MY STUDIO

I moved house just before Christmas so I have a new home-studio in the conservatory.

A BIT OF SUMMER IN WINTER

It is always nice to paint something summery in the winter.  Each of these two were completed in one sitting so there are not stages to show.

SAND DUNES

Pastels on Fisher 400. 20cm x 30cm

RUAKAKA BEACH

Acrylics on specially prepared paper 35cm x 24cm

HORSE IN OILS

I have always like portraits with dark backgrounds so I decided to have a go.

Stage 1. 

A box canvas 10" x 10" with background in black acrylic. I blocked the horse in in acrylics first because they dry quicker and I like to get as much as I can done quickly.

Stage 2.

Once that was dry I refined it all in oils.  It came together quite quickly but now it needs to dry before I can add the finishing touches.

BLACK SWAN A'SWIMMING

This is just a preliminary sketch to see if I could get the water to look right.  I have had some encouraging comments, so I will work on a larger version and see how it goes.

FRENCH GIRL

CHAROLLAIS COW IN OILS

I found a photo I took of a Charollais last time I was in France and as I wanted to try out some new techniques, she seemed as good an option as any.

1st sitting:  Laid the background in acrylics and blocked in the first stage of the cow.

2nd sitting:  Added another layer of colours to tone down the harsh tonal differences on the first stage.

3rd sitting:  I decided to have a go at laying on paint impasto style with a colour-shaper tool, thingy. It was great fun and I really like the effect. See close-up below..............

Still lots to do but I am quite pleased with the way this one is progressing.

I have tweaked the cow some more and added in the foreground.  Now I've done that, I think the background is a bit flat and too abstract for the piece so I need to do some work on that next.

I AM SORRY TO SAY THAT THIS PAINTING WENT MISSING DURING MY HOUSE MOVE SO IT WILL NEVER BE FINISHED UNLESS IT TURNS UP AMONGST THE BOXES IN THE GARAGE OR SOMETHING!

A GO AT ABSTRACT ART

TRYING OUT ABSTRACT ART

Most paintings I am drawn to, the ones that make me say "Wow", are very often abstracts.  I have always wanted to have a go but not known where to start.  This painting was my first attempt.  I decided to use oils over a painting I had done a while ago and didn't like, so cutting down on the waste if it didn't turn out too well.  I really enjoyed the experience....big brushes, thick oily paint, limited pallet of colours and a pallet knife.  I was in heaven!!  I posted it on my Facebook page and have had some very pleasing comments. 

'Bloody Abstract Landscape'

12" x 9" Oils on Canvas Board

I enjoyed it so much that I have decided to do some more and see where they lead me.   I started to prepare another canvas board and thought I'd show a step-by-step..............

Preparation, stage 1

It is usually best to start the base with Acrylics, even if you plan to finish in oils.  They dry quicker and don't lift when you apply the oil paint.

Preparation, stage 2

OK, a confession here.  I HATE ACRYLICS!  Despite achieving some excellent results with them when painting animals, I don't enjoy the slimy consistency and the way they are so difficult to blend.  I took this photo when this was still a bit wet so it is not a very good representation, but you can see from it that they don't blend well.  An artist friend of mine, who uses acrylics all the time and loves them says I must be using a poor brand.  The brand I use was recommended to me and they were NOT cheap.  Maybe it's just me.  I don't give up easily and as I said, I do get some quite good results with them, so I'll keep trying.  All mediums have their pro's and con's.

I am hoping to do some more work on this over the Easter break.

 Number 10's Dream of Escape

Oils over Acrylics on Canvas Board 12" x 16" 

I sat and stared at the base colours for a while, turned the canvas around and stared some more, then some surreal images started to appear in my mind. This is about my dissatisfaction with the way the world is going. I have called it "Number 10's Dream of Escape".  It represents how we are all being led off a cliff by greedy, useless politicians. The 10th man is trying to escape as the world is turning upside down. Makes sense to me anyway. Maybe I need help?!

OTTER WITH ABSTRACT TEXTURED BACKGROUND
Otter Finished

I decided I didn't like the sky colour and that the greenery needed some more depth so I worked on those before adding more fur detail to the otter.  I've called it "Thank You For The Fish" because with eyes closed and front paws together, he looks like he's praying.


Otter Phase 2

Started to add some colour.  It looks a bit messy at  them moment because I am just experimenting with colours, textures and composition.  I'm still quite pleased with the way it is coming along.

A Little Watercolour

I decided to do a quick watercolour whilst I was waiting for the gesso to dry.

Gesso still not dry!! Will have to wait until tomorrow before I can start to put paint on the otter 

background.

Otter Phase 1

25 Feb 2012. Started a new painting in a completely new style for me.  I have no idea how it will turn out because it is all experimental.  But I decided to get more creative with my backgrounds.  That's what going to an exhibition does for you!  I started with a blank (box) canvas and decided to have a go at an otter I photographed last year.  I sketched the outline of the otter and got out an old pot of gesso that had gone lumpy, then went into the garden and picked up a few grasses, moss sprouts and pine needles and set to work laying them out onto the canvas with dollops of gesso.  It is very thick in places so will take a while to dry.  I am not even sure the grasses will stick with the gesso or if I will need some glue.