Happy Painting with Colour!

I've been working on the second, of what may turn out to be a series of paintings about where I live.  'The Barn' is a social club down the valley road in Marlow Bottom.  You're always sure of a welcome there, and during the Covid lockdown, Shelley Robson and her team have been feeding vulnerable members of the community each Sunday.  Lots of wonderful inspiration for a painting.  Now summer is here, outside the Barn hanging baskets and planters are overflowing with gorgeous begonias, which I just had to include of course.

Please contact me for price and further information if you'd like to purchase the original painting.  Limited edition prints will shortly be available to buy via my website www.beeskelton.com

Here's an impression of how a print could look framed:

My commission order book is currently open for a limited period.  You're welcome to contact me if you'd like me to discuss a painting personalised for you.

Painting village community during Lockdown

Happy Valley acrylic painting by Bee Skelton

Still in semi-Covid 19 Lockdown mode, and having comforted myself with paintings of holiday destinations, I've now returned closer to home for subject matter.  Marlow Bottom, the village where I live has been a hugely positive and strong community during these tough months.  The churches, schools, shops and even the brewery have kept us all going.  It was difficult to decide what to include, and what had to be left out for compositional requirements.  I hope to make a series of paintings illustrating other special local places and people.  I'm open to ideas and commissions from elsewhere.

As usual I began by making preparatory drawings in my sketch book.

The initial composition sketch will make no sense to anyone other than myself.  But that's the whole point of a sketchbook. It's a work book for your own eyes only.

Here are some process images:

I'm very pleased that the completed painting is now being used to raise money for local good causes.  See here for more details on my Facebook Page.

DIY bamboo drawing pen

I'm awaiting arrival of the next set of course notes for my fine art degree with huge anticipation.  In the meantime I've been ordering all kinds of interesting drawing materials in preparation, including pens.

It so happens my home is surrounded by clumps of bamboo and as I need bamboo drawing pens, it seemed a pity not to have a go at making my own.

This 'how to' video has a commentary in french, but even if you don't understand the words, the pictures show the technique very clearly http://youtu.be/1KWhQBaktzs 

I stripped the outer layers from the thin end of a cane, which was alive and green underneath.  I shall dry some before making more pens and use sharper, thinner knives next time.  The craftsman in the video makes it look so easy and his pen is beautiful.  My first attempt lacks any finesse and is not a pretty sight.  But I shall persevere.

The Work of Bob Gregson

Couldn't resist sharing this video with you. Who says Art can't be fun?!

A little video to watch while I'm away.

I won't be showing 'work in progress' images of my current painting. It's been commissioned as a gift for a person, who is a regular visitor to this blog. Wouldn't want to spoil the surprise! So here's something to see and hear while I'm off on my 'secret' mission' :)

Plakatomania

Not a word I've heard of before ... but derived from the greek, I can see where it's coming from. A site and video on You Tube, well worth a visit! Extract from website below. Scroll down to the bottom of her page for the Video link. Visiting artists, I defy you not to be inspired! Thought of you Jafabrit.

Plakatomania
To go out on the street and make something spontaneous in the moment,based on a few materials found on the streets. That is what the artist Gosia Hejnat did in the video installation Plakatomania, filmed by the video artist Paul Prendergast. In the movie it is shown how sheintensively makes new pictures out of old posters, and tear them of thewall to take them home.

DAY 45 Project 365

Came across this YouTube video on Sheree Rensel's blog today. It's quite long, but well worth persevering ... gave me much reason to think.

JUST HAD TO SHARE THIS....

Just found this really cool video. It was made by graphic artist, Ahree Lee, taking a daily photo of herself since 2001 and then compiling them into a montage so that they are seen very rapidly at the rate of around one week in one second! After opening the link, just look bottom right for Watch it on Atom films then click.