Kerwin Exhibits at Manchester NSPCC Charity Art Fundraiser

Kerwin displayed his art in Manchester for the first time at NSPCC art exhibition ‘HOME’ fundraiser, 13 June 2023

I was very excited to display some of my ‘By Kerwin’ artwork in an NSPCC charity art exhibition fundraiser, titled ‘HOME’, in Manchester on 13 June 2023. The event was held in Three Little Words gin bar in Manchester city centre.

It was my first time exhibiting my artwork in Manchester, and I was delighted to sell some art on the night and raise funds for a great cause. The event featured artworks for sale by 27 different Manchester-based artists. I put in two full size (24×36”) signed, hand-embellished, framed prints, of my Jimi Hendrix and Elvis Presley paintings.

These hand-embellished prints were unique, one-off pieces. Hand-embellishing means I took a canvas print of the original painting and added a few layers of metallic acrylic paint by hand over the top. This gives them extra depth and texture, and they glimmer in the light – bringing to life what is already a high-quality print reproduction of the original painting.

Finding a new home for my By Kerwin artwork – and raising funds for a great cause

I was delighted to find a buyer for Jimi Hendrix on the night – with half of the £275 fee going to the NSPCC. The NSPCC is the UK’s leading children’s charity, and they’ve been looking out for children for over 130 years. Find out more about their work on their website. In total, over £6500 was raised on the night, with further sales also likely to come off the back of the event.

I was also really excited to receive a commission for a hand-embellished print of my Prince painting by a guest on the night – meaning another sale and another share of £275 going to the NSPCC. A couple of weeks after the event I hand-embellished this print and presented it to the happy new owner!

It was also cool to share the billing with DJ Peter Hook – founding member of Joy Division and New Order – on the night too!

Having now displayed By Kerwin in Manchester for the first time I’m now looking to plan my first proper art exhibition and other displays in Manchester later in 2023. Watch this space..

What is print hand-embellishment?

Print hand-embellishment in art refers to a technique where artists enhance printed artworks manually by adding additional details or embellishments directly onto the print surface. This method allows artists to infuse a personal touch and unique artistic expression into their printed works. Hand-embellishment can be applied to various types of prints, including lithographs, screen prints, giclée prints, and etchings.

The process of hand-embellishment involves the use of various artistic mediums such as acrylic paints, watercolours, pastels, or even metallic leaf, which are carefully applied to specific areas of the print. By doing so, artists can introduce vivid colours, texture, depth, and intricacy that cannot be achieved through traditional printing methods alone.

Hand-embellishment not only enables artists to create one-of-a-kind pieces but also offers them an opportunity to experiment and push the boundaries of their creativity. Each hand-embellished print becomes a unique artwork in its own right, carrying the artist’s personal artistic interpretation and emotional connection. They are often thought of as an effective artwork option between an original painting and a print.

Why are hand-embellished prints popular?

Art collectors often value hand-embellished prints for their exclusivity and the added value brought by the artist’s direct involvement in the creation process. Additionally, the meticulous and time-consuming nature of hand-embellishment adds to the overall craftsmanship and allure of the artwork.

In summary, print hand-embellishment is a technique that elevates the standard printed artwork into a more personalised and distinctive piece. It showcases the artist’s creativity, skill, and dedication, resulting in a captivating and sought-after art form that stands out.

Explore my full range of a Jackson Pollock-inspired, pop art music acrylic action paintings in my online shop. Prints are available from £35.

Read about my full series of art exhibitions and pop up shops in my blog section here.

Explore my full range of music-themed, Jackson Pollock-inspired pop art paintings and canvas prints at www.bykerwin.com. Prints are priced from £35 – £75, with fast worldwide delivery.

You can also follow my art progress on Instagram and Facebook. Contact me about print commissions by email.