I’ve just completed a new drawing based on the old stables at the Tanygrisiau Slate Mine in North Wales. The drawing was done in fine line ink pens and the washes with quink ink and watercolour. Last year I visited the area to explore the caverns and found the surrounding landscape just as fascinating. I liked the misty hills, large heaps of slate and the derelict buildings in the area; the remains of what was once a thriving industry. You can see ‘Old Stables’ in the Slate Caverns section of my website.
New Commission
I have just completed a new commission, this time featuring a cat called Henry. It is not the sort of thing I would normally use as subject matter but it was for a special occasion and so I decided to take it on board. This drawing is built up with multiple layers of ink pen to create the textures of the fur and a dash of watercolour to add tone and colour.
As I am a teacher it is useful to take on a variety of projects so that I gain new experiences which in turn feeds back into the art classes. Ink pen has featured many times in my more recent work and this project was an interesting diversion which I enjoyed.
Back to dereliction now……
Art Classes back for Autumn 2020
My regular art classes will return in September. The Burntwood classes will be moving to Hammerwich Community Hall for the time being and the Penkridge class will temporarily move to Haughton Village Hall. The other classes will be at Haughton Village Hall as normal. The venues are following current government guidelines around hygiene and social distancing.
Details for the courses can be found on the art classes page of this website.
During lockdown I have been teaching an online art class. Students are given access to art exercises via this website and then receive detailed feedback during each stage of the picture. The exercises cover different abilities and mediums and feedback is given via WhatsApp, email or video calls. I will continue to offer the online art class for the autumn term. Contact me for details.
Brunswick Tower
I’ve just completed a new drawing, ‘Brunswick Tower’, which features a structure located at RAF Upper Heyford, an abandoned airbase in Oxfordshire. This tower was situated by the weapons storage area and was occupied by a single member for 8 hour shifts at a time.
This piece was created using ink pens and watercolour. Normally my ink drawings are in black and white but I thought I would try a colour tint this time for a bit of variation. The work can be found in the ‘War Remains’ section of this website.
Frozen Earth
I have just completed a new painting entitled “Frozen Earth’. I do not normally work in watercolour but have recently been experimenting in sketchbooks and have enjoyed revisiting the medium. The image is based on a recent unplanned visit to Cannock Chase. As I drove through the forest I was very much taken by the mist, the frosty landscape and the quiet atmosphere.
Happy New Year!
I hope you have had a wonderful Christmas and were able to enjoy a break from work. I am looking forward to getting stuck into some new art projects this year starting with a recent commission.
My art classes start again this month. You can find a full listing on my Art Classes page
I teach people of all abilities from the complete beginner to the more advanced. You have the choice of following set exercises or working on your own project which i will assist you with. What makes my classes different to most is that I really try to cater for the individual and work hard to boost your confidence and ability. My classes are also relaxed and fun!
Do contact me if you have any queries.
I look forward to meeting you this year!