Creative Blog Hop!

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10" x 8" Oil on Canvas Panel
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Meanwhile...

 I have been nominated by my lovely and talented friend Vonny of VonnyK Art, to take part in the Creative Blog hop which was started by Erin. 

The Creative Blog Hop happens every Monday and hops from Artist to Artist

We all answer the same questions and nominate 3 people to hop on too so here goes:

1 - What am I working on?

I am working on several things at the moment. I've just been commissioned to paint a large bear painting using two beautiful old bears in the same style/size as my first series. But it'll take a while deciding on a composition before I can actually pick up my paint brush! Meanwhile I have just started two new glass paintings.

2 - How does my work differ from others in my genre?

Hmmm... that's a tough one!
I have never had felt the need or desire to follow the current trend. If it  doesn't come naturally to me, then it really isn't! As much as all Artists learn from each other, however much I might love their work I try not to be over influenced by it. By thinking this way, it has been easier to develop a style of my own, which I'm sure will continue to evolve. If we all painted the same way, art wouldn't be nearly so interesting!

3 - Why do I create what I do?

 
Aside from Scuba-Diving which I love to do but don't get chance to do very often, painting and drawing is the one activity where I get completely absorbed and my mind is focused on one thing only. I'm a person who thinks a lot - probably way too much! To have all thoughts fade away aside from my subject, is incredibly relaxing for my busy brain!

4 - How does my creative process work?

I have to be inspired! Something like a flickering candle on a pub table, the oily sheen of an Olive, or even the smell of a log fire will do it. I see something in a certain light and think - I want to paint that!
Once I've decided on a composition, I will sketch it out on the back of an old roll of wallpaper. When I'm happy with my drawing, I'll transfer my basic lines to the canvas and then try to capture the light I'm looking for using a camera, just so my shadows remain consistent. The rest is usually painted from life. Next, I tone my entire canvas. Once that's dry and the drawing is in place, I will continue using just one colour mix over several layers to create a basic monochrome painting. Once I am happy with the tonal values, I go in with colour glazes, mainly transparent ones. I do this in several layers, so the colours beneath glow through the ones above. I'll often use complimentary colours - so the under-layer of a red book for example, might actually be green. It's an interesting process. Colour theory sounds boring but in my opinion it is very important to understand.

Now it's time to nominate 3 people for the Hop to hop onto. It's been very hard to choose as I know so many wonderful Artists. So, I've chosen 3 Artists, each with very different styles...

Nicola McLean

Nic and I have followed each other for a long time and have become genuine friends. Hopefully we will get to meet in the flesh one day, but meanwhile we often have a good old rant to each other when we need to! We offer each other encouragement, tell each other about opportunities, competitions... generally mentor each other really. She specialises in painting animals and Scottish Landscapes and she has an unmistakable and unique style.

Suzanne Berry 
You know sometimes you get a new follower on your blog and you think 'Wow! what could this person possibly learn from me?' Well, Suzanne is one of those! I have been in awe of her work for years and if only she lived closer, I am sure I'd be stalking her in some lunatic fashion in an attempt to learn some of her secrets! She emailed me once to ask me to share with her some of mine... That was one of the biggest compliments I've ever had!

Susan Smolensky

Susan is one of those Artists who will post a masterpiece on her blog every week and make it seem completely effortless! Her mark making is wonderful and from an abundance of colours and brushstrokes appear the most amazing paintings! I could tell a painting by Susan anywhere, they are very unique in both style and subject! Her subjects are highly original - my favourite series being her very voluptuous ballerinas!

 

Keep an eye out for my next post, when I'll be announcing the winner of my Limited Edition Teddy Bear Print Giveaway!

Happy Hopping everyone x