Aiva's Story
A Tuesday Testimonial, spotlighting the story behind this portrait of the mischievous Aiva!
Spotlighting Aiva's portrait for today's Tuesday Testimonial!
Aiva is a kitty full of character and mischief with plenty of appetite for adventure and will pinch your pineapple off a summer mojito given the chance!
Would highly recommend you follow her entertaining antics, click here to have a look: https://www.instagram.com/not_your_typical_persian/
For more info about how my commission service works click the button below.
Bookings for August are now open! Happy Tuesday hopping!
The Troubadour Story
Discover the story behind my painting of The Troubadour. Watch a little video revealing the source of inspiration for this artwork.
The Troubadour (oil on canvas, 70 x 141 cm) is another street performer inspired artwork, where the characters within the painting turn into an allegory about love. Watch the video to hear how this all came about.
This painting is currently on show at my exhibition in Putney Library, on until the 15th July.
For full exhibition details or to find out more about this painting, click the buttons below.
My Exhibition is Now Open!
My show is now open to visit at Putney Library, watch a behind the scenes glimpse of the set up!
I am happy to report that my new exhibition ‘Art That Tells Your Story’ is now officially open to visit at Putney Library.
I set everything up on Monday and have put together a mini overview of the day for a behind the scenes glimpse (see below).
Full exhibition details, including general opening times & the days and times I will personally be about, can be found by clicking the button below.
Kovu's Story
Discover the story behind my portrait of Kovu - just one of the paintings to feature in my new exhibition at Putney Library, opening tomorrow!
Today I'm spotlighting my portrait of the lovely Kovu.
I worked closely with Kovu’s owner Amy to get to the heart of his 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 all 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.
Come and take a look at this portrait in person at my new exhibition, opening tomorrow at Putney Library!
For all exhibition info, click the button below!
Art That Tells Your Story - A New Exhibition
Exciting news about my upcoming exhibition at Putney Library this month. Watch a mini introduction about it with all the details!
My new exhibition is opening at Putney Library next week!
It's on from 15th June - 15th July 2022, featuring storytelling artworks, with a special focus on performers, vintage toys & animals!
It's part of the Wandsworth Arts Fringe festival - checkout their line up - there is lots of awesome stuff happening in June!
I'll be at the library on set days & times to chat to people in person & answer any Qs. Click the button below for all the details!!
Any Qs, do let me know! Look forward to seeing some of you there!
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
To view all the Fine art print & greeting cards showcased in these video, just click the button below
Interview at Riverside Radio
Find out all about the interview I did yesterday at Riverside Radio with the lovely Ian Barclay, where we discussed my new exhibitions, vintage toys & the art of telling stories, amongst other things!
Yesterday I had the pleasure of being invited to Riverside Radio for a lovely chat with Ian Barclay on his show Barclay’s Brunch.
We talked all about my upcoming exhibition ‘Art That Tells Your Story’ opening at Putney Library on the 15th June, in conjunction with the Wandsworth Arts Fringe Festival.
Press the play button below to have a listen (it’s about 11ish minutes) !
For full details about my new exhibition click the button below.
Hughie's Portrait Story
Today I'm talking portraits & stories, looking at this commission I did of lovely Hughie.
Today I'm talking portraits & stories, looking at this commission I did of the lovely Hughie 😊
There were so many special ideas that my chat with his parents brought up. It was a real joy to play with the different ways to incorporate them into the painting, creating something rich in personal meaning for Hughie & his family.
My commission service is all about getting to the heart of personal stories and finding imaginative ways to bring them to life in a painting.
For more info click the button below! (now taking bookings for August)
Hughie's portrait will also be one of several artworks I will be showcasing this June as part of a new 'story' themed exhibition I am launching at Putney library - all part of the @wandsworthartsfringe festival.
Keep a lookout, more details coming soon!👀😊
My Digital Painting Process Revealed
Enjoy a 15 minute dive into my digital painting process, walking you through my set up and a few other insights along the way!
Trying something a little new today.
I've been in the habit of showing sped up time-lapses to music a lot recently and thought I'd slow down the pace and talk you through a few aspects of my painting process, whilst beginning a new toy inspired narrative painting.
So here we are a 15 minute dive into painting digitally, my set up, some of the challenges I've faced, my use of vintage toys and a few other random digressions.
It's kinda of a mini visual podcast - hope you enjoy!
Any questions do let me know!
My First Corgi Painting
A new work in progress - watch a quick glimpse of the action! A happy dive into the world of Corgi toy cars, James Bond Style!
Getting stuck into a new painting of a 1960s Corgi James Bond Aston Martin DB5 (no.261)
Complete with bond, baddie, ejector seat and various other little treats of Corgi Engineering.
