Hello again everyone, thought I'd get a wee update down before I head out to paint tonight. I've more or less finished my large sunset, and save for some final highlights and a signature, that will be heading into my sitting room until it makes its way to its first port of call, which will hopefully be Dava School House next month, before it heads to Glenfiddich for my solo show. This was an important piece for me. Not least because it represents my most refined rendering of this view. I've always been in love with the skies in my little village. As you may have guessed, and I don't think I would have started painting in quite the same way unless I'd lived here. So it's always been a desire to do that appreciation some justice.
It was also important for me to work to that scale. It's one of the largest single paintings I've completed, and it marks a step on the ladder to moving to even bigger canvases in the future. I also wanted to get this view out of my system, and work on other subjects further afield in both geography and in subject matter.
So, now that's to bed, or at least away putting its pyjamas on, what's next? Well, out of the blue I've been asked by our local radio station, MFR if I could donate something for them to auction off to raise money for their annual Cash For Kids fundraiser. This is great as I've been thinking about something like this for a while, so to be asked is handy and a nice wee boost too. I've put forward a 30" print of Last Light which will have some further embellishment to enhance and individualise it.
Stages of a Self Portait, reconstruction of self.
Just before I go, I painted this at the end of an all night painting session, so had just sat down after finishing the large canvas, and starting two others, so I fancied a change. Cue hot coffee and a seat at the desk. This was such a joy, although you wouldn't think so by my expression. It's a very rough and quick (15 minute) painting, and is almost comic book art, but I like it. I think I'll try some other portraits in this style. Until next time then, take care and thanks for reading. If you have any questions or comments, write them below and I'll be happy to answer them.