this page a selection of my current and most recent work.
April, May & June
In preparation for my exhibitions later in the year, I've been working hard on creating some new circles for my 'Moments in Time' collection. They are not quite finished yet, still to be trimmed, framed and labelled. Some of these new pieces have an extra level of creativity with the addition of discarded fishing ropes, which I've deconstructed and stitched onto the surface. These circles have taken me a little longer to make and will be presented in a higher quality, wooden frame compared to the white frames on my existing circles. That also means they will cost a little more at £100 each for the small ones. It's still £150 for the large ones, which will continue to be in white frames for now.
In preparation for my exhibitions later in the year, I've been working hard on creating some new circles for my 'Moments in Time' collection. They are not quite finished yet, still to be trimmed, framed and labelled. Some of these new pieces have an extra level of creativity with the addition of discarded fishing ropes, which I've deconstructed and stitched onto the surface. These circles have taken me a little longer to make and will be presented in a higher quality, wooden frame compared to the white frames on my existing circles. That also means they will cost a little more at £100 each for the small ones. It's still £150 for the large ones, which will continue to be in white frames for now.
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This is one of several pieces that I'm currently working on. I am incorporating discarded fishing rope that I collected from Cruden Bay beach and other parts of the Aberdeenshire coast. Partly to make use of ocean waste that would just be left but also to raise awareness of this issue.
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In January I completed this mixed media panting of the fishing hamlet of Whinnyfold, with the sun setting behind it. I used a combination of watercolour paint, ink, fine liner pen, oil pastel and machine stitching to create this piece.
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October, November & December
A quieter time for new work whilst I've been involved in an education project to increase access to crafts for children in Primary years four to seven.
I still managed to make progress on a few works though including this triptych, which incorporates ocean plastic waste found on the beach depicted in the scenes.
Something I will be doing more of in the new year.
A quieter time for new work whilst I've been involved in an education project to increase access to crafts for children in Primary years four to seven.
I still managed to make progress on a few works though including this triptych, which incorporates ocean plastic waste found on the beach depicted in the scenes.
Something I will be doing more of in the new year.
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September
Plenty of activity to prepare for the NEOS event. Lots of new art cards and smaller artworks including my mini moments in time. The circles have pretty much all gone but, as with the larger circles, this is an ongoing collection with more being created regularly.
Plenty of activity to prepare for the NEOS event. Lots of new art cards and smaller artworks including my mini moments in time. The circles have pretty much all gone but, as with the larger circles, this is an ongoing collection with more being created regularly.
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August
Two new artworks finished just in time for NEOS. Another circle for my 'Moments in Time' collection and a mixed media view of the Buchan coast created with watercolour, inks, oil pastel and finished with stitching. |
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June & July 2023
I've been taking a break from creating more circles for my 'Moments in Time' collection to give me time to work on a new collection of harbour themed artworks. This collection will be called 'Boatyards & Harbours' and was initially inspired by a set of photographs that I took in Lossiemouth harbour back in November 2021. There will be other harbours featured in this collection at some point such as Fraserburgh and Peterhead. It's been lovely to be able to paint them outside of my studio in the warm sunshine too.
I've been taking a break from creating more circles for my 'Moments in Time' collection to give me time to work on a new collection of harbour themed artworks. This collection will be called 'Boatyards & Harbours' and was initially inspired by a set of photographs that I took in Lossiemouth harbour back in November 2021. There will be other harbours featured in this collection at some point such as Fraserburgh and Peterhead. It's been lovely to be able to paint them outside of my studio in the warm sunshine too.
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April 2023
My 'Moments in Time' collection wouldn't really be complete without including some reflections on the River Ythan estuary at Newburgh. I regularly drive through Newburgh on my way to Aberdeen and have had to stop on numerous occasions to capture some beautiful sunrise and sunset shots. I took these photographs two years apart, in the month of January, when the sun is rising late and setting early. The one on the left is a sunrise, whilst on the right is sunset. The colour palette was the same, yet you can see the dominance of yellow on opposing sides determined by the position of the sun. These circles are for sale at £75.
