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ZIG GOES TO VENICE!
As you know, we are supporting the fantastic work being done by the Minerva project who are organising fundraising auctions for L'Aquilla. So Zig has packed his bags and gone to Venice to attend the auction (No Limits envoy!). After Venice another auction is planned for Paris and possibly New York. So far the London auction alone has raised £5,000 so a huge thank you to all involved. Some of the distinguished guest at the London auction included an all time art hero of mine Mr Jack Vettriano, other guests attending the 2 July auction included:
Roberto Schneider - press corespondent Italian embassy
Rossana Pittelli - art expert Italian Institute
Lord Simon Clanmorris
Cindy Jackson
Lady Belhaven & Stenton
Polish Consul Jakub Zaborowski
and many more - too many to mention, but the support was overwhelming according to Magda.

THE NEXT AQUILLA AUCTION IN VENICE IS ON FRIDAY 27TH NOVEMBER 2009:

All DONATIONS CAN BE MADE DIRECT USING PAYPAL AT: http://www.artminerva.org/index.html

On a final note, No Limits would like to say a massive 'Thank You' for your continued support over the years and take this opportunity to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas!!! and we hope to catch up with everyone in the Coming Year.

September 2009

Hello to all, just a quick catch up to let you know we are still alive and kicking!- having a few medical issues the old MS rearing its ugly head so having to take some proper time out, but as they say life goes on. The plan is to get back on top of things and be in a better place for the coming year and let's face it standards must not be allowed to slip! Many thanks, to all who attended the auctions and charity events in association with Aquilla. Magda reports all events to date have been a roaring success and as ever the support has been overwhelming. The Art Project Minerva, created by artists Blandine Martin and Magdalena Rutkowska, has raiseed nearly £5000 through an organised auction of artwork at the Italian Institute of Culture in London Belgravia. So a huge well done to all involved.

I have been keeping my eye on the ball and watching to see what's going on and will endeavour to keep you updated. There is a lovely opportunity to participate as an artist in the PALETTE AND PALLET competition in association with The Knaypa restaurant and Magdalena, Blandine, and Tomasz Milasz who are getting together for a Christmas special... Every fortnight 5 to 8 artists from Italy, India, Poland, France, Hungary and Britain are going head to head in a friendly competition for a feast of multicultural dishes and art that will let them express culture and customs of their countries associated with autumn, winter and Christmas....but here I am daring to even mention the word Christmas already when we are only just coming into October, so further information will be posted along the way or you can visit the Knaypa restaurant direct. Until our next update keep well and enjoy life along the way.

July 2009

Early on Monday morning, 6 April, while people slept, a powerful earthquake struck the Abruzzo region of central Italy. The death toll from the quake currently stands at 289 people. Fully 10,000 buildings have been reduced to rubble or left inhabitable by the quake. 50,000 people are homeless, living in hastily constructed tent cities. The city of L'Aquila, regional capital for the province of Abruzzo, was hit hard.

Other smaller communities were almost totally erased by the quake. Some of the most beautiful scenery in the world gave way to utter devastation. An entire region was destroyed.

To express deep solidarity with the population of the AQUILA and to assist the residents of L'Aquila, Abruzzo to recover from the powerful earthquake of 6 April, a group of well established artists from the UK, France and Italy are organizing a number of community fundraiser art events. As a result of the cooperative endeavors of Pelino Santilli, Blandine Martin, Magdalena Rutkowska, Pierre Eugene and Catherine Peugeot, two fundraising exhibitions followed by an auction have been established.

With thanks to the kind support of the Italian Embassy, the first event will be located at the Italian Cultural Institute in London during the first week of July, with exact dates still to be confirmed. The second fundraising exhibition and auction, will take place at The Centre of Culture in Paris late in the same month. Both auctions will feature celebrities in attendance and there will be light snacks, carefully prepared by Rufus Achille a celebrated chef from Chelsea.

We are very grateful for all the support we have received so far, especially from artists of Italian and other nationalities who have so generously donated their work for the auction.

There is still time to get involved. Any kind of support will be appreciated indeed. These events are designed to raise the necessary funds to help Italian families and friends in L'Aquila. The money will go to rebuild homes, schools and provide humanitarian services.

