New Painting and New Classes

Last night i finished a new painting which depicts the abandoned job centre in Stafford.  It is called 'Signing Off' and is a companion piece to the previous painting 'Exit'.  The theme is abandonment again but it also looks at how something ugly can also become beautiful or at least interesting when seen in a different light.  There are many things people walk past every day without noticing them and it's places like this that interest me the most.  An image of this painting can be seen on this website.

My art classes are set to resume soon and new students are very welcome to join in.  These courses are no longer run by Stafford College but people can enrol by contacting me directly.  A full list of courses can be seen on this website in the art classes section.

Summer Exhibition and new paintings

The Summer Exhibition at Reuben Colley Fine Art starts on the 11th July and includes three of my paintings, "By the Tracks", "Arrival" and my most recent piece "Exit".  The exhibition also features work by several artists represented by the gallery.

My latest painting "Exit" features the car park of an abandoned job centre.  I am currently working on a follow up piece that shows the same building from another angle.  This once busy place is now left unattended and is beginning to shows signs of neglect.  Broken windows, graffiti and litter now catch the eye as you walk about.

I have entered two drawings and one painting into the Three Counties Open Art exhibition at the Burslem School of Art.  It would be nice to have something included. 

Arrival

I have now completed my new painting based on an urban area on the outskirts of Stafford town.  It depicts the side of a garage and the railway line behind it.  What attracted me to this space is the run down appearance of the area with the peeling paint, graffiti and cracked concrete.  It has a feeling that something has happened or is about to happen and at the same time is the sort of place that is often ignored or overlooked.  

The painting is called "Arrival" which refers to the theme of transport (the garage and railway line in the picture) but also the sense of becoming aware of the spirit of the area.  The scene in the image would not normally be something people would spend time with - it would be somewhere that was passed or used briefly, perhaps to park or drop off a vehicle.  Most of us spend much of our time thinking ahead of where we want to be rather than being aware of where we are and what we are doing,  So this painting looks at looking at something generally regarded as ugly in a new light and seeing that everything is fascinating given the right outlook. 

This work also connects to other work i have done that explored themes of abandonment and stillness.  I intend to work more in this area.

New work for 2017

It's been a while since i have written anything on this site but I have been really busy painting and teaching.

My art classes are going well and I have just put together an art exhibition for my students at The Ancient High House in Stafford.  The artists are a mix of beginners, more experienced and advanced and the pieces have been very well received by the public.  The exhibition is called "Through the Looking Glass" and it runs until the 8th April.  Entry is free but most of the work is for sale.

I am currently working on two paintings both featuring garages.  The first is a private commission and the other features a scene on the outskirts of Stafford.  This piece is an  atmospheric urban landscape depicting an area that most people would probably not notice.  The piece attempts to capture a sense of the place, something that words cannot describe.  

This theme has been part of my work for a while now whether it is buildings, landscapes or interiors.  In some ways it doesn't matter what the scene is; it is more about being present in the moment and feeling alive within the space.  A feeling that goes deeper than the day to day issues, a sense of life and death, an ever changing landscape.

You can never guess how a painting will go but this new piece is flowing really well and I'm painting with confidence and a sense of purpose.

Happy New Year!

I hope you have had a wonderful Christmas and were able to enjoy a break from work.  I am looking forward to getting stuck into some new art projects this year starting with a recent commission.

My art classes start again this month.  You can find a full listing on my Art Classes page

I teach people of all abilities from the complete beginner to the more advanced.  You have the choice of following set exercises or working on your own project which i will assist you with.  What makes my classes different to most is that I really try to cater for the individual and work hard to boost your confidence and ability.  My classes are also relaxed and fun!

Do contact me if you have any queries.

I look forward to meeting you this year!

Christmas Exhibition

Some of my work will appear in this years Christmas exhibition at Reuben Colley Fine Art in Birmingham.  This will include my two recent paintings of Aonach Mor.  The exhibition also features work by other artists represented by the gallery and it will no doubt be a good show.  It runs from the 5th December to the 7th January.

Aonach Mor (no.2)

Today i completed a second painting based on my recent trip to Scotland, "Aonach Mor (no.2)".  For me this piece works on two levels.  Firstly it depicts the incredible scenery and atmosphere of the place but it is also another piece of work that looks at the sense of stillness and quietness that such a place inspires.  For a while now this theme has been running through most of my work and is a reflection of my own desire to reduce the mental chatter and overthinking that has become habitual to me.

I have many other ideas based on the scenery of Scotland and plan to produce more on the theme.   Aonach Mor (no.2) is a natural companion to the first painting but both work on their own merits.  An image of these pieces can be found in the Natural Landscapes section of this website.

Aonach Mor

I have just completed my new painting, "Aonach Mor", which depicts one of the mountains in Scotland near Ben Nevis.  The scene shows the view near the top which was very atmospheric and inspiring.  The intention is for this to be the first in a series of paintings of this nature.

