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
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! 😊❤️
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
Toy Fair Inspiration
Energised and inspired by another great toy fair at Sandown Park Race Course. Watch a little overview of my visit and discover the insights I learned.
Another toy fair visit!! This time I swapped my exhibitor’s hat for a visitor’s, wanting to be in ‘explore mode.’ These toy fairs have a very special energy, not only because of the brilliant mix of toys but also the warmth and passion of the people there.
There is a sort of shared sense of wonder and enthusiasm which sparks all sorts of interesting conversations. I always end up learning so much, discovering another little piece of the toy puzzle, helping me explain what it is about these objects that fire my imagination.
This time round it was appreciating the process, craft and detailed observation of subject that went into creating model figures and the amazing cottage industries of people who would hand paint them before mass machine manufacture took over. These people were often women at their kitchen tables but also, in the instance of Keymen figures, prison inmates.
Big thank you to Barry Potter for another great fair and to @victorianathanson for her excellent company!
Off To the Races - A New Work in Progress
Sharing a little glimpse of what is currently on the digital easel! Watch my progress so far with this new toy inspired painting.
A new work in progress!
My inspiration? A Britains diecast toy horse & jockey.
It is the smallest of nods toward this May and another trip I will be making to Barry Potter's Famous Sandown Toy Fair, where I will be showcasing a few new things!
As for this specific Horse & Jockey duo, can anyone guess the history?
Wishing you all a fab Friday!
My New Christmas Robin
The story behind my new Christmas Robin and why he is such a fitting symbol for this time of year. Watch the story unfold in a short video where all is revealed.
Christmas Robin, digital oil painting
Today I'm talking red robins!
Commonly regarded as a symbol of rebirth and renewal. Spiritually they are seen as guides, teaching us to explore change with joy and 'a song in our hearts', moving forwards with grace, patience and strength.
On an everyday level, whenever I see one, I can't help but smile!
What better little bird to see in the end of a year, and look forward to the start of a new one!
Last year I eye-spied a beautiful little hollow cast toy Robin, produced by Britains, pre world war II, as part of their 'Christmas novelties' series.
The particular wear and tear of this robin gave it a wonderful energy and sense of character which I wanted to try and capture in a painting.
Some of you may remember my first attempt from last year, when I was still getting the feel for digital painting.
Like my earlier Penguin post, I felt I could do better, so I had another go last month and am now pleased to present my new Christmas Robin to you all!
Penguin Story
This is my second painted version of this toy penguin, read on to discover why and watch the story unfold!
So this is a little story about when you've painted something once and it keeps calling you back until you paint it again.
And yes, I do have a bit of a perfectionist issue which means if I think I can do something better it will keep niggling me until I give it another go.
My first attempt at this penguin, around 2013, was a quick oil on canvas board sketch, done in the lead up to Christmas. My second attempt was last month, painted in digital oil paints and was generally a slower, more considered exploration of the subject.
Not entirely dissimilar to rereading a favourite book, there are always new things you notice and understand when revisiting a subject. The passage of time and experience inevitably influences the way you see it and interpret it.
It just goes to show that even familiar things are never beyond the journey of rediscovery and new revelations.
Also...
If you are curious to explore this penguin in person, I am happy to report that I will be showcasing him at the famous Sandown Park Toy Fair next Saturday 13th November, 10.30am-3pm so if you're free, put it in the diary!
I will be sharing more info about this next week, so keep your eyes peeled!
For now wishing everyone a super Friday!
This Little Piggy, a Work in Progress
Today is a look behind the scenes at a new work in progress, a personal piece which plays with a variety of reference points. Read on to discover the full story and watch a short timelapse.
As you've probably seen by now, I really enjoy painting a range of different subjects, especially anything that conjures a sense of story.
And whilst I love visualising other people's stories, occasionally one has to look inward and find outlets for certain ideas that need expressing.
This piece is rooted in a personal narrative, it also happens to feature a pig - strangely apt therefore to find these creatures in headline news at the moment and the issue of their problematic abundance.
Whilst coincidental, my little piggy is very much the stuff of fairytale; the notion of a character building something of their own, out of their hopes, dreams and vulnerability, pitched against inevitable challenges.
