Studio 2011

This page showcases current work, posting updates at different intervals as ideas progress from pencil sketches to varnished paintings.

January 2011: 'Landscapes'

Started the New Year with some fresh new work, going back to oil paints this month and with a limited palette and some economical brushwork finished a number of canvasses. Used neat Spindle and Linseed oil to increase flow so will take a while to dry before they are ready for sale!

The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” - Hans Hofmann

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February 2011: 'Delicious. Still'

I finally signed off on this painting which I began almost two years ago (Studio Pages 2008) after I added some final details and made some corrections. Here is the finished painting along with some close-ups:

'Delicious. Still.' January 2011

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March 2011: 'Madonna And Child'

Worked on this commission over the last two weeks. My brief was to paint a contemporary version of 'Mary' using a predominantly blue palette. I came up with my own detailed sketch of the very traditional 'Madonna And Child' using free flowing lines and curves for the figures which sit upon the straight lines of the room. I also suggested the inclusion of some 'Gold' metallic paints which worked well against the Blues.

'Madonna And Child' March 2011 Sold

Taking my pencil sketch I returned to the black and white Ink drawings and negatives which I have worked on over the last few years (See Archive Page) and finished same-

'Madonna And Child' March 2011

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April 2011: 'Abbie'

Below is a picture which grabbed me! It was kindly gifted to me from a 'gifted' little girl. I copied same and added a little colour, Dad going a step further!

'Abbie' NFS

'Abbie' April 2011 NFS

'Cool!'

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May 2011: 'Two Girls'

I swapped back to Oils this month to paint two portraits which are very different to what I have been doing to date.

On my first Canvas I started with a quick sketch and simple palette which broadened in colour as the painting developed.

I wanted the second portrait to be very different so I worked from the same sketch but with a fresh palette of darker colours.

'Girl On Blue' May 2011 Sold

'Girl On Green' May 2011

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June 2011: 'New Oils'

This month I returned to my new landscape paintings which I began in the new year. Here are some which just finished-

'Morning On A Distant Shore (Triptych)' June 2011

'Out On The Ocean' June 2011 'Morning Blue' June 2011

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June 2011: 'More Oils'

This month I continued to work and experiment with Oils completing this painting which I think is my best so far! Really like the simplicity and economy!

'Landscape 3' July 2011

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October 2011: 'Oscar & Dixie'

Introducing 'Oscar' and 'Dixie'

Received a commission to paint both dogs this month and started with some line drawings sketching from photos which were E-mailed to me. My brief:

"The black one is our female pugalier Dixie, she is obsessed with tennis balls.
The fawn boy is our pug Oscar he likes plastic bones. They both love walks in the field. My wife also liked the really deep orange and deep blue contrasting background colours she seen in one of your frog paintings before. Hope this helps".

On closer inspection, I had to perform a little surgery on Oscar and give him a Face lift as he had a set of jowls on him which made him look more like a 'Boxer' than a 'Pug'

After discussing composition, palette ('Blue and Orange' which grabbed me straight away!) and making some final adjustments to sketches I began painting-

The painting developed from background and through to foreground quite quickly once palettes were laid down and finished same just in time of deadline.

"Hi Simon, as promised here is a few snaps of the very satisfied owners of your latest portrait. Were blown away by the painting, so we are all extremely happy! So thanks again, it has been a pleasure".

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'View from studio window, October 2011'