My 'Moments in Time' collection wouldn't really be complete without including some reflections on the River Ythan estuary at Newburgh. I regularly drive through Newburgh on my way to Aberdeen and have had to stop on numerous occasions to capture some beautiful sunrise and sunset shots. I took these photographs two years apart, in the month of January, when the sun is rising late and setting early. The one on the left is a sunrise, whilst on the right is sunset. The colour palette was the same, yet you can see the dominance of yellow on opposing sides determined by the position of the sun. These circles are for sale at £75.
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April 2023
This 'moment in time' was created for a very special couple from Derbyshire, who came to visit Cruden Bay and fell in love with it. I had a tight deadline to complete it but despite the distraction of the beautiful view from my studio window, I managed to focus and get it completed in time to deliver it personally whilst visiting Derbyshire. There may have been a tear or two when they first set eyes on it. |
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January, February & March 2023
I'm not quite sure where the time has gone so far this year. I started my creative activities this year with more photography of beautiful Aberdeenshire. I also added some new colours to my greeting cards collection and made a start on some new artworks. Four of these are now complete and have been framed and added to my 'Moments in Time' collection of circular artworks. |
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October, November & December
Lots of preparations for Christmas shows with new jewellery sets as well as website updates to enable online sales directly from my website.
My unique products change so frequently that I have decided to move away from Etsy
so that I can manage my sales directly from my own online shop.
You can take a look here: The Studio @ Whinnyfold
Lots of preparations for Christmas shows with new jewellery sets as well as website updates to enable online sales directly from my website.
My unique products change so frequently that I have decided to move away from Etsy
so that I can manage my sales directly from my own online shop.
You can take a look here: The Studio @ Whinnyfold
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September
In preparation for the North East Open Studios event in September, I added several more circular artworks to my 'Moments in Time' collection. Here I have shown each of the completed artworks next to the corresponding sunrise, sunset, twilight or aurora sky that inspired them.
In preparation for the North East Open Studios event in September, I added several more circular artworks to my 'Moments in Time' collection. Here I have shown each of the completed artworks next to the corresponding sunrise, sunset, twilight or aurora sky that inspired them.
August
The boxes for my new angular necklaces arrived and I reckon they look rather stylish.
I created some new handmade card designs with the offcuts from my rust, water and sunrise inspired artworks.
The boxes for my new angular necklaces arrived and I reckon they look rather stylish.
I created some new handmade card designs with the offcuts from my rust, water and sunrise inspired artworks.
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July 2022
I love to create but always strive to minimise creating waste. In a bid to be sustainable and aim for zero waste, I make unique jewellery and cards with the offcuts and spare bits of the fabric that I have dyed and stitched for my artworks. In June I created some different shapes with the colours inspired by the beautiful Aberdeenshire skies in my new circular collection.
I love to create but always strive to minimise creating waste. In a bid to be sustainable and aim for zero waste, I make unique jewellery and cards with the offcuts and spare bits of the fabric that I have dyed and stitched for my artworks. In June I created some different shapes with the colours inspired by the beautiful Aberdeenshire skies in my new circular collection.
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June 2022
The beautiful Aberdeenshire skies have provided me with a never ending stream of awesome sunrises, sunsets, cloud forms and reflections to photograph. With so many wonderful images it seems only right that I created a new collection inspired by them. Since the sun features in all of them, I decided that circular canvases seemed appropriate for these artworks.
The beautiful Aberdeenshire skies have provided me with a never ending stream of awesome sunrises, sunsets, cloud forms and reflections to photograph. With so many wonderful images it seems only right that I created a new collection inspired by them. Since the sun features in all of them, I decided that circular canvases seemed appropriate for these artworks.
May 2022
In response to customer enquiries about locally inspired scenic artworks, I decided it was about time I responded to some of the many photographs that I've been taking in this beautiful place that I now call home. Aberdeenshire has a multitude of coves, cliffs and bays as well as nature reserves and dunes that create this amazing coastline.
I selected a few of my photographs from the Forvie Nature Reserve and Collieston to get me started on this collection of smaller artworks and in May I completed six of them. Alongside some of my larger, travel inspired artworks, they have come together as a bright and fresh new window display. That might explain why three of them have sold already!