Visualising these things in this way, helps me anchor a variety of thoughts in one place, without words or judgement - giving the feeling a face which I can hold up and reflect on, somehow helping me makessense of it.
This is still very much a work in progress...my working title for it is 'This Little Piggy'.
It is a real mash up of reference points starring a treasured vintage 1930s clockwork pig from my own little toy collection, mixed up with my graffiti explorations.
Putting it out there, never sure what conversations it may start...always interested to hear your thoughts and reactions, feel free to share in the comments below.
Celebrating World Elephant Day
A little dive into the world of Elephants in celebration of World Elephant Day (19th August). Using my painted allegory ‘A Little Help’ to ask a few questions. Read on to discover what I found out.
Another animal day of celebration paying tribute to the Elephant, this time with one of my toy paintings called 'A little Help' (oil on canvas 60 x 60 cm).
The painting itself was an allegorical play on ideas like 'the elephant in the room' and 'whistle-blowing' and I think it fitting to offer it up today as a way of asking the question:
How are elephants getting on in our world?
This is what I've discovered so far
🐘Elephant facts
They are the world's largest land animal, have a super thick skin (2.5cm in most places), a voracious appetite, an extraordinarily agile trunk, and are very keen walkers, so much so that they are up and walking within 20 minutes of being born.
🐘Problems
They are also under massive threat with an estimated 415,000 wild elephants left in the world (around 90% less in number than a century ago).
These dangers include poaching to supply ivory trade demand, loss of habitat and an increasing strain on human-elephant relations with migratory routes now shared with agricultural developments, human settlements and infrastructural constructions.
🐘Solutions
Building awareness, changing perceptions and reducing commercial demand for ivory, helping local rangers enforce measures to protect existing elephant populations and promoting local education whilst exploring the application of new technologies to improve human-elephant interactions.
Highly recommend checking out
WWF website for more info🤓
Lasso the Moon
Today I am celebrating one of my favourite Christmas films and how it inspired my latest digital painting. I also walk you through how this painting was made in a special in depth video about my digital painting process.
Today I am celebrating one of my favourite Christmas films It’s A Wonderful Life directed by Frank Capra, with James Stewart starring as George Bailey and Donna Reed as Mary.
All credit to my bro who treated me to my first viewing of this many Christmases ago at the London BFI. Since then, it has become a bit of a family tradition to watch every year.
It is the movie that planted the delightful notion of 'lassoing the moon' in my head and all the associations it carries for reaching for one’s dreams.
I have been itching to make a painting about this for a long time and this year, as of literally this week, I have just finished my first attempt at it. The film triggered the idea, but I should also mention the little diecast cowboy toy, from my father’s collection, which was my reference point.
I welcome you to take a little tour of my digital painting, accompanied by the dialogue between George Bailey and Mary, without which it might not have come about. I hope you enjoy!
I have also put together a special in depth video below which walks you through how I painted this piece. It will hopefully give you a clearer understanding of my digital painting process.
I am however also interested to know your thoughts and hear your questions about this, so do let me know, in the comments below, if you have any.
Best of British Miniseries
Learn all about stories that inspired the characters in my Best of British Collection by watching the full collection of mini films I made about each one. See them here gathered altogether in one place for easy viewing and select the stories that most interest you.
Over the course of the last two weeks I have been introducing, one by one, the 9 very special characters that make up my Best of British collection, through a series of mini films.
Here I have gathered them all together for you to look through and enjoy at your leisure. Each film is only 1-3 minutes long and is a fun little summary of the story and history behind each character.
Researching and putting this miniseries together emphasized, for me, so many positive things about our culture. Most resounding of which where how these symbols, each in their way, commemorated the inventive, creative, stoically determined and ever adaptable qualities of our British identity. Something we definitely need to bear in mind with all these new changes afoot!
I very much hope you enjoy them and if you feel inspired to share with me your thoughts, especially as to which is your favourite, I always welcome your feedback in the comments below.
In celebration of this collection I am also running a very special promotion of 25% off all the paintings, art prints and greetings cards in this series. This offer ends on the 15th December so do take advantage whilst you can!