Dance, Paint and Play
Letting loose in a bit of playful paint play with this study of two dancers mid-performance. Watch a little glimpse of this in action.
This is a very quick, quiet experiment, listening to some bachata tunes and having a good old fashion play with paint.
I was deliberately going loose and free to see what would emerge.
Been a bit locked into a mindset of trying to polish and refine everything before sharing it, so as a little challenge to myself I'm throwing something very unpolished out there to say, just now, I'm letting my hair down!💃
Freedom in paint, freedom in mind, freedom in dance - vive la liberte! ✊😊
The Pawfect Partnership - Kovu's Finished Portrait
The final chapter of Kovu’s portrait story. Discover what elements inspired this painting and watch the big reveal, when Kovu and his owner see his portrait for the first time!
Happy to reveal the finished portrait of my pet portrait prize winner Kovu!
As some of you remember, last October I teamed up with local Pet Au Pair Business @Pawpairs to launch this giveaway and Kovu was announced the winner just before Christmas!
I worked closely with Kovu’s owner Amy to get to the heart of Kovu’s story, exploring his character and passions as well as the special points of reference in Amy and Kovu’s relationship. His portrait was a celebration of these things.
The reference image we decided upon, with his lion-like locks, was the perfect nod to the origins of his name, inspired by the character from Lion king 2. The mini tennis ball and paddle board hanging from his collar also paid tribute to two of his favourite pastimes. The beaded collar, a special gift from Amy’s father in Kenya, and usually hidden by Kovu’s fur, was placed centre stage as an imagined addition to the strap of his body harness. Finally, the date 22.11.20, was added to the disc at his collar to commemorate the day Kovu joined his family.
Kovu’s portrait was presented to him and Amy this week at Pawpairs HQ, much to everyone’s excitement [see video below]. Kovu’s portrait was painted using digital oil paints on a computer [see timelapse below] I then arranged the professional printing and framing.
As perhaps you know, I offer a commission service specialising in story-telling paintings of people, animals and treasured objects and I am now taking on new commissions for April.
Do you have a commission idea? if so I welcome you to get in touch by clicking the button below
Kovu’s Story & Portrait Presentation Ceremony
Timelapse of Kovu’s Portrait
A Valentine Dance
Sharing the story behind this Flamenco duo and a new Valentine inspired painting series
A Flamenco Serenade, digital oil painting (work in progress)
Valentine Day greetings to you all!
Inspired by the theme of couples and love I have embarked upon a new series of paintings, charting different aspects and timelines of love through the magic of vintage toy characters.
Today I share with you the first of these, A Flamenco Serenade!
I encountered this duo at a Barry Potter 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 courtship.
Not quite finished but nearly there, this fiery couple will eventually be available as a fine art print and card - so watch this space :)
Wishing you all a beautiful rest of day, filled with love!
Framed & Delivered
Another painting finds a new home. Looking at the meaning we attach to certain places and how they root us in our history and identity.
My oil painting of Fulham Railway Bridge, seen from Putney Bridge at sunrise, went off to a lovely new home yesterday!
Originally unframed, I sorted out a simple white box frame for the occasion with the help of Jacksons Framers
It's made me reflect on the many strolls I have taken around this bridge over the years, always surprised by how dramatically different the times of day and tide can change the scene.
I think of all the walks and conversations I've had, all the states of mind I've been in, through rain and sun. These places are so full of experiences and memory they are almost a living being, an old friend and confident, that are a little part of our hearts and the abstract notion of what 'home' is.
Do you have a favourite place that makes you feel this way?
To view a collection of other available riverscapes of London click the button below
Final Day of Studio Sale - Putney Boats
My studio sale ends tonight, so I am spotlighting an ‘evening’ themed painting of Putney boats at dusk. Read on to find out more about this artwork and further details about my sale.
STUDIO SALE ENDS MIDNIGHT TONIGHT
My last highlight for this sale sequence is my painting of Putney Boats, Evening (oil on canvas board, 8 x 10 inches)
These boats are part of a lovely cluster, moored off the riverside quarter pier, right next to my local Wandsworth park.
