Finished Art found a home in my new home.

After the stress of packing and moving and unpacking etc it is great to finally settle in and hang up my recently finished paintings, and enjoy them and the way they compliment the living space.

I have some  new projects underway, so watch this space !

More Portrait Sketches

Still in the process of packing and moving house. Only time for a few sketches.

Portraits - A welcome diversion

Well, my 'masterpiece' while almost finished has stalled for a while, as I am in the process of moving house. So I have been busy packing. But I found the time while I was feeling inspired to do some portrait sketches using a Calligraphy Pen 1.0.  It is quite different to what I have been doing. The challenge is deciding how to differentiate the pen strokes for shading/shadow vs actual facial features and portraying shades of colour on the face. Anyway this is what I came up with.  Both Pro Surfers, Bede Durbidge, and Occy

Finish line is in sight

Here is all 7 canvases placed together to see the bigger picture of what the picture is about. Hopefully, each canvas is considered a complete work of art, each taking on the theme of  'deep calls to deep', and that each piece can be appreciated for its individual appeal.
There is still some rendering to do, and some final touches, but I am very happy with what I have so far.

Deep Calls to Deep

Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers have swept over me. Psalm 42:7

Another Canvas

The project is progressing at a good pace. Now with the end in sight, I am considering how to present the finished product. Should I get each canvas framed or keep them unframed. One of the canvases is out of square, so I need to work out a way to fix this.

Daylight saving :)

With the recent clock changes for daylight saving, I am able to find some time to do some painting during the week which is a bonus ! Also, the weather is getting milder which makes it a little more pleasant. At this rate, I will be finished sooner than I thought.

Decisions

One of the most important things about painting, I find, is the ability to make the right decisions. For example do you start with darker colours, or lighter colours. What colour to have as a base colour. When to decide that things are going pear shaped and some corrective actions need to be done. The more you paint, the more confident you become in decision making.
That is why I think painting can be a great discipline for people, even if they don't really enjoy it, or initially, they think they are not good at it. But I am sure after time, not only do you get better at it, but it helps you to practice making decisions. And over time, the whole process becomes rewarding and well worth it.

Labouring at it

Sometimes painting can be hard work. Not physically, but just the discipline of keeping things together as you and your brushes and paint go on the journey of transformation. While it is hard work, the joy and sense of accomplishment at the end of a completed work, makes all the hard work worth it. Still a long way to go with this project.

Starting on another canvas

This weekend I managed to get some more detail in the initial canvases and made a start on the fourth. I'm very pleased with the progress.  What do you think?

Overcoming obstacles

As I continue on this project to create a masterpiece there are obstacles to overcome. One of them is lack of time. My studio is set up in my garage, so due to the lack of ventilation I open the front of the garage. This is fine great because it means I am practically painting outdoors. the only problem is that winter is just finished on the calendar but it weather is going on like it is still winter. So, it is finding the time during daylight hours, when it is not too cold which can be a challenge. I have a great family who I love spending time with, and so the painting sometimes sits on the back-burner.  I managed to do a little bit this weekend.
The other obstacle to overcome, is a doubt that sometimes creeps in that says I am not good enough to paint a masterpiece. Then I look at what I've done, and give myself some harsh critique and then I wonder if I really can do this project justice. But then I look to what I have done in the past, and realise that somehow I will find my way through to the vision I have at the end. I also spend a lot of time just staring at the canvas trying to work out what needs to be done, and what I need to do next.
It is very relaxing though, as I haven't given myself any time goals to complete this by. Just plod along and enjoy the ride.
As you can see from the photos below, I have started making the reflections more detailed, and also started a new canvas which will sit below the first two, which is a continuation of the water.

Faith and Patience

One thing I have learned as I paint is the value of faith and patience. I need to have the faith and confidence in my God given ability, that this rough arrangement of colours can be transformed over time, into something special. It takes patience, letting each layer dry, and trying to get the colours just right. I am reminded that whatever we do in life usually requires faith and patience. We see the future through eyes of faith, and need the patience to see our dreams become a reality.

The Vision

The vision for this project is to paint a grand scene of  waterfalls going into a refreshing natural pool. It is going to be having 7 or 8 canvases that will join together to reveal the 'big picture' no puns intended.  So far, I have made a start on two canvases and managed to at least paint over all the white. It may not look like much so far, but I have a vision for this that I know will develop over time. Just need to be patient and keep painting away. 

Project begins

In the past, I have painted realistic oil paintings of landscapes.

But I decided it is time to take my artwork to the next level. The inspiration is to  paint a series of paintings that will together reveal a grand scene, but individually, they will be more abstract pieces of Art. This 'masterpiece' would be perfect for someone who wanted art around their home that matches thematically. 

So here is the start of 'Project Masterpiece'.  As always when painting, I just start off trying to get paint on the canvas in the most basic way.