REBECCA TEALL

Well, what an evening! I heard it went on till 2 am in the bar over the road for some people =), for myself, I was in bed by then but not before going round the corner to a delicious Greek Restaurant with some old friends. 

I only managed to take this photo at about half past eight. It was so busy all night, I was talking and taking it all in when in no time I was already on my 30 second (awkward) spot thanking people for coming and heading into the final half hour. 

I guess between 40 and 50 people attended in a steady stream, over what was an intense few hours for me. I am still amazed at everyone for their support and kindness, not least for making the trek out to deepest Camberwell a bus ride from the nearest tube. 

I made a few sales and even received a commission, and fingers crossed one or two people might still have their eye on a painting. We'll see. But the overriding impression I got from the event was that people really like my work, the new stuff in particular - the illustrative and cartoony drawings I have done in the last 12 months or so. Which is good news for the future.

I was also intrigued to learn which paintings interested people. Often one person will like a certain group of pictures but then another person will like a different style so I feel justified in my diversity, though I admit my range over these paintings is wide. This particular exhibition was of a very large body of work, from over a large period of time, a kind of retrospective. The next exhibition will likely be more streamlined and focused on the work I do in the next 12 months! 

It was an excellent way to mark the end of one phase and the beginning of another and for that I know all the preparation has been worth it.  There was a great atomosphere and I am really grateful to everyone for making it a memorable evening that will stand me in good stead in the months to come.

Preparation for this exhibition has over the last week or two taken over my life. Framing and printing, pricing and hanging, deciding how much wine to buy! Man-o-man I hope people turn up.