My second studio muse - Ziggy

 Like Lola, in typical cat style, she shows absolutely no interest in what is going on in the studio: she prefers to stare out of the window or sleep for hours, which in fact makes her a perfect companion.

No interruptions, no comments, just a constant presence.

Limited palette examples 2

 Summer colours: cobalt blue, rose madder, Australian olive green, yellow ochre and a touch of paynes grey

Below, mixed media used to create the image on the left. Note the studio muse, Lola the black cat in the far right corner: totally disinterested.

Limited palette examples 1

In my A4 diary I have been enjoying using limited palettes

Paynes grey, yellow ochre and burnt umber: a classic palette of my favourite colours.

 

In the studio - paintings in my A3 journal (4)

 Trying out new colours and compositions.

In the studio - paintings in my A3 journal (3)

 

In the studio - painting in my A3 journal (2)

 Here are some examples of what I have painted in my A3 journal recently.

I have been reading Sarah Hall's novel Helm an epic, centuries-spanning story in which the primary character is a sentient, mischievous wind—the UK's only named wind, which blows off Cross Fell in Cumbria, England. 

I love painting in an abstract lyrical style, and emotional landscapes just pop out regardless of my intention when I start painting. I think that scenes from the novel have seeped into these.

In the studio - painting in my A3 journal

Here is one way that I like to experiment with new compositions and colour palettes.

At the end of a day in the studio I paste pages taken from magazines into an A3 visual diary. I choose magazines that have high quality heavy paper because I like the feel oof paint on that kind of paper.

On the two pages in the image below, are pages from a magazine featuring swimming pools. I taped off the pages with green painter's tape because I intended to leave sections exposed. I use PVA as glue, as it adds a layer which thickens the substrate, however in winter it does need overnight to dry.

The next morning I paint very freely over the magazine pages. I use the exercise to experiment with things that are on my mind.

Below I was thinking about muted tones and composition. No matter what I do, an underlying theme of landscapes comes through. Interesting to observe.

Buildings 2

 The challenge for our collage group Melbourne Collage Meets, was to create collages with the theme of Buildings.

These are 17cmx17cm

Buildings 1

The challenge for our collage group Melbourne Collage Meets, was to create collages with the theme of Buildings.

These are 17cmx17cm

 

Board Book 3 Holiday in the country

 This is part 3 of an altered book project. The inspiration was to turn children's board books into altered books. I have enjoyed doing them in the past, and this return to the form was very satisfying. 

Boardbook 2 Where Land and Air Converse

 This is part  two of an altered book project. The inspiration was to turn children's board books into altered books. I have enjoyed doing them in the past, and this return to the form was very satisfying.

Boardbook 1 Journey in the landscape

This is a part of an altered book project. The inspiration was to turn children's board books into altered books. I have enjoyed doing them in the past, and this return to the form was very satisfying. 

Here is a link to some inspirational examples of this art form. 

https://clinock.wordpress.com/tag/altered-book-artists/