Mum reading
I started this portrait of my mum well before lockdown but completed it in May. I always struggle to know when a painting is finished, but decided this was a good point. Reading is Mum’s great passion and secret world of escapism, so I like seeing her in this relaxed yet focussed state!
Oil on canvas
Long listed for the Jackson’s painting prize 2020.
I recently realised time’s running out for my sons to share a bath. One pushes against the other’s back in a quest for space. It reminds me of Alice in Wonderland drinking from a bottle that makes her grow so much she can no longer see her feet: ‘Goodbye feet!”
Here’s a recent commission for a dad’s 40th surprise birthday present. The family were holidaying near vineyards in the South of France where his wife grew up. She asked fort he colours to bring out the warmth of the surroundings, and liked the fact her husband is looking out including the viewer in the scene ‘So I feel like I am in the portrait too!’
A bit of fun with this 3 minute drawing of Dominic with my eyes shut. Note to self - don’t take the charcoal off the page!
Another 3 minute sketch this time with the brilliant Frieda. First 2 minutes with left hand then final touches with right.
Charcoal on blue paper
This was an interesting art experiment in which there were several possible finishing points for one picture. The life painting of Dominic went through various stages using charcoal, oil paint with brush, palette knife and roller in the name of exploration! Ultimately he canvas found a whole new life as the base for another picture altogether, but more of that later…
I’ve got very behind with these blogs so here goes!
Firstly, I was delighted to win Life drawing prize as part of the Summer Exhibition at Hampstead School Of Art. This 3 minute sketch was a new discovery for me as it was mainly done with my left hand (I’m right handed). I felt where anatomical accuracy was lost, a sense of energy and movement was gained that I was really excited about. And so, a new art adventure began!
‘Left Right Left’ charcoal on paper
I’ve been having an inspiring time doing life painting at the fantastic Hampstead School of Art.
The palette for this painting of Faith was driven by a bright orange sheet hanging behind her.
Oil paint on paper.
A big thank you to the brilliant Em's coffee in Whetstone who’ve let me take over their walls with a mass of artwork! Well worth a visit if you're local - I can highly recommend the Medi sandwich.
#emscoffeelondon
Here's a pretty speedy portrait I did at the wonderful Art Stables in North Finchley.
I made an attempt at a new technique, scraping sections of the painting while still wet and placing the colours onto other parts of the painting. Not sure about the results and need more practice, but it was fun trying!
Here’s the commissioned portrait Kirsty Jones won. Taken from an old photo of her nan and her as a baby, it’s drawn with oil pastel on canvas board.
‘It’s absolutely stunning and I’m blown away. I’d highly recommend if you need a special memory to treasure.’ Pleased you like it Kirsty!
Here's my first 2019 commission delivered to a proud dad for his birthday, drawn in oil pastels from his favourite photo. His wife texted to say their daughter 'definitely recognises herself, she keeps pointing to it!'
Oil pastel on natural linen canvas board 30cm x 40cm
I hope it’s not too late to say Happy 2019 everyone! Last year was a great start to Artlal.com. Here’s to the next transformations of cardboard and canvas.
This small portrait using oil pastel on canvas board was my last of 2018, celebrating a little but very important birthday!
Oil pastel on natural linen canvas board 30cm x 40cm
Oil pastel on corrugated cardboard 85cm x 60.5cm
Here's my latest portrait which went down a treat as a dad's surprise 50th birthday present.
Google tells me Spring officially ends 30th June! That means there's still time to take advantage of the Spring offer of 25% off all commissioned portraits! If someone you know has a special occasion coming up get in touch for more details.
Oil paint on paper 40cm x 60cm
Here she is in glorious technicolour!
Very happy to complete my portrait of Sylvia. The small smudges of paint on her palette are from her own palette.
Oil paint on natural linen canvas
(Sold)
Delighted to have some pictures for sale at the wonderful Potters Pantry (formerly Boydens) on Potters Rd, New Barnet. Local peeps pop by for a coffee and enjoy the view!
