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Oil on panel

8x6 inches

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Not done many green grapres, will need to do more to get used to them as they will be very useful in the future. I did this painting with Maroger just to see the difference to Liquin Light Gel. Did not notice too much difference but will try Maroger every now and then to see any possible benefits over Liquin.

Due to a bidding error the original auction was ended with all bids cancelled. I have re-listed the paining this evening.

Oil on panel

6x6 inches

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Vase with Clementines
Oil on panel
14x10 inches
On hold

This painting is for my coming gallery representation and actually replaces one of my previous paintings that I have decided is not good enough. I have one more to paint before the paintings go for framing and plan to paint that final painting today, but it might be tomorrow.

Oil on panel

8x6 inches

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Like my previous painting I painted this last night but the darkness of the vase was not captured by my camera under artificial light correctly so I had to wait until this morning to get a decent photo.

I played with edges a fair bit on this painting. One of my main goals in painting is to find, exaggerate and if necessary make up, contrasts in light, colour, temperature, texture, form, composition - everything really. This has to be controlled and in the main done with subtlety.

Oil on panel

8x6 inches

Click here to bid and view larger

I actually painted this yesterday but had to wait until this morning to take a photo in natural light. Sometimes I can't get a photo that shows the correct colours under artificial light, which showed this vase as black instead of the deep blue it is.

If you look at the reflection at the base of the vase it looks like a dog, this was not intentional :)

Oil on panel

8x6 inches

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Updated photo.

I have decided recently that it is time for me to stop my constant experiments and begin to nail down what my approach will be, what I want to paint and to paint better consistantly.  There will always be experimentation of some sort but I will settle down now and concentrate more on producing a constant level of paint quallity. I gave myself a year to experiment so this puts me on track pretty much.

My next newsletter goes out tomorrow, Sunday. If you would like to receive this newsletter please follow the link to the right.

Oil on panel

8x6 inches

Click here to bid and view larger

I am a big fan of oil sketches which this is. My mood dictates how I paint. After struggling with the brass kettle yesterday I am not looking to do anything too involved and sketches are a great way to release tension.

I might have a go at the brass kettle later, depends if I have time as it is a piece for the gallery.

Oil on panel

6x6 inches

Click here to bid and view larger

Oil on panel

6x6 inches

Click here to bid and view larger

Two paintings from me today, they are on eBay five minutes apart.

I spent the day completely failing to paint a small brass kettle - or paint it to a level I was happy with. I decided to give up for the day and come back to it after some seperate experiments. I then painted the clementine as a much needed release of frustration, but then thought because I had painted it so loose I really should do another instead.

I then painted Finger Bowl and thought I'd just release both together :)

Frustrating day, but all part of the learning process. If you don't try to paint new things you don't progress as an Artist but sometimes you can't resolve it first time around, but I will conquer the kettle :)

I took an unscheduled week off last week. Easter family commitments and work meant I had little time to paint so I decided not to try finding time to paint but take a week to consider where I am at the moment. I have painted regularly for about nine months now and with the forthcoming gallery representation I am a year and three months ahead of schedule on my five year plan to become a full time Artist. I thought a break would do me good and likely be to my benefit - it was!

I have a creeping confidence (nothing to do with me it's just building) in painting. I am starting to see better and understand some principles you read about but don't quite get. I have butterflies just thinking about painting. I am far off where I want to be but I need to push myself forward now and take advantage of the 15 months I have recently gained in my schedule. There are many things I plan to bring to my service to collectors and I will be bringing these in during 2012.

I will soon have a clearer diary and the time issues of recent weeks will be behind me, certainly for a few months anyway.

Where am I?

I am 46 in a few days. Painting has made me feel 16 again and I hope to ride the life starts at forty train all the way to it's final stop. Due to general rise in western health I think 50 s the new 40 so I feel I have a head start on that too :)

Oil on panel

6x6 inches

Click here to bid and view larger

Oil on panel

8x6 inches

Click here to bid and view larger

Oil on panel

8x6 inches

Click here to bid and view larger

Oil on panel

14x10 inches

On hold

Oil on panel

6x6 inches

Click here to bid and view larger

I have not painted for a week due to work and Easter family commitments. I could have squezzed one or two paintings in but decided a rest would likely be good for me as I have been painting non-stop for about nine months now. The week gave me some time to think so it was a valuable break.