David Bowie once said that when looking at the work of Frank Auerbach "I want to sound like that looks".  For me it has often been music that has inspired my paintings.  I would like my paintings to convey a similar feeling to the music of Stars of the Lid (who are in turn inspired by film)!

As with all my work the surface image is just the basic element of the painting.  Behind that is the intention of the work or what has brought it into existence.  In recent times, in an attempt to deal with stress or anxiety i have found being out in nature to be quite soothing no matter what the weather.  It enables me to switch off my compulsive thinking and just enjoy being in the moment.  When painting "Aonach Mor" those moments of clarity, space and stillness were relived and I feel that this is reflected in the work.

Mountains, pubs and more mountains

I am currently quite far through a new painting depicting Aonach Mor, a mountain in Scotland near Ben Nevis.  It's a large ambitious piece and a subject i have never attempted before in my art.  Having recently visited the Highlands i felt like i wanted to respond to the stunning views and the feelings it evoked when i traveled there.  Aside from the obvious beauty of the place I wanted to continue working on a theme that has been in my work for the last couple of years.

Before i even started on this new body of work i knew that i wanted to express a sense of space and stillness.  I wanted no figures, no distractions and to capture nature as i saw it.  The first painting is going well and I look forward to completing it.

My recent painting of The New Navigation pub has been on my mind of late and i may make a few adjustments before it is exhibited.  Most painters i know face the difficulty of knowing when a piece is finished and something has not felt right about the piece for a while.  Just a few little changes i think.

New Navigation

Today i finally finished my painting of an old derelict pub i found in Birmingham, "The New Navigation".  This pub is on Lewisham Road near the BCN Old Main Line Canal.  When i last saw it the place was abandoned and in poor state but it caught my eye as i wandered on the outskirts of the city.  I have painted abandoned buildings many times but this scene is well lit with a bright sky which contrasts with my usual subdued palette.  An image of "The New Navigation" can be found in the Abandoned Spaces section of this website.

I recently came back from Scotland after visiting the Highlands.  There i was inspired by the stunning landscape and loved travelling around the area.  The mountains were incredible and i shall be starting a series of paintings based on my research.

Coast

To coincide with the summer time the Shire Hall Gallery in Stafford are holding an exhibition entitled "Coast" which features work by various artists who have responded to the theme.  My Whitesands paintings are included and are nicely situated on the first wall as you walk into the space.  The exhibition runs until early September.

I am currently finishing off my painting of the New Navigation Inn and will soon be taking a trip to Scotland where i will find fresh inspiration for a new body of work.  The plan at the moment is to respond to the mountains.

My art classes with Stafford College are taking a break at the moment and will resume mid September.  The art class at Gainsborough Artworks will relocate to Haughton Village Hall as of the 7th September.  Details for all classes can be found in the teaching area of the website.

Food, pubs and mountains

The Food exhibition began today at Reuben Colley Fine Art.  It is a group show and my "Waffle House" painting will feature there.  The work i have seen looks really striking and it should prove to be popular i would think.

My "New Navigation Inn" painting is making good progress.  There is still much to do but i can see it taking shape and am optimistic it will bea strong painting.  I feel increasing confidence with my technique and that much of what i do is flowing instinctively these days.

My trip to Scotland is getting close.  There i hope to find fresh inspiration for a new body of work which will most likely feature mountains.  For quite some time now i have known how i want my new work to feel but was not sure what it would look like.  The task now is to match subject matter with that feeling!

Waffle House

I have just completed my "Waffle House" painting for the "Food" exhibition at Reuben Colley Fine Art gallery in Birmingham.  With this piece i wanted to create a serious painting depicting a slightly humorous subject matter.  As i am usually known for depicting buildings i thought it might be interesting to create one with food, in this case potato waffles.  I am quite pleased with the overall result and enjoyed producing a piece with strong light and shadows.

I will now resume my painting of the New Navigation Inn which will lead nicely up to my trip to Scotland where i hope to fine a new source of inspiration.

"Waffle House" can be seen in the Still Life section of this website.

Trees, waffles and buildings

The Woodland exhibition has now finished.  It was perhaps my most successful exhibition both artistically and commercially - several pieces sold and many more people have become aware of my work.  I set out to capture the atmosphere of the forest and create the impression that the viewer could walk into the scene and many people have told me that is how they felt when looking at the work.  I have produced work that i feel is honest which depicts the forest exactly as it is showing life and death, beauty and mystery.

I feel that i have reached a new high with my work but also that my painting technique is continuing to grow.  it will be exciting to see how things progress.  I have noticed looser elements sitting comfortably next to built up detailed areas.

