DRAWING AND PAINTING BLOG
A look at LORP
The Lower Otter Restoration Project
The Lower Otter Restoration Project
.For the last year or so I've been recording the work on this important coastal project with a series of pen and ink drawings.
As a change from the restrictions of size and technique, I thought I'd try some colour versions and the oil painting above is an image of the work being carried out near the site of the old Budleigh cricket ground at Lime Kiln. Behind the digger is the view towards South Farm Road and Otterton with the newly cut gulleys which will carry the water to the flood plain from the river in heavy rainfall and high tides. This of course is necessary because of rising sea levels and the threat of uncontrolled flood damage.
Below are a few of the latest drawings, all produced around South Farm Road where the new bridge is being built. Click on a drawing to enlarge the image.
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From The Beach
From The Beach
A summer's day, Budleigh Salterton beach and a busy cafe - a great subject to experiment with some speed painting to capture attitudes of customers while they sit and queue for crab sandwiches cakes and coffees.
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Beth - a face amongst
the flowers
A first for me - painting a portrait with a smiling face. So difficult trying to keep it fresh and natural but I think I've just about managed it.
Then, the challenge of painting flowers - something I've always struggled with, particularly with so many, un-arranged varied blooms, ready to make up into an attractive arrangement by the talented Beth at Ditsy Blooms, one of the best floral businesses around.
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The Orange Experiment
What started out as a normal life painting session
gradually took on a life of its own so I followed the orange brick road to see where it took me.
Refining the drawing and painting to its simplest, this is the result.
gradually took on a life of its own so I followed the orange brick road to see where it took me.
Refining the drawing and painting to its simplest, this is the result.
I'm not entirely sure whether I like it or not but the discipline of making the drawing work with simple lines was certainly challenging. Combining the black line-work with the almost flat background colours of the cushions seems to my eye to be moderately successful.
I think I'll pursue this technique, maybe using other bright colours to see what can be achieved - possibly move on to other subjects to see if I can make it work there as well.
A bright green landscape might make for an interesting image.
I think I'll pursue this technique, maybe using other bright colours to see what can be achieved - possibly move on to other subjects to see if I can make it work there as well.
A bright green landscape might make for an interesting image.
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Winter landscape painting
Winter landscape painting
February up on the Common at Woodbury Castle doesn't, on the face of it, sound like the ideal time or location for a comfortable day's painting. However, a group of intrepid artists ventured forth and had an amazing time on a remarkably warm day, creating artwork of all sorts.
I started by making several line and wash sketches, then having found the location I wanted, went on to paint in oils with a variety of brushes and painting knives. Really getting to love this freer technique and I want to develop it into other subjects - portraits, life painting, still life and animals.
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Another challenge
I've not painted a double portrait before and certainly not full length so this was quite a challenge. On top of that, my reference was from an old photograph so definition of detail was not quite as good as I would have wished.
This took a couple of months including the length of time for copious amounts of
white oil paint to dry! Painting the multi-coloured jacket was very complicated as was the modelling on his white jacket. Some new problems to solve but got there in the end.
I've not painted a double portrait before and certainly not full length so this was quite a challenge. On top of that, my reference was from an old photograph so definition of detail was not quite as good as I would have wished.
This took a couple of months including the length of time for copious amounts of
white oil paint to dry! Painting the multi-coloured jacket was very complicated as was the modelling on his white jacket. Some new problems to solve but got there in the end.
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Mum and Pup.
This painting of a cute couple of canines was commissioned as a Christmas present.
Less of an illustration and more of a painting using thick, undiluted oils, much of it applied with a painting knife. I like the final result with a very tactile surface.
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Back on the beach again
Following a panoramic view of Budleigh beach that I did
a few months ago, I've been asked to paint another view using the same format.
Here's how it started, just a quick sketch with a big brush, followed by bold strokes using a painting knife with thick oil paint. Finished painting underneath.
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Sometimes you just have to
put your hand up and admit you've got it wrong!
So I scrubbed out the hands
and painted them both again.
Apart from being really difficult to paint, I'd made the hands much too big in proportion to his head. Only one thing for it - start all over again.
