Finally Finished, A New Experiment

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Auto-Union Racing Car, Digital oil painting

A little while ago I was presented with a happy challenge. In essence what could I creatively do with an excellent example of a Dinky Auto Union racing car?

Initially introduced by Dinky around 1939, these Auto Union models were a particularly stunning example of the manufacturing ability to capture dynamic, evocative lines with the added joy of seeing this little driver cocooned in amongst it, the very vision of intense focus. Interestingly these drivers were later removed in the production line, making this particular model even more special.

So, here we had a stunning racing car, which conveyed something new from every angle. I loved the personality of the driver's face - the beating heart, if you like, of the car itself - so wanted to lead with that, but equally the sense of 'flight' and movement represented in the overall form of the car, as seen from above, was also key.

So I ended up with a fusion of both viewpoints, along with a nod to the Dinky styled typography of the name and model number of this wonderful specimen.

Verdict please! What do you think of this new experiment?

As ever the stunning oil brushes and paints available in the Rebelle 4 program I paint with have allowed me to really explore this toy’s surface patina. The mini time-lapse below hopefully gives you a sense of this.

I am also taking on commissions, so do you have a treasured toy or perhaps real car that you would like celebrated in an artwork? I provide a service that creates paintings entirely bespoke to you, your stories and your home, with flexibility in scale and finish.

For more information click the COMMISSION SERVICE button below....prices start from around £300 for a small framed artwork ready to display. Feel free to get in touch with any questions.

Wishing everyone a super Friday!

Sandown Toy Fair 2021

I am very happy to announce an opportunity for a face to face hello at the famous Sandown Park Toy Fair this Saturday.

I have been going to this fair on toy hunts for many years, finding inspirational subjects which I have made many a painting from.

It is therefore with great joy that I take my place amongst the seller’s stands to present a mix of my paintings, prints and cards.

There will also be a special surprise offer for those who came and say hello!

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Full Details

WHEN & WHERE :

• Saturday 18th September, 10.30am - 3pm

• Sandown Exhibition Centre, Sandown Park Racecourse, Portsmouth Road, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9AJ

TRAVEL

• BY CAR: Only 5 miles from junction 10 of the M25 Motorway. Follow the brown direction signs to Sandown Park. From central London take the A3 to Esher. There is free parking for 6,000 cars on site.

  If using a Sat Nav you need to enter the address as Portsmouth Road, Esher, as the postcode will direct you to the wrong entrance

• BY TRAIN: Nearby Esher Railway Station is only 20-30 minutes from London Waterloo, Victoria and Clapham Junction Stations.

ADMISSION PRICES:

• Adults | £6.50

• Senior Citizens | £6

• Children | £2 (under 5s free)

• Early Entry from 8am | £12

There are on-site ATM's, excellent refreshments and lots of free parking.

Hug Your Hound Day

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Luna, digital painting

Today I'm celebrating Luna or 'Loopy' as she is also affectionately known by her family.

Rescued at 6 months of age from death row kennels in 2017, she arrived at her new home with no house training and on hyper alert to everything around her. Overtime and with patience she gradually settled in.

Now a canicross team with owner Jo (a kind of dog/human jogging duo), a wonderful companion to Jo's toddler and a happy playmate with Doug her younger lurcher buddy (who I have also painted).

Given that Luna is always on the move, so much so that she even 'runs in her sleep,' it was a particular fluke that Jo managed to snap a picture of her standing still.

Also wonderful that such a restless, active soul should in turn give rise to several hours worth of my own quiet, contemplation and study in creating this portrait of her.

Today is also #hugyourhoundday, so if you are within reach of a loveable hound you know what to do!