Whistle-stop picture post alert. Here is a further illustration for Julie's book. I think I have watched too much of The Muppets over the years as that pigeon definitely pays more than a passing resemblance to Gonzo, don't you think? Like a homage really then, before I get arrested by the 'that looks a little bit too much like a copyright infringement if you step back and squeeze your eyes to small dots' police. They are everywhere you know.
Enjoy!
I have just finished this painting between doing the cartoon illustrations for Julie's book. A cheeky little number, don't you think! It is an oil on canvas 14"x18", and is one of the offerings for the Bath Art For Life Exhibition coming up in July (16th -19th, Queen's Square,) along with the completed seascape. I have yet to start the Bradford town bridge one yet so I had best get a wriggle on and stop watching Wimbledon surreptitiously on the laptop at work. Oh yes! I'm sure the eagle-eyed among you have already spotted that in the background- isn't work great? Ha! We even have a punnet of strawberries down here at the gallery to top off the hedonism. I would offer them around but I just know they won't last much longer than the time it takes to get the lid open!
Hope you like the painting and it's gentleness. I am pleased with it and especially like the light captured. Enjoy!
Hot off the press the second illustration for Julie's new childrens' book. This picture shows our wee subject Charlotte having one of her many daydreams about her nemesis ( her mum's boyfriend Steve!) likening him to an alien. She cannot believe her mum does not see him as she views him. It's SO obvious!
I originally had his bottom half as a big, fat, slimy, sinewy, muddle of tentacles, but as it actually made me feel queasy drawing them and I am a supposed adult, what on earth would kids think? Too freaky methinks, so out came the eraser and in went a suit. Much better imagery and no pending lawsuits from parents with traumatised offspring. Bonus!
I would like to say that this is the current painting drying on my desk... but it is so large that it is hanging over the end. Makes getting a brew on somewhat tricky! I like doing these big ones every so often, ( even more so when, like this, it is a commission) as I get to stretch my arm out and get lost in the sheer joy of applying paint. Another joy of the larger canvas is that I get to hide behind it at the workshop! That left me the peace and quiet to daydream away where I had what I think was, a great idea. This idea came after about half an hour of standing on tiptoes, arm at full 'starting to shake with effort' stretch, cloud painting...
how does ' a TELESCOPIC filbert' sound? A handy aid to helping you get to the parts of paintings no brush has gone before etc. Any takers? It would be an adaptive idea that could be used with all types of paintbrushes. What do you think? 'Shreen's Stretchy Stick' has a certain ring, I feel.
Seriously though, having a painting on the go is a welcome talking point for visitors coming in to the gallery. I'd recommend this tactic for starting off numerous conversations with people as an icebreaker! Works a treat. I still have some waves to paint in and some more highlights to pick out, but you can certainly see the general idea. Enjoy!
Many apologies for not blogging as frequently as I should, but it has been a busy week workwise and a very difficult week personally; but that is another story.
Well, we came, saw, and eventually conquered the Royal Bath and West after a fashion. The first day was the usual freezing, sideways rain type day that we're more than used to there, so that effectively put the kybosh on proceedings. The second day floored us though, we didn't sell a thing. Nothing. Nada. Zip. Diddlysquat. In all our years of doing any type of show this was the first time that that had ever happened. Feather and knocking over are words that spring to mind. Not even a card. It was rather demoralizing, but we still gave promotional leaflets out to give ourselves something to do and soften the blow. The third day was fair, but it wasn't until the last day that things finally took off. It was probably the notice we put up saying ' Last day sale-£5 of all glassware' that did it. We got mobbed. Honestly. A proper Harrods-style, 'sharpen your elbows up Ma, I'm going in' type frenzy! Mike and I got pushed up against the walls at one point. I got an attack of the giggles (always helpful in any given situation heh?) because it was so weird and scary, and we did more then than all three previous days. Amazing scenes. That one day paid for all out goings and left a little bit over, so all is well as they say.
One good thing that came from this show as ever, is the commissions, projects and collaborations that spring up from interested parties. I had a very intriguing conversation with a chap who is trying to get a big art venture off the ground at Poole's waterfront. He liked my works and I liked his energy so hopefully something may come of that. The dog portraits went down well too, so that should be a nice little tick over for months to come. Should keep me busy anyway.
The painting is the work in progress I posted earlier. I finally felt like picking up my paintbrush again today and made inroads into the sky. I still need to deepen up the dark clouds but it is definitely taking shape nicely. Hope you like it... even if I have painted over the background drips that most people liked! Lol. Enjoy.....
