Royal Academy Christmas gifts and cards

We're at that time of year again - time to start thinking about Christmas! The Royal Academy are well prepared with their lovely gifts and cards on their website:

Gillian Ayres RA - round plate from the Royal Academy as part of their limited edition gifts

Gillian Ayres RA - oval plate from the Royal Academy as part of their limited edition gifts

 A Garden in Winter - John Nash RA (Christmas card)

Blackbird in the Snow - Mary Fedden RA (Christmas card)

Royal Academy Summer Exhibition

I finally made it there today, with only 3 days to go until it closes for this year. It was the first time I've gone to the Summer Exhibition, and I felt I should go, as there's always such a big deal about it in the media. As it is an open submission exhibition, there's a wide mix of styles and disciplines from emerging and established artists, including Academicians themselves. It was good to finally go. I hope to see Sargent and the Sea there too, before it ends.