Friday, 3 February 2012
ROWLOCK
Monday, 30 January 2012
Early Evening, Aldeburgh Tide Marker
Saturday, 28 January 2012
Framlingham View
This is a view across the road from where we live. Somewhere we walk the dogs every day. We had to have a couple of chestnut trees taken down today, as they were in bad shape. A shame, but it has opened up the view a great deal. Especially this time of year.
I have painted this in oils, and also added some chalk pastel, which is an unusual combination, but added a dimension that I liked.
Thursday, 26 January 2012
INFLUENCE IN ART
Artists are influenced all the time by what has gone before, and indeed what is happening today.
As an example, I took delivery of a great book yesterday. De Kooning, a retrospective. An amazing book of work from an artist I much admire. For me I am influenced by much of his earlier work. In fact the group of abstract expressionists have a big affect on me. Strange you may think, as I paint mainly representational subjects. Of course De Kooning painted the figure. Something I must tackle one of these days.
I guess the influence comes when I say that I am trying to make movement and texture in my work. It is the brush work that is so impressive with these painters. I can apply some of this thinking to my subjects. The spirit is something I must try to capture.
David Hockney has greatly been influenced by many artists, such as Van Gough. As artists it is impossible not to be inspired by what has gone before. And it is very healthy to do so. Of course Picassso was also inspired. A Spanish pirate! But still probably the greatest ever painter. The only artists I can think of without this influence from the outside world, are the true 'primitive' artists. People like Alfred Wallis. Ironic, as he was a great inspiration to people like Ben Nicholson when he 'discovered' him.
So embrace all art, and be influenced. It is a rich visual world out there. Inspiration can come from anywhere!...
As an example, I took delivery of a great book yesterday. De Kooning, a retrospective. An amazing book of work from an artist I much admire. For me I am influenced by much of his earlier work. In fact the group of abstract expressionists have a big affect on me. Strange you may think, as I paint mainly representational subjects. Of course De Kooning painted the figure. Something I must tackle one of these days.
I guess the influence comes when I say that I am trying to make movement and texture in my work. It is the brush work that is so impressive with these painters. I can apply some of this thinking to my subjects. The spirit is something I must try to capture.
David Hockney has greatly been influenced by many artists, such as Van Gough. As artists it is impossible not to be inspired by what has gone before. And it is very healthy to do so. Of course Picassso was also inspired. A Spanish pirate! But still probably the greatest ever painter. The only artists I can think of without this influence from the outside world, are the true 'primitive' artists. People like Alfred Wallis. Ironic, as he was a great inspiration to people like Ben Nicholson when he 'discovered' him.
So embrace all art, and be influenced. It is a rich visual world out there. Inspiration can come from anywhere!...
ARTISTS LIFE FOR ME
Just come in from lighting the stove in the studio. Must give it half an hour before I can go in and start working. Soon warms up.
I started another canvas end of yesterday. Another in a series of views from Aldeburgh boat club. A bit smaller this time. Trying to make looser marks to create movement and texture. See where it leads me...
Have a meeting today to discuss the year ahead, and things to plan and do. Will keep you posted!
I started another canvas end of yesterday. Another in a series of views from Aldeburgh boat club. A bit smaller this time. Trying to make looser marks to create movement and texture. See where it leads me...
Have a meeting today to discuss the year ahead, and things to plan and do. Will keep you posted!
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
David Hockney
Just looked through the book of Hockneys work at the RA. It is already a hit show, going by the numbers of people going to see the exhibition.
And I am not supprised. The work is a joyous celebration of painting and nature. A good combination. It is amazing the amount of work, and at such a scale that Hockney has produced. Painting is a physical process, which really takes it out of you. Amazing energy he has.
I hope this hit show will bring to the fore painting, and observing the real world. Colour also will breath life into the art world. I have always been a colourist at heart, and it is good to see that people are seeing with fresh eyes the way colour and form can come together.
Perhaps the conceptual art of recent times will take a back seat for a while. Letting the craft of painting shine again. For some reason it has not been in fashion. Painting will however always stand the test of time. It has always been part of human nature to paint. From cave paintings on.
As for me, I am going to see the show in March, when I hope things are a bit quieter. For now, the book will have to do!