A couple of Fun Fact
It was based on the film Goldfinger and going 'gold' was apparently a marketing decision - it's a silver Aston Martin that features in the film!
Having painted many a Dinky toy car this is my very first Corgi!
Looking forward to seeing how it'll turn out!
Celebrating International Dance Day 2022
In tribute to the day I share a little dance inspired poem! Also watch a short video telling the story behind this painting of Jeff & Corina and it’s journey from digital canvas to the framed print that now hangs in Jeff’s dance studio.
Some words & a painting story in honour of International Dance Day 2022!
Dance is…
A feeling in movement
A connection with sounds from outside and within
A connection with community
Listening with all our senses
A connection to the present moment,
We move in our entirety,
Alone and together
And something,
Far beyond words, emerges.
See below the story behind my dance inspired painting of two beautiful dancers and human beings Jeff & Corina.
Thank you also to Bubblegum Media whose photo inspired this painting.
The more I see and learn of dance the more in awe I am of its magic.
Whatever you are doing tonight, I thoroughly recommend you take a moment, wherever you are and play with some free movement, see how it makes you feel!
A New Interview with Karin Merx
Hear a sneak preview of my interview on ‘Art Talk’, the new podcast created and hosted by my friend, the artist Karin Merx.
Last week I was honoured to be interviewed on a super new podcast called Art Talk, created and hosted by my friend, the artist Karin Merx.
We talked about where my art journey started, along with my thoughts on digital art, vintage toys and various other digressions!
Press play below for a little snippet.
For the full interview click the button below
My own podcasting plans are still a work in progress and I shall be sharing more updates in the near future!
In the meantime, if you have any questions or themes you would like discussed then feel free to leave a comment below!
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!
Easter Greetings
Easter Greetings from Lambkin the Lamb! Showing the journey of this painting, from loose line sketch to finished print.
Portrait of Lambkin, Digital oil painting
Easter greetings from Lambkin the lamb!🌻
This was a little fella I was introduced to last year. Though the smallest of a pet lamb group, he was a determined character, always first in line at feeding time and full of playful good humour.
Here showing the journey from loose line digital sketch to finished physical painting, professionally printed on thick hahnemuhle paper with rich pigmented inks.
Capturing a happy sunset moment of Lambkin hopping about in a garden, bathed in a magical glow 😊
As a traditional artist, used to working in oil on canvas, I still find it such a thrill to see how my digital paintings translate to physical paintings you can touch and hold.
For more info about this painting click the button below
Wishing you all a very cheerful Easter Sunday!☀️
It's Showtime!
Aside from painting, I have also been doing a lot of dancing the last 12 weeks, training for a new mambo salsa performance. It is now showtime! Read on for the full story and where and when you can see our live performances!
Hair spray, sequins & smiles - it's show time!!
12 weeks of hard training, buckets of sweat, piggybacks, blindfolds and a lotta laughs along the way!
I am very honoured to be part of this awesome team - aka Incognito's Mambo team of 2022!
Huge thanks to Tara Balfour and Jeff Tarpinian who are the brains behind the team and choreography and whose dedicated support, patience and sense of humour have been amazing!
Look out for our April shows (more dates to be announced in May & June)
11th April - Wimbledon Salsa & Bachata Club
14th April - Gabeto, London
20th April - Hammersmith Salsa & Bachata Club
22-25th April - Ibiza, Spain Bos Dance Festival
28th April - Earls Court Salsa & Bachata Club
30th April - Putney Salsa & Bachata Club
More info at: www.incognitodance.com
Millie & Doughie's Portrait Story
From loose line sketch to unboxing the finished framed portraits, watch a little walk through of the commission process for these two lovable characters.
Timid & gentle Millie & Doughie, a 20kg ball of loving energy are the subjects of today's portrait deep dive.
Have a watch as I walk you through my journey with them from loose sketched line to finished framed portraits unboxed by their mum Sarah.
Whether a simple character portrait, showing the cheeky sparkle in a subjects eye or something with more story, weaving in objects or anecdotes with special meanings; my specialty is creating artworks that bring to life personalities in beautiful colour and detail.
I have one commission slot left for April and am now taking bookings for May.
Do you have a character in your life in need of a portrait?
SAY HELLO with any Qs, I’m always happy to chat through ideas!
For info about my commission service click the button below.
Click the button below to watch the full timelapse for each painting.
A Painted Tribute to Mother's Day
Celebrating my mother in words and watercolour! Watch a mini timelapse of my painted tribute to Mother’s Day, accompanied by a little poem.
