This latest job I have accepted will loosely be based on an image of an Australian landscape taken by an award winning photographer. I have only just begun this piece and after putting paint to paper I want to go back to paper for further sketching and ideas to develop this piece. This canvas is for a wedding present, I have until September to complete it, however I must put in the time now as before you know it we will be getting the Christmas tree out it’s box!
I am currently working on a commission piece based on an Austrian landscape. I want to convey the strong, sharp, snow covered mountains towering above the sleepy villages. I am experimenting with blues and purples for now, I cannot seem to lead into the green grass and village correctly, I’m finding it a really harsh contrast, I may carry on for now using blue…
Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh.
I love this piece by Van Gogh, the deep blue night sky filled with yellow, white and blue swirling clouds, the bright half moon in the top right and the detailed small town in the foreground . The exaggerated elements of this piece allow your eyes to keep moving around, following the swirls and picking out the stars then you get hit with this oversized dark, tree like structure before resting on the calm, sleepy town.
This piece is very atmospheric, although there are many elements, some could say some elements may be overpowering, but with the soft use creams and yellows, against the strong use of clouds this piece is perfectly balanced.
This print is framed and stands alone in my living room.
I have moved house at the start of the year and as time goes on I’m unpacking numerous amounts of books, more books, paper, paints and even more books. I never realised the amount of stuff I have until I gathered it together, put it in the one place and then tried to lift and carry it between vans, driveways and up staircases…
I unfortunately won’t have my internet up and running until early March. My blog posts and all forms of social networking have dried up and will no doubt remain quiet until then.
That’s not to say i’ve stopped reading, writing and being creative, I will be back in touch soon.
Below is a couple of my recently completed works.
This painting on the left ‘Autumn Grass’ is warm and bright, yet holds an aggressive feel to it due to the over powering growth, a growth that makes the viewer wish they could see beyond into the distance.
Autumn Sunset (right) showcases the warm colours that appear when the sun slowly disappears behind the hills, although in contrast to this warmth, is the cool, icy waves that grow as the day draws to an end.
Below is a selection of my recent works for my client
I recently came across the painting Capetians Everywhere, by Georges Mathieu featured in Abstract Art, Taschen and instantly loved it. The energy and spontaneity of it, as well as the composition, colours and depth he achieved. I have briefly looked into further pieces by Mathieu and have really liked them, some of which are shown below. I am off now to read more about one of the leading Abstract Expressionists Georges Mathieu.
To read more about Georges Mathieu click here
Click on each image to reveal the source
On looking through various works by Jackson Pollock, there is one in particular I keep going back to. This piece for me, express’s energy and movement, yet it seems very controlled with an intentional composition.
I love the colour choice of brown, black and white. I believe these neutral colours allows me primarily to see the fast flowing, varied width strokes, before getting drawn further into the depth of this painting, and at this point I can explore the shapes and negative space that this painting holds.
I think if this painting was painted using more primary colours, the colours would distract me away from seeing the flowing journey of the strokes and not allow me to appreciate the complexity of this painting.
Autumn Rhythm, Number 30. 1950
Oil on canvas
266.7 x 525.8 cm
My current commission entails, I love nature, outdoors, something with some depth, plus it needs to match my new carpet !!!
