Saturday, 31 December 2016
As it's the end of year and this seems to be the trend. Thank you for all the likes and comments and follows this year. Next year will be even bigger. #best9of2016 #2016bestnine #art #artist #instaart #inspiration #leapinggazelleart
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Friday, 30 December 2016
First painting of the year against the last painting of the year (probably). Different styles but colours are definitely getting bolder. #art #painting #instaart #artist #colours
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Amazing day in Liverpool with my old housemate and his family yesterday. Seeing the giant arch makes me want to get back on the wheel and throw more terracotta. Random eh? #art #pottery #terracotta #clay #artist #inspiration #instaart #liverpool
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Thursday, 29 December 2016
The problem with impasto oil painting is they take so bloody long to dry. #painting #artist #oilpainting #textureisking #leapinggazelleart #inspiration #instaart
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Wednesday, 28 December 2016
I don't normally do photography other than to take pictures of my art. Went down the local churchyard with my mum today. Couldn't resist snapping this and tweaking it. Think I did a decent job. #art #photography #grave #cold #church #edit #instaart #inspiration
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Quick throw back to a pen and ink drawing from a while ago that I saw in my parents spare room. #surrealism #art #ink #drawing #instaart #inspiration #leapinggazelleart
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Tuesday, 27 December 2016
Bargains to be had. Next project ahoy! #art #artist #painting #canvas
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The problem with acrylics is that sometimes the colours can fade and darken as they dry. Here is one I painted for my dad a while ago. It still found its way on a wall at their house! 'Father and son' acrylic on canvas. #leapinggazelleart #acrylicpainting #artist #painting #instaart #inspiration #abstractart #abstract
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Monday, 26 December 2016
Texture is king. #texture #artist #abstractart #oilpainting #instaart #inspiration
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Sunday, 25 December 2016
To celebrate Christmas here's a picture I painted with my mum in the summer. After all Christmas is about family and loved ones regardless of your religious leanings. #christmas #family #abstractart #painting #acrylicpainting #mum #colours #texture #leapinggazelleart
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Saturday, 24 December 2016
Changes may only be slight but this feels much better so is finished. @pointedfirs kinda stuck and @pwadey1006 kinda twisted. #art #oilpainting #abstractart #colours #paletteknife #inspiration #instaart
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Friday, 23 December 2016
Sister and brother in law have seen this and like it. I initially planned to do some more to it but if they like it... Still what do people think? Stick or twist? #commission #paletteknife #painting #art #artist #inspiration #colours #texture #instaart
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Sneak peak of a commission for my sister's new house. #oilpainting #paletteknife #colours #art #abstractart #artist #inspiration #instaart
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Thursday, 22 December 2016
Just seen this at my sister's house. Painted this a while ago during my first attempts at using oils. #art #artist #landscape #oilpainting #paletteknife #instaart #inspiration
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Picking highlights from today's trip is so very hard but here goes... No I'm not going to name them all, but I do have all the names! #museum #art #research #artist #inspiration
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Posing with my bro Lord Ganesha. Awesome day @birmingham_mag . Some unexpected gems in their collection, learnt a lot and had a very good time. Excuse the selfie couldn't resist! If you don't know 'Ganesha is widely revered as the remover of obstacles,[9] the patron of arts and sciences and the deva of intellect and wisdom.[10] ' (copied it so I didn't make a mistake!) Which makes him perfect as my bro. Providing that isn't offensive! I also like that he is often shown dancing, which as a leaping gazelle myself I approve of. #ganesha #statue #selfie #holiday #christmas #art #artist #bro
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Wednesday, 21 December 2016
My dad likes this so I'm happy it's good. #abstractart #oilpainting #art #artist #inspiration #instaart #dad #holiday
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Playing around with abstract images today. #abstractart #oilpainting #art #artist #instaart #inspiration #holiday
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Bought an oil painting pad and spent the afternoon practicing trees and oils. Trying to keep everything bold and bright. #practice #painting #oils #art #artist #instaart #trees
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Tuesday, 20 December 2016
Roar! Time to drive home to see family. #christmas #holiday
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Monday, 19 December 2016
An excellent day of food and culture with @thisartofmineuk . Thanks too @national_gallery and @royalacademyarts for amazing exhibits. Merry Christmas everyone this week may not see much posting...