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So here's the revised version - hands clasped together but now much better in terms of size in relation to his head. A bit of colour adjustment still to do.
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On the theme of
Freedom & Renewal
- a new challenge
Just a Glimmer is the title of this abstract oil painting following over a year of frustrating lockdowns, isolation and for many a loss of hope for the future.
The idea came from an early morning walk in the woods where the low lying sun just poked through the trees and gave the first promising rays of a sunny day. I really liked the feel of the thick oil paint, mostly applied with a painting knife and although it's on a relatively small canvas, it does seem to have a presence greater than its size.
I think I shall experiment more with abstract painting although I don't find it easy and to achieve a satisfactory result takes a long time with many changes along the way. Aug2021
The idea came from an early morning walk in the woods where the low lying sun just poked through the trees and gave the first promising rays of a sunny day. I really liked the feel of the thick oil paint, mostly applied with a painting knife and although it's on a relatively small canvas, it does seem to have a presence greater than its size.
I think I shall experiment more with abstract painting although I don't find it easy and to achieve a satisfactory result takes a long time with many changes along the way. Aug2021
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From trees to beach
I'm not really a landscape painter but a very good friend of mine is moving to pastures new and wanted a painting of Budleigh to remind her of the happy times she had here.
This is looking down over the Otter River Estuary across the salt flats to the beach and although perhaps a bit corny, is very evocative of the area. Using thick oil paint, it has quite a spontaneous feel with broad brush strokes and colours of a late afternoon on a summer's day.
Several preliminary sketches and a practice oil painting rough preceded this to ensure the composition and elements were as I wanted them. Jul2021
This is looking down over the Otter River Estuary across the salt flats to the beach and although perhaps a bit corny, is very evocative of the area. Using thick oil paint, it has quite a spontaneous feel with broad brush strokes and colours of a late afternoon on a summer's day.
Several preliminary sketches and a practice oil painting rough preceded this to ensure the composition and elements were as I wanted them. Jul2021
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Changing the landscape
The Lower Otter Valley and River Estuary have been in their current form for over 200 years.
However, this year the whole landscape will change and revert to something like it was before as a flood plain for the River Otter.
This is because of environmental issues and the projected rise of sea levels which will make the current sea defences unmanageable.
As a project, I'm creating a series of sketches as a record around the affected area before, during and after because once lost, the landscape will change forever.
Here are some, most done in around half an hour, some on-site and some from photographic reference taken on walks around the area of the estuary, fields and the River Otter.
Deliberately quick and simple with sepia ink wash and black art pen. Jun2021
However, this year the whole landscape will change and revert to something like it was before as a flood plain for the River Otter.
This is because of environmental issues and the projected rise of sea levels which will make the current sea defences unmanageable.
As a project, I'm creating a series of sketches as a record around the affected area before, during and after because once lost, the landscape will change forever.
Here are some, most done in around half an hour, some on-site and some from photographic reference taken on walks around the area of the estuary, fields and the River Otter.
Deliberately quick and simple with sepia ink wash and black art pen. Jun2021
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Before Dr Beeching
took away our railway...
took away our railway...
... we had a great little train that linked us with Exmouth going west, Sidmouth and on to London going east. This painting is based on photographs of the time which show the two-carriage train and old station. It's now a housing estate and completely built over so even the potential for a footpath and cycleway has been destroyed although both exist either side.
Budleigh Station with a steam
train approaching from the east
What an attractive route this must have been, especially when steam trains were gently chugging their way along the Otter Valley with the river in view not far away. May2021
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Two good friends, no longer with us
Just thought I'd paint these two -
our wonderful dogs from many years ago. They were great characters, totally different from each other but of course inseparable. Miss them to this day so painting their portraits is a lovely reminder of many happy days.
Apr2021
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Spots and Squares
I don't usually enjoy painting from photographs but with Covid restrictions continuing to limit live painting from models, I thought I'd have a bit of fun painting this picture.
It's of Shannie who I've been wanting to paint again for a year now and this is one of the photos from her portfolio of vintage costumes. It has echoes of the 1940s/50s pin-up genre and something I've not tried before.
