Christine Cook - Behind the Art

Abstract Oils

2008-11-13T10:20:00.010Z

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...

2008-11-13T10:01:00.010Z

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

2008-05-20T13:16:00.015Z

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

2008-01-21T20:53:00.000Z

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

2008-01-15T16:33:00.000Z

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

2008-01-15T16:04:00.000Z

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.

More Italian Lakes

2007-07-06T08:33:00.001Z

A series of paintings focusing on the Lake view at night, using purple grey tones the work is moody and dramatic. 'Lake Garda at Night' features the speedboat, it adds a different feel to the painting and you are drawn to it. The water is still, tranquil and calming. The night sky is dark and thought provoking.

Italian Lakes

2007-07-03T10:29:00.000Z

The latest collection of sunset paintings are inspired by Lake Garda. Following a holiday in Lake Garda, Italy in July last year I had many ideas for new work. The views were fantastic and the place has become a real favourite, along with The Cook Islands. Although very different they both offer beauty, tranquility and much inspiration for my work.

'Lake Garda Sunset' portrays a simple view of the lake as the sun is setting. I painted it using acrylic paints but it has the feel of an oil painting. It's rich with colour and the sky is captivating, just as it is in the flesh. It's no surprise that this painting is already sold.

'Lake Garda Sunset II' takes pride of place in our home. I've kept a few paintings over the years and this one is my favourite. The view from our hotel, which was right on the Lake. A beautiful painting really capturing the essence of Lake Garda.

Commission

2007-07-02T12:23:00.000Z

A commissioned series of 3 paintings similar to 'Aquitaine'. I'm using 30x24 inch canvas, which is a fantastic size particularly for abstract works.

The series is titled 'Aquitania' to allow a link with the 1st painting in this style. The names Aquitaina Prima, Secunda and Tertia, come from the Roman names given to the Aquitaine region in the 4th Century AD. Although similar in style and colour to Aquitaine, every painting is unqiue, subtle differences make each one individual.

Blue is another great colour, like purple I use it in a lot of my work and it's ideal for abstract pieces. My Cool Blues collection proves to be very popular, the colour has such impact, but at the same time it's a relaxing and calming colour. There are so many blues, something to suit every one and as far as art is concerned I feel blue fits well with most spaces.

Moonlight and Seascapes

2007-07-01T09:34:00.000Z

Following the Ocean Sunsets collection I decided to focus on moonlit inspired seascapes. A great opportunity to use moody purple and grey tones, a favourite of mine.

This series of paintings 'Distants Shores' are designed to be snapshots of ocean views at night. I wanted to use colours that compliment one another, but at the same time allowing each painting to be individual and unique. 3 small canvases 20x8 inches, perfect for any space.

'Midnight Sea II' captures all the drama
I had in mind when I started this collection. It's dark and moody, tranquil and relaxing. I love the colour puprle and this painting demonstrates perfectly the impact it can have. Particularly when favouring tones of the same colour.

Ocean Sunsets

2007-06-29T20:52:00.000Z

I decided to use accent colours in this
collection, rather than tones of the same
colour that I favour in most of my seascape work. This 1st painting is a perfect example.

'Evening Glow' is my favourite from the collection, I love the simplicity of the scene and the beautiful sky. The dark clouds are complimented perfectly by the warming yellow light from the setting sun. I'm tempted to keep this painting myself, but I just don't have the wall space.... I have too many favourites.

'Le Coucher du Soleil II' is a striking piece that no photo can ever do justice. Using varying tones of oranges, reds and yellows to capture the scene, the painting just comes to life.

I'm back!

2007-06-29T20:35:00.000Z

It's been a long time since I posted a message. A lot has happened and I find it hard to believe more than a year has passed.

After my last post the next few months flew by, shortly followed by the school summer holidays. With a lively young son to entertain finding time to paint is difficult enough, never mind posting regularly. At the time we also decided to relocate further south to be nearer family, we are now living in Northamptonshire. For the 1st time in my life I'm not living by the sea, thankfully we have beautiful countryside around us to make up for it. The relocation kept us busy for the rest of 2006 and we were settled just in time for Christmas.

There have been a number of changes to my collections in the past year and I will cover this in more detail separately. Suffice to say there are many new paintings and I've just started work on the most recent collection, an exciting departure from my usual works.

Apologies

2006-03-09T22:29:00.000Z

Apologies for the lack of posts. I started out with good intentions, but things never go to plan some how. Life can be a bit hectic when you're trying to fit everything in! I'm so busy with commissions at the moment, and will be for the next couple of weeks at least. Not that I'm complaining, this past month has been my best ever for sales. I hope to make a start on the Ocean Sunsets collection soon.

View of The Pier

2006-01-27T13:54:00.000Z

Many of the Piers in this country are fascinating, my particular interest being Brighton's West Pier, the main source for this collection.

The destruction it has suffered is terrible. I would have loved to have seen the Pier back in all its glory, I'm sure the photos do no justice. I know many artists living in Brighton have painted the West Pier, but I feel each artist interprets the subject in a different way.

At Anchor

2006-01-27T09:20:00.000Z

My latest painting 'At Anchor' is inspired by a photo taken on honeymoon in the Cook Islands. My studio is filled with dozens of photos from the Cooks Islands pinned up around my work space. My husband Chris loves taking photos and his work provides much of the inspiration for this collection.

Whilst enjoying lunch one day in Rarotonga Chris captured this image. I've wanted to paint it for some time, but other projects and commissioned work have kept me busy.
My work isn't intended to be photo realistic, I prefer to capture the essence of the scene in my style.

My colours are more vibrant and I have lost the detail I feel isn't necessary. For instance part of the island in the distance and the children in the sea. I wanted the boat itself to be the focal point of the painting, using similar tones to the horizon line to tie it all in.

Welcome to my blog

2006-01-26T13:01:00.000Z

This is my first posting and I'm sure many will follow soon. I recently found out about blog from a fellow artist, and thought it would be a great way to share my news.

I've been really busy lately, painting non-stop and to be honest completely tiring myself out. Today is my 1st day off for a while, I've even been working at the weekends too. Unusual for me as I tend to take the weekends off!

I've been filled with inspiration and there aren't enough hours in the day to paint everything I want. Which reminds me, I must get some of these ideas into my sketchbook asap, before they dissapear.

That's it for now, hope to be back soon with some images of my latest paintings. Need to figure out how to add them, it's one of the many things on my to do list.