Whitworth Hall

So somehow the new week has arrived, and I didn't show someone around my 'art gallery' (read: flat) as I ran out of time. They are hopefully perusing at some point this week instead. I also didn't manage a random painting at the weekend, which I must admit is disappointing. I have painted hardly any paintings this year and I am feeling the strain. My friends (and my Mum!!) probably are as well as I am not always the most level when things get in the way of painting time. (Sorry everyone, artistic temperament and all that). I did however manage to start and complete my commission request so that is one good thing! I also managed a little bit of website time, and I really do think I can finish that off this week all being well. (Promises, promises). 

The commission I undertook didn't quite go to plan this time as I got my wires slightly crossed with what was wanted, but that is the beauty of Acrylics; Just wait for the paint to dry and paint over whatever needs to be changed, and no one will ever now, unless they get out that x-ray machine in 100 years when they are looking for a lost masterpiece. That got me thinking about painting in general. I know a lot of people are always fearful of painting in case they get it wrong, or can't translate what is in their head onto paper. I think this is partly due to trying to rectify mistakes instantly, as then a big brown mess usually ensues as all the paints are mixed together and panic begins. I always find it is better to leave it, wait for it to dry and then calmly paint over whichever bit is annoying. I also quite often can't translate what is in my head onto paper, so I use aides, like print outs, sketches, rough drafts, other paintings, anything which will help you see what you are trying to do. This still doesn't always work. Some of the paintings I hate most at the time, because they have come out not as I intended, soon become my favourites. There is nothing like some torment to make you appreciate something. 

So anyway, I guess I love painting because it is never wrong, and if it feels like it is wrong you can just paint over it until it feels right. Painting is your own personal representation of something, so if the persons arms are too long, you missed a few windows off the building, or the tree has yellow leaves instead of green ones. It really doesn't matter. If you felt it like that, then it is perfect. 

We don't always see things the same way, some people like night, some people like day. Whatever works for you is all good!

Goldilocks and.....

It seems like I am endlessly procrastinating at the moment. I was briefly close to finishing my website as I started loading in the print section but that was a week or two ago and now I can't remember where I am. Near the end? In the middle? Just started? Yes, one of those things is probably true.

I have still been creative in the meantime, when there has been time, i.e. when I have stopped looking out of the window.... I have designed two 'pub' signs for a friend (see below) and a choice of 4 logos for a new local organisation. Whilst it has been fun to use my eye for something a bit different, I am glad to get both these things ticked off from my list.

All that leaves is a commission that I will hopefully be starting in a minute to distract me from the endless rain we are currently having, and then it will be back to website time and possibly a painting of something random at the weekend if I am still awake.

Lastly - two pieces of ultra good news - I sold a painting on Art Gallery on Sunday, and someone wants to come and view a piece at some point this week, so I am holding out for sale number two as well. Lets make this week an art week! (Fingers massively crossed, as my monitor just crashes, and chaos ensues, this doesn't bode well....) 

Rome is Where the Heart is

I am not entirely sure what I have been doing over the last couple of weeks, but I am sure it was all very productive. Honest.

I know I have sorted my cushions page out, got my print images sorted and run and completed a competition to win a cushion, which resulted in some new followers which is an added bonus.

I have also sold some cards, a London print to someone in America, painted a new picture and have a commission to do. That probably seems like enough for two weeks.

I think I have also eaten a lot, been out too much, had some good walks, possibly completed at least 8 zumba sessions, and played netball; Less work productive, but still very enjoyable.

Maybe I do know what I have been doing after all. I was also grateful this time to paint something nice and satisfying, as it not only feels restorative but reminds me that I can actually paint. There is no massive mystery to the inspiration for this one, a few of my friends were visiting Rome last week which firmly put it in my head. I have visited there twice so memories were resurfacing. I also wanted to paint a city scene as I always find them easier to do. Buildings are just there, they don't move, they don't smile, they have structure built in, detail and interest and a focus. I have to think less intensely when I paint a building, I find their solidity and presence much easier to capture than an expanse of landscape, so in some respects painting a building is like having a rest. I also feel like I know how to paint architecture, so after the not entirely successful experience of my last landscape painting, I wanted to do something more reliable.

So here it is: 'Rome is Where the Heart is'