Open at Last!

Despite fears to the contrary we actually opened yesterday at Eccles Community Art Gallery. Amazingly there were still a good number of people about and we had several visitors during the morning I was in the Gallery.

2 good friends came down to have a look and support my efforts which was very welcome. Curly Bob is self isolating(more on that later). I was pleased with the display and all the help given my the Gallery organisers , especially Hilda Kirkman, who looks after me extremely well.

Soon I shall be posting  a video(assuming it works) on my Facebook timeline and Curly Bob's Art Emporium page when I fathom out how to do it. 

Meanwhile thank you to everybody who has been or will have been to see the works in the Gallery. It is run to showcase the work of artists of many types including those involved in producing crafts as well as traditional artworks.

As far as I know the Gallery will be open for the foreseeable future unless changes in circumstances alter that. needless to say Bob & I shall keep you informed.

Always having an eye to a business opportunity, Bob had suggested that if we offered a free loo roll with every painting sold it would improve sales. I had to explain that it might well create a health hazard with  crowds expected. It would also lower the tone of the Gallery. He is thinking about this for the moment.

For now here is one from the archives " Evening Light #3", oil on 50cm x 60cm canvas, (Sold). This was one of 5 similar semi abstract works I did for therapy reasons.

" Evening Light #3", oil on 50cm x 60cm canvas, (Sold)

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2 Days to Opening!

Most artists open their exhibitions with mixed emotions. They are wondering whether it will be a success, will anything go wrong, are they happy with their work once they see it on the gallery wall etc, etc.

I am happy with what I have produced for this show but have also used it as a marker to see where things can be improved with my next paintings.

As already stated it is probably one of the worst times I can think of to have a show but there it is. Artists are like the rest of us. Some are optimistic, others not so much so. I plan to keep going and hope some people will come out and have a look as long as it is safe to do so.

Thank you to everyone who has supported our project by liking and / or following me & Curly Bob. We really appreciate it and wish you all a safe passage through these trying times.

Bob, with his usual modesty has mentioned that as Donald Trump has made a statement today, he is obliged to do the same. He will be posting tomorrow....

Meanwhile here is a work that is in my exhibition at Eccles Community Art Gallery until 4 April 2020.

This took me several months to paint due to distractions with other projects. "Mas En Provence", acrylic on 60cm x 50cm canvas, 2020.

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"Mas En Provence", acrylic on 60cm x 50cm canvas, 2020.

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At Last The Waiting is Over!

Bob has had me hard at it over the weekend. He really is a slave driver. All works are now ready for hanging after hours of stringing, recording & photographing each one.  It's a necessary chore and not one that has scope for any short cuts. However it does mean that everything is coming together and most of the hard work is over.

I am pleased with the range of palettes that I have experimented with and I particularly enjoyed doing some knife painting which I find very expressive and rewarding at the same time. It is clear that the timing for this show is not the best given the medical situation. However there it is and I am going on with it. There should be time for anyone to safely visit Eccles Community Art Gallery on or before Sat 4 April 2020.

The Gallery is open Tuesdays & Fridays 10 - 2 and  Saturdays 10 - 4

I am "in residence" from 10 -12 all 4 Saturday mornings and look forward to seeing you and to answer any questions you may have. Artists are always happy to see interested people whether they buy anything or not.

I haven't processed the images of my work to be displayed tomorrow but they should be ready before I open on Saturday 14 March.

However here is one I have the photo for. I painted it a couple of years ago and it is a very fond memory of holidays in North Wales.

It is titled "Y Garn #2", acrylic on 60cm x 50cm canvas, 2018

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5 More Days to Go

I have just spent most of the day varnishing paintings for my exhibition next week at Eccles Community Art Gallery. Luckily the varnish is very quick drying so it should be hard enough by next week.

So far there is every intention of proceeding with the Gallery unless there is medical advice to the contrary.  I am aware that in the grand scheme of things this is not very important.

However I refuse to just sit here and wait to be infected. Subject to sensible precautions i.e fallout suit, lead lined gloves, NASA style helmet etc I intend to carry on. At a time like this distractions like this are good for the soul and the ability to think positive.

Meanwhile here is "Farmhouse in Luberon #3", oil on canvas, 60cm x 50cm, circa 2013 (Sold)

Add "Farmhouse in Luberon #3", oil on canvas, 60cm x 50cm, circa 2013 (Sold)

Last paintings to finish!

All is proceeding well at the moment. The final paintings will be completed before Monday , or at least that is the plan. After that comes the varnishing , where relevant.

Business card draft still not back from the printers. I should hear something by tomorrow.

Today's post from the archive is " Crows in Winter #2", oil on canvas board, 40cm x 30cm, 2010. It is one of a series of paintings that I have done, greatly inspired by Charles Francois Daubigny (1817 - 1878). I first saw "Snow" in Le Musee D'Orsay circa 2009 and I was deeply moved by it.for some reason. I only saw it twice because it was taken down a couple of years later and I have not seen it since. I have also seen it described as "Winter Crows", hence my title.