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Finally here with @thisartofmineuk ! @royalacademyarts
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Tree in the Twilight has dried. I may do a few more like this. Really enjoyed painting it and am very pleased with the final effect. #texture #artistic_unity_ #expressionism #artist #artistic #flaming_abstracts #technique #colors #inspiration #art #painting #artwork #creative #instaart #love #artisforall #acrylicpainting #trees #atmosphere
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Sunday, 18 December 2016
Close up of today's painting. #texture #artistic_unity_ #expressionism #artist #artistic #flaming_abstracts #technique #colors #inspiration #art #painting #artwork #creative #instaart #love #artisforall #acrylicpainting #trees #atmosphere
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Still drying but pretty pleased with this. The crackle paint didn't work as I'd hoped but loved painting the silhouette of the tree. I think it works well but would love to hear what people think. #texture #artistic_unity_ #expressionism #artist #artistic #flaming_abstracts #technique #colors #inspiration #art #painting #artwork #creative #instaart #love #artisforall #acrylicpainting #tree #moody
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Saturday, 17 December 2016
Evolution of a vase. Throwing, trimming and slip, firing. #pottery #ceramics #clay #artist #instaart
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A lot of people are harsh on acrylic as a medium seeing it as amateurish and simple. However I love the boldness colours and textures you get. While I appreciate that you can layer oils and get bold colours etc but for a painter who is impatient acrylics are often the best. For the record I do enjoy the relaxed nature of oils and the way you can blend colours. I just feel you can get the affect easier with acrylic. I also know your not meant to actually touch the paintings...
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Things are out of the kiln and looking like pots! Which is exciting. #ceramics #pottery #clay #terracotta #artist #instaart
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Thursday, 15 December 2016
Last day of term. Fixed grin, tired eyes.
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Wednesday, 14 December 2016
#tbt an older and repeatedly over painted piece. The figures in the foreground are basic but the landscape was the beginning of my heavily blended style. Even though this one looks very naive on the gallery wall it still has charm. Importantly though it's a good indicator of where I started to click with how I paint landscapes.
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Tuesday, 13 December 2016
A bit of a blast from the recent past. 'Angel on the rocks' this was one of the pallette knife figure paintings I did when I was experimenting with style. I also was trying to keep colours purer and less murky. There is an atmosphere to this I like. I especially like the way the sgraffito works to reveal the figure. Like seeing someone through mist or rain.
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Never afraid to put my mark on something, even if it isn't very good. #ceramics #clay #pottery #learning #art #instaart #inspiration #artist
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Monday, 12 December 2016
Last few days have been full of ceramics and pottery. Have been working on this after my course to keep everything fresh. Am not ignoring painting. Have a new box of oils ready to go and a brain full of ideas. However end of term means the day job is taking over a bit. In between reports, mock marking and general end of term activities it's been a busy time and hard to fit extra curriculars in. Shall be back on the painting come the weekend! #christmas #teaching #holiday
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Sunday, 11 December 2016
Tiny plant, tiny pot. #ceramics #pottery #plant #clay #art #artist #instaart
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@thisartofmineuk thinks I should make more ceramic sculptures for fish tanks. What do we think? #ceramics #sculpture #fish #pet #clay #pottery #art #artist #instaart
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It's a vase! #ceramics #pottery #instaart #terracotta #clay
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Saturday, 10 December 2016
Nailed the Christmas tree this year! #tree #christmas #festive
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'everything must turn, turn, turn'. Tis very satisfying to trim and turn pots. #pottery #ceramics #clay #terracotta #artist #art #instaart
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Thursday, 8 December 2016
I took this to a fayre. This didn't sell. I'm glad it didn't sell. This now hangs on my wall. I am a terrible commercial artist!
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Still not 100% but huge strides made. One on the right still has to be turned and fired but moving in the right direction. I think I may try to keep being wonky with my pottery though. Perfection is for machines! #pottery #ceramics #throwing #clay #art #artist #instaart
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I think its fair to say my throwing has improved! Picture wasn't great tonight as phone was dying. Will be back in the studio soon to turn them and get some better pictures then. #pottery #ceramics #terracotta #clay #throwing #art #artist #instaart
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Wednesday, 7 December 2016
Textures and colour to wake up to.
