George, with satisfied customer. It was really hard to get his eyes right. He’s off on some travels to his new owner. I hope they will be pleased. I enjoy painting portraits, they are a challenge, but when they work out I feel satisfaction.
Tag: Painting
Rook or Crow
I painted this tiny picture about a year ago. I think I copied an old illustration. He just seems to have such a cheeky character. With his great beak, ready to sever your fingers if you are not careful. I think of him planning and plotting, soaring high above his roosting site while he is getting ready to settle down to sleep, or joining his group in the nearby fields. I don’t remember what a group of crows are called, but I think rooks are a “murder”, but I might be misremembering.
So that’s this tiny painting, if he had a name? Reginald…..
Calling this finished
Just did a few more adjustments. Painting on the texture of canvas is difficult when you try and brush paint on it. I half feel like I ought to paint a thick layer first so I could paint on a rough surface. But it’s not bad. I could see where I need to make changes, it’s sometimes difficult to force the paint into the nooks and crannies of the canvas. Phew.
Finished Mural
Finished and varnished! Well after being struck down by a severe head cold all week it was touch and go if I could get this done. But I was doing the lower part of it, so only had to climb up at the end for a few minutes to varnish the painted bits at the top. I now feel like c**p to be honest. But I’d promised to get it done (a bit like Boris) (grr) (people in Britain will know what I’m on about)…… The people I did it for are really pleased.
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A few years ago
Two paintings I did for a leaflet a couple of years ago. The first was of Middleport pottery, a split image of two areas of the pottery, done to fit the images onto the page. The second, a view of the Trent and Mersey canal showing a lock that barges travel through where the water level changes. Opening the gates allows water to flow through and boats to go up and down the canal.
Acrylic paint on watercolour paper. Used by the canal and river trust on their leaflet.
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Ginger cat
I don’t paint ginger cats very often, but I painted this on a bauble last week on a whim. Then the next day I was talking to a friend and she showed me a photo of her relatives cat. He’s a ginger Tom!
Yes coincidence, but it was bizzare. Its almost time was going backwards, or I’m predicting something that hasn’t happened yet. I know there is an arrow of time, a broken pot doesn’t leap up off the floor and mend itself. It was just strange. Like seeing an exploded star coalescing back into a star, then melting into a disc of dust.
The world is a wonderful, amazing place. Things happen without us understanding.
Anyway I’m glad the cat bauble went to a good home.
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Kingfisher
I went to the Orme Art group this morning and afternoon to paint. It was our Christmas meeting so we stopped early for lunch, but before that I started this painting of a Kingfisher, I have been using some iridescent paints to give some glimmer and shine to the bird and the background.
I came home early because I’m still tired from working on the mural yesterday. I want to add details to it to try and make it a bit more like a Kingfisher. I have tried, when I started someone thought it was a Woodpecker!
Muraling along
Six hours painting today, including about four standing on a set of steps. As a short and a bit wobbly person I have to be careful not to step backwards and fall over.
I am really tired now, I’ve got to go back and finish it off and varnish it next week. I might get a rest tomorrow, I’ll see how I feel.
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Geese in progress
The mural is about half finished. There is a lot to do still, more details on the geese. Splashing water, not added yet, I’ve been trying to get the background done first. Then outlining the patches of water. The little goslings need a stronger yellow. Then the reeds and leaves need finishing. I’m getting tired.
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New painting plans
I sold a few pictures today so I need to replenish my stock… So I’m planning to paint a few more tiny pictures tonight! I’ve sketched out a few ideas. If I’ve got the energy I will start painting after I’ve had my evening meal.
Wish me luck!
Mallaband-Brown 