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 Run softly idle brook, 30x40cm One of my paintings being shown at Colour & Light this month.What a relief we are now enjoying some warm weather! I have been very busy in the past few weeks organising Colour & Light which opens today. It is a showcase of female artists who’s work is known for their intense colourist response to the world around them. The exhibition is up for the month of June and anyone can go into Cannizaro House in Wimbledon to have a look. I look forward to seeing those of you coming to the Private View tonight. (If anyone else would like to join last minute, let me know katharine@katharinerowe.com)  There are plenty of other arty distractions opening in London this month too, a few suggestions below.  Saint Francis of Assisi has long been my #1 saint. His love of animals, his kindness and those stigmata are reason enough but I was awestruck by the stunning basilica in Assisi which I was lucky enough to visit on a school trip pre-earthquake in 1994. This show at the National Gallery presents imagery of St.F as interpreted by a myriad of artists from a monks manuscript painted circa 1240 to a recent Gormly sculpture. Included also are big treats like this Caravaggio where Francis is receiving his stigmata in the arms of an angel. Beautiful and moving. National Gallery until 30 July free  Luxury and Power – Persia to Greece is a look at how treasures and luxury were used as political tools in ancient Southern Europe and Middle East. There were centuries of disagreements between the Greeks and the Persians and the former generally maintained that the latter were obsessed by wanton luxury. The Greeks eventually became enchanted by all that glistens, however, and lots of those treasures are on display here. Glitzy. British Museum until 13Aug |
 The National Portrait Gallery opens again after a 3yr refurbishment on 22nd June. Personally I’m not sure it really needed a new entrance. I’d rather £41m was spent on some amazing art than a new front door and ‘learning centre’. However I’ve booked my spot for the opening day and prepare to be wowed. I also look forward to seeing some old faves again. National Portrait Gallery from 22June |
 Sunshine on Saunton, 30x27cm oil on linen canvasAnother painting that will be included in Colour & Light this month. Get in touch www.katharinerowe.com katharine@katharinerowe.com |
Good luck with the exhibition. The weather was certainly switched from always chilly to always sunny!