Sojourn

This is a large pastel (33 x 66 inches) and is one of my gallery pieces. My daughter is the model and the painting is a reflection on modern life; no matter where or when, we have a need to connect to the outside world via the smart phone, we can even download kindle and read a book from it.

Squashed Flies

In the UK these Garibaldi biscuits are known as 'squashed fly biscuits' and as kids we loved them all the more because of it. I started thinking about the 'insect challenge' and this visual pun came to mind. I couldn't wait to get up this morning and get painting. First 'find ye a fly........' this one was sacrificed to the cause!

Flapper

This oil sketch of Beth was done in a sitting of approx two hours at the scout hut. Beth finds her outfits at vintage fairs and I don't think I have ever seen her in contemporary clothing. Even when life modelling she uses 1920's props as you can see from the quick sketches (10 mins) posted below.

C'mon you yellows

This is another study of chillies; I am working these fellas hard before they get chopped up and added to the pot. The title is borrowed from the owner of our local football club Norwich City whose colours just happen to be green and yellow.

Scotch Bonnets

Scotch Bonnets are both a challenge and a delight to paint. Their intricate shape and jewel like colour are always an attraction. Although I have have painted them a few times now, they don't seem to get any easier! Below is a pastel painting of scotch bonnets which is available through Mandells Gallery in Norwich.

On the Shelf

This is a small gallery painting. Most of the daily paintings are as the name suggests , done in a sitting over the course of a day. I really enjoy producing a painting, allowing it to be what it is and then being able to move on to the next one, it is really quite liberating. I suppose the difference with the gallery pieces are that they are tweaked a bit more. It is interesting that over a period of time I am finding that they meld together more.

Tea at Caluccio's

I ordered this cup of tea at caluccio's when I was struck by the beautiful colour the overhead lighting gave to the tea. By the time I had finished collecting reference material for a small painting the tea was thoroughly stewed and my companion felt I really should get out a little more often.

Oil sketch of Mike

This oil sketch of Mike was painted from life at the weekly sesssion in the scout hut. I had organized a model who failed to appear and Mike agreed to sit for us rather galliantly as I know he would have preferred to be on the other side of the easel. We gave him some beer money but it was poor compensation for the fun we all had.

Boiled Egg and Soldiers

I have been wanting to paint this subject for a while. As a weekend breakfast it makes a wonderfully relaxing start to a lazy day. The thing is, I always want to get stuck in and dip the toast into the softly boiled egg. Preparing this little treat for a still-life set up is a completely different experience and demanded a great deal of self control!