Back to Cold, Wet & Windy!

After the heat of the desert Curly Bob thought we should have something more local. My wife's cousin lives on the edge of the Trough of Bowland so this view came to mind. I painted it  for my exhibition in Eccles a couple of months ago.

It is mainly acrylic paint and mixed media beneath. The Trough is a beautiful place but can look very moody when the cloud comes down.

The painting is called "Ward Stones, Trough of Bowland". It is 40cm x 30cm and is painted on canvas. It is for sale in my shop on Etsy . If you like what you see please "Like" my Etsy shop snd Facebook page.

Freezing Snow Followed by Hot Sand!

This is called "Sinai Sunrise"  in which I attempted to capture a cool foreground with the promise of the day's heat to come. As with all my works they are unframed, gallery wrap style and ready to hang.

The previous painting posted in my Etsy shop was a snow covered mountian in North Wales so we thought this would be a change of scenery.

If you like it please vote for it on my facebook page.

Thank you to All At CPIU, Salford Royal Hospital!

I have just spent half a day in the CPIU at Salford Royal Hospital having a blood test and would like to thank Karen & all her colleagues for looking after me. Their dedication, friendly attitude, care, consideration and supportive attitude are everything that makes the NHS and SRH so special.

Sadly Curly Bob didn't come with me to say hello because he hates needles!

Bob has pointed out that hospital or not today is posting day. My next work is "South Stack , Anglesey", another acrylic painting on canvas from 2017.

It is for sale in our Etsy shop with all profits going to our causes (see list).

As always please vote for it on our Facebook page , if you like it. Thank You!

1 More From The Easel!

Bob & I have been busy selecting the next work to be shown on our Etsy shop from today.

It is called "Y Garn, Winter" it is 40cm x 30cm and is in acrylic paint and mixed media below. The process takes much longer than painting only in acrylic paint. Because of the thickness of the media this drying time can be weeks for technical reasons.

We take lots of holidays in Snowdonia and North Wales and I collect photos and post cards to work from. We hope you will enjoy this.

2 More Paintings Published on my Etsy Site!

2 more works published today on my Etsy shop. This means we are on target to have 26 works posted by the end of November.

The first one is an abstract form. I was experimenting with this for a couple of years around 2015 but decided to concentrate on Landscapes. It is called "Iris in Fire" and is 40cm x 30 cm in acrylic paint and various media.

The second one is a ladscape view of "Snowdon, Crib Goch & Crib Y Ddysgl". It is 40cm x 30cm and has been created by using various media to create a rugged texture to the surface which is then painted with several layers of acrylic paint. It takes several weeks to arrive at the finished item.

Original Acrylic Contemporary Landscape Painting on Canvas 40cm x 30cm (approx) - "Lighthouse, Early Evening"

Bob & I have decided to publicise my new shop by posting a new painting every day up to the end of November. Our target is to have 26 new works in our shop Curly Bob's Art Emporium on Etsy

This work is called "Lighthouse, Early Evening". It is an acrylic on canvas 40cm x 30cm and was painted in 2017 and was one in a series intended to convey the endless sea and sky in a tranquil setting.

We hope you will like it and vote for it on Facebook.

Opening a New Shop on Etsy!

After months of planning and countless management meetings Curly Bob & I have decided to open a shop on Etsy. Of course Bob will run it and I shall provide the labour and artwork.

This will require us to up our game as regards promotion via social networking. This looks like being a fairly steep learning curve and we hope any visitors will bear with us. (no pun intended)

I understand some new artists will refer to this as a "soft opening".  Personally this seems to mean blundering around until we get it right but we will get there.

The intention is to raise money for what we regard as our chosen worthy causes and an online shop was the next logical step. It will definitely be the proverbial voyage of discovery and every effort will be made to keep Bob on board until we reach our destination.

The first painting to be be shown is called "Winter Crows at Sunrise". It was inspired by a painting by Jean Claude Daubigny which I saw in the Musee D'Orsay in Paris 15 years ago. It is very difficult to locate online and was only hung for a couple of years. I  remember I was deeply moved by the winter light. I have tried to convey the deep cold using my own palette and hope any viewers will like it. Any constructive feedback always welcome.

It is for sale in my shop on Etsy

New Show at Eccles Community Art Gallery!

It doesn't seem 6 months have passed since I exhibited at this friendly gallery just next to Wilkinson's in Eccles Town Centre. The builders have been with us for 4 weeks converting Bob's loft space. The preparation before and the decorating afterwards have reduced my time in the studio severely. On the other hand it will improve Bob's office and admin arrangements considerably.

Curly Bob & I have chosen 13 of my latest works to be displayed for the next 4 weeks finishing on Saturday 5 October 2019.

The 13 individual works will be posted over the coming month. There are several other artists showing in the gallery at the same time so a visit would be well rewarded if anyone is in the Eccles area. The gallery is open every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 10.00 to 16.00. At least one artist will be present during opening hours. I plan to be there from 10.00 - 12.00 every Saturday.

