This is a short video demonstrating how I created an original linocut print of some sunflowers in my studio and at the Gloucestershire printmaking cooperative.
Read MoreRoses Linocut
I recently decided to embark on an ambitious 3 colour plate Linocut of Roses. I also wanted to try the design using three different colour combinations, Pink and Blue, Red and Green and Yellow and Purple.
The two most important things about the artwork were the complex geometric design of the Rose heads and that the background and foreground colours had to complement each other.
The carving of the Lino plates took over a week and the work and effort was painstaking given the large scale of the pieces. I couldn't wait to get into the Printmaking studio to see if my design was to be a success or not.
Fortunately as I lay down the prints to dry I realized that the punchy colour combinations had indeed been a success and that the simple design with the intricate spiraling geometric pattern of the Roses worked really well.
It was another good project under my belt. My aim with this project is to showcase and celebrate the majesty of the kingdom of nature. The wondrous flora and fauna we have in this world provides an in-exhaustible fountain of inspiration for my artistic endeavors as it has done for many before me.
Sunflower Burst
Finally after a four year period I've picked up where I'd left off as regards my Expressive Paintings project. After much paint splattering, gestural arm movements and squirting colour from my syringes I managed to produce this Acrylic on board which I've named "Sunflower Burst"
It is the first in a series of Sunflowers in vases meant as an homage to Van Gogh who painted seven versions of these amazing flowers in vases, initially to decorated his studio in the Yellow House in Arles in anticipation of his friend Gauguin coming to stay.
It's nice to be working in this primal way again as it's the most natural style of expression for me as an Artist. Form is simplified, colour is applied expressively and hopefully, if the work is successful, the true nature of the subject matter shines through. My other art techniques such as the printmaking and illustration work that I do are more carefully considered and are a bit different in style.
I stopped painting in this way four years ago when I became depressed and haven't been in the right frame of mind until now to continue. Those of you who are Creative Professionals will maybe understand what it's like to have Painters/Writers block where you just can't seem to get any decent work down! When you're in one of these phases, the harder you try, the more rubbish you produce. I had to sit it out and tackle less challenging and expressive work while I sorted my head out. Look out for lot's more expressive paintings this Summer!