Celebrating Valentine in paint!
Celebrating Valentine’s day with a Flamenco Serenade, my vintage toy inspired painting of two dancers in full swing! Discover their story!
Valentine's Day greetings to you all!
Sharing a Flamenco Serenade, another of my vintage toy inspired paintings.
I found this duo at a Sandown Toy Fair and was instantly engaged by their energy.
I studied them in the round and found the pose that, for me, best captured the essence of them - eyes locked, hearts, feet, arms and bodies beating to a unified rhythm - a moment suspended in time!
The power and intensity of the flamenco dance seems to me the perfect analogy for those first passionate steps of love.
Wishing you all a beautiful rest of day, filled with love, music and dance! 🎶❤
A Corgi Classic
Presenting my newly finished painted tribute to a Corgi James Bond Classic! Find out the story behind it and watch a timelapse of how this painting took shape.
Courtesy of Peter Klobikowski, I was introduced to a beautiful 1960s Corgi James Bond Aston Martin DB5 (model no.261), box and all!
This is my now finished painted tribute it, bringing to life all its special elements, the ejected baddie, being my favourite!
DID YOU KNOW?
Corgi based this model on the film Goldfinger and going 'gold' was apparently a marketing decision - it's actually a silver Aston Martin that features in the film!
Having painted many a Dinky toy car, this is my very first Corgi!
It is also, by far, the most detailed toy car painting I have done - I feel like I know every inch of that box!
I will soon be launching the Art print of this painting on my website, so keep an eye out. DM me if you'd like to know more!
It is also currently on display at my exhibition at the RAC, Pall Mall, London - more details of which you can find HERE
Toy Box Treasures
My new exhibition ‘Toy Box Treasures’ at the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall, London is now open. Showcasing artworks celebrating the beauty and nostalgic charm of vintage toys, 8th December to 5th January.
I am pleased to announce that I’ve just installed a new exhibition at The Royal Automobile Club Picture Gallery on Pall Mall.
The show shines a spotlight on the magic, beauty and nostalgic charm of vintage toys, celebrating their weathered, playworn characters.
Growing up surrounded by my father’s dusty collection, I was fascinated by these old die-cast treasures from an early age, and have frequented many toy fairs on the hunt for something special. These toys, with their unique array of flecks and patina have a sculptural, dynamic quality that invites connection. They are miniature but mighty in how they capture the spirit of an age and engage our imaginations.
The exhibition features both oil on canvas artworks, a range of limited edition reproductions of original oils, along with a new collection of digitally paintings, created freehand using a wacom tablet and stylus and printed on high quality art paper.
TOY BOX TREASURES
8TH DECEMBER - 5TH JANUARY
The Picture Gallery, at the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall, London.
For more details or any questions, please send me a message by clicking the button below.
EXHIBITION INSTALLATION SHOTS
BROWSE SLIDESHOW BELOW OF ALL ARTWORKS FEATURED
A Remembrance Day Tribute
My painted tribute of this powerful little vintage toy duo, who captured the essence of Remembrance Day for me.
A painted tribute, inspired by....
a crescent toy military nurse attending to her soldier patient, which I encountered in The Brighton Toy Museum’s wonderful collection.
The weathered nature of these toys gave them such a particular energy and quality. They felt to me both historic and very much alive, conveying, without words, huge pathos and power.
May they say more, than my words ever could, and pay tribute to all those brave souls who fought with their lives.🙏
Is Painting Therapy?
Sharing my new painting ‘This Little Pig’ and talking about how creating and therapy go hand in hand and the rich layers of thoughts and meanings a painting can represent.
What and why I paint is bound up in who I am, and the process of creating is always one of discovery. My new painting This Little Pig is rooted in a personal narrative.
The pig in question is based on a 1930s clockwork toy pig. I have seen quite a few versions of him over the years, some in mint condition, some in the company of fellow pig musicians. But this particular toy, picked up by my father, years ago at Sandown Park, is a bit bashed, with faded colours, and has a very particular expression the others did not.