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'These violent delights have violent ends.' Just finished watching the last episode of #westworld and it was incredible, if you haven't seen it you should. So very good! Now we only have 2 years to wait...
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Tuesday, 6 December 2016
Red Mask. Sometimes the simplest patterns and flourishes can be all you need. It is odd knowing when an abstract piece is finished, but you just know. Sometimes it needs hours of working and reworking. Other times it can be done in the minutes. This was painted after a bit of a break from painting. Initially I was not massively happy with it, however there is lots in it that works for me. Now it hangs pride of place on the gallery wall. Sometimes small is beautiful (it is a tiny canvass).
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Trying to make sure that in 2 days I haven't forgotten all I was taught. Success in that I had 4 lumps of clay and through 4 bowls. Not a fan of studio white though, far to soft when compared to stoneware or terracotta. #clay #ceramics #artist #pottery #art #instaart
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Monday, 5 December 2016
Things I have learnt about throwing. If your going to use grogged clay, don't use super grogged or it will tear your hands apart and not make a very good bowl. Makes a pretty good tea light holder though! #ceramics #pottery #art #artist #instaart #pain
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Sunday, 4 December 2016
Crest of a rave. So yesterday involved lots of bowl throwing, very carefully packed car and a long drive home. As a treat I decided to revisit some pallette knife painting as a way of unwinding. I certainly need to buy more paints it seems. Still making do with what I had seems to have worked so far I feel. The name comes from the erratic feel of the piece which reminds me of that point when a beat drops and everyone goes a bit crazy.
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Amazing time this weekend learning some throwing skills @ruardeanpottery . Big thanks to John for his patience and guidance. Also just as impressive is that our shoddily packed car made it back with no damage. Now to get them dry and in the kiln! #ceramics #pottery #terracotta #art #artist #instaart
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Saturday, 3 December 2016
More pottery @ruardeanpottery today. Got much better as the day went on, excited for tomorrow! #ceramics #pottery #art #artist #instaart
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Being taught wheel throwing @ruardeanpottery with @thisartofmineuk I think I am a slow learner! #ceramics #pottery #art #artist #instaart
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Thursday, 1 December 2016
Watched the end of #landscapeartistoftheyear last night. Must say I don't get it. The winner, whilst very able, really wasn't the best in the competition. The judges kept harking back to his painterly strokes etc. However, again his stuff was good, it just never excited me. The art seemed tame compared to some of what the other competitors could produce. I know it's rich coming from me as I am way below their level but it just didn't feel like the right choice based upon what we could see. However the judges are experts, I'm not so I guess it's the right call. Like I said he was a good painter. However @skyarts really dropped the ball with the editing. Throughout the series it was always obvious who would be in the final 3 and pretty clear who would win each heat. I was also sure who would win based on the way they edited the final within a few minutes. Also the episode where the black artist won his heat wasn't shown. What? Really wanted to enjoy the fantastic art being produced in some stunning locations but the editing, presenting and judging ruined it as an experience. Still watched the whole series though. Rant over, happy Friday! #texture #artistic_unity_ #expressionism #artist #artistic #flaming_abstracts #technique #colors #inspiration #art #painting #artwork #creative #instaart #love #artisforall #oilpainting #landscape #tv #moan #rant #friday
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Close up of yellow shack painting. Still not 100% sure it's good, but I like it. #texture #artistic_unity_ #expressionism #artist #artistic #flaming_abstracts #technique #colors #inspiration #art #painting #artwork #creative #instaart #love #artisforall #oilpainting
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Wednesday, 30 November 2016
#tbt to one of my earliest abstract figure paintings. I don't really paint much with a pallette knife lately, and I certainly don't include many figures in my art. Maybe I should add more? #texture #artistic_unity_ #expressionism #artist #artistic #flaming_abstracts #technique #colors #inspiration #art #painting #artwork #creative #instaart #love #artisforall #acrylicpainting
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Another oil painting from last night. Am enjoying this and I'm sure the finished products will only get better.... #texture #artistic_unity_ #expressionism #artist #artistic #flaming_abstracts #technique #colors #inspiration #art #painting #artwork #creative #instaart #love #artisforall #oilpainting
