It was an early start for me. Driving through the busy west Cumbria traffic up to Wigton to meet Alison. Then Alison took over the driving to Kelso. Snaking through the rolling hills of Reiver country, spotting the Pele towers on the journey; Gilnockie Tower, just south of Langholm and Fatlips Castle perched on the top of Minto crags above Teviotdale. It is quite a few years since I have travelled this route and as the passenger I could enjoy the view which for the most part was sunny.
I thought the charming village of Denholm built around a village green looked worth a return visit and Jedburgh, with its impressive Abbey and Kelso with the large estate house of Floors Castle had lots to offer but we were in Kelso for the Borders Art Fair.We were looking forward to an established art fair with over 70 exhibitors.
After a long journey, and a quick sandwich in the car, first stop was the toilets, then we split up to explore the busy, colourful stands.
Emma Jones had just started a demonstration of monoprinting and I watched with interest as she used a mini press to create a print from a piece of Tetrapak packaging.
First artist I talked to was Deborah Campbell and I loved her contemporary textile birds created using free motion machine embroidery.
Gillian Lee Smith's dark mysterious woodlands caught my eye. But for me it was her sketchbooks that were magical.
Darren Woodhead's large watercolour wildlife paintings completed outside on location were stunning.
Opposite Darren's stand was Janet Kenyon, one of two Cumbrian artists we spoke to and one of our favourite artists of the day. The way she captures the light in her watercolour landscapes drew me in instilling a gentle calmness.
It was lovely to chat to Helen Acklam and see again up close her colourful paintings of the cottages and bothies of the Highlands.
Wendy Helliwell's colourful unconventional collages brought a smile to my face.
Printmaker, Caroline Convey's playful puffins were a joy as were the beautifully detailed paintings of wildlife artist, Jane Harbottle.
Other favourites were Jill Macleod and Jo Perkins, both delightful in their obvious love of and expert use of colour in their work.
The area set aside for refreshments was bright and colourful with yellow and pink paper globes. Coffee, pizza, ice creams and crepes were on offer. We opted for cappuccinos and crepes, which were delicious.
The sun still shone for most of our return journey, the brief rain shower rewarded us with a beautiful rainbow just north of Longtown.
We had a great day and the art fair is on for another two days so well worth a visit if you can get there. Open 10am to 4pm 18th and 19th March.
Emma Jones demonstration
Time for refreshments
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