Many antiquities and valuable works of art were also destroyed in the earthquake, but art is more than a collection of objects.

No Limits art Gallery are participating with the auctions and donating art work we are also appealing for help on behalf of Magda for donations such as drinks for the entertainment and guests to the auctions and any other help required .If you feel you would like to help with this needy cause please contact us for further direct contact details for Magda. Thanking you in advance for all donations offered. We have no doubts this will make a huge difference where it is needed most.

Italian Earthquake Charity Art Auction dates:
An exhibition will take place from 29th June to 5th July at the Italian Cultural Institute in London. Opening times: Mon-Fri 10am-20pm Sat - Sun 10am-4pm. There will be a gala auction Thursday, 2nd July, 7pm, organised by Bloomsbury auctioneers at the Italian Cultural Institute, London. The auction will be followed by a reception. Please come along, snap up a bargain, enjoy your surroundings and help a wonderful cause.

June 2009

We would like to thank everyone for their support at the Express Yourself gallery and our latest exhibition in Covent Garden London. It is always lovely to meet up with old friends and your continued support is much appreciated and very special to us. To take a look at some of the art works entered for the Luton Festival please click the link below.

Express Gallery

May 2009

5TH CATH BY THE EYE SAVE IN THE HEART EXHIBITION-COVENT GARDEN-June 2-8th 2009

I'm delighted to announce a 5th exhibition in the series, taking place at the amazing Gallery located in Covent Garden between 03-08 June 2009

The highly elegant 3 Bedfordbury Gallery is just a stone's throw from Leicester Square and Covent Garden tube stations.

The concept of "CATCH BY THE EYE SAVE IN THE HEART" was created by Magdalena Rutkowska a professional artist living and working in London in 2004. The first exhibition took place at Menier Gallery -London Bridge followed by second one in Warsaw in the same year, then Mayfair and Belgravia-London. By contacting independent artists, she created a group of talented professional people who were happy to show their work to the public including, Magdalena Rutkowska, AnjaliD'souza, Jenny Mohsen, Chrissie Hammond, Helen Kaminsky, Wiebke Dryer, Melinda McCarthy, Michael John Griffiths, Andrew Binkowsky, Tashi Khan and others but the main idea of the project was not only to show work already done by the artists, but also to awaken the hidden artistic talent in the souls of our visitors, who are always encouraged to express themselves at Catch exhibitions on the canvases provided along with the paints and brushes. These pictures showing a unique reflection of the moods of people in different countries and varying parts of the city of London and are worth coming to see on their own. Together with the professional exhibitors Magdalena draws around her, every Catch exhibition reveals its own unique reflection of the times in which we live.

For more information about the exhibition click here

March 2009

Hello- Just a quick catch up to let you know what we are up to in the coming months. We are presenting SNAFU to the NHS in March which is very exciting and we will be looking forward to putting some faces to names with the lovely people we have been in contact with over the past months. Much preparation has been taking place for 2009 exhibitions, which will include another London exhibition this time in Covent Garden in June and late summer in Milan.

Further details of these exhibitions and all other exhibitions and events along the way will posted on the exhibitions page as we receive confirmation dates/details. Hope to catch up with you all along the way. More photos and information will be posted soon and any comments will be gratefully received as always. Stay happy!.............

Find out more at Eclusier Forum

January 2009

Happy New Year to all –

We have some exciting new projects afoot this year which may include some globe trotting (better dust down the old kit bag!).We are going to be kept very busy and look forward to new opportunities ahead. Please forgive us if we don’t check in every month on our news page as before; but we will keep you abreast with our progress and of course up coming exhibitions and open days. The office will remain manned as usual and all enquiries will be dealt with as efficiently as ever. Look forward to catching up throughout the year.

December 2008

Hello everyone, well the festive season is under way and things are getting frantic! Orders are flying out the studio doors and arriving at homes here & abroad as we print. Although no more orders can be taken now for Christmas commissions, there is still chance to order from our E-shop up until Wednesday 10th December. We are also offering our customers the opportunity to pay in instalments due to the current climate and to help with the xmas wallet squeeze!. If you would like to take advantage of this offer please call for further information.