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Again, it isn't quite finished but here is some of the process. #texture #artistic_unity_ #expressionism #artist #artistic #flaming_abstracts #technique #colors #inspiration #art #painting #artwork #creative #instaart #love #artisforall #oilpainting #industrial #rugeley #powerstation #process
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Rugeley power station at night. This needs a bit more detail adding when the main part has dried. Wanted to share it now because it's shaping up pretty well. Just you know, now not to ruin it! I've wanted to paint Rugeley power station for ages. Whenever I visit my parents I don't feel like I'm home until I see the station. The sad thing is there are plans to demolish it next year. I understand progress etc but it's still gutting to think of such a part of my childhood's landscape will no longer exist in a few months. #texture #artistic_unity_ #expressionism #artist #artistic #flaming_abstracts #technique #colors #inspiration #art #painting #artwork #creative #instaart #love #artisforall #oilpainting #industrial #rugeley #powerstation
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Odd day, lessons have been fine but head is still sore and just want to be home. In that way the picture of home painting in my lab has been taunting me! Soon though I can get heading home to lie in a dark room again. #texture #artistic_unity_ #expressionism #artist #artistic #flaming_abstracts #technique #colors #inspiration #art #painting #artwork #creative #instaart #love #artisforall #acrylicpainting #acrylicart
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Tuesday, 29 November 2016
Yesterday my head was like this. While it is a bit better today I've still been knocked about by my first bad migraine in years. Hopefully will feel up to doing a few new pieces in the coming days but we shall see.
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Sunday, 27 November 2016
One of my earliest attempts at painting with oils. This one looks rather amateurish, however I still love the textures within. I was still solely using a pallette knife at this point. If I was to reattempt this I would now most likely use a brush and take a lot more time. I would also more than likely base it off actual images rather than just make it up as I go. Oils are still high on my list of mediums to revisit and use again, maybe during the Christmas holiday I will get a good run at them. One last point, I really miss mountains! #texture #artistic_unity_ #expressionism #artist #artistic #flaming_abstracts #technique #colors #inspiration #art #painting #artwork #creative #instaart #love #artisforall #oilpainting #mountains
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So the first fayre was a success. My aim was first of all to attend, second to scout opinion and third break even. All three were met and achieved. I learnt a lot about what might sell, I received some lovely comments and I managed to sell more than I expected. There is still a long way to go but this was a huge step forward. However as with all of this so far I had a massive smile on my face for the whole day. Which is what this is all about really. #christmas #fayre #art #texture #artistic_unity_ #expressionism #artist #artistic #flaming_abstracts #technique #colors #inspiration #art #painting #artwork #creative #instaart #love #artisforall
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Here we go... #christmas #fayre #art
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Saturday, 26 November 2016
Finishing getting everything ready for the Christmas Fayre tomorrow! Very excited.
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Thursday, 24 November 2016
Too late for #tbt I know but #fbf is a thing right? 'A study of interconnected shapes' is the very first abstract image I painted. To be honest I don't know why I haven't done more abstract images like this. I think it really works in a slightly off kilter way. I know I have used shapes in paintings since, but this is the first and only one with masked off areas and really based on abstract drawings. I guess I have been working on the blended landscape so much. Maybe I shall revisit it.
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Wednesday, 23 November 2016
Then make it small. Close up of one of the first wood block paintings. Painted in acrylic using a roller and finished with a small confused looking stickman. While this isn't a landscape per say it does have the feeling of one. I also have no idea what the little arch is! It isn't from the wood and is most likely a missed and errant bit of acrylic from the bottle that got painted over. One of the drawbacks of pouring paint straight on your medium.
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Photo prints ordered for Sunday, DM me if you'd like one posted! Very excited about all this...
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Tuesday, 22 November 2016
A curved stave of an oak barrel painted. The light on this makes it pretty tricky to photograph. This is a combination of crackle paint, acrylic, metallics, glitter and varnish. I love this effect even if some people might find it a bit plain compared with some of my other work. It reminds me of fractals, or lichens, or a map. Definitely, in my opinion, a less is more kind of painting. What are your views?
