A Little FAQ Session
Today, in the lead up to my commission service launch, I wanted to take little time to focus on some frequently asked questions. Here I share I couple of short videos which will hopefully clarify a couple of things.
As I approach the launch of my official commission service, I thought it would be helpful to start addressing some the frequently asked questions I get, in the hope to help give everyone a better sense of how things work and what I will be offering.
Today I invite you to watch a couple of mini videos I’ve put together.
Digital commission Process Explained
The first looking at the journey of an ‘on screen’ digital painting to a finished, framed, ‘physical’ print.
Oil Painting vs Digital Painting
The second looks at the differences between oil on canvas painting and digital painting, discussing the ways I approach each.
As many of you know the main medium I specialised in for many years was oil painting on canvas. I therefore came to digital painting from a very specific 'fine art' route. I was curious to see if I could translate my skills from one medium into that of another.
Digital painting was a complete revelation to me, allowing me to create and finish paintings at a pace that was, for me, impossible with oils.
Whilst there will always be differences between these mediums, with advantages and disadvantages to both, each nevertheless allows me to create paintings my way and maintain a consistent approach.
Digital painting has given me much more flexibility which has been especially powerful during the last few months; enabling me to create a greater number of paintings and really share and talk about the things which inspire me and my clients.
Creating beautiful artworks, whatever the medium is the ultimate aim and digital painting is one in a long line of historic innovations, even oil painting had its moment of being a new and novel thing!
We are definitely living in interesting times! I hope this little discussion has been insightful and do let me know if you have any further Qs about any of the above.
World Turtle Day
Today I take you on a deep dive into the oceans exploring the story of this Green Turtle and the threatened world in which he lives.
Today is World Turtle Day and I wanted to celebrate it for several reasons.
First I had access to a wonderful photograph taken by two wonderful friends of mine, on a dive they did in Flynn Reef (The Great Barrier Reef), Australia.
It is the first time I have ever attempted to paint an ocean creature, let alone a turtle and I was really curious to take my eyes on a journey into this underwater world of colours and textures.
I also recently watched a powerful documentary called Seaspiracy which completely threw open the door to the devastating impact that Industrial fishing is having on our oceans and the wildlife within them, turtles being one of many species affected.
Recent stats show that 500,000 sea turtles are caught each year as bycatch (unintended catch).
This fella here is a Green Turtle and on the endangered species list. Along with the dangers of fishing nets, their eggs are overharvested, adults are hunted for their parts and as a source of food, and they are gradually losing their beach nesting sites.
Painting this turtle gave me 9 hours to truly study this extraordinary animal who was anything but just green. The complex mix of colours I discovered were out of this world. And I have just learned that green turtles get their name from the greenish colour of their cartilage and fat, not their shells, which makes sense!
I invite you to have a look at the sped up timelapse below, which condenses this 9 hour voyage into just under 9 minutes. I hope it will give you something of the experience I enjoyed in painting this picture.
If you haven’t done so already, I really urge you to watch Seaspiracy (on Netflix) and think about the way we can all help to counteract the powerful and sinister forces of industrialised fishing.
Hughie the Explorer
Today I am continuing my theme of first steps with this digital painting of the wonderful Hughie. Read all about the story behind this painting and watch a video of it coming to life.
The second painting in my ‘first steps’ series has been a beautiful deep dive into the story of a little boy called Hughie.
During a lovely dialogue with his mummy and daddy, where we talked about all the things that were special to Hughie and them, a fantastic range of visual references emerged.
I have incorporated these into this painting, creating a portrait that hopefully works on several layers; capturing a physical likeness whilst also paying tribute to and celebrating those symbolic elements, unique to Hughie and his family.
The stars are a double reference, first to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, sung before Hughie’s bedtime and second, to a much loved piece of artwork that hangs in his home.
The rose is an emblem of the Hospital in which he was born. His favourite toy, Freddy Firefly accompanies him. He wears a cardigan much treasured by his family, which was worn by his daddy as a baby.
The decision to show him in his bouncer became a wonderful nod to various characteristics and with everything combined Hughie has become an explorer flying high into the night sky with Freddy his trusty sidekick.
It is perhaps one of the most detailed digital paintings I have embarked on so far and, combined, has totalled over 20 hours of painting, but what an extraordinary journey it has been. I have put together an abbreviated timelapse of it below, so do take a look.
The Art of Smiling
Today I am exploring a new theme called First Steps Friday, introducing portraits of little ones and their stories. Read on to hear about Artie, whose smiles are very special.
Today I am exploring a new theme I’m calling First steps Friday, creating portraits of little ones.
Most fitting that I should start with Artie’s portrait, my cousin Hannah’s beautiful boy who recently made his entrance into the world. This portrait shows him at 8 weeks old, discovering his first smiles. Hannah explained the power of this moment:
These first smiles were some of his widest! And felt so joyous. They also come at just the right time - when you’re feeling so tired and questioning what you’re doing all the time...the smiles show that you are in fact doing something right!
I kept my approach quite loose on this, it was an action shot after all. And I can hand on heart say it certainly does the spirit good to spend a few hours meditating on a smile, especially one so vibrant and fresh as Artie’s!
Watch the timelapse below to see how this painting evolved. Funnily enough the first track title that accompanies this video is called ‘Mr Sunny Face’ which I think characterises Artie perfectly!
Wishing everyone a very bright, sunny and of course smiley rest of day!