We would like to thank you all for your continued support and friendships throughout the years and hope to see more of you in the coming year. Our format may be changing a little next year as our recent London exhibition has opened many new doors ?. It shouldn’t alter the service you get from us even though we will be busier than ever!. We are always here to help if you are unsure of anything or need information just contact us in the usual ways -always happy to help.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year......Cheers!

November 2008

Hello all - hope it's not too chilly for you! I have to admit it has been rather Brrr in the studio on a few occasions when I have decided to make a particularly early start! Still needs must at the moment as things are very busy what with sorting my exhibit for the 'Coral Creative Challenge' in November (click here) as well as making headway on commissions to be ready for Christmas gifts and the usual daily demands!

I'd like to take this opportunity to remind anyone thinking of ordering a commission for that special Christmas present that the cut off date for these is Sunday 9th November. This way we can ensure there are no disappointments and everything ticks along smoothly. Orders from the E-shop will continue into December. If you require further information please contact us on the usual numbers, always happy to help?

October 2008 - Exhibition at Eaton Terrace Gallery

Hello everybody, I finally had to succumb to putting the heating on in the studio yesterday as we had our first lot of ice on the car windscreen and chilly temperatures to kick off the day.

On a warmer note I would like to thank all who attended the London Exhibition. I know some of you travelled quite a distance and I was overwhelmed with your kindness and support. The exhibition was very successful for sales and commissions and making new contacts. It was a lovely experience and thank you again Magdalena and Eaton Terrace Gallery. If you missed out purchasing any originals there is still an opportunity to buy Limited Edition Giclee prints. However they really are Limited Edition 1 of 25 for each original only so if you are thinking of early Christmas present purchases be sure to contact us soon to avoid disappointment.

	We have a few snap shots of the preview evening but I confess it wasn’t easy taking photos as the Gallery was full to the brim! ......This of course was wonderful no complaints there! Any enquiries about the new series of SNAFU & ZIG / commissions or general information please contact us at the Gallery as usual. Wrap up warm and keep well!

September 2008 - Exhibition at Eaton Terrace Gallery, SW1

Date	Activity	Notes
Sunday 21	12:00 Hanging	Hanging by an expert team
	17:30 - 21:00 Private Viewing	Open for the artists and guests
Monday 22 - Friday 26	10:00 - 17:30 Open to the public	Admission free
Saturday 27	10:00 - 18:00 Open to the public	Admission free
	18:00 Closing	Admission free

Click here for more details

Hi everyone I hope you have been enjoying your summer holidays and a well earned break. It’s been very busy here indeed and I am very excited to announce that I will exhibiting this month in a London Gallery along with some extremely talented artists. The exhibition called ‘Catch by the eye, save in the heart’ has been organised by Magdalena Rutkowska.

The exhibition will be 21st – 27th September at the Eaton Terrace Gallery in Belgravia London.

Further details will be posted shortly.

I will also be launching my new series of ‘SNAFU’ & ‘ZIG’ late September /early October to coincide with the exhibition. SNAFU & ZIG have been frequenting my studio for a year now and it is time to share them with the world!...They are two cheeky characters who have become very good friends keeping me company in the long hours locked away in my studio!

Check in again for further details on the exhibition as well as some sneak previews of SNAFU & ZIG.

August 2008

Everyone at No Limits Art Gallery would like to say a warm thank you to all the lovely people that sponsored Gemma for her 10 K London run. Personally she has raised £346-00 to date & people are still adding to this –bless you all. The weather was lousy rain & wind for most of the run but the support was fantastic and quite overwhelming. It was terrific to see so many generous people running their hearts out, not just for M. S but other charities too. Everyone was cheering them on & as always it is lovely to see so many individuals coming together for a common cause. So ‘WELL DONE’ to all involved!

British 10K London Run

Thank you to all our runners! MS Trust was the Official Charity for the race on Sunday 6th July 2008 and what a fantastic day it was! 1,250 people braved the wind and rain to run 10km through the streets of London in support of the same cause, looking great in their MS Trust running vests and headbands. This event has already raised over £93,000 in sponsorship and we're expecting that total to rise significantly. Huge thanks go to all our runners and to everyone who supported them.