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Monday, 21 November 2016
Starting to get stuff ready for the Christmas Fayre. These guys are going on sale. #ceramics #art #artist #christmas
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Sunday, 20 November 2016
Happy Monday! A little psychedelic colour implosion to start the week. This was made using the leftover tubes of acrylic. These were mixed with a bit of water to increase mobility. Drip drop and let gravity do the rest. #monday
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Proof it's me painting, instructor painted the left half I did the right half. #course #art #painting #portrait #oilpainting
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Oil painting course self portrait. I also painted a lobster! #oilpainting #portrait #art
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This may be a decisive image but I really like the moody colours and the hint of brightness breaking through. Again this is acrylic paint on wood, however I have finished it off with a gloss varnish to finish. This is why the picture is a little shiny under the lights. Despite that I still really like it, however I can see how it might be perceived as being too dark for some. #art #painting #acrylicpainting #abstractart #colours #inspiration #creative
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Saturday, 19 November 2016
Repainted the top to be the bottom. Took forever but am very pleased with the result. #painting #abstract #abstractart #painting #colour #art #artist #artistic #inspiration #repaint
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A little darker than I would normally paint but not fearing black paint today! Would love people's opinions. #abstract #art #colour #roller
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Here I come Saturday! Whimsy painting of a unicorn on a pretty dramatic background. Happy Saturday! #whimsy #unicorn #saturday
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Friday, 18 November 2016
Thursday, 17 November 2016
It's Friday! Fast lane to the weekend. Which this weekend is all about painting for me! This is a close up of one ready for sale. The blending, boldness and contrast of colours is very pleasing to me. Just hopeful someone else feels the same. #
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Wednesday, 16 November 2016
#tbt for one of the original abstract images I painted. This was based on a sketch, based on a picture and probably the best example I have of trying to paint people. Figure painting isn't something I do a lot of which adds to my pride at this one. The textures and general feel of the painting just feel right for a change. #texture #artistic_unity_ #expressionism #artist #artistic #flaming_abstracts #technique #colors #inspiration #art #painting #artwork #creative #instaart #love
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Tuesday, 15 November 2016
Dreaming of Afan Valley today. Mostly because I could do with a few days out on the bike riding instead of inside working! I have a lot of 'miniature' blocks to paint ahead of my first Christmas fayre, and am now crippled with anxiety over making the work any good. Probably another reason why running off to the mountains sounds appealing... #christmas #artsy #artist #artisforall #afan #painting #abstract #instaart #instagood
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Monday, 14 November 2016
As it dries it goes from shiny to mat. Am going to try using some gloss varnish to bring the shine back. Of all the pictures I have painted so far this deserves to stay shiny. This reminds me of a violent tropical storm. Might just be me though. #shiny #gloss #painting #colours #blend #abstract #thunderstorm #instaart #instagood #art #artisforall #flaming_abstracts
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Colour, in my opinion, king. So is texture, colour and texture are kings (is king?). Form is also important though! Erm... #painting #colour #texture #roller #abstract #artist #art #flaming_abstracts #artisforall #artistic #love #method #instaart #instagood
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They are dry... Now to hang them! #painting #wood # abstract #art
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Sunday, 13 November 2016
One of the things I am enjoying most about roller painting is the abstract nature of the image. It teases being something without being a line drawing. There is something satisfying about an inclusion of shape and shade from nothing more than blended colours and rippled texture. It is also very satisfying that by using paint straight from the bottle onto the wood I am retaining the luminosity of the paint. It is not fading and becoming dark and grey but holds that brilliance of tone that I am after. Ooooh check me out on a Monday morning before coffee! #art #painting #artist #colour #blending #paint #style #abstract #landscape #artisforall #flaming_abstracts
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Another close up of one from this weekend. Think I am getting the hang of abstract colour blending. #painting #flaming_abstracts #colour #art #artisforall #artistic #abstract #artistic_unity_
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So I was putting hooks in the back of this to hang. However the front wasn't dry, que a massive smear across the face of it. Much swearing and cool heads prevailed and a repaint was started. I actually prefer how the repaint has come out. Even if it is now 'upside down' and the picture hooks have to be moved. Ugh! #color #colour #blending #art #artist #artisforall #painting #mistakes #artistic #abstract
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Took a walk up to the Chatham naval memorial today. Can't believe I haven't been there yet, is a stunning place.