His eyes are bright, alive, curious and hopeful. Paired with the drum, there is a sense of ‘declaration’ in his attitude, all of which got me thinking. I began projecting ideas onto him, seeing in him a symbol of strength and resolve, a theme I like to explore in my work, as a way to refuel my own determination in the face of challenge and difficulties.
The rough composition for this painting has been bouncing around my mind since 2017, but it was only in the last few months I actually got it out of my head and into a painting.
Graffiti, as I discussed in my last blog post, plays an important role here, weaving together a mix of ideas. I do dabble in journaling but there is something different about putting things together visually. It has a way of tapping into multiple layers of feeling, sometimes in harmony, sometimes contradictory, but all somehow true. Painting helps me anchor these thoughts in one place, without words or judgement - giving the feeling a face which I can hold up and reflect on, somehow helping me make sense of it.
In a way, any act of creation has an element of this, but certainly some paintings feel more cathartic than others. This Little Pig is about building something of your own, out of your hopes, dreams and vulnerability and pitching this energy against the inevitable challenges of life.
I would love to know how this painting lands with you, does he resonate? what points of reference does he connect with for you? Let me know your thoughts.
Whilst I usually print my digital paintings on Art paper, I decided to experiment with this painting and print it on canvas, which is now available to view in my shop.
You can explore buying options by clicking the picture below.
This fine art print is of my original digital painting of a vintage toy drummer pig set within an imagined urban stage. It was painted free hand using a stylus and pressure sensitive tablet on a computer.
Each print from this digital painting is an original; professionally printed on canvas, with top grade, light fast, fade-resistant inks.
Free UK shipping
For international shipping please CLICK HERE for a quote
International Zebra Day
Celebrating International Zebra day with my vintage toy twist on a Zebra theme. Discover the story behind this oil on canvas painting and the symbolism it plays with.
🦓 A little hello in honour of International zebra day [31st January]🦓
My oil on canvas painting called The Thin Yellow Line, 60x60cm. Available to buy, contact me for more details.
It's a still-life allegory that plays on associated meanings of colour, where black, white and grey are pitched against a chaotic shot of yellow thread, which entangles this toy zebra
The thread represents an awakening from the dream/nightmare of order and categorization. It breaks up the stillness, wild and unruly, conveying movement and life.
In this spirit, I wish everyone a moment of letting their hair down! 😊❤️
Goalkeeper Print Giveaway
The grand conclusion of my Goalkeeper print giveaway, launched in celebration of the world cup final. Discover who won their very own framed print of my new painting!
The power of goalkeeping was very much in force at yesterday’s World cup final, adding an extra glow of celebration to my Goalkeeper print giveaway!
I only do a couple of these giveaways a year and couldn’t resist timing this one with the finale of the World Cup!
Today I picked the winner, watch the moment in the video above!
It is with great pleasure that I congratulate Rick Addison on winning his very own framed print of my new Goalkeeper painting!
Thank you again to everyone who participated! I will be sharing lots more exciting opportunities in 2023 so keep an eye out!
Also, a huge round of applause to both the Argentinian and French football teams, who gave us a wonderful final, full of many skilled twists and turns, uniting watchers around the world in the journey they took us on!
If you would like more information about the buying options for my Goalkeeper print, please click the product listing below.
This fine art print is of my original digital oil painting of a vintage toy Goal Keeper. It was painted free hand using a stylus and pressure sensitive tablet on a computer (see videos below).
Each print from this digital painting is an original; professionally printed on beautiful Hahnemühle photo Rag paper, 308 gsm thick, with top grade, light fast, fade-resistant inks.
A great addition to a vintage themed décor scheme or gift for a football enthusiast!