In response to customer enquiries about locally inspired scenic artworks, I decided it was about time I responded to some of the many photographs that I've been taking in this beautiful place that I now call home. Aberdeenshire has a multitude of coves, cliffs and bays as well as nature reserves and dunes that create this amazing coastline.
I selected a few of my photographs from the Forvie Nature Reserve and Collieston to get me started on this collection of smaller artworks and in May I completed six of them. Alongside some of my larger, travel inspired artworks, they have come together as a bright and fresh new window display. That might explain why three of them have sold already!
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April 2022 Finally, No.3 in my 'Rusty Hut by the North Sea' series is now complete; apart from getting it framed. I finished this piece in April, just one year after the first piece in the series was completed. I'm always amazed by the variety of colours that are found in rusty metal and this piece was no exception. I still have plenty of other photographs of this wonderfully crusty, rusty old hut so there may be more to come in this series. |
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March 2022
In-between finishing off the third piece in my 'Rusty Hut' series, I have been working on another set of work called 'Connectedness'. With inspiration from textures, shapes and colours in nature this series of work also has a lot of deeper personal meaning relating to family connections, loss, grief and life. When complete 'Connectedness will be made up of a series of circles symbolising, earth, sun and moon, female energy, strength and perpetual movement.
In-between finishing off the third piece in my 'Rusty Hut' series, I have been working on another set of work called 'Connectedness'. With inspiration from textures, shapes and colours in nature this series of work also has a lot of deeper personal meaning relating to family connections, loss, grief and life. When complete 'Connectedness will be made up of a series of circles symbolising, earth, sun and moon, female energy, strength and perpetual movement.
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February 2022
Creation of No.3 in the Rusty Hut series has begun.
Creation of No.3 in the Rusty Hut series has begun.
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January 2022
The new year kicked off with a request from a gentleman to purchase No.1 in my 'Rusty Hut' series as a surprise for his wife. What was extra special about this request was that her Dad used to own the actual fishing hut that inspired the piece. No.1 and No.2 both went off to Claire, my framer in Newburgh, ready for a location photo shoot just before I handed over No,1 in this series to an unsuspecting and blindfolded recipient. What a lovely surprise! |
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December 2021
I set myself a target to complete no.2 in my 'Rusty Hut by the North Sea' series and I just managed to do it before the end of 2021.
I set myself a target to complete no.2 in my 'Rusty Hut by the North Sea' series and I just managed to do it before the end of 2021.
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September, October, November
In September I took part in my first North East Open Studios show, which covers the whole of the Aberdeenshire area including Banff and Moray. I think my studio's idyllic location by the sea helped to bring me plenty of visitors.
It was fantastic to be showing my work again for the first time since COVID hit the UK. Thank you to everyone who visited me. |
As well as some locally inspired artwork I created some new jewellery items for the cabinet with my statement, fishes earrings and some pendants with local stones and sea glass.
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June, July, August
Since moving to Scotland, I've been working on a few new pieces with local content.
I've been so busy seeking inspiration and creating new work that I only just realised I haven't updated this page with what I've been doing. Here are just a few of the things I've been up to.
Since moving to Scotland, I've been working on a few new pieces with local content.
I've been so busy seeking inspiration and creating new work that I only just realised I haven't updated this page with what I've been doing. Here are just a few of the things I've been up to.
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In July I started this rather large oil painting as well as a mixed media textile piece; both were inspired by Whinnyfold Bay. I also added some new photo-stitch originals to my collection, inspired by the wonderful sunrises and sunsets we get here. There will be more to follow.
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May
Something I've never had the opportunity to do before. I took my latest artwork, 'Rusty Hut by the North Sea 1' on a photoshoot, next to the actual rusty hut that inspired it, in Port Erroll Harbour, Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire. This artwork has now been SOLD and there are two more to be added to this series.
Something I've never had the opportunity to do before. I took my latest artwork, 'Rusty Hut by the North Sea 1' on a photoshoot, next to the actual rusty hut that inspired it, in Port Erroll Harbour, Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire. This artwork has now been SOLD and there are two more to be added to this series.