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Another metallic painting on wood. Sorry it's not too zoomed in, it's a bit long and narrow. #painting #artist #art #abstract
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Saturday, 12 November 2016
Sneaky close up of a new painting as it dries. Again with a roller but this time with super bright neon colours. Have also played around with glitter paint but that one is way too wet to make a judgement yet. #new #painting #roller #art #artist #artistic #flaming_abstracts #abstract #artisforall #colour #color #neon
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Thursday, 10 November 2016
The original picture in this canvass was the pilgrim and the fire. When I repainted it I never changed that name, still fits. This one is all palette knife and oils. Took forever to dry and is one that has slowly grown on me. I think it's the best fire I've painted and the worst monster ever drawn! #painting #art #artisforall #flaming_abstracts #artistic #artsppl #instaart #instagood #monster #fire
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My mum just sent me a picture of an old Christmas list, I think I was 28 when I wrote this... #christmas #list #spelling
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Wednesday, 9 November 2016
Moody landscape #1. This was an early attempt at just blending the hell out of colours. The scariest part was adding black undertones. The worry that I would end up with a black image was great. I think I mostly used sponge brushes for this one in order to achieve as smooth a blend as possible. However the real star is the boldness of colour. This is one of the few occasions where I had patience to let things dry. It also helped that I started pouring paint directly on the canvas to help with the streaky lines. #abstract #painting #landscape #artist #artisforall #art #instaart #instagood #colour #color #artistic_unity_ #artistic #love #flaming_abstracts #artistichelp
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Tuesday, 8 November 2016
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Monday, 7 November 2016
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Sunday, 6 November 2016
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Saturday, 5 November 2016
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For someone with mild colour-blindness I get praised with good use of colour. OK it's by family and friends who are nice about this kind of thing, however there is something satisfying about blending colours together. What I like is the fact you can't help but make it into something else. In my opinion you are almost forced into trying to see the picture as a landscape, to make out a distinction between land and sky. Even though really at the heart of the picture it is just a pleasing array of colours blending together. What I don't like is choosing when the picture is 'finished' as there is no formal composition or foreground/background is it finished? Is it more than just decoration? Researching the work of colour field painters has really helped in this regard but I still have a way to go I feel. #abstract #colour #color #colourfield #painting #art #artsppl #artist #artisforall #landscape #instaart #instagood #love #blending
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Friday, 4 November 2016
Close up of 'Nothing to Wear', acrylic on canvass. My friend came to stay at the weekend and the gallery wall was a little much for him to take in. He did say that he loved this one and it was something he could see his wife owning and displaying. It's funny, as an artist still finding his way I often wonder if I should try and focus on images and pictures I could sell or continue to experiment and be abstract and 'weird' in order to satisfy myself first and foremost. An example of this are the blended 'background' images that I am told would be commercial but I feel are lacking. I know it's personal taste but I guess I'm still doing this as a hobby so should concentrate on what I enjoy painting right? Last point on this painting is that it is one of the few that I have gone into with a fixed plan and image. One that has actually come out almost exactly as planned as well. Maybe rather than worrying about the commercial viability of work I should focus on planning pictures more? #artist #artsppl #essay #friday #oils #impasto #paletteknife #instaart #instagood #artisforall #color #colour #clothes #wardrobe #painting
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Thursday, 3 November 2016
A close up of 'the gold rabbit'. Sometimes I just paint and have no clear intention of what I want the picture to be. Then I tweak and manipulate the paint into vague shapes. Sometimes I'm doing no more than making shapes that are pleasing to me aesthetically. This was one such. It is a small canvass and I was playing around with metallic paints and trying to get a bold colour rather than a blended effect which I normally end up with. At first I wasn't too keen but now I really enjoy this one. I just hope others see the rabbit! #art #artsppl #artist #rabbit #impasto #painting #color #colour #metallic #artisforall #instaart #instagood #love #method #technique
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Wednesday, 2 November 2016