The gallery prides itself on being run by volunteers and participating artists. They look forward to meeting you and answering any questions you may have.

All my works are painted  in acrylic and mixed media on canvas. They are presented as "gallery wraps" which means they can be hung without any frame necessary. Please feel free to ask any questions either in person or via email vanbear7@gmail.com

ANNOUNCEMENT - End of Lease

Our lease on Curly Bob's Art Emporium at Botany Bay,Canal Mill, Chorley, PR6 9AF expires tomorrow. Today is our last day of trading.
We would like to express our thanks to all those who have supported us and our customers during the time we have been at Botany Bay and wish you all a Merry Christmas and a successful New Year.

I am exploring a new venue where my work can be viewed and purchased which I expect to announce in the near future.

New Work On Show At Botany Bay This Weekend!

This is my latest painting of a well known local landmark. It is called "Winter Hill, Evening Mist". It is an acrylic painting on canvas at 60cm x 50cm. It is not framed but is finished on all four edges so you can hang it as it is or have it framed to suit your decor.
It is on sale at Botany Bay Mill Shopping Centre, Canal Mill, Chorley, PR6 9AF and can be viewed on the third floor landing of the north facing staircase.

For details of Botany Bay see http://www.botanybay.co.uk/

All feedback welcome and I answer all enquiries as soon as I can. 
vanbear7@gmail.com

Curly Bob Opens His New Web Site!

Bob has been nagging me to restore his web site which has been awaiting a much needed overhaul. Of course that's O.K. for Bob to say because he didn't have to wade through a sea of help files to get the thing up and running.

We had a video conference this morning and we agreed that the update is a provisional one pending the arrival of Autumn / Winter. I asked him if he would prefer me to paint more artworks while it is still warm enough to work outside or sit indoors playing on the P.C. After some thought( 1/2 secs...Ed) he agreed that would be sufficient for now but he expected a much more sophisticated vehicle for his outstanding talents??? by the end of Autumn.

Meanwhile you are all welcome to have a look at the new web site which contains over 120 works from over the years. I also plan to publish various studies and holiday sketches as and when these become available.

Clear Out The Archive

Following Bob's long awaited review of the attic Bob has now decided to clear the back catalogue to clear the way for publishing my latest works which will feature on my web page and Blog gallery which are in the course of preparation.

Here is "Magma", oil on canvas circa 2010, 60cm x 50cm

Curly Bob's Art Emporium opens for business!

Curly Bob proudly opened his first retail unit with a modest sized unit at Botany Bay, Chorley this morning. We have high hopes of displaying my work to a much wider audience in this famous venue visited by large numbers of people every week.

We have hopes to expand as soon as possible but we are very pleased with the display. It was significant that Bob made a rare public appearance to open it. He is normally working hard at home expanding our internet operation.

Visitors will have the opportunity to see my work in a well lit, all weather environment. To mark the opening Bob has asked me to post "Boat at Low Tide ", (40cm x 30cm), oil on canvas for sale at £45.00.

We look forward to any feedback from visitors and viewers alike. It should be noted that neither I nor Curly Bob will be at the unit most of the time because it is operated on an unmanned basis but works can be purchased and paid for at the cash desk on the ground floor.

Curly Bob's Art Emporium Opens a Retail Outlet At Botany Bay wef Tuesday, 3 March 2015!

Following a brief board meeting, Bob has decided it is time to market my work in the real world as well as in cyberspace. After lengthy negotiations Bob has secured a space where I can display some of my work at the world famous Botany Bay, Chorley. It is a modest enterprise initially as befits Bob's humble nature but we hope to expand as soon as possible.

Curly Bob's Art Emporium (retail) opens for business  on Tuesday 3 March 2015 at Botany Bay which is open every day of the year except Christmas Day. For up to date opening hours etc please visit the Botany Bay home page.

Unfortunately Bob's other commitments prevent him from attending Botany Bay in person. However we hope many of you will visit our display and avail yourselves of unique original artwork at very reasonable prices.

As part of the opening ceremonies Bob has directed I publish  some of my work that has yet to see the light of day. 

Therefore, Curly Bob's Art Emporium's first business post is "Winter Crows #1", an oil on board, (40cm x 30cm)..enjoy!

At the same time Bob does not wish to neglect his world wide following in cyberspace so posts will continue to be made at regular intervals.

Bob Dreams of Holidays Past

Last night I saw Curly Bob pawing his way through his photo albums of holidays past. He hasn't mentioned where he plans to go this year yet. He allows me to use his holiday snaps  as subject matter for my artistic endeavours.

This one is from Bob's stay of a month or so in Antigua. It was painted in 2012 , in oil  on canvas, and is called "Paradise #2"

The Clearout Continues!

Bob  has spent the last week compiling a list of works suitable for posting and as soon as they have been photographed (for his album) they will be sold off to make room for new stock. I was unaware space was at such a premium in my loft and Bob is not allowing me up there at the moment as he says he doesn't want his work disturbed.