And I am not supprised. The work is a joyous celebration of painting and nature. A good combination. It is amazing the amount of work, and at such a scale that Hockney has produced. Painting is a physical process, which really takes it out of you. Amazing energy he has.
I hope this hit show will bring to the fore painting, and observing the real world. Colour also will breath life into the art world. I have always been a colourist at heart, and it is good to see that people are seeing with fresh eyes the way colour and form can come together.
Perhaps the conceptual art of recent times will take a back seat for a while. Letting the craft of painting shine again. For some reason it has not been in fashion. Painting will however always stand the test of time. It has always been part of human nature to paint. From cave paintings on.
As for me, I am going to see the show in March, when I hope things are a bit quieter. For now, the book will have to do!
View of Aldeburgh, from the boat club
Here is a new painting. Iam going to paint more pictures of wider more expansive landscapes. We are spoilt in this area for landscape. How could Constable be wrong after all! I will have to get to grips with big skies.
Saturday, 21 January 2012
PUBLIC ART
Public art is a great thing.
I have been approached with the opportunity to create a public sculpture. This is a very exciting prospect, and I am looking forward to generating some ideas.
I only have one reservation. Red tape. Why is there always so much to break through to get things done. Although I have not got far enough for the rejections to start, I feel some sense of dread. This is not a bad thing, as it will make me work harder to make things happen.
We seem to have a culture of lets say no, because it is the easy option. Art in public spaces is one of the most important roles that art can perform. It has the ability to bring people together in a positive way. Think of the angel of the north. Adopted by the people of the area.
Of course, we have the scallop by Maggi Hambling in Aldeburgh. Very interesting as there are people who both love and hate it. This can only be positive. It brings the debate to the people and engages the community. There is no such thing as good or bad art I guess?
I very much relish the prospect of creating work for the community. What could be more important for an artist. I hope to create something that will reflect the community, and be embraced by it. Of course there will be those who object. But that is life.
I have been approached with the opportunity to create a public sculpture. This is a very exciting prospect, and I am looking forward to generating some ideas.
I only have one reservation. Red tape. Why is there always so much to break through to get things done. Although I have not got far enough for the rejections to start, I feel some sense of dread. This is not a bad thing, as it will make me work harder to make things happen.
We seem to have a culture of lets say no, because it is the easy option. Art in public spaces is one of the most important roles that art can perform. It has the ability to bring people together in a positive way. Think of the angel of the north. Adopted by the people of the area.
Of course, we have the scallop by Maggi Hambling in Aldeburgh. Very interesting as there are people who both love and hate it. This can only be positive. It brings the debate to the people and engages the community. There is no such thing as good or bad art I guess?
I very much relish the prospect of creating work for the community. What could be more important for an artist. I hope to create something that will reflect the community, and be embraced by it. Of course there will be those who object. But that is life.
Thursday, 19 January 2012
SUNSET ALDEBURGH
LONDON ART FAIR
Had a good day yesterday at the London Art Fair. 100 galleries to look at.
There was some fantastic work on show, and gave inspiration. Lots also that I would not want to own. Some very poor painting, some amazing. I guess that is to be expected.
A useful exercise. And well worth a visit if you get the chance. There were lots of people milling round. Looking at the work there were not too many red dots which was a supprise. Perhaps it is just a sign of the times we are in. Having said that I did see a couple of paintings sold at £65,000, so not all doom and gloom.
I did avoid the Damian Hurst work. From a distance it seemed very dull now. The production line keeps on churning it out.
The best work to see in my opinion was the St Ives crowd. Some great Peter Lanyons. If I had 45,000 to spend that's where my money would have gone"!
There was some fantastic work on show, and gave inspiration. Lots also that I would not want to own. Some very poor painting, some amazing. I guess that is to be expected.
A useful exercise. And well worth a visit if you get the chance. There were lots of people milling round. Looking at the work there were not too many red dots which was a supprise. Perhaps it is just a sign of the times we are in. Having said that I did see a couple of paintings sold at £65,000, so not all doom and gloom.
I did avoid the Damian Hurst work. From a distance it seemed very dull now. The production line keeps on churning it out.
The best work to see in my opinion was the St Ives crowd. Some great Peter Lanyons. If I had 45,000 to spend that's where my money would have gone"!
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