New paintings and regular art updates.
An Owl painting I did a couple of years ago. They are intriguing birds. Their ears are set at different heights underneath all their feathers so that they can differentiate which side their prey is on. Their wings are silent as they fight through the air, making it hard for animals to know they are being hunted. Sharp talons for gripping and hooked beaks for tearing into their prey make them a top predator. Beautiful but deadly.
Nine years since I painted this poppy with a white centre. I think that makes it look fresh and cool. Poppies have paper thin, crinkled petals. They look so delicate. I have lots of yellow, Welsh poppies in the garden, but not as many red ones that seem to need more sunlight. This was an acrylic on canvas and I think it sold quite quickly? But after almost a decade I still love it.
Strange little painting
Came from my mind
A little idea
Of a bird in a tree
Old window bars
Rusty and dry
Frame a bright view
Of a frozen blue sky.
Jay at the centre
Waiting to fly.
Here is a better photo of my mural that was destroyed in a fire at the Leopard Hotel in Burslem earlier in the year. The landlady was said to have come over from the Caribbean and married an English man. She then ran the hotel. The trouble is I painted this in 2006? I honestly can’t remember the story I was told and now the hotel is gone.
A friend took a photo of my coat of arms design at the Leopard Hotel in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent. The building burned down a few months ago and I have been trying to find good images of my murals. They were burnt in the fire and the photos are all I have of them.
I love painting but I find it hard to sell. My mind sometimes goes into panic mode and I say strange things instead of pleasantries. I can hear my voice coming out with odd comments, about someone’s walking stick, or immesaying I will discount the price of a print when they have barely looked at it. Today was odd and difficult. It’s been a long time since I have had to talk to people about my art. I was not fluent with my thoughts. I was nervous, sometimes tounge tied. As the number of people increased it got worse. My throat got dry. I wanted to talk but I just stayed silent. It was better towards the end, but I’m an artist not a saleswoman. Anxiety and covid make it harder.
Lots of small and tiny paintings, jewellery and prints were also for sale today at the exhibition. The ginger cat at the front centre found a new home. I was only charging a small amount so it was good to sell a few. I even discounted them more. Sometimes you need space to create new things.
Two boards I had paintings on today. I also had a table with small paintings, jewellery and prints. I sold a few pieces which was good and I think I got a good reception from people. Overall most people in the group seemed to have a good day. It was quite busy all day from when we opened to the last few minutes. It was also good chatting with artists and finding out bit more about their work. I’m tired but happy.
When you have problems with shaking it’s difficult to paint details. This canvas is about 2 inches by 3 inches and the Jay in the central window pane is less than an inch high. I tried hard to paint the details. I think I did OK but it’s not perfect. But hopefully it will be a nice little gift…
I cheated and made this moon painting circular with an ellipse tool on my phone. In reality I can’t get the thing circular so I’m going to use an upturned mug! I’ve got several tiny paintings for sale later today. Eclectic art!
Mallaband-Brown