Monday 31 March 2014

Lassie

Lassie
Acrylic On Canvas
18 x 14"
      I was given an old photo of Lassie and asked to create this painting for my Grandfathers birthday. I'm used to painting buildings and other hard body things so painting fur was quite a challenge. This I believe has turned out to be one of my better paintings and just goes to show you what can be achieved when you challenge yourself and work hard.
     I never imagined I could create a portrait painting of this quality before I attempted it but I'm glad a got the opportunity to prove myself. It helped to show me just how well my technical skills have improved in the last few years. It also confirmed to me how versatile my painting method is in creating a variety of images and elements which Is what I have always strived for.

Charcoal Drawings

Black Pigeon I
Charcoal On Paper
16.5 x 11.75"
Black Pigeon II
Charcoal On Paper
16.5 x 11.75"

         It's been a long time since I've done anything in charcoal. I prefer stuff I can use with water to make more expressive marks. Of course I'm not one to shy from a challenge and so wanted to see what I could do without any wet media. I was pleasantly surprised with the results and it seems that I'm just as competent with dry media. Maybe it's something I can work on more in the future. Its always nice to have another string for your bow.

Sunday 23 March 2014

The Electric Church In Daylight

The Electric Church In Daylight
Acrylic On Canvas Paper
15.2 x 19.3"
     A second painting of what I call 'The Electric Church' because of the huge light up cross. I thought I might paint it in the daylight as well just like monet and his series of works of the Rouen Cathedral. So here it is on a bright and sunny day. Perhaps I may do this again with other paintings but I find myself busy with so many ideas right now. So many ideas and so little time.........

Ragged Feather

Ragged Feather
Acrylic On Paper
5.8 x 8.25"
     Birds are starting to become a theme I am exploring more in my work and provide me with a lot of material to create artwork from. I find myself working on some more pigeon related stuff right now. I never thought they would be such a good subject but they keep inspiring me with more ideas.

Buick 8

Buick 8
Wax On Watercolour Paper
9.1 x 20.5"
      I'm working with wax again to make more resolved work that stands on its own next to my acrylic stuff. This is a possible entry into this years Derwent Art Prize. hopefully I can have the same success as last year.
     The main complaint I noticed with last years Art Prize was the lack of colour entries so I have a suspicion that this year they may want to accept more coloured works.

Tuesday 4 March 2014

Derwent Dam

Derwent Dam
Acrylic On Canvas
20 x 30"
     A nice bit of neo gothic architecture. It's quite an impressive structure up close and is something I have wanted to paint for the last few years. Now I finally felt confident enough to tackle it and I'm pleased with the result. It was quite difficult to separate the fore and backgrounds with the dominance of green which In itself is always a difficult colour to work with. I think the lighter areas of the sky and the front of the dam help to separate the elements.

Sunday 2 March 2014

Gamecube

Gamecube
Graphite On Paper
11.75 x 16.5"
 
     A drawing of my favourite console. I think the controller was just right and it had a lot of Star Wars games. Luckily I still have it too.