Ah.... but is it art?

The prodigal has returned! Apologies for lack of posts recently, but when a girl is busier than an umbrella firm during our summer, then you know something has to give. Alas, the blog 'bought it' for a while. I have had so much to say and show you all, but that was days ago and I have moved on from all the gossip of shows, commissions and wotnot now. If I don't write about things in the moment then I'm afraid it gets consigned to my erratic memory banks for eternity, while I concentrate on the new ( that's a round about way of saying there is only room in my head for one thing at a time! )

Seamless link alert... Ahem, 'talking of new' (did you like that? No visible joins hey?!) the photos I have posted above are the current creative bent that I have found myself engrossed in. I am most sincerely an avid photograph taker, and find great pleasure in lining up a view, setting a scene with light, capturing a split second of life, the finding the beauty in the natural etc, with my camera. I am quite a traditionalist as you have probably garnered from my art postings, so was pleasantly surprised that I found myself enjoying 'altering' and blending photos together, or just bending colours around to suit. The cynic in me says this is just another commercial route to keep the roof over my head but that is only 49% - the other 51% just loves to keep on creating in whatever way, shape or form it may take. I also still have all the associated memories of taking these pictures au natural, as well as the bonus of a sense of achievement by making something new. Whatever your views on altered art I would greatly appreciate your feedback about the photos- and it's o.k. as I am after all, a big girl now!

Bradford on Avon work in process

(Silent scream.) This painting still needs a large amount of work doing to it.... and I have to give it in midweek. Guess who'll be painting through the night again then? I think a small ripple of applause for the person who came up with fast drying oil paints. The paints caught me off guard to start with (...easily done...) with the drying times. They act like a slow acrylic, and areas were setting before I had a chance to 'do my thing' which was quite unnerving. I don't like to be rushed at some things but I have struck up a working relationship with the little tubes of life-saving now. Hurrah.

O.K. What have I done? Somebody please put me out of my misery. How did I get this underlining to happen.... and more importantly, how do I turn it off?! I have looked through all my blog tabs etc and still no clue, so is it something I have touched on my 'puter? There are going to be so many people thinking ' surely she is having a Steffi- everyone knows about underlining!' But I genuinely don't. I know other things instead... like guinea pigs have only three toes on their back feet, and not four like the front ones. Stuff like that. Stuff of no particular value really. Well, unless you're a guinea pig trying to find some well-fitting Jimmy Choo's. As a thank you for showing up my disgraceful secretarial skills I will send out a Butterfly print to the first person to put me right- but there are two conditions...

1. The answer has to be on the blog here and not the Facebook copy feed,

2. There must be no alluding to the undeniable fact I am a bit of an eejit.

There. Fancy helping a lass out and getting a free bit of art to boot? I'll sort posting via email to the clever and quick.

Mm. Just had a terrible thought. What if this blip doesn't show up on posting. If this happens I'll switch to plan B- could you kindly disregard the second part of my posting please!!!! I'm going to push the publish button now.... here goes

Another illustration....

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!

Nude with towel.......

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!

More book illustrations.......

A couple of further illustrations ready for perusal. I'm really getting into this type of artwork, as you can do what you will in essence... a real sense of freedom goes with cartooning. It's satisfying drawing with a sense of humour too, as life sometimes needs a lift from the daily trials. A welcome, light-hearted break is just the tonic on occasion. I think my soul must have needed this commission, as I have taken to it avariciously- I cannot seem to pull away and get on with some oil paintings I HAVE  to start on. I need one of those clone brush tools my husband has on his photoshop program to duplicate myself... although in reality, the thought of two of me not getting on with something is a scary thought indeed! Enjoy....

Second illustration for new book....

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!

Large seascape in oils........ 5' x 3'

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!