It is one of my favourite paintings. When I have more time I shall study Daubigny's work further and report back. I am told that he was an important painter but has received very little recognition in the UK but that may be different in France.

17 Days to Go!

 A change of medium for this post from the archive.

"Beach Storm", acrylic ink on paper, 12in x 8in, 2009, (Sold)

Only 18 Days to Opening!

Curly Bob and I are working flat out to get my stuff ready for my exhibition opening at Eccles Community Art Gallery on 14 March 2020. Business cards have been ordered from the printers and I await a final proof before printing.

There are other things to consider including compliments slips, "mission statement" & a list of our worthy causes that we have chosen to support. Not every artist bothers with such things but I believe customers appreciate it which makes it all worthwhile.

Sorry to say that with all the above going on I just haven't had the time to answer any Direct messages, Curly Bob and I would hate to cause any offence but getting the work ready comes first and we hope that other artists will understand.

Posting from the archive will continue until the new work is ready to present.

My next offering is " Farm in The Luberon", oil on 60cm x 50cm canvas, 2013, (Donated)

" Farm in The Luberon", oil on 60cm x 50cm canvas, 2013, (Donated)

One more from the vaults!

I found the composition for this painting appealed to me as did the colours of the sky.

"Blasted Oak", oil on board,12in x 8in, 2013 (N.F.S.)

"Blasted Oak", oil on board,12in x 8in, 2013 (N.F.S.)

21 Days to Opening!

Final works being painted in time for them to be fully dry and varnished, where appropriate. I have another show at Eccles Community Art Galler in November. I plan to have things organised in a more relaxed manner for that one.

Still it's all part of the process when you decide to show your work to the public on a wall!
Here is "Andalucian Village", oil on canvas from 2013(sold).

"Andalucian Village", oil on canvas from 2013(sold)

24 Days to Go!

It is now only 24 days to the opening of my latest exhibition at Eccles Community Art Gallery (aka "The Gallery"). There is much to do but there is some order to the chaos. Bob is busy making"connections" on his social networking platforms and I am very busy putting the finishing touches to my remaining works..

We have agreed that things will be be done in a more orderly manner before my next show in November provided health issues don't intrude again!

Meanwhile another from the vaults titled "Les Alpilles", oil on canvas, 60cm x 50cm, 2011 . A happy but distant memory of holidays in Provence.

"Les Alpilles", oil on canvas, 60cm x 50cm, 2011

Back to The Seaside!

Returning to our seaside theme we are now hopping over to France. Our on the day flying visit to Blackpool Beach (20 mins) and collecting an order from Art Discount for supplies of canvas, left no time to savour the delights of the beach or the area.

However, like many artists I dream of visiting beaches in France but we are always too busy going elsewhere in France, mainly Provence. Therefore I have to use photos or refer to the experts, in this case Monet. I was inspired by the colours in his painting. In such cases I don't try and copy, as a learning exercise but rather use it as a starting point. It was painted with due respect and I really enjoyed doing it.

Therefore I share "Cliffs at Etretat, after Monet", oil on canvas, circa 2013, 60cm x 50cm (sold) and hope you enjoy.

Have a nice weekend everyone and stay safe from DTM ( Dennis the Menace)!

"Cliffs at Etretat, after Monet", oil on canvas, circa 2013, 60cm x 50cm (sold)

This study was based on a work by Vincent Van Gogh. It was something that inspired me during a darker period in my life over 10 years ago. It was very much an attempt at a self portrait at the time.

It was titled "At Heaven's Gate",after Van Gogh, 12in 8in, mixed media on paper circa 2007

Happily I am now moved to paint in brighter colours more often unless I am trying to capture the landscapes of Snowdonia where darker colours reflect the locations better in many cases.

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"At Heaven's Gate",after Van Gogh, circa 2007

Back Home in the Warm!

We are now back at home after the survival test on Blackpool North Shore. We have reviewed our stratagy to raise Curly Bob's (& my) profile. Several of the groups I have posted in do not appear to be very active or contain much in the way of landscape paintings.

Therefore, several of them are to be "rested" while we try an alternative marrketing strategy. For the next week we are only going to use my timeline and Curly Bob's Art Emporium page for promotion purposes.

Many art groups on Facebook do not allow self promotion and/or links elsewhere. I understand & respect that opinion and the logic behind it. However many many artists wish to raise their profile on social networks. they desire recognition and a chance to show their work to larger audiences which is fully understandable.

For my part I love receiving feedback whenever it is constructive and reciprocating wherever I feel it helpful. As stated on my timeline page and blog,  I  wish to use my art to raise money for our chosen causes so I have to adopt a dual approach which allows me to share and absorb other artists work but also helps with an increase in our profile.

Facebook is diverse enough to cater for both requirements and we hope our followers of Aluitios Vanbear and Curly Bob's Art Emporium will continue to support our efforts.

We shall continue to post on Tumblr, Instagram, Flickr, Pinterest and my website. ( See main menu - left hand side - for links to these platforms.)

While we are here we also wish to post  "La Ferme et Les Tournesols", oil on canvas, 60cm x 50cm, 2012. (Donated)

"La Ferme et Les Tournesols", oil on canvas, 60cm x 50cm, 2012.

