I used to be a full time painter, but not these days. I don't even have a studio any more.
The top photo was a Brighton studio shot that my agent took. He wanted a publicity photo showing me hard at work. I hope his other pictures were better than this, and didn't have that flash reflection on them.
This is another picture that he took, when I was showing with a British Gas touring Exhibition. I'm afraid they're both photos of photos.
I had my moments as a painter, but a few unwise personal decisions meant that I was never going to become well known, or sell lots. Maybe my work wasn't good enough anyway.
I have lost my desire to paint these days, although I still enjoy drawing. I can't see myself taking it up again, other than drawing Billy from time to time.
I paint, occasionally.... but I use my iPad and a painting program called Artrage.... rather than my actual materials.....
ReplyDeleteI do it to relax, in the same way as I still make "hippy-influenced ambient music".... I used to record track by track on Sony 1" tapes for 8 tracks.... now on screen I can have up to 64....
but I stick to 16 maximum because it all gets rather messy after that.
On Artrage, I use virtual watercolour pencils and charcoal & pencils.... and using a wet brush, the "pencils" work exactly the same way as they do in the flesh!! BUT... I have one extra advantage, I can save the artwork at different intervals... and, the real cheat is to be able to undo what I have done!!
That sounds interesting, is it similar to that used by Hockney? DH does great work with his programme.
DeleteVery similar, Cro....
DeleteHere's a link:
https://www.artrage.com/artrage/
and I use a real brush... a touch capacitive brush:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/BuTouch-Professional-Painting-Convenient-Experience-Black/dp/B09XLCXHQQ
You had and probably still have talent but if the desire isn't there what can you do? Perhaps you could take up Le Pré de la Forge's suggestion and experiment with Artrage - just like David Hockney. With your mobility issues this could be an uplifting activity to pursue.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's certainly an idea. I shall 'make enquiries'.
DeleteGoing by the pictures in the background, I would like to see more close ups of your artwork. Can you photograph some of them and post them here?
ReplyDeleteI think all of the ones in the photos were sold. I do occasionally post pictures of my paintings, but it's not something I do too often.
DeleteI hope your painting mojo returns or your desire to sketch. As the comments above mention it might be a pleasurable way to fill in your days,
ReplyDeleteIt would take a desire to draw or paint a particular subject. I think it's that that's missing. Nothing grabs me!
DeleteOf course your paintings are 'good enough'...everyone's paintings are 'good enough', it's just the critics who have their own ideas of what's good and what's not. But if your heart's not in it any more, then it's no good flogging a dead horse as they say, it should give you pleasure not become a bind.
ReplyDeleteI used to get up every morning with just one intention, and that was to paint. That never happens any more.
DeleteWould painting be more fun, without the pressure of money?
ReplyDeleteI never really thought of my work as my 'living'. It was simply what I did.
DeleteIt's interesting how life moves on. In my own world, I was a college swimmer. When I lived by a lake in Wisconsin I occasionally went in for a dip, but not too often. My career working as a furniture maker and restorer was the envy of many. Now, I suppose having conquered the trade and skills, I really don't have the burning desire to make things much. I do have exciting new hobbies though! Cheers.
ReplyDeleteMy greatest 'hobby' was vegetable gardening, but it came to a end. I would be very happy to start again, but we have no land here.
DeleteYou have written, do write, love writing. I encourage you a love story, with wonderful food, settings, wine and the women you would think others would love to love. Everything you love, what of life fills your fantasies. What makes you happiest in your dreams!
ReplyDeleteThat is my dream in a few lines. In fact it's always been my dream. It's been pretty good too!
DeleteHow long did you pursue your interest in art? As interests change everything shifts. It seems you left art, moved to France and built a new life as well as raised children. Your move to France brought a very good life.
ReplyDeleteThe next chapter waits in the wings!
I continued to work until about 10 years ago. Then it slowly faded away.
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