Friday 2 December 2011

More experiments with paint.


This is a painting I've been working on for the last couple of days, it a view of Belper from the fields near my house, where I often walk my dog.  Its one of my favourite views, showing a vista from the Chevin to Alport Heights.

I'm really enjoying playing with paint, but have realised that I have a preciousness about getting it right.  If I start a painting on a canvas or on a board, I put a pressure on myself to get it totally right.  When I work on paper, I'm more relaxed and often I quite like the results.  However, as the image above shows, paper is not always the best thing to work on as it does not carry enough weight to keep it from becoming warped.

So my next challenge to myself is to become less precious about getting it perfect the first time on a board or canvas.

Sunday 27 November 2011

Exhibition Spaces...


I visited the Brewhoue Art Centre in Burton on Trent on Friday.  I was dropping some work off for their Xmas shopping exhibition and also to take the opportunity to have a look around with a view to a potential exhibition next year.

It is a lovely space, but I find myself wondering whether having an exhibition away from my own area is a good idea.  So some more research is needed into the area and what the art scene is like in East Staffordshire.  Its not that far away, but I'm not known around there and a I discovered yesterday when observing the actions of customers at the Muse Gallery Xmas Fayre, people definately do buy from people.  I am still in the early stages of getting my name and face recognised so have to keep taking these chances to get myself known.

I've also decided to persue a line of research that I've been thinking about for a couple of years now.  I read a historical novel (not usually my thing) which was based on a true story.  The story has stayed with me and I re-read the novel, deciding it was time to look further into the truth side and develop a body of work.  Usually I find myself being very open with what I am making, but this feel too precious, too early stages to reveal yet.  I just know I want to make some mixed media pieces.  A friend has pointed out that this would be a good reason to apply for a Grants for the Arts funding, but that feels a bit scary at this stage!