July 2008

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported Gemma my daughter, who is running in this years British 10K London Run on 6th July. Gemma is running for the Multiple Sclerosis Trust to help with their funding& research. Many of you know I suffer from primary progressive M.S so any research into finding a cure for M.S is very close to my heart. I think Gemma is a star and doing the run is her way of helping the M.S trust and her mum at the same time.

There will be 20,00 runners on the day and 1,250 will be running specifically for M.S. I am so proud that my daughter is one of them – doing her bit!

So good luck Gemma we will be cheering you on. We’ll be at the finishing line with refreshments & goodies!!

For anyone who would like to find out more information about M.S and how to donate please click the link...

www.justgiving.com/gemmaphillips1

June 9th 2008

The Ayot preview evening was a tremendous success and the turn out was fantastic, the weather held out for us and it was a most enjoyable evening with the jazz band playing and the buzz of artist exchanging opinions & tips and guests exchanging compliments. Nice to see so many happy faces! –Don’t forget the exhibition is still open until close of Monday so if you missed out there is still a chance to get a glimpse of the stunning works submitted.

Here are a few shots of the preview evening:

June 8th 2008

Yesterday was the hand in day for all paintings to be entered into the Ayot St Lawrence exhibition June 08 and from the sneak previews I saw the standard is incredibly high with some stunning pieces of art produced. So don’t forget Friday (6th June) is the preview night and it’s free entry no tickets required, just turn up between 7Pm – 9Pm – follow the signs from the church, and enjoy yourselves. There may also be a jazz band playing-weather permitting, nibbles & drinks …all welcome.

June 6th 2008

Here we have the finished painting for our competition winner Elvi……

After much discussion and many preliminary sketches the finished result incorporates many of Elvi’s favourite things. Elvi wanted a graveyard setting to include herself wearing one of her most treasured jackets. Having visited Highgate Cemetery on her last visit to England she also wanted to include a part of this somehow, so after much deliberation she opted for one of the main gate entrances with its imposing pillars. Placing a few gravestones, some trees, another of her loves and all other requests we finally arrived at the painting you now see.

I am delighted to say that Elvi has received and is very pleased with her ‘Competition winning’ finished painting. It has been an interesting journey and the research into Highgate Cemetery amongst other aspects has been a challenge and a most enjoyable experience. Thank you Elvi for the endless e-mails we have exchanged during this process and for posting me your treasured jacket, which I’m glad to know is now safely back in your hands.

We have not seen the last of Elvi’s beautiful jacket and don’t be surprised if you see it again in the gallery at a later date, discussions are underway for a separate commission!

May 2008

I thought March was known as the month of madness but here at No Limits Art Gallery it appears to be ‘May madness’ as everything seems a little manic this month. Business picks up a pace and more exciting challenges reach the studio doorstep!

The winner of our recent competition Elvi will be seeing the results of her painting soon as this is in its final stage. Elvi has chosen an unusual setting for her painting incorporating many of her favourite places and themes so watch this space for the final result!

Preparations are well under way for the 34th annual exhibition at Ayot St Lawrence in June. The exhibition has a preview evening to be held on Friday June 6th (for more info/times etc see exhibition page, or call for a chat.) Expected to be a fun event. A great opportunity to meet organisers, artists and friends alike. So we are looking forward seeing you all on the evening and hoping the weather stays on our side. The exhibition officially starts Saturday June 7th – well worth a note in your diaries and 25% of all sales go towards the upkeep of the Ayot St Lawrence church, a beautiful building and very worthy cause!

April 2008

Summer is upon us and we would like to thank all our customers past present and future for celebrating with us the 1st anniversary of the studio being opened. It was lovely to catch up with old friends and we hope you all enjoyed your day and goody bags!.....Thanks for being patient and creeping around certain areas of the gardens where we have nesting birds, they are in abundance this year- must be feeding them too much!!

We were asked about a late summer get together & possible BBQ – work and time permitting we may well organize such an event so look out for dates and news.

Elvi our February competition winner has decided on the painting she would like so we should be able to show you all the finished result in a few months time….watch this space.

