This was the last life painting I did before lockdown. I’m really pleased to finally complete it with a strong background colour. Also my first hand stretched canvas which was an education!
Oil on canvas 71cm x 91cm
Back to work!
Oil on natural linen canvas 40 x 50cm
Hello everyone - it's been a while, but I'm really happy to be back to work with this commissioned portrait of 2 cheeky boys!
Now taking commissions in time for Christmas (I know, sorry to mention it, but these make amazing gifts and take a while!)
Mum reading
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!
Lockdown art
After a few weeks of adapting to this strange new world, I managed to squeeze in time between homeschooling (I’m definitely no teacher) to pick up my paintbrush. The stunning Spring weather and burst of growth has been a balm and lifeline for many of us, and I wanted to capture its fleeting beauty. I’ve found comfort in the thought that just as nature is moving on, so too will the lockdown!
These paintings are for sale as part of the brilliant #artistsupportpledge. £180 plus P&P. (The bluebell woods has sold) Also selling some of my previous work as part of the pledge, please message me to enquire if one takes your fancy! More to come soon…
Oil paint on natural canvas about 70cm x 90cm
Last distraction
I had what may be my last session life painting at HSoA for a while…it was a very quiet studio! This painting of Vanessa was done in 1hr 15. The prospect of not returning next week proved a good challenge - I think I work better with time restrictions. There’s plenty more I’d like to do to it, but am thankful for having been so nicely distracted from the outside madness for a while.
Jackson's Painting Prize longlists Goodbye Feet
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!”
Happy New Decade!
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!’
Eyes Wide Shut
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!
Autumn palette
A first attempt at left handed painting after a cloudy autumnal walk - did the colours outside follow me in?
Oil paint on natural linen canvas board
Left handed man standing
3 minute life drawing of Dominic. One minute left, one minute right and 3rd minute left handed.
Charcoal on paper
Commissioned portrait
This was a special portrait for Nina in memory of her dad.
‘Alice has amazing attention to detail…you can feel the memory created in each piece’
Oil pastel on natural canvas board 30cm x 40cm
The left handed drawing continues
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
5 artworks in 1?
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…
Life Drawing Prize at HSOA
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
Exploring colour with life painting
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.
Em's coffee artlalled!
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
More cardboard adventures
Here's my recent commission of a superwoman's four children, using oil pastel on my old faithful corrugated cardboard. I'm still loving playing with textures and colour on this medium.
Happy Bank Holiday weekend everyone!
Arts Depot showcase
A couple of my drawings are on sale as part of Arts Depot’s Spring showcase. This has turned out to be a great local venue for showing my artwork, and this will be the fourth time. I feel much better having them up on a wall for the public to see rather than stashed away in a cupboard! It’s also led to new portrait commissions as well as sales. Thanks Arts Depot!
Trying something!
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!
Bonnard exhibition at Tate Modern
Went to see this amazing exhibition recently and was blown away. If you’re in London go and see it! https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/exhibition/cc-land-exhibition-pierre-bonnard-colour-memory