Can a blind man see?

This weekend was the Cultural Olympiad (that's the Olympics for the arts but with no money!) in Ely. This gave us a bit of extra publicity for TED CONEY'S FAMILY PORTRAITS in the local paper and brought a few extra people in. One couple came yesterday and asked if it was suitable for someone who was nearly blind. Reluctantly, I had to say probably not, but wondered afterwards if that was the right approach. I thought I was ready with my new disabled ramp and all but this request through me. Happily, the wife came back today and joined one of the tours, so I hadn't put them off completely. At the end she declared that her husband would enjoy it and they would come again. ' He would like your stories' she declared ' and of course, he would love feeling your car' I had to admit that it is the heady smell of leather and petrol that has kept me in it's thrall all these years

It's a 1931 Morris Minor for those who havn't been yet.

Best Wishes Ted

An interesting exhibit

Hi On Thursday mornings I sometimes attend a Business Breakfast in the local hotel. I have found it helpful while launching my, admittedly, tiny business, TED CONEY'S FAMILY PORTRAITS.
We have to talk very briefly about what we are doing and how the business is progressing. Often, people bring products they are selling, or business cards, or both. This morning I was inspired to wheel my old 1940 bicycle into the meeting. No one said anything, but I did get a few raised eyebrows. I explained I had brought it in for two reasons. Firstly, to show that I use it as a marketing tool by advertising the gallery poster from the crossbar and secondly, because it is archive material for two of the paintings.
As well as cycling 800 miles to Scotland for a painting about being 60 (more of that another time) I had used it to cycle from Lincoln to Westminster Abbey for research on my current painting 'Snow Angels and No Angels'. I am not sure they believed me!
Best Wishes Ted

A glimpse into my brain?!

Hi This week I received a lovely card from a couple from County Durham who came to visit TED CONEY'S FAMILY PORTRAITS recently.
'We know how much work and love you have put into your exhibition and it certainly shows through' they said
While certainly true, but it was very nice of them to write and say it.
This week, I had a chap write in the visitors book, 'Thankyou for a glimpse into your brain'
Not to sure how to take that one, I wonder what I said?!

After a free lunch

Hi I was tracing some lettering yesterday, to go into one of my paintings. Could have been boring, but was actually quite theraputic. was doing quite well and working hard but unfortunately was invited out for lunch. After a few glasses of wine and sitting in the sun in a beautiful garden, I'm afraid the painting went to pot! Ah well, there is always another day.
Best Wishes Ted

Agenda Magazine

Hi I am pleased to see the article about TED CONEY'S FAMILY PORTRAITS as a double page spread in this month's Agenda magazine. I f you want to see it and live in Cambridgeshire you should be able to pick up a free copy at losts of places - tourist offices, galleries etc. If you live further afield, it is now a link to my web-site on the News and Reviews page. Even Jasper the Cat looks good!
This week I have been working on my painting ' Snow Angels and No Angels' which is about 15 female members of my family. Some of the women are symbolised by sand Mermaids. Ever tried painting sand, it's very difficult. I am using little bits of old sponge to put the oil paint on, lay by lay. Mind you, painting the snow is even worse!

Best Wishes Ted

Getting Started!

Hello
I am very new to this blog thing, but wanted to do something to publisise my new venture 'Ted Coney's Family Portraits'
After forty years of planning (!) and dreaming, I have just opened our house as a gallery to display my paintings.
All my work is about family life and family relationships. No work is for sale but I am offering guided tours around the house at weekends. I have devised eight tours so I don't get bored and people can come back if you have enjoyed it, for a differant tour.
If you are interested in finding out more then log onto my web site www.tedconeysfamilyportraits.co.uk

Best Wishes Ted