I know better than to ask twice so here is "Lighthouse #3", an oil on canvas from way back.

Clearing Out The Attic!

Bob's new  life of sobriety is taking it's toll. In a bid to keep him on the straight and narrow I suggested that he should review his managerial strategy for 2015 to stop his mind wandering towards excesses of honey, ice cream and much worse. He agreed my suggestion was sound and he has spent the last 2 weeks in the loft conducting an inventory of my back catalogue.

I could hear him moving boxes around and the occasional thud to reassure me he was still hard at it. He emerged yesterday with his results and conclusions. He felt a clear out was called for. Therefore  he has suggested that I post much more frequently over the next 2 months. As works are photographed and published they will be sent for sale until we have some room for new paintings done in 2015.

The first of these is "Island dreams #2", an oil on canvas painted in 2010.

Season’s Greetings To All Bob’s Fans!

Bob has asked me to convey his very best wishes to you all at the beginning of the festive period. His absence has been caused by personal problems which are now behind him hopefully. As soon as the bill for his extended stay in a famous rehab’ clinic have been paid I am told there will be money available for canvases and art materials.

Bob has plans of his own in paw but he has promised that he will offer guidance to develop my career as an artist. I have to admit that he has been spot on in his decisions on all art related matters. I would only consider his judgement to be “iffy” when it comes to almost everything else.

Bob has now abstained from alcohol for nearly a year and his binges on honey & ice cream are now few and far between. I am fascinated as to what his plans are but he has not shared these with me or anyone else as far as I know. He has been online, with my credit card,  several times this week but as he has his own account I don’t know what he has been buying. However he assures me all will be well.

Meanwhile he suggests that I start posting my work on a regular basis. Therefore here is “First Snow, Tryfan “, a work in oil from 2013 when we had a short break in North Wales. Bob felt it was quite appropriate given the weather.

We hope to see you all in 2015.

Christmas Comes But Twice A Year!!

I had heard nothing about Curly Bob's whereabouts for a long time and I was beginning to despair of ever seeing him again.

No doubt Bob's ever loyal fans will be as delighted as I was last Sunday morning. I was having my mid morning siesta following my daily workout(Doctor's orders unfortunately), when there was a loud knock at the door. The courier driver said he could barely lift the box and would I mind helping him carry it over the doorstep. After some difficulty the box was carried into the hallway. I couldn't help but notice the noise of glass bottles coming from within.

As I examined the box more carefully I saw it was marked "Very Fragile" and "This Way Up!" all over it. Strangely enough it was full of holes which had been made all over the box. After opening the lid I tipped it up a little and then a bit further resulting in an avalanche of empty beer, wine and pop bottles, ice cream cartons and honey jars(all empty). As I rummaged through the mountain of debris out popped Curly Bob!

Further rummaging revealed another bear who was introduced  as Da Vinci Bear. Apparently he was an emerging talent who Bob has taken in paw. They had met in one of Bob's many visits to bars, cafes and parties in Montmartre. Speaking of bars they both looked very much worse for wear and reeked of alcohol. Apparently Bob had arranged to have himself and DVB mailed to me to avoid "potentially embarrassing questions by the French Customs  authorities"( more like arrest and subsequent deportation..Ed).

Anticipating the efficiency of the French postal system Bob had packed a few extra supplies which was just as well because he has been missing in transit for over 2 months. Despite protestations to the contrary I put them both in the shower and after they had dried off they went straight to Bob's bedroom where his pile of Christmas presents were still unopened.

When he had thanked me for them we celebrated his safe return with yet another party. I managed to capture this snap of Curly Bob during the festivities .

However Bob was very mindful of how much time had elapsed since my last painting had been published. Wasting no more time he directed me to post "Hope #1", an oil on canvas from way back in my "pre Bob " period, to get things back on track.

"Hope #1", oil on canvas.

Disparu!!

As reported in my last missive, Curly Bob was thought to be on his way back home. However this  was not supported by any hard facts and in particular how he would manage to reach the U.K. without being arrested again for breaching the terms of his release from Avignon prison.

Apparently Paris is having an election to appoint a new Mayor. The 2 main contenders are both local women who are, like all Parisiennes, both intelligent and beautiful. Given Curly Bob's immense popularity and charm & savoir faire (Is this the same bear we are talking about? - Ed), both of the candidates have been seeking Bob's endorsement.

Rather than have to disappoint either of them he decided it was time to come home. Informed sources claim a cunning plan has been hatched to enable Bob to avoid the clutches of the Gendarmerie and paparazzi plus negotiate the hazards of Customs without his passport. Readers will remember it was confiscated following his arrest in the South of France.

Meanwhile his Christmas presents remain unopened under the tree which I have not had the heart to take down ( Gulp again!)
It remains to be seen whether this plot is successful. If it is, I don't know whether I will give him a hug or wring his neck!

One thing is for sure none of this has distracted Bob from his life mission. Before leaving Paris he emailed to ask me to post " Grasses in The Sun", oil on canvas from 2008.