Aside from that, I really like the geometry of the elements in the picture although the spots are driving me mad trying to make them work on this wonderful red dress. Mar2021
Aside from that, I really like the geometry of the elements in the picture although the spots are driving me mad trying to make them work on this wonderful red dress. Mar2021
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The last painting of 2020
Lady on Red
This is a painting that I've been working on for over a year now, mostly because Covid 19 has caused so many delays through postponements, cancellations and generally messing about with arrangements to paint Krissi from life. Anyway, I thought it might be interesting to show an early stage of the painting from first daubs to finished article.
Bear in mind that this is quite a large work, 4ft x 5ft so physically it's taken a long time to cover the canvas.
Thanks to Krissi for her patience during the long, long breaks between sittings.
Dec2020
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Summer 2020
Local Hero
Almost everyone’s heard of Sir Walter Raleigh
but there’s another significant personality who was born in the same small village of East Budleigh in Devon.
Roger Conant
He was one of the more savoury colonists
of the early 17th Century, a local dry salter who decided to board one of the pilgrim ships on the voyage to America where he was instrumental in founding townships in Massachusetts on the east coast.
A statue of Roger Conant in
Salem, Massachusetts, his likeness imagined by the sculptor
Although there are no visual references of him from the period, this extract from his biography is relevant.
"Conant was moderate in his views, tolerant, mild and conciliatory, quiet and unobtrusive, ingenuous and unambitious, preferring the public good to his private interests; with the passive virtues he combined great moral courage and an indomitable will; avoiding difficulty at Plymouth, and without losing their esteem and tolerance”.
During the early days of settlement, one event stands out which is the basis for a painting I’m currently undertaking to celebrate the life of this local hero.
Conant 400
In 1623 near Cape Ann where the early settlers established the first townships in Massachusetts, there was an incendiary standoff involving the diminutive and aggressive Captain Miles Standish attempting to enforce Plymouth’s claim on the area. Unusually, and in contrast to many disputes at the time, Conant’s wise council prevailed and the situation was resolved without bloodshed.
Sketching out first thoughts
1. Sketching out the first composition for a painting in portrait format with Conant as the main point of focus. A degree of artistic licence will be required but I still intend to include as much historical accuracy as possible. Hewes and Standish also take the foreground with the Native American guide, fishermen with their nets and boats in the background and the rocks of Cape Ann nicely framing the composition to the right..
Second sketch based on more detailed information.
2. A revised sketch following further research and contributions from experts about details from the period. I decided at this early stage to change to a landscape format to accommodate the story in a more comprehensive way. The fishermen are now more aggressive and sheltering behind hogshead barrels and Conant is given more prominence.
Working drawing to A1 size for the painting
3. A consensus of opinion suggests that Conant should be in the centre of the dispute with Captain Hewes in front of the fishermen and Conant in the centre between them and Standish.. Note more detail – the aggressive fishermen, A ship in the background, probably The Ann, which brought pilgrims from England but I’ll need more information on the type of ship. Also Miles Standish, small in stature but a powerful and deeply unpleasant adversary with his soldiers ready for action behind him. Captain Hewes in front of the fishermen is engaging with both Conant and Standish while the fishermen shout, gesticulate and threaten from behind their protective salt barrels.
After several revises, the composition of elements is agreed so the next stage will be to commence painting.
Laying in the first underpainting to establish atmosphere
4. Now we have some colour and detail so the overall mood of the painting is starting to come through. I want it to have a degree of menace - stormy sky and muted colours - whilst retaining the hope that matters may be resolved peacefully.
Not happy with the open hand of Conant so scrubbed it out and will return to that later.
Not happy with the open hand of Conant so scrubbed it out and will return to that later.
A major change of background with other details included.
5. Oh dear – a big change. Latest advice from an eminent professor says that the incident took place not on the beach, but on nearby Fishermen’s Field with the famous Tablet Rock behind and the sea in the distance. Plus we now have more details on the type of ship, aggressive attitude of the soldiers of which there were only eight and more details on costume. So along with latest information, a radical change to the painting.
Thank goodness for oils – imagine trying to amend this in watercolour or pastels! This is a rough revise to see if I can make it work with a field as the backdrop – other information will be included if successful.
More details now painted in.
