We were left with the skin

A newly completed A3 watercolour on illustration board. When my mother was dying, i am convinced I saw her essence (soul) rise up from her. The process took several minutes starting with her feet. What if something of us lives on and goes on to another phase? The same thing happened when my grandfather was dying, so I know it wasn't my imagination.

IT Happened In The Kitchen, A new work

It happened In The Kitchen. This is a new piece 18" X 12", on Illustration board. Original available for sale. Limited edition signed prints  for £60.

New Collage

I justed completed this piece to irritate my son Alex who has a terrible sick phobia! It is available for sale as an original for £95 , or as a limited edition, signed print for £45

An occasional dose of culture. Rob Ryan's paper cutting.

Now there are two types of art lovers, those who have overly refined, snobby exclusive taste where art is elitist, inaccessible and hard work. I am proud to say that I don't by any means fall into this group, quite the opposite! I like art that touches something deep in me, that amazes me by it's prowess, that catches me by surprise. I don't care if it's 'craft' or 'illustration,' or 'crochet.' If it's the original expression of a creative mind then I will either respond to it or not. Some of my culture submissions have been criticized as being not cultured enough, so what the hell does that mean? And why should I care? I shall continue to post work that elicits a reaction in me and that compels me to share it with others, those who disapprove can by all means leave a comment, register their distaste or just go elsewhere.

Rob Ryan's studio

Now, to my featured artist, Rob Ryan. Ryan is a printmaking graduate from my alma mater the Royal College Of Art. His Paper cuttings vary from tiny to huge, they are intricate, wordy and fantastic. Each one starts as a pencil drawing that is cut out (usually by hand) then sprayed with colour. Some of them rather than cut become silkscreen prints. But however they are made, I think they are beautiful, and I think a lot of you would enjoy them. There is a book of his work available called 'This is for you' which displays his talent more fully than I can on this short post. I'd love to hear some opinions from you out there, you at the back...wake up and pay attention!

A new collage piece

A new collage from an idea thrashed out in my last moleskine. It is 11" by 9" inches on illustration board. It is available for sale as an original for £150, or as a signed print for £45.

My Studio

My main working desk, with all my coloured pencils, a very under-rated, under-used medium in my humble opinion.

 

Another view of my desk, a pile of fat moleskines can be seen in the corner.

Boxes full of rubber stamps, collections of images for collage, boxes of words cut out of magazines, precious things that have no value to anyone else.

My beloved books! I started collecting books at the age of eleven, my kids have the same bug. we had to move out of our last house because it was stuffed to the brim with books.

my pristine printing press! I've had it for years and have barely used it. I have big plans for it now.

Ready cut pieces of illustration board in every size I could possibly want .

A selection of old shop-keepers lettering boxes. They are getting hard to find at reasonable prices. Happily, modern versions, although not as aesthetically pleasing are widely available.