Wednesday 31 July 2013

Published in Leisure Painter magazine


I have two articles in the August edition of the Leisure Painter magazine out now. The first is the last in a four part series on using acrylics, this time like oils in a full demonstration. The second is how to manage your time on a family holiday and still get some painting done while you're away.



Tuesday 30 July 2013

Sennen Beach Study

24 cm x 17 cm acrylic on paper

Another study from Cornwall, this time painted from a beach tent ( a great outdoor studio) on Sennen Beach. A steady wind towards the end of the painting forced me to stop as it was like painting on sandpaper and in the paint on the palette. I managed to scrape most of it off but some is there for good on the picture...lets call it texture. I painted the girl in back home from photos and drawings.



My son and daughter enjoy the outdoor studio after a surfing session

Monday 29 July 2013

No.11 Pednandrea St.Just II


15 cm x 18 cm acrylic on paper. 

Another of the views from the back decking. I added the cow at home, as slow moving as they are they're easier to draw quickly than paint.

Sunday 28 July 2013

Cape Cornwall


24 cm x 17 cm acrylic on paper


How big do I paint outdoors? If it fits in the lid of the box I'm good to go. I spent a quiet morning painting at the Cape being serenaded by seven seals in the bay. 

Saturday 27 July 2013

Lands End




I Had a nice afternoon painting on the cliffs between Sennen Cove and Lands End. A short walk was all it took to get away from a sea spiked with the squeals of summer bathers. A precarious spot on the cliffs kept me out of view from all but two curious sightseers.

Friday 26 July 2013

No.11 Pednandrea. St. Just, Cornwall.



10 cm x 11 cm acrylic on canvas paper.

Just back from a weeks family holiday in Cornwall where we caught the tail end of the good weather. This little study was from the balcony of our lovely getaway in St. Just looking to Cape Cornwall.

Wednesday 17 July 2013

Shovel in the Shade

18 cm 15 cm oil on canvas paper.

 Another from the garden. Shovel in the shade... try saying that after a few large ones :-)

Tuesday 16 July 2013

Garden


15 cm x 12 cm oil on canvas paper.

The easiest place to do still life is in your own back garden. There'll never be any regrets about what you forgot to bring, just pop back indoors and get it. You can always find shelter if it's too wet, warmth if it's too cold, or this weather, shade if it's too hot.

Saturday 13 July 2013

Pencil Portaits


I find the thing about self portraits is that while you never need another model to study, the downside is it's really hard to capture yourself as opposed to another person. I have to try and master it so I get a more natural pose as opposed to a bunny caught in the headlights. I think I have all the right features, but not necessarily in the right place.

Drawing my wife taking in the sun however was a lot easier and took half the time(about 30 minutes).

I just noticed I put yesterday's date on, I really do lose track of time mooching around in all this glorious weather.


Friday 12 July 2013

Drawing From Life


A great old character sat opposite me in a cafe as I waited for a train to Stockport with an entry for the Cheshire open. Always carry a sketchbook, you never know when it will come in handy.




I believe I Can Fly. Oil on canvas 16 cm x 14 cm

Saturday 6 July 2013

Draw to Learn.



After a painting by Scott Waddell 20 cm x 20 cm graphite on paper.

Set a time limit (20 mins for this study) and get as much information down as you can. Using only one pencil to save time, make a mass drawing and add a few highlights with a rubber to finish. I did this one because the glasses and the shadow they cast made for an interesting study. 
Like painting, one approach to drawing is to start big and see the large shapes first then move on to the smaller shapes. Work within those shapes and look for a little more detail. Keep it simple to start and remember the more detail you add the more into focus you are bringing the subject it’s up to you where you stop.

See the real thing on

Wednesday 3 July 2013

Mixed Media Collage


24 cm x 16 cm mixed media collage on paper