SEE SHORT FILMS BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT BUYING OPTIONS, ART PRINT SPECIFICATIONS AND THE STORY BEHIND THIS ARTWORK
Free UK shipping
For international shipping please contact us for a quote
A Print Win Story
Cassie won my Print Giveaway last May! Discover her story in her own words, revealing why this Dinky Aston Martin painting was so special to her.
Some of you may remember last May I ran a special giveaway to celebrate the print launch of my Dinky Aston Martin painting.
Well, Cassie was the lucky winner and here she shares her experience of receiving the print and why it was so special to her.
I only do a couple of these print giveaways a year and the last one is coming up next week, so keep your eyes peeled!
Happy Friday hopping to you all!
Goal Keeper Painting Launch
Introducing my new painting, based on a vintage toy goal keeper, the perfect present for this football season! Watch a short video showing the inspiration behind this artwork as well as the creative journey. Now available as a beautiful fine art print and card, find out more about buying options.
Another vintage toy inspired painting. Part of what I love about these toys is how they can, on a miniature scale, evoke an epic energy.
This little Goal Keeper is a case in point. I found him when roaming along the stands at one Sandown Park toy fair and was instantly drawn to him and the dynamic power of his pose.
Probably based on some serious studying of football players in action, this little toy represents an extraordinary process, where life is reduced down to its essentials.
He was without football and flat down on one side when I saw him. I decided to reimagine things in painting him, launching him up into the air, in a grand finale style big save!
Pleased to report he is now available as a greetings card and fine art print.
Click Product links below to view.
This fine art print is of my original digital oil painting of a vintage toy Goal Keeper. It was painted free hand using a stylus and pressure sensitive tablet on a computer (see videos below).
Each print from this digital painting is an original; professionally printed on beautiful Hahnemühle photo Rag paper, 308 gsm thick, with top grade, light fast, fade-resistant inks.
A great addition to a vintage themed décor scheme or gift for a football enthusiast!
SEE SHORT FILMS BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT BUYING OPTIONS, ART PRINT SPECIFICATIONS AND THE STORY BEHIND THIS ARTWORK
Free UK shipping
For international shipping please contact us for a quote
This is a fine art greetings card of my original digital oil painting of a vintage toy goal keeper, painted free hand using a stylus and pressure sensitive tablet on a computer (see videos below).
A great card for football enthusiasts!
SEE SHORT FILMS FOR FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT CARD SPECIFICATIONS
Free UK shipping
For international shipping please contact us for a quote
BUNDLE OFFERS AVAILABLE - SEE BELOW
A Christmas Card Spotlight
Quirky, cheerful & unique, these vintage toy inspired artworks are sure to bring a big smile to the faces of those you give them to. Available as fine art cards & prints.
Looking for unique Christmas cards this year?
Explore this quirky, cheerful collection, inspired by the energy and history of wonderful vintage toys!
Now with 2 new additions - my recently launched Cherilea Turkey & funny snowmen duo!
Available as single cards or bundle savings in packs of 3, 6 & 12.
Message for larger numbers and I can do a bespoke quote!
Snowmen Painting Launch
A vintage toy twist on a classic Christmas theme. Check out the story behind my new Snowmen painting and discover how you can buy a print or card of it for a special 20% off!
⛄Introducing my new Snowmen painting⛄
A sort of Tweedle Dee and Dum of the snowflake world!
I acquired these little vintage toy figures a few years ago and finally, this year, got round to painting them!
Happy to report they are now available as a festive fine art print [in a range of sizes/finish options] and a cheerful greeting card!
Click the product links below to browse your buying options.
This is a fine art print of my original digital oil painting of a vintage toy Snowmen, painted free hand using a stylus and pressure sensitive tablet on a computer (see videos below).
Each print from my digital painting is an original; professionally printed on beautiful Hahnemühle photo Rag paper, 308 gsm thick, with top grade, light fast, fade-resistant inks.
A great addition to a Christmas themed décor scheme or gift for Snowmen enthusiast!
