Becky McCarthy StudioBecky McCarthy Studio

Salon du Bon Vouloir

by becqua on May 24, 2025, in the Curator Art, News category
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Salon du Bon Vouloir 2025
Salon du Bon Vouloir 2025

18 May – 17 August 2025
Salon du Bon Vouloir
Located at Anciens Abbattoirs, rue de la Trouille, 7000 Mons

Now showing its 120th exhibition, the show has an esteemed list of previous exhibitors including Vincent van Gogn, Rene Magritte and more.

Le Bon Vouloir state that they are “a Mons artistic circle founded in 1895 and the last true Artists’ Salon in Belgium, is firmly established in the customs and traditions of Mons and eagerly awaited by art lovers, as evidencedby both the countless requests for participation addressed by.’ artists to the circle’s leaders and the large crowds that flock to the opening. This constantly evolving circle has the distinction of operating as a “friendly society” governed not by strict and fixed regulations, but by a “gentlemen’s agreement” aimed at supporting the artistic expression of each of its members and guests rather than defending a specific school or movement.

However, it does not represent a showcase for so-called”local art,” and while it has sought, and still seeks, to defend and promote artists connected to Mons and Hainaut, it refuses to advocate for a hypothetical “regional school”: modern and contemporary artistic creation l has no regard for borders, and indeed willingly transgresses them with audacity and freedom.

The first Salon du Bon Vouloir, in 1895, brought together 151 works by twelve artists aged 18 to 27 and immediately established itselfas a youthful circle, open to all innovative trends and artistic techniques.”

Oil painting by Becky McCarthy of a girl with her face painted like a clown exhibited at the salon du Bon Vouloir

A Funny Kind of Grief, exhibited at the 120th Salon du Bon Vouloir.

The exhibition this year contains a wide variety of artworks: painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed-media, collage and photography.

I’m pleased to be included this year with an oil painting titled A Funny Kind of Grief. A self-portrait based on a photograph I took about a week after my younger sister’s funeral. My brother and I had painted our faces to record a humorous video for our niece. The absurdity of the situation dawned on me and demonstrates the masks we wear in public. View my original artworks HERE >>>

Fund out more on their website Salon du Bon Vouloir

A Visit to Tate Britain

by becqua on April 26, 2025, in the Curator Art category

tate britain logo

Tate Britain

Having been to Tate Modern on a few occasions, it was time to visit Tate Britain. Admission to the main exhibition was free, and covered over 500 years of British art. Some of the stand-out pieces were by John Singer Sargent, JW Waterhouse, Damien Hirst, Gilbert & George and many more. There are some eyecatching pieces to be seen here and if you’re a fan of JMW Turner’s work, they have a large collection of his paintings. The gallery was busy, but not hectic, so a relaxed stroll around the exhibits was easy. Located by the Thames at Millbank.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am-6pm
Millbank, London, SW1P 4RG

A few of my snapshots…

a selection of photos from tate Britain laid out in Polaroid style

For further information on Tate Britain and any current additional exhibitions. Visit their website here

Some Suggestions for London Galleries

by becqua on September 3, 2024, in the Curator Art category

There’s a vast number of amazing museums and galleries to visit in London and here’s a couple of my favourites that I visited recently.

I’ve been taking a break from the studio to recharge my batteries, and it was great to head to London and visit Tate Modern, and the National Portrait Gallery, to add a little creative inspiration to my work.

tate modern logo

Based on Bankside in London, the Tate has free admission with paid admission for some of it’s visiting exhibitions. A lovely spacious location, it feels less crowded than many of the London galleries. Anthony McCall’s exhibit ‘Solid Light’ runs from June 2024 – April 2025 and is a mixture of art, installation, light and sculpture. I interacted with the exhibit by walking through walls and tunnels of light, then sat on the floor contemplating, as the sculpture subtly changed in front of me.

3 photos of Anthiny McCall's installation Solid Light


National portrait gallery Logo

Next was the portrait gallery where I loved studying portraits that spanned the centuries, loving the historical, the iconic, the kitsch, and the modern works there. The art collection spans from the 16th Century to the modern day and incorporates painting, drawing, sculpture and photograhy. For me, as a portrait artist, it was wonderful to see the paintings up close and examine the brushwork, to reach out an touch the past.  A few iconic highlights as you come face-to-face with Queen Elizabeth I, Anne Boleyn, the Bronte sisters, Wallis Simpson, Virginia Woolf, Bjork & thousands more.

Also, check out the Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award 2024 exhibition at the National Gallery, with free admission, which shows a wide range of contemporary portrait art. See work by winners Antony Williams, Isabella Watling, Rebecca Orcutt and Catherine Chambers. Exhibition runs from July – October 2024.

 

selection of digital poloroid photos showing art from london galleries

A glimpse of my London gallery weekend.

For more info on 25 museums you can visit for free in London, click here plus see Visit London’s list of best art galleries.

Master Study of John William Waterhouse

by becqua on June 30, 2024, in the Fine Art category

“Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it, While they are deciding, make even more art.”

– Andy Warhol

Welcome, welcome to my June update!

I have some more new paintings to show to my lovely customers. The first is an oil painting I want to share (a study of an existing painting) and also some semi-abstract florals in acrylic. Oh, and make sure you’re on the newsletter list to get exclusive subscriber offers!

