Abstract Oils

After a couple of seascape paintings in oils, I wanted to try them for an abstract piece. Continuing the underwater jewels theme this painting is the latest in the collection.


'Atmosphere II' is a striking painting featuring a mix of blue, and purple hues with hints of red, and green. Embellished with metal leaf highlights to finish the piece. The colours blended fantastically and the colour / light contrast I portray in these works is captured wonderfully.

I will be using oils for more abstract pieces in the future.

Oils...

It's been a while since I posted, I just don't find the time to post frequently. I can't believe where the time has gone, it's November already!

A couple of months ago I decided to give oils a try for a change, something completely new for me. With the water mixable oils available I didn't need to worry about turps, which was always what put me off using them.

The first painting I created in oils is 'By the Lake' which is my favourite of the oil pieces. The colours are just beautiful, rich and creamy, I was really impressed with how well the oil paints blended. The downside of oils is the length of time they take to dry, but this is also a positive as you can work 'wet on wet' for days and the results are great.

The painting features in my Italian Lakes collection, depicting a view across the lake. I can never tire of looking at these views and have many photographs from the time my family and I have spent there. I have used the speedboats in many of the paintings in this collection but decided that I would paint a rock and grasses growing in the water this time and I love the result.

South Pacific

My departure from seascapes lasted only a short time, the delightful weather lately inspired me to work on my South Pacific paintings, a collection close to my heart.

One Foot Island, my favourite piece, depicts a typical idyllic scene captured in many of the photos from my honeymoon in The Cook Islands. The view approaching the shore of a small island named One Foot Island, located in the beautiful lagoons of Aitutaki.

Tropical Shores depicts the crystal clear waters of the lagoon lapping the shores of Aitutaki beach. The Dense dark bushes and trees provide a sharp contrast to the blue skies, white sands and turquoise sea.

The collection features many tranquil scenes, with views of elegant palm trees.

New for 2008

Following on from 'Underwater Jewels' and the water theme. The collection will mainly feature blue and purple tones, with the addition of pinks/reds and green to accentuate the shapes and overall design. Although fiddly to work with I love metal leaf, my favourite being gold leaf. The metals add an element of life and light to the artwork, whilst the majority of time is taken laying the foundations, it's not until I get to the final stages adding the gold leaf that it's the most satisfying. I've too many ideas buzzing around my head, like with all new projects I undertake, it tends to take over.

'Surface' has a much darker feeling, it's the influence of the dark and gloomy weather at the moment no doubt. Featuring more purple tones and much darker blues, with a more distinct design. What I love about abstract work is the painting takes over with a life of it's own, you start out with an idea in mind but many times the painting takes over and it's not until it's finished that I really know how it's going to look.

The gold leaf has a tendency to contrast too much with the darker tones, which is why I prefer that it's muted slightly, to achieve the perfect balance.

'Atmosphere' is an aptly named painting in vibrant and moody tones of indigo and violet. Influences for this piece come from my vision of outer space as well as the underwater theme I'm currently working with. The stlye of painting gives gentle texture to the artwork and areas of light compliment the deep dark tones. The use of my favoured gold leaf for emblishment add to the vibrancy and striking design.

Abstracts

2008 will see a return to abstract work, a break from seascape paintings which took over in 2007. The latest painting 'Underwater Jewels' is an indication of the kind of work for the near future.

The artwork is painted on a tabletop, forming part of 2 designs that turn an ordinary dining table into a unique work of art. Following a return to Lake Garda again in 2007 the floor of an ice-cream parlour inspired these works. Looking through the glass floor at the water, shells and jewels below was an inspired design, that I want to capture in the collection. I was able to achive a 'wet' look and the give the artwork a feeling of looking into water.

Fish Paintings

It's been a while since my last post, but picking up where I left off... the departure from my usual work is a collection of fish inspired paintings. I've always enjoyed admiring fish, the beautiful shapes and colours fascinate me.

I decided to try something different and choose Koi Carp, the unique markings and colours work perfectly with the background colours of blue, blue/green, turquoise and purple.

An original watercolour of Koi Carp type fish we own sparked my interest in painting fish, I decided to paint 2 small size paintings to display in the same room. I wanted a simple style, almost abstract in design, with a single colour

for the background allowing the fish themselves to 'jump out' of the artwork. The two with turquoise background are the paintings I have kept and the third is for sale. I intend to continue this collection during 2008.