Please remember summer is probably our busiest time for visitors, if you are thinking of booking a studio visit or free consultation be sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Back to basics... What is narrative painting?

A narrative painting depicts a story, be that an ongoing story, a part of an episode from your life or just a single moment remembered in time.

We all have our own special stories and it is often difficult to recall & explain exactly what is wanted on canvas. The example shown 'breakfast tuition' is of a relationship between Father and daughter and how Fathers knowledge is passed down through the generations as they sit together at an outdoor summer’s breakfast table sharing an important lesson on the ins & out's of cameras.

Scenes such as this happen all over the world depicting the various complexities of human behaviour. They are often taken for granted or not really noted as having any particular importance; and yet in my opinion it is such scenes that need to be treasured, along with all their subtleties holding true meaning for those personally involved and to whom they 'belong'.

The faded parasol holds its own stories & memories of many a summers use, it tilts slightly to one side... only the family know why – did someone try to swing from it once? The cat in the painting belongs to a particular passage of time. The surrounding plants lovingly grown and cared for by whom?.....Many of this family’s life’s little workings and subtleties are combined here in this one painting. Seemingly just an image of two people to the unknowing eye and yet so much more to those for whom it was painted...

If you would like to capture some of your story & precious memories on canvas, simply contact us for a free no obligation consultation enquiries@nolimits.uk.com

29th February 2008 Competition Winner

Competition winner in association with ‘The Flower Hut’ & ‘Mystic Gardens’.

We would like to thank everyone that entered our competition... the winner drawn by Mystic Gardens is...

ELVI FJELLVANG

Congratulations ELVI!! We will contact you soon and arrange a consultation for you to have the bespoke painting of your choice!

3rd February 2008 - CCP Winter 2008 Exhibition Entry

The subject for this exhibition is ‘treasures’. Coloured pencils on Bristol board. The ‘Button box’ was created from an early childhood memory. I remember being allowed to play with my grandmother’s button box while she sat sewing.

I have strong memories of hours of enjoyment and excitement at the sight of all the tiny ‘treasures’ it contained. Beautiful colours of the rainbow, pearl drops and shiny trinkets; and there always seemed to be at least one that I had not discovered before!

21st January 2008 - Art Classes

We are very pleased to say that our first art class was a blast! We altered the original design and added a deer. As we often have them wandering outside the studio it seemed rather fitting. Here are a few finished masterpieces:

And for all you sceptics out there who believe you have to have painted previously, please take a look 'Debbie's painting' -

Debbie was brave enough to let as take a photo for the web site and I feel she should be very proud of her results indeed. Especially as she proclaimed to not be able to paint at all!!!..............To say that Debbie was nervous when she entered the studio would be an understatement, she said she was frightened of making a fool of herself. She certainly didn't do that. In fact Debbie is so pleased with her final result that she has decided to put it on her kitchen wall for all to see. Well done Debbie and happy painting!

We may well be changing our class days and times to be more flexible and fit with our participants other commitments - so rather than post every change we have decided it's better to contact us at the studio prior to booking and we can inform you of all times dates and subjects as we go. For further inforrmation contact: (e-mail ad) or telephone the studio 01582 882085.

7th January 2008 Happy New Year

Happy New Year to all and may 2008 be everything you wish it to be.

As a brief update, we are still running our competition to win a painting – draw date February 29th. In association with The Flower Hut and The Mystic garden www.themysticgarden.co.uk .

Our first ‘new’ art classes are now fully booked and we are very excited about this new venture, looking forward to seeing many a masterpiece as aspiring artists realising their potential. We will endeavour to update our timetable but if in doubt or we do fall behind, please just give us a call or e-mail for future dates and subjects.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support and look forward to our New and exciting year ahead. As always if you need any assistance with choosing a painting, booking an appointment for a commission, or more general information regarding our site please don’t hesitate to contact – we will be happy to help.

12th December 2007 Merry Christmas

Everyone at No Limits Art Gallery would like to wish all customers, past, present and future a truly wonderful Christmas.

We would like to thank you all for your tremendous encouragement, kind words and thoughts and continued support throughout the year. We love meeting you on studio visits and during exhibitions/events. We look forward to extending our friendships old and new with our up and coming art classes starting Jan 2008.

