Today's work in progress

It has taken me a while to get back into the swing after a holiday in Mevagissey, Cornwall but I started back in the studio in earnest yesterday and began three new large commissions. 

Today I have been adjusting a few works in progress as well as starting a couple of new paintings.  Here is one of them ..... it reminds me of a lovely Summer's day.

Holidays

I am going to Cornwall on holiday soon and this got me thinking about a previous holiday to Polperro a few years ago.  To get me in the mood for some sketching I created this loose and expressive painting of a view of the Blue Peter Inn on the harbour.  The sunflower painting followed - no connection to Cornwall I just had the urge to paint some sunflowers!  Both of these paintings started with a background of cadmium orange.  Painted using artists acrylic on paper.

The Artist and Leisure Painter Open Competition 2014 - Patchings Art Centre, Nottinghamshire

I was delighted to discover that the painting below has been awarded one of the Caran d'Ache/Jakar International Awards in the above painting competition.  The painting will be on display along with the other shortlisted entries in The Barn Gallery at Patchings Art Centre, Calverton, Nottinghamshire until 20th July 2014.

New Studio

Well, I have finally moved in to my new studio.  Everything is a bit hectic at the moment with commissions to finish so I haven't had chance to have a proper sort out yet.  Here are some studio pics with works in various stages of progress ......

Feeling Floral Today

It must be the Spring sunshine but I am feeling floral today.  Here is today's work in progress....

Acrylic and Metal Leaf on Canvas 30"x30"

I am really liking the looseness of this painting - hope I don't lose it!

Abstract Expressionism - A few small paintings

Most of my paintings start out as abstract expressionist works but rarely remain that way because I let my brain become too involved and I often lose the freshness, spontaneity and honesty of the original marks.  I decided to make a commitment to stopping at a certain stage and just letting them be.  I love to create large works but I am running out of space so I created some smaller paintings to explore the process further.  I am seriously in a painting frenzy right now and making the most of it .... here are a few of the paintings.

Right, I am off to my studio and I may not surface for some time!

Recent commissions on their way to their new home.

These two paintings were created as a commission to hang side by side.  They are large paintings (48"x36" each) and I think they will make quite a statement.  I love creating large paintings but find it a little difficult at the moment as my space is too small - hopefully my new studio will be ready soon and I can venture into even larger paintings.