Archie's Antics: Let's start at the very beginning...

Archie's Antics: Let's start at the very beginning...: "It's a very good place to start. I'm Archie.19.Student.Nottingham Trent Uni. I'm currently staying with my family in London whilst I do wo..."

New Art Medium at the Frieze Art Fair October 14-17

I was picking through last nights Evening Standard Newspaper when I came across this bizarre article about psychic mediums attempting to 'channel the spirits of famous artists' at this years Frieze Art Fair in Regents Park.  It would appear the five psychics are going to attempt to contact artists such as Pollock, da Vinci, Van Gogh, Duchamp and Kahlo.  There has already been a trial session where contact was apparently made with Salvador Dali who was claimed to have demanded why he was being contacted and declared himself far too busy and important for such matters! To be fair to Dali he is in the middle of an important exhibition in Atlanta, Georgia. Curator Sarah McCrory said that the point of this exercise was to try and find out from these artists what the role of art was in the after-life! Well in Van Gogh's case I guess it's to try and see if he can sell any of his paintings before he is resurrected!!  

Frasier : Season 9 Episode 19 - Deathtrap

This is one of the best coffee orders I have ever heard and probably the best coffee order ever given at the famous Cafe Nervosa of the classic American comedy Frasier! 


Frasier asks the guy behind the counter for a coffee...........


"May I get a double latte one shot of decaf espresso one shot of regular espresso, some steamed low fat milk and some non fat foam?"


Have a look at the YouTube link - tell me what you think?





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASC7evaZ8A4

Painting series to completion by Marie Kazalia — Kickstarter

'Kickstarter' is a fantastic way to help artists fund their creativity.  Marie Kazalia is one of my LinkedIn partners and I love the technique she uses when she paints.  Have a look at the link below to find out more about Marie and if like me you want to be part of her latest project you can find out how you can contribute.

Painting series to completion by Marie Kazalia — Kickstarter

High Museum of Art - Atlanta

"Dali: The Late Work" is a new exhibition featuring more than 40 paintings and drawings from the renowned surrealist painter. Best known for the striking and bizarre images in his surrealist work his painting skills are often attributed to the influence of Renaissance masters. Dalí was an highly imaginative character, and he was known to partake in unusual and grandiose behavior, in order to draw attention to himself. This sometimes irritated those who loved his art as much as it irritated those who were his critics, since his eccentric manner sometimes drew more public attention than his artwork.

If you are a fan of Dali or just a fan of surrealism and are in the Atlanta, Georgia area go and see this great exhibition, which runs until January 9th 2011.high.org

There's Bean a Gold Rush

The first gold rush town of America is a place called Dahlonega and nestled on one side of the public square is the Picnic Cafe and Dessertery.  Everything from the bread to the delicious pies and cakes are made on the premises and the service is uber friendly and very warm.  The coffee was tasty, although limited to with or without milk, but when I asked for it in a ceramic cup they were more than happy to oblige.  Sadly it was not one of their own brand pieces so it has not made into my souvenir collection.  I could have brought one but there's no fun in that.......  Tried to get some pictures of the Tennessee Hells Angel pack that had arrived in town but they didn't look too friendly - so you will have to use your imagination. 

This little ol' trip has definitely been an eye opener - very different from my time in Boston last summer but when I have more time to spend here I hope to discover what I am sure is a place full of artists and creativity.

Caribrew

 I had resigned myself to the fact that Georgians wouldn't know a good cup of coffee if it jumped up and said "Y'all haf a good day na, ya hear" until that is I visited the North Georgia Premium Outlet mall,  that appeared like an oasis in a desert - a desert of confederate flag waving farmers! I admit that I approached my request for a cappuccino with more than a little trepidation, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that the coffee had a lovely little kick. It was smooth and sweet and  topped off with just the right amount of creamy foam.  My only two criticisms would be that it was initially served too hot and that stopped the flavours coming through until it had cooled down.  The bean should never be boiled - it kills the flavour!  The other bug-bear is that yet again it was served in a paper cup.  What is it with disposable food containers in nearly every restaurant we go to?  I guarantee it's not because they're recycling! So take note Georgia - we want to drink our beverages out of ceramic.  It is so much nicer! Anyway, if you're in the Dawsonville, North Georgia, USA area and fancy a bit of retail therapy, topped off with a good cup of coffee, then get yourself down to the Premium Outlet Mall........tell them that the Coffee Queen of Edgware, UK sent you! 

 http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=16

Life is short. Stay awake for it!

....in search of the perfect bean and art...........

There are no coffee shops in Ball Ground - actually there is no anything in Ball Ground. So unacustomed to not seeing a coffee shop on every corner (large chain or independent) we headed 35 miles down the road (yes 35 miles) in search of anything that resembled a good old cafe.  Now what I havn't said is that there are hundreds of Starbucks - not any in Ball Ground - but everywhere else you look!  Those of you that follow my blog will know that I don't do Starbucks but here's the problem, it would appear that in this part of Georgia nobody drinks anything else!  No to mention their aversion to drinking out of anything that is not paper or Styrofoam.  Anyway, 35 miles later and gasping for caffeine we arrive in a little town called Blue Ridge where on certain days you can pick up the tourist train to Tennessee.  It's like Little House on the Prairie no kidding!!! Just when I thought that this was a huge mistake L & L Beanery Cafe and Bakery beamed its bright welcoming open sign.  I have to say it was lovely experience.  There was a wide range of coffee to choose from both in flavour and style.  There was even a delicious looking display of freshly baked cakes.  The service we received was really friendly and warm and the coffee was good despite the disposable cups!  They even had a little gift shop which did quite well out of us by the end of our visit.  So if you are ever in Blue Ridge pop in and have a coffee - Southern style! llbeanery.com