John William Wtarehouse master study of a detail of the original painting

Master study based on a detail of John Waterhouse’s painting Boreas

The original painting was named after the god of the north wind, and depicts a woman in the pre-Raphaelite-style battling the elements. After some thought I decided to paint a section of this famous painting in order to explore the beautiful composition, expresssion and lighting. This master study in oils is now available for sale.

 

Boreas John William Waterhouse master study detail in a frame

Create a wonderful welcoming contemporary space with white walls and some gorgeous plants juxtaposed with an oil painting from a master study. Just a detail from a classic painting cropped to show the stunning composition with the placement of the arm and the curve of the fabric billowing in the wind. More information >>>

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And now for some flower power! With some loose, semi-abstract florals painted against a background of gold.Gold square acrylic painting of flowers against a background of gold

Floral Abstract No.4

• Original individual painting
• Acrylic on Arches cotton paper
• 15 x 15 cm (includes border; painted area is 12.5 x 12.5 cm)
• Supplied unframed
• £60 (free shipping)

four framed paintings of flowers with gold backgrounds on a mink coloured wall

 

 

This floral was painted as one of a collection of 4. View the collection here.

And don’t forget to jump on the newlstter list to receive updates on new works for sale, subscriber offers and discounts, behind the scenes updates and more. I’m currently ‘bombarding’ my subscriber list with about one whole email per month. How do people find the time to write so many!!! Join my elusive list here.

A New Painting…

by becqua on May 4, 2024, in the Fine Art category

I have an oil painting to share, a study of an existing painting. It’s a great way to practice skin tones, colour, atmophere and emotion, so let’s take a look…

 

Oilpainting master study of John Waterhouse's Lady of Shalott

Master study based on J Waterhouse’s painting The Lady Of Shalott

 

  • Original painting (availability x1)
  • Oil paint on Arches cotton paper
  • 41 x 31cm
  • Supplied unframed
  • £300 (free shipping)

Purchase the painting here.

A Gift from The Studio…

by becqua on March 19, 2024, in the News category

Today’s art quote…

“Don’t think.

Thinking is the enemy of creativity. It’s self-conscious, and anything self-conscious is lousy. You can’t try to do things. You simply must do things.”

Ray Bradbury

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In the spirit of the quote above, I’ve been loosening up and not overthinking things. I’ve been doing some loose sketches, starting on the iPad in the Procreate app, which is a lot quicker and a lot less messy than oils!

One of my projects was to create a few digital images as preparation for some potential paintings. I’m pleased to offer these preparatory sketches as a FREE DOWNLOAD – only for my lovely newsletter subscribers.

three art prints of women in black and white on a wall
Set of A3 prints – oil painting preparatory sketches

 

black and white loose sketch of a woman leaning her head on a wall

One of the 3 images included in your digital download

 

This is a time-limited offer. Sign up to my newsletter for updates.

Unveiling a Portrait of a Subscriber…

by becqua on February 24, 2024, in the News category

Today’s art quote…

“I decided to start anew-to strip away what I had been taught, to accept as true my own thinking. This was one of the best times of my life. There was no one around to look at what I was doing, no one interested, no one to say anything about it one way or another. I was alone and singularly free, working into my own, unknown-no one to satisfy but myself. I began with charcoal and paper and decided not to use any color until it was impossible to do what I wanted to do in black and white. I believe it was June before I needed blue.”

Georgie O’Keefe

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It’s been a while. Welcome to my first update of the year! I hope you’re having a wonderful 2024 so far.

Thanks to everyone who submitted their photos to me as part of my inspiration project (if you want to get involved subscribe to my newsletter). After a few months away from the easel I selected Rachel’s photo. Thanks Rachel! Initially it was intended to be a sketch but ended up being a more finished fine art piece. Oil paint and gold leaf on Arches Papier.

portrait of Rachel oil on paper 2024

‘Rachel’ oil on paper

A self-portrait in oils

by becqua on October 23, 2023, in the Fine Art category

A recently completed new self-portrait painting in oils. The painting is titled ‘A Funny Kind of Grief’ and is captures the mood of a particular day.

Oil painting self-portrait of a sad girl with clown make-up

Small Studio Sunday Virtual Art Exhibition

by becqua on August 20, 2023, in the Fine Art, News category

Hi there!! We’re getting closer to the opening of the Small Studio Sunday event for independent artists.

Small Studio Sunday is a virtual art show that takes place on Sunday August 27 2023. Artwork by 50+ independent artists will be featured in a Website Gallery. Throughout the day a number of artists will be presenting live demos, studio tours and art talks across Facebook and Instagram. The Small Studio Sunday Gallery website will help visitors and buyers connect with the artists during and beyond event day. It’s going to be a fun and informal event to support emerging artists.

Hope to see you there….sign up here for your invite.

webpage showing the small studio sunday online art event

Oil Painting Masterclass with Rosso Crimson – June

by becqua on August 12, 2023, in the Fine Art category

Continuing the online mentorship with Rosso Crimson. This month we worked on paler skin tones and the overall palette, the colours we’ve used for skintones throughout the course are:

  • Titanium white
  • A pre-mixed blue-grey
  • Yellow ochre
  • Naples yellow
  • Cadmium red
  • Alizarin crimson
  • Indian red
  • Ivory black

Time was limited this month due to other commitments so I did a quick sketch, oil on paper, just to get some more practice in mixing and painting faces.  As you can see I didn’t completely like two of them. The expression on the middle one was quite intriguing so she survived. As an underpainting this was quite successful….and with more time I would work on the lighter tones.

painting skin tones in oil paint on paper

 

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