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April Again
I introduced some new additions to my cushion cover and coaster collection with
Thistle, Iris, Frozen Bubbles and had a special request for Sensational.
Visit my How to Order page to purchase your favourite designs.
I introduced some new additions to my cushion cover and coaster collection with
Thistle, Iris, Frozen Bubbles and had a special request for Sensational.
Visit my How to Order page to purchase your favourite designs.
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April
Three months in the making, 'Rusty Hut' part one is completed. With such an inspiring hut and so many ideas, there will eventually be two companion pieces joining this first outcome.
Here you see the deconstructed artwork being heated then stitched back together onto canvas and finally being stapled on to a wooden frame.
Three months in the making, 'Rusty Hut' part one is completed. With such an inspiring hut and so many ideas, there will eventually be two companion pieces joining this first outcome.
Here you see the deconstructed artwork being heated then stitched back together onto canvas and finally being stapled on to a wooden frame.
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Some new 'Quirky Necklaces' 'Geometric Brooches' and 'Cuff Bracelets'
added to my jewellery collection, contact me to request a bespoke design with your preferred colour combination.
added to my jewellery collection, contact me to request a bespoke design with your preferred colour combination.
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Brooches £15 *
Cuff Bracelets £40 *
Quirky Necklaces £40 *
Earrings £22
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February and March 2021
The inception of 'Rusty Hut' was in February during a walk around Erroll Harbour, at the opposite end of Cruden Bay to Whinnyfold. Within the line of fishing huts in the harbour sits the most crusty, rusty, old hut, that I happen to think is quite beautiful. After taking a few photographs of the interesting textures, shapes and colours, it was only a matter of time before a new piece of textile art would emerge.
The inception of 'Rusty Hut' was in February during a walk around Erroll Harbour, at the opposite end of Cruden Bay to Whinnyfold. Within the line of fishing huts in the harbour sits the most crusty, rusty, old hut, that I happen to think is quite beautiful. After taking a few photographs of the interesting textures, shapes and colours, it was only a matter of time before a new piece of textile art would emerge.
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The photograph, above, invoked several ideas for artworks. This is part one, being created from drawing to painting to stitching, before I deconstructed it, heated it and stitched it back together.
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2021
A studio by the sea.
At the end of 2020 I made the decision to move to Scotland. Having spent most of the year there anyway, it wasn't a difficult choice. Lockdown due to COVID seemed a happier situation with the sea, beach, mountains and forests virtually on the doorstep and, of course, plenty of inspiration for my art. My studio is in a little hamlet by the name of Whinnyfold, on Aberdeenshire's Buchan coast, which gives me a perfect location to keep a frequently changing display of my work and a beautiful view to motivate me when I'm creating new pieces. My floral artworks seemed a good choice to display as spring arrived with the lighter, longer days.
A studio by the sea.
At the end of 2020 I made the decision to move to Scotland. Having spent most of the year there anyway, it wasn't a difficult choice. Lockdown due to COVID seemed a happier situation with the sea, beach, mountains and forests virtually on the doorstep and, of course, plenty of inspiration for my art. My studio is in a little hamlet by the name of Whinnyfold, on Aberdeenshire's Buchan coast, which gives me a perfect location to keep a frequently changing display of my work and a beautiful view to motivate me when I'm creating new pieces. My floral artworks seemed a good choice to display as spring arrived with the lighter, longer days.
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My new 'Inspired by Scotland' collection of textile jewellery is here with lots of colour variations inspired by Scotland's lochs, coast, mountains and forests. Pendant and earring sets with silver chain and ear hooks are £45 including Uk. package & postage
See my Artwork & Products page for more designs and colours.
Available to purchase on How to Order page or contact me to enquire about specific colours and locations.
See my Artwork & Products page for more designs and colours.
Available to purchase on How to Order page or contact me to enquire about specific colours and locations.
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Here are the latest designs to join my cushion cover collection.
Solomon (original artwork now sold but prints still available)
Angel in the Pink
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Whitehaven
Milarrochy Bay
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Devonian (original artwork now sold but prints still available)
Konigssee
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Cushion Covers only £24.95, with 45cm x 45cm cushion £29.95
Cushion & Print Collection
Planning on a new year interior update? I now have a broad collection of vegan suede cushions with some of my travel inspired artworks as well as my florals and rust designs. Some of the original artworks are still available or you can buy matching prints in a range of sizes.