A Trip To The Seaside!

I thought Curly Bob was losing it when he suggested a trip to Blackpool last week. Yes it was a dry sunny day but the weather was best described as "bracing" which in plain english means absolutely freezing!

Bob is far too professional to go on a beach himself especially when the sand is wet and there loads of dogs about. Bob's fame hasn't yet reached into the canine world and he might easily be mistaken for a chew!

In any case it turned out that the main reason for the road trip was to visit Granthams(Art Discount) who have a shop near Blackpool Tower. They sell a vast range of art materials and supplies for all types of artist. They were helpfulness itself and we shall certainly be going back when the need arises. There aren't many art supplies shops within reach of Manchester any more. Especially where you can actually pick things up and assess them.

When we got home and thawed out we agreed to post another item from the archive. It is called
"Arabian Desert", oil on canvas, 2013, 60cm x 50cm, (sold)

"Arabian Desert", oil on canvas, 2013, 60cm x 50cm, (sold)

Back to Abstraction!

The weather is still allowing me to work in my outside studio. I am closing in on my target of having enough work to hang in Eccles Community Art Gallery in March.

It has been interesting working in different palettes for some of the paintings. It is amazing how some colours can change your mood and how you view a subject. Yet another fascinating aspect of this absorbing subject.

Given the impending storm rushing in from the Atlantic Ocean we have decided to publish something from the archive with an aquatic flavour. It is called "Sealife #1", oil on canvas, 2008, 60cm x 50cm (Sold).

"Sealife #1", oil on canvas, 2008, 60cm x 50cm (Sold)

Work continues in preparation for my forthcoming exhibition. I am trying to hang a number of diverse works. many painters that make a living from selling their work often stick to a "winning formula".  I have the luxury of being able to paint whatever landscape subject comes to mind. 

I am looking forward to posting my new works as soon as they are ready to hang. Meanwhile it's back to the archive for the latest item. It is a happy memory of our trips to Snowdonia. Some years ago we would always travel through the Llanberis Pass and eat breakfast in the village of Llanberis. Afterwards a visit across Llyn Padarn to look at Dolpaddarn Castle and Dinorwig Slate Quarry.

This is my impression of "Dinorwig Slate Quarry, Llanberis", oil on canvas, 60cm x 50cm, 2013. It was painted from a photo I took back then. It is a rugged man made landscape but I still find it attractive to look at. I have painted this subject a number of times, especially in Winter.

"Dinorwig Slate Quarry, Llanberis", oil on canvas, 60cm x 50cm, 2013

Water Water Everywhere....!

CB & I discussed the next item to post. He connects with the subject of my paintings to a great degree so the last one "White Desert", made him thirsty!

Therefore a change of scenery and no sand to be seen! This is again from the archive and is called "Sailing #2", oil on canvas, 60cm x 50cm, 2008

"Sailing #2", oil on canvas, 60cm x 50cm, 2008

Curly Bob Driven to Distraction!

After several days of working on my latest work it is now completed finally and I don't think I shall mess with it any more. this is an example of why I am not proritising DM's at least at the moment. Fundraising must come first.

Curly Bob has complained that the last image I posted gave him a migraine( i.e. it has put him off his honey...a serious matter for a bear!). After some discussion we agreed that something soothing was called for from the archive so here is "White Desert", oil on canvas, 60cm x 50cm , 2007

"White Desert", oil on canvas, 60cm x 50cm , 2007

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More knife painting in prospect - Happy Saturday!

I am feeling a bit under the weather but no chance of Curly Bob  giving me the day off. back to the studio to finish off a knife painting of the Carneddau range of mountains in Snowdonia, North Wales.

I have various other works in progress which are at various stages depending on drying times. I like to paint most days so it's easier to keep a few on the go.

I thought about the next posting which will be a change of scenery (literally). I think I have enough images in the archive to keep me in posts for the next year but they will be alternated with my more recent efforts as soon as they are ready to hang.

Happy Saturday's post is called "Sailing #2", oil on canvas, 60cm x 50cm, 2008, Donated

"Sailing #2", oil on canvas, 60cm x 50cm, 2008, Donated

Squirrels on the Roof!

Back in the studio again preparing for my forthcoming month's show at Eccles Community Art Gallery from 10 March 2020. Things are going quite well and the unseasonal temperatures are helping dry the thick layers of paint I have been using. It is always difficult to decide what to paint as I have been playing catch up, art wise, since we had extensive building and decorating work done last spring.

My spring and summer work will be different in many ways but more on that later.

I have had several interruptions this morning caused by the local squirrel population running riot on my studio roof. They are lovable rogues but completely indifferent to my trying to create on canvas!

I have decided to publish the images of my works on the run up to the opening in 6 weeks time. Meanwhile another post from the archives with a different take on things.

It is called "Paranoia", oil on canvas, 60cm x 50cm, 2008. I thought it would be a change from landscapes which are my favourite subject.

Have a nice weekend everybody!

"Paranoia", oil on canvas, 60cm x 50cm, 2008