Diamond

Diamond
Graphite And Watercolour On Paper
15.3 x 18.7"

     Another experimental mixed media piece. I wanted to try and add some colour washes over graphite and gesso to see what would happen. The watercolour stay on the graphite but not on the gesso which makes for some interesting abstraction. Definitely something to explore further.

King

King
Acrylic On Canvas Board
20 x 16"

     Most people view pigeons as vermin and a nuisance but I have always found them to be quite proud and regal birds. They can have beautiful colours and well defined feathers as with this one. I think they are a joy to paint.

Pigeon

Pigeon
Papercutting
11.75 x 16.5"

     Continuing my quest of finding new mediums to work with, here is my second papercutting. I tried to give this one more lines to help define its form better and I also wanted to play around with line weight too. Not everything I intend to create using papercutting will be an organic form and so line weight will become really important with things like buildings or vehicles.
     I'm going to be trying my hand at collage soon and already have all the material and an idea of what I'm going to do. It's time I don't seem to have at the moment and I'm running out of it. I just have to work hard and get through what I have planned and hope it leads somewhere. Sorry to be a bit of a downer there but I don't seem to have much control of my own destiny right now. Well you can never tell what's to come.

Feeding Pigeons

Feeding Pigeons
Graphite On Canvas
11.75 x 16.5"

     Another entry for the Derwent Art Prize which is coming up fast. Now I have three drawings based on the theme of pigeons. Last year my theme was coastal drawings and I thought it would be nice to have some of the drawings I submit this year have a link to each other as well.

Take Flight

Take Flight
Graphite On Paper
16.5 x 11.75"

     I'm hoping to enter the Derwent art prize again this year and so have started drawing more and trying new ideas out. My previous drawings last year were too abstract and since I have moved towards more figurative work in my paintings it makes sense to do so with my drawings.
     Right now I am definitely thinking of entering this one and the feather drawing as they are the best ones so far and share a common theme.

Pigeon Roost

Pigeon Roost
Acrylic On Canvas
31 x 39"

     I thought I would have a go at a diptych. Originally this was going to be two separate pieces but I decided to paint them together and create a single piece. I have some folded card laying around at home and I might try something with several panels if I can think of anything good to put on them.

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.

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.

Pigeons

Pigeon On A Bird Table
Acrylic On Canvas
10 x 14"

Feather
Graphite On Paper
11.75 x 16.5"

     A bird table in the garden has meant more wildlife and more painting opportunities. This is the same pigeon from my 'Regal' series that gave me the opportunity to practice painting feathers. I don't know what happened to the little fellow as he never came back, but now he can live forever in my work.

Pigeons Are Fun To Draw

Regal I
Graphite On Paper
16.5 x 11.75"

Regal II
Graphite On Paper
11.75 x 16.5"

Regal III
Graphite On Paper
11.75 x 16.5"

Regal IV
Graphite On Paper
11.75 x 16.5"

     I had a lot of fun making these drawings. I have wanted to do a series for a while and this provided the perfect opportunity to work on a particular theme. Well this pigeon looked particularly majestic sitting on the bird table and made a great subject. It also allowed me to flex myself and work on something living for a change. This has given me the confidence to tackle people again.