There's a small town called New Hope, just North of Philly on the Delaware river.  It's a quaint little town of shops, restaurants, B&B's, and art galleries.

My wife and I were strolling past a shop called Celt-Iberia Traders when I noticed a sign out front "Featuring the artwork of Annie Haslam".

Curious, I asked the proprietor if this was the same Annie Haslam, lead singer for Rennaissance.  Yes indeed it was!  He took me upstairs to the gallery where there were a dozen or so original paintings on display and for sale.  He explained that this was the only studio where she sells her work.  Apparently she lives nearby.

I ended up buying a piece called "King Midas", with an obvious nod to her song "Midas Man" on the Novella album.  It is acrylic on a 9x12 canvas, signed on the back by Annie.

We almost had an opportunity to meet her, as she often pops into the shop somewhat irregularly, but we were next door watching "42 Street" at the Bucks County Playhouse.  Sadly we missed her.  But I get to go home with a fantastic piece of art of hers that I will display proudly and cherish forever.

Jeffrey Hammond, guitarist for Jethro Tull is a painter...

http://www.lancashirelife.co.uk/people/jethro-tull-guitarist-jeffrey-hammond-1-5236597

"Two summers ago, attending the craft show at Tyler State Park in Bucks County, PA, I strolled through the rows of craftspeople and their wares. At the last row, last stall was a woman selling her hand-painted/fired ceramic tiles.  She was about 5'2', dressed in white, probably in her early 60's. I said, "hello" and began to look at the tiles.  Eventually, I saw her name on the banner pinned to the back of her stall, "Annie Haslam [painted tiles]".  "That's really funny", I thought, "that's the same name as the lead singer for Renaissance."  Then I noticed a standing ad she had for an upcoming concert with her appearing.  With Renaissance.  WTF??? Yes, it was Annie, who lives in the area.  As I realized this another guy, standing there with his jaw open, turned to me and mouthed, "I know, Annie Haslam!" Nobody else seemed to be aware of her.  I was gobsmacked."  

I think her artwork is interesting. I don't love it to pieces but I don't hate it either. I think she's good but it's just not my favorite style. The colors in that piece above are outstanding though. 

I actually met her in New Hope. Not sure if it was the same place but it could have been. I got my picture taken with her too. I didn't talk to her for a really long time maybe just a few minutes. She seemed pleasant enough though. This was maybe ten years ago or so. I actually live in the general area and can attest that yes she does live in the area also. She even showed up one year at Nearfest as a guest artist(which was after I met her in New Hope)but I didn't get a chance to talk to her then.

Anyway, as a side note I also get the feeling that she knows Peter Hammill. At a nearby nature center I remember seeing the names Peter Hammill and Annie Haslam in the guest book. I don't believe they have collaborated but I'm pretty sure they know each other and are friends.  

@SteveG

Yeah, from reading about that anecdote, I felt that maybe she uses her artwork to finance and promote her music.   I am not an 'art' person so while the colours she uses do look very pretty, they don't speak to me.  So maybe my evaluation is biased but I am not sure she is as talented at painting as she is at singing and yet it's easier for her to make money from the former.

She seems to know most of the big names of 70s prog quite well, has performed alongside Hackett and Curved Air, has provided guest vocals for Wetton, even Caravan when they did a re-release of an old track and Ian Anderson played flute on one of the tracks of Grandine Il Vento.  And usually has positive things to say about other singers/musicians.  The only one she ever publicly sl*g.ed off, Graham Fellows, became news though.

Miles Davis by Joni Mitchell for your pleasure (MD did like the portrait she made)

To be honest I'm not a super huge fan of her visual art but I think she's very good at what she does. Her artwork is sort of new agey I guess you could say. That one in the first post here is pretty good though. 

Interesting portrait!

did I mention I also think that people who call themselves animal lovers who hate cats are the sickest of all?

What about people who call themselves animal lovers who hate dogs?

also problematic, though I don't know that I have ever met someone in that category.

good point about fear of dogs, but also dogs that aren't trained can be very problematic, while cats who aren't trained are just cats!

I learnt to just ignore them and not make eye contact when they are wound up.  Eye contact only aggravates them.  Not long after this encounter with the super friendly retriever, my wife and I were taking a walk when we heard barking and saw this really big dog (as big as a St Bernard but not that breed) barking and running towards us angrily.  I said to her, don't make a sound and don't look at it.  We stood still for a few moments and then quietly crossed the road over to the other side.  It was a calculated risk as the dog might have decided to give chase but I had a hunch that if we ignored it, it would calm down.  And so it did.  I have stuck to that thumb rule then.  No matter how wound up it is, just ignore.  If it still attacks you, it does.  Not like trying to run away from it in such a mood will help matters at all.