I have just finished a commission based on my painting "Stillness" which is similar but slightly different.  It is called "Stillness Returned" and can be seen in the "Commissions" section of this website"

I am currently working on a couple of more light hearted pieces for the forthcoming "Food" exhibition at Reuben Colley Fine Art gallery.  This will combine humour and serious painting - an interesting combination!

Woodland

The Woodland exhibition is now on at Reuben Colley Fine Art gallery in Birmingham.  It features my drawings and paintings of Cannock Chase.  I am very happy with how the show looks and am delighted that a few pieces have sold quite quickly - the response has been very positive.  This work has been a pleasure to make and it taps into my love of nature and connection to the forest which i have visited all my life.

The exhibition also features work by Reuben Colley who has produced drawings and paintings of Sutton Park and a few pieces by Mark Godwin and Mircea Teleaga.

I am currently working on a commission off the back of the exhibition as well as finishing off a painting of a Birmingham pub.

I'm planning on a trip to Scotland later this year to gain inspiration for a new body of work.  Possibly mountains......

Paintings and teaching

I have a painting and two drawings included in the Brampton Museum Open Art exhibition at Newcastle Staffordshire.  It's a very mixed show and the gallery is nice.  One of my students from my art class, Emily Bradshaw, also had one of her paintings accepted which is well deserved.

I am currently working on my painting of the New Navigation Inn, a derelict pub near the canals of Birmingham.  This piece is interesting because it is full of contrasting elements.  Strong colour next to dark shadows, textured areas next to flat blocks of paint, detailed areas near open space and so on.   I will be following this up with another, quite unusual painting which is based on a striking photo that i took in Birmingham near the canals.

I am currently doing slightly less teaching over the Easter period but will be back with my college courses as well as my own regular class at Gainsborough Artworks soon.  The Gainsborough class is getting quite full but there are spaces on my college courses should you wish to join.  See my art classes page for details.

I am getting excited about the forthcoming "Woodland" exhibition at Reuben Colley Fine Art gallery in Birmingham.  This show features my Cannock Chase drawings and paintings and will be one of my largest and strongest exhibitions to date.  This work has a lot of depth and meaning to me but also will resonate with anyone who appreciates nature.

Art classes and workshops

My art classes and workshops pages are regularly updated and so if you are interested in learning how to draw and paint do keep looking.

The Stafford College classes continue in Haughton Village Hall on the 12th April and the first session is free.  The Stafford College class at Penkridge starts again on the 20th April.  Contact the college to enroll or myself if you are unable to get through.

Mt regular class on Wednesday morning at Gainsborough Artworks in Stafford is ongoing and you can join when you are ready.  Send me a message to check availability.

I also often run Art workshops and you can request me to run one for you.  Just send me a message with your requirements and i will get back to you.

I believe we all have a creative side and it is just a matter of opening up and having a go.  I teach all abilities including people who have no confidence.  You'll be surprised at what you can achieve if you try and i can help you develop whatever your ability.

Exhibitions and plans

The Nicklin Revisited exhibition at Reuben Colley Fine Art gallery in Birmingham finished today.  It was an interesting show to be involved in and it drew in not just art enthusiasts but also people interested in the history of the West Midlands.  It was the first time i had exhibited my work in the new(ish) gallery location and i was very impressed with the presentation of the work, all of which was outstanding.

I will next be exhibiting at Brampton Museum as part of the Open Art exhibition which runs from the 19th March to the 5th June.  I had three pieces of work selected for the show including my painting, "By the Tracks" and my drawings "After the Fire" and "Aftermath" all of which are part of the Abandoned Spaces series.

My Cannock Chase paintings and drawings have been delivered to Reuben Colley Fine Art gallery in time for the Woodland exhibition which is due to begin next month.  I am very pleased with this work and it was an interesting change of subject for me.  I feel that i have captured the atmosphere of the forest as i see it and look forward to seeing it all framed.

I am currently working on a painting of "The New Navigation" inn which is a derelict pub i discovered in Birmingham a couple of years ago.  It's going well so far.

New work

I am currently preparing for a new set of work possibly based around the theme of Birmingham, in particular the canals and the buildings that are situated near them.  I have a lot of source material around this theme and so it is just a case of starting somewhere.

The Nicklin Revisited exhibition at Reuben Colley Fine Art gallery has been extended until the 12th March.  I have three paintings included so do visit the show if you can.

In April i will be taking part in the Woodland exhibition also at Reuben Colley Fine Art gallery.  For this show i have produced a number of drawings and paintings based on Cannock Chase.  This work is atmospheric and quiet and explores themes of stillness and being in the moment.
 

Nicklin Unseen

The "Nicklin Unseen" exhibition at Reuben Colley Fine Art gallery continues until the end of the month.  This is a group show where artists from the gallery have reinterpreted archive photographs taken in the 1950s and 1960s by Phyllis Nicklin.  I have three paintings included, images of which can be seen in the Urban Landscape section of this website.