Get Sketched into the @pulpfacts Twitter Network

My latest project is sketching by freehand, using a 0.1 fineline black pen, the portraits on the avatars of people who follow me on twitter. It is a great way to improve my sketching techniques, and a way to try and connect with my followers . If you follow me on twitter, I will sketch you too!

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Spring in suburbia

I have been painting recently along the theme of suburbia.
My latest oil painting is inspired from a photo I took looking out the living room window where I grew up as a child.
I find it interesting when you drive round suburbs that the colour schemes are always a lot of browns, greys  and earthy colours. I often don't associate bright colours with suburbia, however this picture brings back memories of when I was growing up in suburbia. It is a bright and colourful picture that hopefully conveys the beauty of spring in the suburbs, and the sense of relief that the dreary cold, dark and windy days of winter have passed.
Let me know what you think.

Hanging by the bay

Here is my latest oil painting inspired by a photo I took back in the early 90's of a beachfront property in Kupang, which is in West Timor.  I find the building so interesting because of the way the foundation seems to be eroded by the water, leaving it hanging.  The whole building seemed to be in a bit of disrepair, which seems to give it a bit of character. The ocean view is hard to bet too.

Chao Phraya

Here is my latest painting, this time I have switched to acrylic due to my oils running low on a few key colours. I have painted a view from the Chao Phraya river in Bangkok, inspired by a photo I took back in the 90s.  I find it interesting firstly that people live on rivers, not beside rivers, but on the river. Also, there is such a blatant view of the difference between the rich and the poor. The penthouse suite overlooking the riverside slum neighbourhood.

The Edge

Cities around the world seem to have an allure of being the happening places, the places that sparkle with opportunity and often hold the mirage of fame, fortune and glory.  New York, LA, Vegas, Singapore, Hong Kong, Paris, etc.  Cities are always growing with an urban sprawl spilling out  to the surrounding countryside, as more people move there wanting their piece of the action. 

My latest painting is called 'The Edge', as it is looking to where the edge of 'Suburbia' starts, with the city in the background. At the centre is a rainbow with dark clouds trying extinguish it, just like many people's hopes and dreams get crushed by the 'system'. But despite the 'oppression' of the dark clouds, the colours of the rainbow shine through. The rainbow is a symbol of the hope of a better future. 

Going Home in Suburbia

This is my latest oil painting. It's of when I was stuck in traffic after work, wanting to get home as the sun was setting. It had been raining so water was everywhere. The giant ball is some kind of weather reading tower.

What do you think?

Ke11y Slater - Portrait of a champion

Here is my latest painting as a tribute to the greatest surfer in history, Kelly Slater.
When he won his 8th world title, Quicksilver branded him as 'SL8TER'.  I thought that he would retire, so that he could keep the cool '8' in his name.  I could not foresee what seemed impossible, that he would win another 3 world titles, and become  'Ke11y'.
This painting is based on an instagram that Kelly took, after he had won his latest crown during the Rip Curl Search event at San Francisco.  It may have even been taken on 11.11.11.
Thankyou Kelly for the inspiration !