Blog
New Year, New Materials.
03/02/09
I started at the end of 2008 experimenting with graffiti artists materials. After doing some research into the type of paint they use, I settled on a mix of spray paints that were supposed to be for the car industry. I was able to pick up some from local shops if they had the odd colour they couldn't sell or was old stock. Researching other artists work was a steep learning curve. We stereotypically think of the graffiti artist as scribing lettering in all manner and shape and then of course there is Banksy. He brought graffiti art to the gallery scene and made stencilling an accepted art form.
Like most artists the thoughts of trying something new almost made me salivate and I couldn't wait to get started.
I began by using conventional artist's supports i.e. canvas and paper. The paint behaved differently on each material and so had properties that I both liked and disliked.
It occurred to me that I should use a surface similar to that which the paint was made for. Once I decided that I wanted to use aluminium I wanted some that instance. Trouble is (as I found out) you can't just go to a shop and buy the stuff. Sourcing was a big issue, but the internet was there to rescue me. Waiting for the postie to arrive was like a kid waiting for Christmas!
The paint started to respond like I hoped it would as soon as it hit the surface. I soon realised that temperature played an important part too. Too cold and the paint was sluggish yet didn't 'go off'. Too warm and the paint wasn't liquid long enough to manipulate it and got lumpy and thick.
Using the paint in an expressionist way it was as if we were having an intense relationship. That probably sounds as if I am bonkers but when colours were interacting with each other in front of me and because of me, I felt the elation that I would imagine a conductor feels during a night at the proms! I had everything - the passion, the pain and eventually the high of producing work that when dry it captured that moment in time. The point that there was interaction of all the colours almost writhing against each other on the surface then all of a sudden they were accepting and all working as one, forming a kaleidoscopic covering.
Please let me know what you think, I'd love to hear from you.
Like most artists the thoughts of trying something new almost made me salivate and I couldn't wait to get started.
I began by using conventional artist's supports i.e. canvas and paper. The paint behaved differently on each material and so had properties that I both liked and disliked.
It occurred to me that I should use a surface similar to that which the paint was made for. Once I decided that I wanted to use aluminium I wanted some that instance. Trouble is (as I found out) you can't just go to a shop and buy the stuff. Sourcing was a big issue, but the internet was there to rescue me. Waiting for the postie to arrive was like a kid waiting for Christmas!
The paint started to respond like I hoped it would as soon as it hit the surface. I soon realised that temperature played an important part too. Too cold and the paint was sluggish yet didn't 'go off'. Too warm and the paint wasn't liquid long enough to manipulate it and got lumpy and thick.
Using the paint in an expressionist way it was as if we were having an intense relationship. That probably sounds as if I am bonkers but when colours were interacting with each other in front of me and because of me, I felt the elation that I would imagine a conductor feels during a night at the proms! I had everything - the passion, the pain and eventually the high of producing work that when dry it captured that moment in time. The point that there was interaction of all the colours almost writhing against each other on the surface then all of a sudden they were accepting and all working as one, forming a kaleidoscopic covering.
Please let me know what you think, I'd love to hear from you.
Moving onwards and upwards.
25/02/09
I can't remember when I last had as much fun! No I'm not exaggerating I am loving the whole painting process from start to finish.
Aluminium is the surface I prefer after working with other grounds, I have found that the metal exploits all of the attributes of the paint.
It's quite nerve racking to begin with when the new and shiny surface is glinting up at you but as soon as the paint starts to flow it draws you in. High contrasts in colour achieve for me the best result. Although sometimes the more muted colours produce a pleasing calming effect.
As I have worked through this process I have gone progressively bigger with the size of the ground. I have just completed two pieces that are 50cms square and have just taken delivery of a one metre square piece. It's going to be quite daunting doing a painting that size with this technique as it relies on the paint 'pooling'. As soon as the spray starts to dry then I lose it's manoeuvrability and therefore the magic. The little picture shows me starting to build up the paint on one of the squares, not a very glamorous location. I'm expecting a new paint order anyday now with exciting colours like neon pink so watch this space.
Aluminium is the surface I prefer after working with other grounds, I have found that the metal exploits all of the attributes of the paint.
It's quite nerve racking to begin with when the new and shiny surface is glinting up at you but as soon as the paint starts to flow it draws you in. High contrasts in colour achieve for me the best result. Although sometimes the more muted colours produce a pleasing calming effect.
As I have worked through this process I have gone progressively bigger with the size of the ground. I have just completed two pieces that are 50cms square and have just taken delivery of a one metre square piece. It's going to be quite daunting doing a painting that size with this technique as it relies on the paint 'pooling'. As soon as the spray starts to dry then I lose it's manoeuvrability and therefore the magic. The little picture shows me starting to build up the paint on one of the squares, not a very glamorous location. I'm expecting a new paint order anyday now with exciting colours like neon pink so watch this space.
Alnmouth Art Festival 26th June to 28th June 2009
22/06/09
Well I've got a busy week this week so I thought I had better write this before I forget. I hope that I see you this weekend at the Alnmouth Art Festival. It's going to be a great day out for all of the family and it is a rare chance for me to show my work in the flesh and also give people the chance to buy some.
There will be an art trail that people follow around local businesses but all within easy walking distance. I'm going to be upstairs in Hindmarsh Hall and would love to see you there.
There are some great artists taking part and theres going to be music, activities for the children and more besides.
www.alnmouth-arts-festival.co.uk
SEE YOU THERE.
There will be an art trail that people follow around local businesses but all within easy walking distance. I'm going to be upstairs in Hindmarsh Hall and would love to see you there.
There are some great artists taking part and theres going to be music, activities for the children and more besides.
www.alnmouth-arts-festival.co.uk
SEE YOU THERE.
