Thursday 31 July 2014

New Sari Panels: Works in progress

This is a cheerful piece which I started during the PAOS event in Cathedral Square months ago, continued during the Open Studios weekends and is now nearly complete. As usual the process takes several months so each layer dries before another can be added. Just gives me more time to think......
This panel hasn't got a title yet, I need to think of something more original than 'green & lilac'....
Green & Lilac Sari Panel stage1
thai paper on board, oil paint, enamel paint
Some more paint detail required in the central sections still, then a few months drying and then the resin stage to finish off.  Not a quick process by any means!
Blue Sari Panel stage 1
Thai paper on board, oil paint, enamel paint

Wednesday 30 July 2014

National Trust Ham House paintings

Ham House Embroidery 1
Thai paper, oil paint, oil pastel enamel paint and resin on board
H: 85cm x W: 50 cm
Detail: border

I have been working for a number of months on two pieces inspired by a trip to the National Trust's Ham House, on the River Thames. The first panel (Ham House Embroidery 1) is Thai paper on board and takes its motifs from a silk embroidered bed head cover from 1670/1680. The detail image of the border, above, is inspired from the incredibly intricate decoration from what is thought to be the State bed, and is composed of silk thread, wire, vellum and silk tassels. Much of the embroidery is silk floss and cord, embellished with soft silk tassels, all in warm cream and peach tones. 

The second, larger piece which is a work in progress (Ham House Embroidery 2), is a paper on canvas work, which is a considerable size, hence the choice of a canvas structure as it is reasonably light weight compared to board!
Ham House Embroidery 2 - stage 3
oil on Thai paper on canvas
H: 102 x W: 127
A wonderful silk wall hanging was the starting point for this piece, and I have included a reference to the rich silk ruches that form a border to the hanging. The Thai paper which I have used as the base layer has dried flowers incorporated though out, and I have included these occasionally across the painting, integrating them across the surface of the work.
stage 2

Detail showing incorporation of dried flowers as part of the painting's overall design
Detail
Paper detail showing dried flower imbedded in paper




Tuesday 29 July 2014

Summer drawing at Barnsdale Gardens & more

I have enjoyed using my large Moleskin sketchbook this summer, the paper takes ink and aquarel pencil really well, far better than standard watercolour. 
Geraniums
Ink and aquarel pencil wash
Aberdeen garden
 This geranium was a lovely memory of a great week spent in my parent's garden.
Purple Globe Artichoke
Barnsdale Gardens, Rutland
Ink and aquarel pencil wash
 I was immediately attracted to the sculptural form of this huge Purple Globe artichoke, basking in the sun in Barnsdale Gardens, Rutlandshire. I'll be adding to this collection very soon!
Purple Globe Artichoke 2
Barnsdale Gardens, Rutland
Ink and aquarel pencil wash