my-blog

Up Front Gallery - Cumbria

Fri, 24 May 2013 07:28:45 +0100

Visited the Upfront Gallery yesterday near Penrith in Cumbria.

Some wonderful paintings on display by Mark A Pearce. An artist who works with quite a range of media.

The exhibition is described as showing Marks use of colour and light and there are some vibrant paintings with excellent contrasts.

There's also a very pleasant coffee shop ( with very nice food available) so you can enjoy a nice meal as well as view all the artwork.

They have an open exhibition each January but you have to live in Cumbria to enter ( hopefully I'll be living there by then - so will be eliglble to enter ).

Well worth a visit if you're in the area.

Portrait of a Wolf Workshop

Thu, 23 May 2013 07:43:21 +0100

I've booked another workshop at Mazart Studio- Portrait of a Wolf with Vic Bearcroft.

The workshop is in November and there's only one place remaining. Vic is obviously a popular tutor and I'm looking forward to learning more pastel techniques.

Roy Lang Seascape Workshop - Mazart Studio

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:33:06 +0100

I've spent the last 3 days on an exceedingly enjoyable workshop at Mazart Studios - however as is usual for me I've not finished the painting.

Day 1 & day 2 I kept up.

Then lost the plot a bit on day 3.

I need to do much more work on the front rocks and the sea - in particular getting the lights and darks in.

I have a good photo of Roy Langs painting so I can zoom in and study the details.

I also took notes so I can refer to colours brushes and descriptions. Bit tired after 3 intensive days so will pick this up again in a few days.

If you get the chance for a Roy Lang workshop I'd recommend it. He was patient, explained things in everday terms and watched us working, stepping in kindly when necessary.

Here's his web:
http://roylangartist.com/

Paul Pigram Pastel Demonstration

Wed, 15 May 2013 08:10:11 +0100

Last night I attended a demonstration at Bolton Art Circle by Paul Pigram - Pastel artist

He showed us his approach to creating a beautiful landscape: A river meandering towards a distant lake with background mountains and a stunning sky.

I learnt to push the pastels to create the texture in the paiting e.g. upwards where there are grasses and round to create the clouds. He blocked in first and then created the details ( using pastel pencils for the finer work). Finally constant adjustment to get those darks and lights contrasting and hitting the eye.

So all I need to do now is start doing more pastels myself. So many things to paint with and so much to paint!!!!

I think you'll agree that this picture is quite breathtaking.

Flowers on display in the Gallery

Tue, 14 May 2013 16:03:55 +0100

Here's my flower paintings on display at the Eccles Community Gallery. I was only supposed to be hanging 6 paintings but as another artist didn't make it my display area was expanded.

Abstracting a Landscape

Mon, 13 May 2013 08:18:37 +0100

I'm having a go at the lastest painting project on the about.com painting site - Abstracted Landsapes.
Here's the landscape I'm having a go at.

At the moment my painting feels more naieve than abstract but I shall persist. I'm also using a set of inktense bars and pencils purchased earlier this year. I may as well experiment with the media as well as the subject.

Five Golden Butterflies - delivered

Sun, 12 May 2013 15:54:46 +0100

I finished the commission painting Five Golden Butterflies. I delivered it to the buyer today who is very happy with it, after the initial disappointment of missing out on Golden Trio - that had already sold a few days earlier.

Flowers in the Gallery

Fri, 10 May 2013 09:19:07 +0100

I'm going to be showing my floral work and cards in the Eccles Community Gallery from 18th May until 8th June. Stepping in to cover a cancellation. Photo of display to appear after set up.

Getting Ready for Saturday

Thu, 09 May 2013 09:01:02 +0100

Flora paintings this time with Bolton Art Circle at Walmsley. Need to sort out pictures and cards.

Butterfly Progress

Wed, 08 May 2013 08:54:38 +0100

Here's how this latest painting is coming along:

Background wash in place:

3 butterflies with colours in place, flowers and tall grasses painted, 2 butterflies with full details:

all butterflies with bodies and wings complete:

Need to do feelers, more shorter grasses and add bead applique - watch this space.