6. I'm now a bit happier that the revised background will work for the painting but I'm struggling a bit with the soldiers taking aim at the fishermen. Trying to get the angles correct and dressing the men in appropriate costume for the time is proving a bit of an issue. so I'll have to revisit that part of the painting later. There was no army as such at the time so uniforms were as diverse as the collection of men - it's a question of research to see what the most likely outfits looked like. We know that Capt Standish was in full armour on this occasion so the indications are that he looked very similar to this.
Conant is dressed conservatively and smartly in traditional pilgrims clothes but I don't like the way I've painted his face so time for another attempt.
7. Hmm. I'm at the stage where an objective analysis of the figures is useful and decided I really wasn't really happy with the stance of the main figure who is supposed to be authoritative and engaging. Think I can do better but it requires a completely different attitude so although it's a bit drastic, I've decided to white him out and start over.
8. Better! I think he now looks more confident and assertive - and is engaging more authoritatively with the stubborn and unpleasant Captain Standish. Added a bit of movement too with a breeze behind his cloak. Happier with the rocky path now as well which is giving a nice contrast to the green grass of the background. Needs a bit more texture to give it a grassy feel. Also, I'm going to repaint the the ship - you'll notice it's missing at the moment - to give it a bit more prominence.
9. So now we're introducing more detail and body colour with thicker oil paint. The painting is beginning to have more depth and richness and the grass helps to give distance with smaller blades as the background recedes and the colour fades. The ship is back and slightly bigger than before. Next job is to work on the figures of the fishermen to bring colour and tone into line with the rest of the painting.
10. Now it's time to paint more detail and colour into the angry fishermen by applying thicker paint and using smaller brushes to achieve the individual character in each face. Some of them are now shouting obscenities at their opponents which I think strengthens the story and adds to the tension. I've also added more detail to the background - if you look at the top of the picture you'll see that the distinctive rocky outcrop (known today as Tablet Rock) is now much clearer as it's probably the most significant feature of the whole landscape.
10. Very nearly complete now. The over painting is now virtually finished and apart from a bit of colour balancing, I'm reasonably happy with the result. However, before final adjustments and varnishing I need to have it signed off by the Conant 400 group that commissioned it and take final advice on any incorrect details from experts in both America and the UK. Then it's off for framing after which it will be ready to settle into its new home near Sir Walter Raleigh's portrait in the church at East Budleigh.
Just before the end of the year and it's varnished, framed and ready to go! That was a long, fascinating and most enjoyable project so now we're just awaiting approval from the Church of England authorities so it can be hung in All Saints Church, East Budleigh.
Many thanks to the Conant 400 Group and all those who contributed their advice, critiques and encouragement.
Many thanks to the Conant 400 Group and all those who contributed their advice, critiques and encouragement.
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A mere truffle
A good friend of mine has just started up Little Dartmoor, a company that's making the most delicious handmade chocolate truffles. They're beautifully gift wrapped and all sold online with new flavours and seasonal additions appearing all the time. To identify each truffle, the boxes have little inserts with illustrations of each flavour and I was asked to produce these as each collection is launched on the market.
Here are a few of them.
A mere truffle
A good friend of mine has just started up Little Dartmoor, a company that's making the most delicious handmade chocolate truffles. They're beautifully gift wrapped and all sold online with new flavours and seasonal additions appearing all the time. To identify each truffle, the boxes have little inserts with illustrations of each flavour and I was asked to produce these as each collection is launched on the market.
Here are a few of them.
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Copying Sir Humphrey
The painting above is of Sir Humphrey Gilbert - Elizabethan soldier, Adventurer, Member of Parliament, Explorer and half brother of the more famous Sir Walter Raleigh who also came from Devon.
He was one of the pioneers of the Elizabethan Colonial Empire in North America and took possession of the Newfoundland settlement in 1583.
At a later date, he returned to sail in his favourite ship, The Squirrel, but despite being warned that it was over-gunned and unsafe, he set sail into an horrendous storm and was drowned along with the entire crew.
The painting above was commissioned by Fairlynch Museum for a display to celebrate Elizabethan explorers and is a copy taken from the original in Compton Castle.
I painted it on a wood panel to give it a degree of authenticity with appropriate faults, cracks and ageing marks - something different and a challenge to achieve an image that was close to the original.