Before you leave Blue Ridge take a stroll through the town and check out the wonderful array of art and antique shops.  I popped into High Country Art & Antique's and was blown away by some of the work on display. highcountryart.com

Ball Ground, Georgia - 1st Brew

Tuesday 24th August 2010 - Ball Ground, Georgia USA at around 7.30 a.m. First brew of the day and the first brew of my whistle stop one week holiday of the old folks new abode! This is the view from the deck at the back of the house......trees trees and more trees and beyond those trees mountains. The coffee is imported - I brought from the UK which was luck as ma and pa only had decaff and quite frankly I don't see the point.  Not long after this photo I was making the 10 mile trip to the shops to buy some fresh European blend dark roast.

Meeting of Styles - Saturday 21st August

If like me, my husband and 12 year old son you made it down to MOS over the weekend you got to see some of the worlds finest street artists at work.  'Public Art' or 'Free Art' is an exhilarating experience to witness in its creation process.  It's more intoxicating than the fumes from the spray cans!  There was a spirit and creative vibe flowing through the bricks and mortar that was so uplifting and inspiring you could almost taste it.  Even the London Transport Police took time out of their 'beat' to view the walls of Highbury Studios in Hornsey Street coming to life.  The talent and skill was undeniable and it was fascinating to see the different styles emerging.

Sitting on a  bench made out of recycled materials so I could watch the artists at work I was approached by someone there who commented  "you don't look like the sort of person who would be into this kind of thing!"  I replied, "Never judge a book by it's cover." The same rule needs to be applied to the artists behind street art.  There is a still a view by some that street artists or graffiti artists are anti-social vandals when in fact these artists just want to share their work in the same way that an artist exhibiting in a gallery does.  We should be more appreciative of their talent and the fact that they are working for free to transform dull and dreary streets into bright and beautiful places to be admired.

If you missed out on seeing the work in action don't worry - just get yourself down to Highbury Studios in Hornsey Street and check out all the finished wall art. theendoftheline.net

I have to add that the Sacred coffee that hubby got me (cuppaccino of course) was delicious.....strong but not bitter....smooth and sweet. If you're a coffee lover like me, make sure you stop by the Sacred Cafe when your down there or you're missing out ! sacredcafe.co.uk/

Sacred Coffee exploding with MOS Street Art

Meeting of Styles London 2010 Exhibition

Going down there today so watch this space for more photos and video clips live from the event!

Meeting of Styles London - Graffiti Meeting of Styles Exhibition London, 2010 Meeting of Styles

Looking for something to do today....... get down to Highbury Studios for an exhibition celebrating the best international graffiti artists..........

Meeting of Styles London - Graffiti Meeting of Styles Exhibition London, 2010 Meeting of Styles

Gauguin Exhibition London - Gauguin at Tate Modern Exhibition London

The first major exhbition in London devoted to this master of modern art for over 50 years, the landmark Gauguin exhibtion London event explores Gaugin's innovative and unique method of storytelling....

Gauguin Exhibition London - Gauguin at Tate Modern Exhibition London

The Power of Shape Colour and Form

Multi Colour Shapes No.2

"I believe that a deep connection exists between human emotion and the mental images constructed in our minds and that art holds the potential and power to shift emotion and perception. I’m fascinated by the power of color, shape and form. I find solace in making an emotional connection with complex layers of abstract images as I work" - Kevin Haynes

Kyle Lambert's Apple iPad portraits of celebrities: step by step - Telegraph

I am not generally known for winging and winning about not having something that others have so you will have to excuse me and forgive what is about to take place. "I WANT AN iPAD" (phew there you go I said it). Look what you can do when you combine this beautiful piece of technology with a £4.99 app....

Kyle Lambert's Apple iPad portraits of celebrities: step by step - Telegraph

Coffee with Katie

Just got back from a lovely lunch with my mate Kate. Sapori (as usual) for cappuccino and sarnies followed by a delicious slice of pear and chocolate tart!  It was so nice to be able to catch up on all the playground gossip (boy was there some!) and stuff our cake holes.  Not to mention the usual self-promotion of my art hanging on the wall.  No eye-candy but you can't have everything!

How to Make Latte Art: 6 steps (with video) - wikiHow

Today's blog is a tutorial from WikiHow so that you can learn how to impress your friends and family at home!

If your brave enough to have a go take a photo and post it on the blog so you can share the results. Good luck!! :)

How to Make Latte Art: 6 steps (with video) - wikiHow

Coffee and Ink Art

coffee stories by .b -- snu

This is a funny little website/art blog and worth having a look at - it proves once again that coffee is not just for drinking!!

coffee stories by .b -- snu

J R Rigndahl Contemporary Abstract Artist

If your in the US and in the Boston area check out contemporary abstract artist J.R. Ringdahl.   Artist Reception Hynes Convention Center South Rotunda Gallery 900 Boylston Street - Boston, MA 02115 Thursday, September 16, 2010 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Open to the public - No reservation needed.

Jean-Michel Basquiat - 1980's Street Art

Charlie Parker : Lines & Colors

Lines and Colors is a blog about drawing, sketching, painting, comics, cartoons, webcomics, illustration, digital art, concept art, gallery art, artist tools and techniques, motion graphics, animation, sci-fi and fantasy illustration, paleo art, storyboards, matte painting, 3d graphics and anything else that Charlie Parker finds visually interesting. If it has lines and/or colors, it's fair game.