Many of you have volunteered for our trial art classes as willing guinea pigs and we are ever grateful for your bravery along the way. You have all proved what we believed- everyone can paint!-The looks on your faces as you have left at the end of the day with your very own masterpiece has been precious! Many of you have booked for classes already and we anticipate more giggles and fun days out ahead!

We have some exciting new projects in the pipeline for next year and are always eager to hear feedback and ideas from you our customers. We endeavour to improve our business for you all on an ongoing basis and hope we are hitting the spot. Be sure to check in for updates of events and forthcoming projects. If any of you are holding vouchers there is still time to redeem them for xmas- if you are quick!

Christmas greetings to you all and lets hope Santa received your lists!

--------- X ---------

Art Classes…..and a good time was had by all!

Click here to find out more about the Art Classes for beginners.

5th October 2007 A Gift of Art

From... No Limits Art Gallery and the Flower Hut

As a thank you for having made a purchase from The Flower Hut, you are cordially invited to enter our free competition!!!!!!!

In association with No Limits Art Gallery you have the chance of winning you're very own commissioned painting, value up to £400.00 - a narrative painting depicting your personal story. What would be in yours?

Simply click here, enter your details and your code (on the slip in your envelope) and we will confirm your entry by e-mail.

Terms and conditions
One entry only per household, with the authorized code. Competition winner to win: Commissioned Painting – oils on canvas - maximum size 36” x 24” - painted by ‘Frips’. Close of competition and draw date - Friday 29th February 2008 - winner to be notified by E- Mail. If you wish to enter this competition but have no code go to www.the-flower-hut.co.uk to see and purchase beautiful flowers for any occasion.

2nd October 2007 No Limits Art Classes

No Limits is thrilled to offer a new series of art classes for beginners. Click here to find out more.

24th August 2007 Before the Grey

This is my submission for the CCP online summer art show, which I am delighted to say was accepted! – The standard of entries is very high (some entries are truly amazing!) and I feel honoured to have my painting included.

7th July 2007 Hitchin Art trail

Wir Leben! - Current submission to the Hitchin Festival 2007 - to view please visit the Hitchin Art Trail .... June 30th - July 22nd

7th July 2007 ‘A Sputnik Story’……

….belongs to a truly wonderful lady, to whom I personally owe many thanks.

I first met Candace Johnson at a conference for Women in Business at a local University Campus. Candace was the main speaker and without a doubt the most inspirational speaker I have ever had the pleasure of listening to.

Candace told her story of how she got through thick and thin, to where she is today – an international telecommunications expert and entrepreneur and one of the 50 most powerful businesswomen in Europe.

Whilst listening to her words of wisdom, encouragement and enthusiasm I felt an overwhelming desire to paint Candace’s story, and one particular part of it…. The beginning; dream stage if you like, starting one Christmas with a Sputnik hanging from a Christmas tree.

I can’t thank Candace enough for giving me her permissions and taking precious time out of her busy schedule to impart her story to me, sending me photographs and e-mails and communicating via telephone in order for me to put paint to canvas.

I hope by painting ‘A Sputnik Story’ I have captured some of the dreamlike qualities Candace displays and the amazing vision she had then and continues to show and share with others today.

1st July 2007 Our new studio

Why not come along for a studio visit. Would you like to have a painting commissioned for yourself/ the family or someone special? But are not sure of what exactly - then why not book a FREE no obligation consultation at No Limits Art Gallery.

Come and see our working studio, relax with a cuppa in pleasant surroundings while discussing your story, which can then be translated onto canvas as a bespoke painting of your choice.

Chrissie specialises in narrative paintings and has a knack of capturing those individualisms and quirks that are specific to you. That are then created into the story you want to be portrayed onto canvas with the finest oils, for you to treasure.

If you would like to have a real focal point for your home and a great talking topic! - Or are not quite sure, but like the idea then simply contact us on 07870 612675 or via e-mail enquiries@nolimits.uk.com and we can arrange an appointment and FREE consultation for you now.

* Studio appointments are by prior arrangement only*

28th June 2007 Win a painting with Country Properties

Have a house valuation with Country Properties and win an original painting of your choice