He was one of the pioneers of the Elizabethan Colonial Empire in North America and took possession of the Newfoundland settlement in 1583.
At a later date, he returned to sail in his favourite ship, The Squirrel, but despite being warned that it was over-gunned and unsafe, he set sail into an horrendous storm and was drowned along with the entire crew.
The painting above was commissioned by Fairlynch Museum for a display to celebrate Elizabethan explorers and is a copy taken from the original in Compton Castle.
I painted it on a wood panel to give it a degree of authenticity with appropriate faults, cracks and ageing marks - something different and a challenge to achieve an image that was close to the original.
Quick oil sketches
June 2018. I love painting quickly - there's something fulfilling about capturing a likeness within a minimum of time. It's fresh, spontaneous and often works well - although sometimes it can be a bit hit and miss. Here are some of the better ones. No time to worry about technicalities - just straight in with big brushes and a very basic palette.
Gerri
Jane
John
Beks
Krissi
Maggie
Maureen
Ellie
My local art club in Budleigh has monthly portrait sessions where it's possible to create one or more quick sketches within a few hours. The members take it in turns to sit for each session so it's great to paint a variety of people who are not professional models - and of course the camaraderie of painting in a group is encouraging and sociable.
Progress of a portrait
NOVEMBER 2017
After a lot of work getting the background detail right, both in terms of colour and tone, the painting was completed, then varnished and finally framed. I chose a matt black frame with fine, gold brush lines to reflect the warm colours in the painting.
4. Gradually the background is materialising along with the hands and some more details to the flesh tones
3. Working on the folds and colour of the sweater and introducing a little of thebackground
Getting into it now so starting to put him in context with the background and the very dominant blue colour of his sweater. Added more detail and modelling to his head to bring out a better likeness.
2. Starting with his head, the structure and modelling helps to establish the tone for the painting. Broad brush strokes only
Painting begins and the first general render of colour goes on.
1. Working out the initial composition
Started work on the portrait and, as ever, very nervous. Made a first trip to his home to chat, produce some initial sketches and form an idea of what composition might work best. Decided to seat him in casual clothes at home in his study with some important clues as to his work, interests and accomplishments.
Following day at the next session, started laying out the composition. Decided to work on 20" x 16" canvas board, laying down a raw sienna acrylic wash and drawing with a graphite stick. Also took some photographs for detailed reference later on in the painting.
Following day at the next session, started laying out the composition. Decided to work on 20" x 16" canvas board, laying down a raw sienna acrylic wash and drawing with a graphite stick. Also took some photographs for detailed reference later on in the painting.
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15th Visited Bicton College, met Sim in charge of the library and discussed display space on the library walls. Large areas and plenty of room for paintings of all shapes and sizes so a great opportunity for the Art Club to show its work reflecting the subjects studied at the college and the local scenery and activities of the area.
7th Following Budleigh Art Club's successful annual exhibition, we've been approached by Bicton College to see if there's an interest in displaying members' work at the college. They currently have some paintings on show but would consider a rotational display to refresh the walls on a regular basis. Ralph Bingham and I have been invited to meet with Sim at the college library mid-month to see if we can take things further.
2nd I've been approached to paint a portrait of an eminent Oxford professor who is also a member of Budleigh Art Club and spends his time commuting between his home in the town and his college in Oxford. Quite a challenge as the painting will not only have to achieve a likeness but reflect something of his life and work. A great opportunity to produce a painting that will please him and be a valuable part of my portfolio.
7th Following Budleigh Art Club's successful annual exhibition, we've been approached by Bicton College to see if there's an interest in displaying members' work at the college. They currently have some paintings on show but would consider a rotational display to refresh the walls on a regular basis. Ralph Bingham and I have been invited to meet with Sim at the college library mid-month to see if we can take things further.
2nd I've been approached to paint a portrait of an eminent Oxford professor who is also a member of Budleigh Art Club and spends his time commuting between his home in the town and his college in Oxford. Quite a challenge as the painting will not only have to achieve a likeness but reflect something of his life and work. A great opportunity to produce a painting that will please him and be a valuable part of my portfolio.
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