Silhouetted against the fading evening light, the view looks out across the river toward the Hurlingham club and harbour.
I have painted these boats from many angles, times of day and tides, but this evening scene played with a very different palette of colour, where less was more and everything was focused around that extraordinary shift between the dwindling natural light of day and the introduction of these fairy-like glimmers of electric light which danced in reflections across the water.
IMPORTANT STUFF
🔈My studio sale will end at MIDNIGHT TONIGHT - so just a few hours to go!
🔈Click the button below to browse what’s available
🔈Many of the artworks are framed and ready to hang - so easy peasy possible pressies
🔈Free UK delivery (international delivery available upon request)
Do get in touch with any Qs, wishing you a happy rest of Sunday!
The Other Side of Richmond Bridge
With 3 days to go before the end of my studio sale, today I am highlighting another version of Richmond Bridge, seen from a different angle and painted with an alternative palette. Read on for the full story behind this painting.
STUDIO SALE SPOTLIGHT - 4 DAYS TO GO
Today I am looking at a variation on yesterday's theme on Richmond Bridge. Presenting Richmond Bridge, Blue Tones [oil on canvas, 33.7 x 17.5 cm framed]
Having walked along and under Richmond bridge, this was the view from the south side looking north. So whilst the other side of the bridge was ablaze with sunshine, this side was awash in cool and refreshing shadows.
Again I emphasized the colour contrasts and palette, picking out and the colour harmonies of blues and oranges, reds and greens.
These paintings of Richmond bridge were conceived together and I like to think of them as two sides of a coin, echoing two moods, perhaps two states of mind.
Which one do you prefer?
IMPORTANT STUFF
🔈My studio sale will end at MIDNIGHT on SUNDAY 6th FEB - so just under 3 DAYS to go!
🔈Click the button below to see what's available.
🔈Many of the artworks are framed and ready to hang - so easy peasy possible pressies 😁
🔈Free UK delivery (international delivery available upon request)
Any Qs, let me know, for now happy Fridaying! 😊
Studio Sale count down - Richmond Bridge painting Spotlight
Counting down the last few days of my Studio sale with a daily painting spotlight. Today I am looking at my oil on canvas painting of Richmond Bridge, read on for the full story.
Richmond Bridge on a Summer’s Day, oil on canvas, 33.7 x 17.5 cm framed.
STUDIO SALE SPOTLIGHT - 4 DAYS TO GO
In the countdown to the end of my studio sale, I'm sharing the stories behind a few of the paintings featured.
Today is my painting of Richmond Bridge on a Summer's day [oil on canvas, 33.7 x 17.5 cm framed]
I was on the north side of the bridge, looking south and saw the bridge set alight by the warm glow of the midday sun. I went to town on this with colour and emphasised the golden heat of yellows, pinks and oranges in beautiful contrast with the cool refreshing blues of the river and shadows. My aim was a little dose of summer in a painting, hopefully it hits the mark! What do you reckon?
IMPORTANT STUFF
🔈My studio sale will end at MIDNIGHT on SUNDAY 6th FEB - so just under 4 days to go!
🔈Click the button below to see what's available.
🔈Many of the artworks are framed and ready to hang - so easy peasy possible pressies!
🔈Free UK delivery (international delivery available upon request)
Shout out if you have any Qs, wishing y'all a cheery rest of Thursday!
A Birthday Wave
A special day marking another year gone by. Today I share with you my birthday thoughts and thanks.
A 'few' years ago yesterday I drew my first breath and here I am shortly before puffing out the candles on this yummy little cake which rounded off a lovely lunch provided by my wonderful mother.
One year older, one year more in awe than ever with the wonders and inspiration that surround me.
Incredibly grateful also for the support, humour, and wisdom of the people in my life who teach, challenge, nurture and encourage me - sending you all a massive hug and many a heartfelt thank you!🙏🤗❤
I am very excited about the year ahead and look forward to sharing all the various things I have planned! 🎉
For now wishing everyone a happy rest of Thursday!❤😊