I haven't done much pallet knife painting lately, so here is a close up of my picture of flowers. I love building layers of paint with pallet knife strokes, adding to an impasto effect. Couple this with sgraffito on the background and the effect is depth to a painting that is really quite satisfying. I'm still working on finding a style that is truly me but there are lots of aspects I feel comfortable with already. OK essay over... #art #artist #technique #artsppl #impasto #sgraffito #instaart #instagood #love #flowers #detail #colour #color #artisforall #practice
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Tuesday, 1 November 2016
Finally took this into work as it has dried! A full form happy accident of a painting originally this was just the splurges of paint before I would roller the colours. However I loved the shapes and decided the picture was 'finished' unfortunately it has faded a little as it dried but I think it still works. That includes the insects that got stuck as it dried! Can't wait to paint on wood boards again. I still think it reminds me of space but would be interested to see what other people felt this reminded them of. #art #impression #abstract #artsppl #instaart #instagood #painting #roller #wood #space
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Monday, 31 October 2016
'To the Moon and back my boy!' this was the first painting I did on canvass after I took up painting earlier this year. Also one of the few where I sketched everything out and worked out the composition before committing to paint. I still enjoy it and it still makes me chuckle, I guess I never pretended to be mature. #art #artsppl #instaart #instagood #space #painting #humour #fun #rocket #love #surrealism #surreal
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Happy Halloween! I heard that after Spectre (disappointing) Mexico City are now having a Halloween parade (amazing) love the stylised skeletons in Mexican art. This is a picture of one of the floats used in the movie from the excellent Bond in Motion exhibition I went to with my brother in law earlier in the year. #halloween #bond #mexico #dayofthedead
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Wednesday, 30 March 2016
Repainting over something.
Without arrogance or hubris I can say that my painting, drawing and general art skills have improved. Whether they are good or not is open to debate but I have gotten better. That is to say that when I look at some previous work I feel that I could have done a better job of it if I painted it now or indeed I feel I can improve what is there.
In a few occasions recently I have totally started again by whitewashing the background and starting from scratch. However one thing that I apparently am good at is producing a background.
This is mostly accidental by spending far too much time blending and re-blending colours mostly because I have rushed and darkened the background too much.
As a result there are a few images where the background looks good but the forward lacks 'pop' or focus.
So I have begun revisiting some of these and repainting foregrounds or going over them or changing the composition entirely. This isn't something new, the first fruit bowl I painting was painted and repainted until I was happy with it (see below). Although it should be poined out that a later fruit bowl is a better image. However the change on a dry painting from several weeks ago is.
My point, if there is one, is that it is both an exciting and challenging task. Exciting because you may improve a picture and be happy with it once again. Challenging because what if the final result is worse?
I have used this exercise as a chance to practice a technique that I have used with watercolours and ceramics. Big bold base colour followed by lines to suggest what the object is. I think it works however I will also need more practice on this.
Probably on an old canvass?
Monday, 28 March 2016
Oils or acrylics, a personal view.
It seems that people either use acrylics or oils in painting.
Both of these mediums have their pros and cons and a quick search online will illiterate these better than I can. That also is not the theme of this blog.
I started painting with acrylics and I enjoyed the quick drying time however for reworking, fidelity of colour and ability scratch back through for sgraffito and impasto painting I decided to move onto oils.
Oils slow my working down significantly and this is starting to prove more and more frustrating. Also the extra hassle of prepping canvass and cleaning up using turps or similar rather than water seem to massively displace the advantages of slower drying time and better colour mixing.
I think I will switch back to acrylic for my next set of paintings and see if my mind changes again.
I also may start to move away from solely painting with a palette knife and maybe to more of a mix depending on the image. That said I do very much enjoy the knife, we shall see though.
Attached are pictures from today mostly in oils with a knife. Some have odd bits added with a brush and two are finished with acrylics on the oils.
Can you tell which though?
Sunday, 27 March 2016
The Art So Far.
All images are painted impasto with a pallette knife. Some include sgraffito in order to add depth and further texture. The images are not dated as they have all been painted this year (2016).
I hope you enjoy them, although if you don't please remember the Alan Bennett quote 'you don't have to like everything'.