The Courtyard

The Courtyard
Acrylic On Canvas
18 x 24"

An interesting set of buildings in Doncaster. I was interested in the reflected light on the yellow building on the right.

Abandoned Police Station

Abandoned Police Station
Graphite On Paper
11.75 x 16.5"

     A drawing of Conisbrough's old Police station. A relic from a time long past. Such a shame as it's a really solid building and quite unique looking. It's been a while since I have done any good drawings like this but I think I should try to do some more regularly. My heart is in painting but the fundamentals always need work. So I guess drawings are like vegetables :)

Conisbrough Library

Conisbrough Library
Acrylic On Canvas
16 x 20"

     Another interesting local building. This time I thought I would add people as some of my other building paintings feel a little devoid of life. To be honest though they are about the building and not the people but it doesn't hurt to add a little more life. Plus I thought it would be funny to add someone at the bus stop checking their watch. That's British humour for you.

The Leopard

The Leopard
Acrylic On Canvas
24 x 30"

     This one was a labour of love. It's the longest I have ever worked on a painting everyday and so I could be nothing but disappointed in the results. It's not a bad painting but when you put so much effort into a piece you expect the result to be epic. So here is a decent example of my current artistic level.
     Of course all creative types feel this way and why should I be any different. We push ourselves constantly and strive for improvement. Sometimes it comes in leaps and other times small steps but we do improve even if we think we don't. I've decided in my next life I will pick an easier thing to do with my life like brain surgery.
      On a side note whilst I was painting this one the outside was redecorated so it looks a little cleaner now and is a slightly different colour. So consider this a document of what was rather than what is. Sounds like art to me.

House By The Road

House By The Road
Acrylic On Canvas
20 x 24"

     Edward Hopper has been a big influence on my work this last year and so when I saw this building I couldn't resist making a little homage to his painting 'House By The Railroad'. Its not an exact replica you understand as its a British design of building and even the lighting is different but I think its a good compliment to his. In the end I achieved what I set out to do and that's all that really matters.

The Deep

The Deep
Acrylic On Canvas
20 x 30"

     An interesting piece of architecture and very relevant to what is found inside. The Deep in Hull is a submarium and I visited it for the first time this year after picking up my rejected work from the Ferens galley. I thought it would make an interesting painting, especially with the falloff of light on its angular surfaces.
      I struggled with the proportions on this one though and it took me a lot longer to complete than anything else I have done but I wanted it to be right. I try and be as accurate with my depictions of famous buildings as possible but I am not a master and there will always be inconsistencies that I will have to live with. I try not to dwell on mistakes though and so its onwards with the next painting because that's the only way I will improve.