Mum, digital watercolour painting
A little poem and painting in tribute to a special lady!
Mother, sometimes sister, daughter,
Constant friend & councillor,
Wise beyond measure, loyal to a fault,
Strong in will, yet vulnerable
Bearer of heavy burdens, yet the first to give, despite her cares.
Ever kind, a child to joy, unconditional in her loving
Half the source of my life and the roots from which I grow.
This digital watercolour is a portrait of my mother in a sunshine moment, sitting on a bench by the river near Putney bridge.
A quick snapshot taken on one of our lovely lockdown walks, refreshed by river breezes, warmed by golden sun and each other’s company.
Painted loosely, I wanted to explore the wonderful contrast of light and shadow that were at play across her face, bringing to life all the amazing contours of her expression and the years of stories they tell.
Shining Eyes, A Work in Progress
A glimpse at what is on the digital easel this week, showing my progress on my portrait of Treacle, in particular focusing in how I paint his eyes.
A commission in progress…sharing a little glimpse of Treacle's portrait.
Showing his eyes gradually taking shape; shining globes of wisdom and experience set within a beautifully chaotic frame of bushy eyebrows and fur - loving the journey they are taking me on!
Eyes do a lot of talking, communicating so much without words and are definitely one of my favourite features to paint.
Further updates to follow!
Would you like me to capture the unique sparkle in your dog's eyes?
I have one more commission slot available in April up for grabs which might interest you!
Feel free to get in touch or click the button below to explore more info on my commission service.
A New Project in the Making
Joining forces with fellow artist Stella Tooth in a new collaboration, watch a little overview sharing a few more details!
I'm teaming up with artist Stella Tooth on a new project which we have been brainstorming this week at her studio in Ealing.
To mark the moment we snapped this impromptu video (see below), blunders and all, giving a little glimpse of what we are up to!
Both Stella and I are traditionally trained artists with a love of story telling, curious to explore how our paintings can bring stories to life in ways unique to this medium.
We are very much inspired by similar subjects and certainly were, quite happily, digressing down various avenues of mutual interest in our meet up this week!
But more on this later.....for now, as we said…
Watch this space!
An Artist's thoughts on Social Media - Exploring Reels & TikTok for the First Time
Talking about my journey into social media and sharing my latest thoughts and revelations about Instagram and TikTok.
Part of being an artist these days is engaging with the world of technology. I have been on my own journey with this since October 2020 and have found it interesting looking back and assessing how my attitude has evolved and developed whilst talking with friends and family about their feelings on the subject.
Prior to 2020 I had been very erratic with social media, posting here and there with no real rhythm or logic. I understood its potential, but didn’t really understand how to connect with it in a way that felt organic and natural to me. The same could be said for my newsletters and blog posts. I would usually put something out when I had an exhibition coming up but never really wrote about my life as an artist, the works in progress, the challenges I faced.
I was an artist very much behind closed doors, that popped my head out every so often when I felt I had something worth sharing - and my estimation of what that was, always constituted a finished, resolved thing; never the process, the experiments, the trials and errors.
To an extent I think it is inevitable that we present, in greater and lesser ways, edited versions of ourselves, sometimes for brevity, sometimes for other purposes.
It takes time to feel comfortable talking more casually and openly to a wider audience. I am certainly on a journey as far as this is concerned, gradually finding my voice. The first few steps were extraordinarily uncomfortable but it was in the ‘doing of it’ that gradually a momentum has evolved, along with feeling more at ease with sharing my thoughts and how I work.
For me there is an aspect of journaling about it. By recording and talking about the process and development of my art business, a breadcrumb trail of understanding is immerging of myself which has helped me clarify my goals and the things that are important to me. It has also strengthened my resolve in what I do, how I can use my skills as a force for good and what I hope to achieve in the future.
There is a very worthy argument that social media is a platform that ‘takes’ as much as it ‘gives’ and I am not blind to the dangers of this and try to remain vigilant about the boundaries between utility and being controlled. However, at its best, it has been a platform for expression, for reaching out and connecting with wonderful people and helping myself, as well as many small businesses, be seen and heard in a much broader sense without the need for expensive agents and advertising.
It is with this in mind that this week I took another step down the rabbit hole of social media tech and posted a short 1 minute Reel for the first time, I also used this as my first ever TikTok post, kicking off a new line of exploration on a new platform.
I decided to use it as an opportunity to reintroduce myself and what I do. The challenge being to do so in a concise and visual way. It was a good little experiment and one I hope I can build on the future.
So without further ado, have a look at my video below - marking another little mile stone in my social media journey.
I am also very interested in hearing your thoughts on this subject and welcome you to leave a comment below.