Back to the drawing board

I have been repainting an earlier piece of mine. It had been hanging in my hallway and everytime I walked past it I knew I had rushed it towards completion as I just got so tired using oil paints on such a large scale. I realise in hindsight that it was a big project to take on, particularly as it had been one of my first trepid ventures into painting again after a long hiatus. I obviously hadn't realised what I was getting myself into. So i took it down, and with a better control over my oilpaints I set about over the weekend to make it look how it should. Completed. In contrast to the previous step by step posts of my last piece, I think I'll only post this one when it's done. Just to prove to myself that I can finish it, and finish it well.
The branches of an evolving idea. Some snap and others grow. I'm learning to let go of some ideas and projects and move on to new ones quickly. That way I avoid being grumpy about the fact that it didn't work. My book page art are what spring to mind. I enjoyed the concept of doing it but the result just wasn't me. I'm still happy that I did them which is why they are posted here for all to see. But the clever concept overrode the expression and meaning behind it. When I started doing the simpler collages, it felt as though I was recycling old ideas into a new format. I'm sure with alot of other artists work, there is a cyclical rhythm to their ideas, where a previous piece contains the key to the following and so on and so on.
All in all, i'm feeling very happy about where I am with my work at the moment and I feel very grown up in being able to recycle old ideas into better ones.

Lingerie Junkie

 

I was looking at a beautiful revolution and admiring the simplicity of design. So with scissors and pen in hand I came up with these within the space of an hour. I like the idea of being deliberately minimal when expressing an idea, but without being too abstract in meaning. I think simplicity, when used effectively, can equal clarity. I can see these as rather cute postcards.hmmmmm....

Butterfly Paintings

I love these butterfly paintings, discovered on Alex Remys art blog.They were made by L.Filipe dos Santos It made me think about school art projects like tea staining, blowing paint through a straw, tie dye and tea stained paper. The idea behind these paintings are fantastic because he recycles a classic classroom activity and gives it a contemporary edge. Love it

Preliminary sketch..

...for a new painting. It will be smaller compared to the last one. As you might notice, I am fascinated by clown make up. It's my way of expressing human fragility. But on the other hand, theres a certain level of autonomy and individual expression. Just as goths might want to show this when they dress up or a girl and her favourite lipstick. I think vulnerability and power go hand in hand.

 

 

Done

 

This piece has taken me to a whole new level of patience, stamina and persistence. I have given up so easily before and made so many excuses for breaking promises to myself. So this has been a big breakthrough for me. I know how to deal with artistic selfdoubt, daily distractions and mindless procrastinating.
Still have a lot to learn but I'm ready and willing. My mind is brimming with ideas that I don't think I have enough paper to put it all down.
I'm a happy little butterfly.

fffound

Just discovered this great online image factory. Old news to alot of artists and bloggers out there but a recent revelation for me. It appears to be an invitation only site, so somebody out there invite me. Pleeaaasssee.

The Watchwoman

Inspired by Wangechi Mutu.

 

Weekend Sketch

Strong clean lines with a hint of strangeness. A drawing like this one is a way of filling in my 'in-between big fat portrait' projects. In my case finishing has been delayed due to lack of paints. Again.
Im worried that I may have developed an unhealthy obsession with my local artshop. I dont think anyone can beat the hazy lovelorn look in my eyes as I stare at acrylic box sets, paintbrushes and tubes of phtalo blue. Sigh...

 

Ive been very inspired by the work of Wangechi Mutu recently. Shes on one of my link lists if you want to have a look. She uses tape,glitter and magazine cut outs to make strong provocative and beautiful statements. Some of them are certainly not for the fainthearted. So I may include black glitter and other bits and pieces towards the the end of the piece, and I will highlight the foliage with some oilpaint. There has been alot of doubt as to whether oils and acrylics or other water based paints can be used together. What Ive heard is that oils should only be used at the very end, and not mixed with acrylics. Fat over lean method. As long as you use the oil sparingly it shouldnt cause any problems. Hopefully.

 

weekend scribble

 

 

A Midsummer Night's Dream

I'm thinking frogs,lilies,wasps and ladybirds, vines intertwined with her hair......
I've got my work cut out on this one.

 

Audrey Kawasaki

speechless.

Running out of paint...aarrgghh!

 

 

Arthur Rackham

Lyndie Dourthe

Vintage bollywood posters

Looking through some vintage bollywood posters for some inspiration. I love the gaudy colours and excessive makeup. Very drag.

Clownboy

Done!

 

 

Calender Girl

Sketch for a new canvas piece. Partly based on my clownboy but it's a self portrait. This will take a while plus I still need to finish my clownboy.... busy busy busy. Once I finish this and am happy with it I'll start seriously thinking about setting up my website....happy days on the horizon

 

You are what is most beautiful about me

Del Kathryn Barton wins the 2008 Archibald Prize for this piece. It depicts Barton with her young son and daughter. I love it, magical, mystical and so expressive of a mothers love for her children. The combination of modern decorative techniques with a traditional figurative style is masterful. Love love love..

clownboy

 

I see the clown as a subversive symbol of masculinity. Their need to perform and to exaggerate emotions that would otherwise be hidden away.....
I sound like Im writing a thesis...
Not quite finished but getting there.

Its all coming together now....

almost done

 

Gabriel

 

I went to see Lou Rhodes perform in Lisbon last Friday. She had to give this particular song Gabriel a second try because it was apparently her first time using a voice box thingy... dont know the technical name for it. A beautiful song nevertheless. It was a nice little gig, everyone sitting on the floor all cosy and intimate, and the recent smoking ban meant that I didnt have hair smelling of ashtrays..yippee!

ooh..flowers!

Some of my flowers have started popping up after months of water-deprived negligence. So I was surprised to see that they had survived being ignored by me. Theres a bunch in a glass by my work desk. Lovely

 

A mad tea party

I love this piece by Su Blackwell. Its so intricate and detailed.

..a few more swirly lines...