SEE SHORT FILMS BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT BUYING OPTIONS, ART PRINT SPECIFICATIONS AND THE STORY BEHIND THIS ARTWORK
Free UK shipping
For international shipping please contact us for a quote
This is a fine art greetings card of my original digital oil painting of a vintage toy Snowmen, painted free hand using a stylus and pressure sensitive tablet on a computer (see videos below).
A great card for Christmas and Snowmen enthusiasts!
SEE SHORT FILMS FOR FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT CARD SPECIFICATIONS
Free UK shipping
For international shipping please contact us for a quote
BUNDLE OFFERS AVAILABLE - SEE BELOW
A Thanks Giving Turkey
A Thanks Giving Turkey Celebration! Announcing the launch of my new vintage toy inspired Turkey Painting. Watch a video showing the creative journey and explore the fine art print and greeting card options available.
🦃Happy Thanks Giving to you all! 🦃
I am celebrating with the launch of my new painting of a vintage toy Turkey.
Inspired by a tiny, weathered Cherilea toy Turkey, which took me on one epic deep dive into detail!
Starting off very loose with my approach, I found that gradually, the intricate patina of this toy pulled me in, on what felt a little like a never ending journey. Trusting in the process, as one has to do with particularly complex things, I emerged the other end, happy that I kept going, and with infinite respect and admiration for this tiny toy.
AND….I am pleased to report he is now available as a lovely greeting card & fine art print!
Click the links below to view your buying options!
This is a fine art greetings card of my original digital oil painting of a vintage toy Turkey, painted free hand using a stylus and pressure sensitive tablet on a computer (see videos below).
A great card for wildlife or animal lovers and Turkey enthusiasts!
SEE SHORT FILMS FOR FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT CARD SPECIFICATIONS
Free UK shipping
For international shipping please contact us for a quote
BUNDLE OFFERS AVAILABLE - SEE BELOW
This is a fine art print of my original digital oil painting of a vintage toy Turkey, painted free hand using a stylus and pressure sensitive tablet on a computer (see videos below).
Each print from my digital painting is an original; professionally printed on beautiful Hahnemühle photo Rag paper, 308 gsm thick, with top grade, light fast, fade-resistant inks.
A great addition to a Christmas or animal themed décor scheme or gift for a Turkey enthusiast!
SEE SHORT FILMS BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT BUYING OPTIONS, ART PRINT SPECIFICATIONS AND THE STORY BEHIND THIS ARTWORK
Free UK shipping
For international shipping please contact us for a quote
A Remembrance Day Tribute
Find out the story behind this vintage toy inspired painting and why this isn’t my first attempt at it! Watch a short video showing the painting process.
I first encountered this weathered toy Crescent military nurse & soldier patient at Brighten Toy Museum , painting them early on in my digital painting journey.
I recently returned to paint them afresh, trying to capture their spirit with more nuance, truth and pathos. Today I share the results as a remembrance day tribute.
See below version one, painted Autumn 2020 [left] and version two painted Autumn 2022 [right].
Diving into Lego!
Working on a new, lego-inspired commission for a holiday let property in Windsor. A story telling epic feast of lego! Watch a short video showing the early stages!
I've been working on a new commission this week, diving into a world of Lego!
This is a little glimpse of the early stages, blocking in the main elements with digital paint. Still a long way to go but already getting into the swing of it!
This is one of two artworks that will hang side by side in a beautiful holiday let property in Windsor.
The idea is to celebrate all the local attractions including Thorpe Park, Legoland, Twickenham Rugby and Windsor Castle etc…
AKA a great opportunity to delve into story-telling, weaving together lots of playful elements , including a little bit of Halloween / fright night fun!
For more info about this amazing property check out: www.shortstaylongstay.co.uk
Here’s a brief overview:
📍Conveniently located next to: Windsor, Heathrow, Twickenham
🛌 Sleeps up to 6
🎪 Activities for everyone: Legoland, Thorpe Park, Lapland UK!!
More updates coming soon!
