Monday, 10 February 2020

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)

Saturday, 8 February 2020

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)

Thursday, 6 February 2020

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

Monday, 3 February 2020

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

Sunday, 2 February 2020

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




Saturday, 1 February 2020

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

Friday, 31 January 2020

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