December Arts Newsletter
Magenta Poppies in Beth Chatto's Garden, 80x100cm oil on canvas
See more details on my website
December is here so the Christmas jumpers can finally be worn. London is heaving and fun, there's lots going on. If you need a bit of a break from the yuletide tsunami though, have a look at the exhibitions below. I have also included a list of my Culture picks of 2025. If you have any excellent recommendations you'd like to share back, please do!
Have a lovely December everybody.
If you would like to buy this as a present, let me know and I can make a voucher for you to give.
New exhibitions this month
Turner & Constable: Rivals and Originals is the big Tate blockbuster this season pitting these two artists against each other. I've never been one for choosing the favourite parent but, to be fair to the Tate, they were exact contemporaries and were often chasing the same patrons/ commissions. Both Turner and Constable were absolute titans of British painting so this will be a stunning exhibition. I suppose that, even if the premise of the show is a bit gimmicky, it provokes a conversation. If you go, let me know which side you come out on! Tate Britain until 12 April
Gilbert & George: 21st Century Pictures
This exhibition is essentially a retrospective of G&G and how technology has affected their output over the past 25 years, making their work bolder and bigger than ever. They did open their own museum last year so I'm not totally sure why they need an exhibition at the Hayward but it will be bonkers and very entertaining so if you're a fan, don't miss it. Hayward until 11 Jan
Wes Andersen: The Archives at the Design Museum explores the look, feel and colour palette that runs through all his films. There are over 700 items on show ranging from costumes and props to stage direction notes and scripts. Fantastic Mr Fox is our all-time favourite family film and I have already booked us in over the Christmas hols. Design Museum until 26 July
Exhibition of the Year
This goes to the Kerry James Marshall retrospective at the Royal Academy. Moving, beautiful, interesting and multi-layered. And I wanted half the works in my house (not sure any would fit though). Still on until 18 Jan. Royal Academy
Book of the Year
Wellness by Nathan Hill. I'm aware most people read this in 2024 but I thought it was fantastic, great story, and a wry look at the state of the (US) nation.
Gig of the Year
The Rowes have been to more gigs this year than ever before but the stand-out one for me was Radiohead at the O2 last week. Maybe it's because they were one of my teenage bands but it was outstanding and emotional.
Film of the Year
The Ballad of Wallis Island. An absolutely cracking, very British film about people. No whizz bang CGI. It spoke to my soul. You can watch it on Prime.
Best radio play
I listen to a lot of radio and podcasts whilst I'm painting including lots of plays. Central Intelligence is a BBC drama about the making of the CIA is excellent, Kim Cattrall stars. Find it here.
Pinks in Terracotta Jug, 40x50cm framed