Goodbye Little Acrobat
Waving off this allegorical painting of a vintage toy Acrobat to its new home in Greece. Watch and read the full story!
Yesterday I said goodbye to this little fellow, waving him off to his new life in Greece.
This is a painted allegory called 'The Acrobat' [oil on canvas, 60 x 60cm] which plays with ideas about balance and the creative and destructive energy within us.
The Acrobat hovers above an unlit bonfire of matches, alive with the promise of danger, but also nodding to the inner fire of inspiration. Time is suspended, the spark yet to fall, the meaning open to interpretation.
Many ideas passed through my mind when painting this which I feel were mysteriously woven into this picture, making sense of themselves in a way at once abstract but true.
Hopefully this chap will spark interesting discussions in his new home!
Tribute to a Queen
Taking a pause today to pay my respects, through paint, to a great lady, Queen Elizabeth II. Watch a little timelapse showing this tribute work in progress, along with the source of its inspiration.
A small tribute to a great lady!
This painting, still a work in progress, was inspired by a vintage Timpo toy, created in commemoration of the Queen's Coronation.
A moment that marked the beginning of a 70 year reign which ended on the 8th September this year.
Today's funeral marks an historic moment in which we bid farewell to an extraordinary woman, a symbol of our nation, who walked with grace and dignity throughout her life.
RIP Queen Elizabeth II ❤
A New Ride
My love of bicycles is finally finding expression in a new toy inspired painting! Watch the progress so far!
Those of you who know me, also probably know my second hand beast of a bicycle, which I am constantly getting from A to B on.
A big fan of cycles, I have been meaning to pay tribute to one in a painting for a while.
This charismatic diecast acrobat, riding a cycle, again manufactured by Charbens is my first go at the subject! Will report back when I am further along with it!
New Muscles
Building my strength back up and what better way than with this new painting of a Toy Circus Strongman! Watch the progress so far!
Building up new muscles!
In the wake of last week's tech shock - I thought I'd reinforce the visual muscles with a strength inspiring subject!
This diecast toy circus strongman, with his barbells, manufactured by Charbens, seemed like the perfect candidate. A figure I've painted before, but one I have wanted to revisit for sometime.
It's only a beginning but has definitely got my digital paint brush singing again! More updates to follow soon!
Kicking off a new painting!
A new artwork is on the digital easel! Check out a mini timelapse of how I got going on this painting, inspired by a toy die-cast goal keeper.
I'm getting stuck into a series of toy inspired digital oil paintings.
Kicking things off😉with this goal keeper.
I'm using the wonderful Rebelle 5 from @escapemotions which offers an amazing range of traditional mediums and brushes in digital form.
Going for a 'wet on wet' approach with this series, which means working with a more loaded brush vs building up in thinner strokes.
I'll see how things progress and post another update soon!
A Jubilee Celebration
In honour of this special event I have put together a Best of British special of fun & quirky videos about 4 iconic characters of British Culture.
In celebration of this special event I’m spotlighting 4 iconic emblems of British culture from my Best of British Collection in a quirky video series! Over the last four days I have been delving into the interesting and sometimes surprising history of the Queen’s Guard, the London Bus, the police telephone box and the Highland Piper (see all the videos below to discover more ).
All the artworks features in these videos will also be showcased in my upcoming exhibition in Putney Library - all part of the Wandsworth Arts Fringe Festival.
For all the details about this exhibition - which kicks off on the 15ht June 2022 - CLICK HERE
The Queen’s Guardsman
The Police Telephone Box (Tardis)
The London Bus
This is a fine art greetings card of my original digital oil painting of a vintage toy Turkey, painted free hand using a stylus and pressure sensitive tablet on a computer (see videos below).
A great card for wildlife or animal lovers and Turkey enthusiasts!
SEE SHORT FILMS FOR FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT CARD SPECIFICATIONS
Free UK shipping
For international shipping please contact us for a quote
BUNDLE OFFERS AVAILABLE - SEE BELOW