Well, I’ve finished (I hope) my new study in acrylic paint, but what an adventure it’s been! I would not have thought that not is possible to forget so much so quickly. The real horror is the fact that in the past I always used a sheet of thick glass a a palette, because this … Read more
Some time ago, in this blog, I recounted the story of the advice I was given by the late Graeme Willson, during the time when I was fortunate enough to benefit from his services as a mentor. He commented on one occasion that my progress in art was being held back by the fact that … Read more
For some time now I’ve had in mind a new piece (or even, perhaps, a set of them) using the birch tree in our garden as the subject. The trouble is that I have been hesitating over what medium to use. I have been havering over this for too long, and yesterday I decided that … Read more
Following my previous posting I have been reflecting on the question of the reasons why some very able artists receive what would appear to be far less credit than they deserve. It struck me that there are at least two systematic reasons why this might be the case. By coincidence the calendar on the wall … Read more
The term “asymptotic” is used in mathematics and physics, although I’ve yet to see it figure in discussion of painting. It is, however, very useful in describing my experience. What it means is that a line on a graph keeps on approaching zero on the relevant axis but never actually gets there. I have discovered … Read more
I’m attempting, at the moment, to get a new idea off the ground. At first I faced the deterring thought that I might need to use a number of models in order to get the figure drawing right, but that didn’t last long, because it would be so complicated (and potentially expensive). Several years ago … Read more
As often happens, when our grandson is visiting he asks if we can do some art together. I’m really glad of these opportunities, but often surprised by the way they turn out. The choice of medium and subject I usually leave to him, and today, to my surprise, he opted for pen and ink, and … Read more
I’ve been hoping for some time that I would be able to produce one more picture for inclusion in my “Green Man” exhibition, at Lincoln Cathedral in July. Try as I might I could produce nothing coherent. I started several sketches but they all fizzled out before I had confidence in them. I must have … Read more
I have just been asked to complete a survey relating to my activity as an artist. It was run by a reputable national (perhaps international) network. Among the questions to which I was asked to respond was one relating to the media in which I work. To my astonishment pastels were not included at all. … Read more
As an artist whose preferred medium is pastels it is not unusual to be given quizzical looks regarding my choice of medium. Why would anybody want to use pastels? Having exhibited with the Pastel Society on several occasions I remember that there is a kind of defensive air about these occasions …. something of a … Read more