Planning on a new year interior update? I now have a broad collection of vegan suede cushions with some of my travel inspired artworks as well as my florals and rust designs. Some of the original artworks are still available or you can buy matching prints in a range of sizes.
Giverny Set
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Energy Set
Elatum Set
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Lac de Nantua Set
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December 2019
These are my latest designs of cushions and coasters available to match my original artworks and prints. I have a very limited stock available immediately in singles or pairs.
Orders can be made with a lead time of approximately 4-6 weeks. Prices start at £24.95 for 45x45cm cushion covers or £29.95 including cushion, £30 for a set of three ceramic mugs and £16 for a set of 4 coasters, £22 for a set of 6 coasters, plus p&p. Please visit my 'How to Order' page for new orders or contact me to discuss availability of small quantities.
These are my latest designs of cushions and coasters available to match my original artworks and prints. I have a very limited stock available immediately in singles or pairs.
Orders can be made with a lead time of approximately 4-6 weeks. Prices start at £24.95 for 45x45cm cushion covers or £29.95 including cushion, £30 for a set of three ceramic mugs and £16 for a set of 4 coasters, £22 for a set of 6 coasters, plus p&p. Please visit my 'How to Order' page for new orders or contact me to discuss availability of small quantities.
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November 2019
You can now buy homewares to match my original artworks including cushions, mugs and coasters. I also have a range of prints onto greetings cards for my latest collection
You can now buy homewares to match my original artworks including cushions, mugs and coasters. I also have a range of prints onto greetings cards for my latest collection
Mugs and Coasters
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Vegan Suede Cushions
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Greetings Cards
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Solomon Sunset, Conflict Islands, Papua New Guinea
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Angel in the Pink, Quito, Ecuador
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Devonian Harbour,
Vancouver (sold) |
June/July/August/September
I've been very busy getting my new work ready for The Melbourne Festival and my solo show 'Around the World in a Million Pixels' at Banks Mill in September
https://www.banksmill.co.uk/whats-on/around-world-million-pixels
I've visited so many places over the past few years and I'm trying to include as many of them as I can in the show.
I've been very busy getting my new work ready for The Melbourne Festival and my solo show 'Around the World in a Million Pixels' at Banks Mill in September
https://www.banksmill.co.uk/whats-on/around-world-million-pixels
I've visited so many places over the past few years and I'm trying to include as many of them as I can in the show.
Kicker Rock
Galapagos Islands |
Coal Harbour, Vancouver, BC
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Coal Harbour, Vancouver, BC
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Lions Gate Bridge, Vancouver, BC
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For more information about my travels and examples of my photography you can visit my travel blog and sister website 'A Middle Aged Adventure'.
April/May 2019
New work ready for my first shows of 2019.
May 5th & 6th at Belper Art Trail at Strutt's Room 15
and May 25th to 27th Derbyshire Open Arts at Tansley Village Hall.
Inspired by worldwide locations visited over the past twelve months.
New work ready for my first shows of 2019.
May 5th & 6th at Belper Art Trail at Strutt's Room 15
and May 25th to 27th Derbyshire Open Arts at Tansley Village Hall.
Inspired by worldwide locations visited over the past twelve months.
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August 2018 to April 2019
Having taken an opportunity to embark on a round the world trip, I am consequently building up a photographic portfolio of new locations to present through my textile artwork. Not being content with just relaxing (I'm not very good at that), I've been pushing the boundaries with some watercolour studies (definitely out of my comfort zone). Not my usual media but whilst travelling its a good way to respond to the places and the photographs I'm taking of them. I'll be showcasing my new work through a number of shows from May 2019 onwards. |
Some of my watercolour studies of Vancouver, Canada
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The fourth floor studios.
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May 2018
Derbyshire Open Arts at Banks Mill, Spring bank holiday weekend. It was lovely to open the studio door and welcome my first visitors since becoming a resident artist at Banks Mill. |
Finishing off a new piece.
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Copyright: Susan Bedford 2020
