Latest stuff, 2014

Couldn't post the one with hands before as it was for friends and had to be sent to UK for them to view first.

The other is the first in a large series I want to do. Large as in six paintings and large as in 5ft x 3ft - the biggest I've done. They are to be based on images created by the French poet Rimbeau, this one from "After the Deluge".

Unfortunately, this lower one is from a phone pic and not too clear. I shall try to get a better pic taken at some point.

Art Course - Week 5/ Week 5.5

Worked at the college and then a bit at home before this pic was taken. At home mainly worked on the eyes as I wasnt happy with the way the lecturer had adjusted them...made the model look like Marty Feldman! Added a terre vert glaze to background to emphasise portrait. Last week coming up.

Art Course - week 4

Continuing problems with back pain so I took so painkillers prior to the class. Made me a bit er, unfocused. Didn't really enjoy this class today as I felt left way behind by others skill. Perhaps I'd have been better waiting for my new glasses as I had my eyes tested and they have deteriorated slightly. So old!!

Latest Works

Once again I've been slack in putting work on this site. Bill, a "friend of the site" reminded me of this and so here are two pieces.

One is as complete as its likely to be. This is of Garry McDonald in the persona of his creation Norman Gunston. For those of you unfamiliar with 70's and 80's Australian humour Gunston was a kind of forerunner to Ali G. That is a character developed by an actor to enable both extremely dim and/or wonderfully naive and insightful questions to be asked of various celebs or politicians. The outrageous "combover", the blobs of toilet paper covering shaving nicks, the pallid skin, the cheesy grin and the frantic panicked look in his eye all became trademarks.

My favourite line comes as a response to an American celeb - already "corpsing" hysterically at his nervous demeanour - who suggests that he use an electric razor from now on. Straight faced and quick as a flash he replies, "I do". End of any chance of a serious interview as she dissolves into uncontrollable laughter.

McDonald has been open about his struggles with his mental health and so this portrait joins others in a short series of favourites of mine who achieved great things whilst living with a mental health issue.

Oil on canvas, 1000mm x 750mm.

Finished Portrait of Spike Milligan

Completed hat, background and shirt yesterday. This was one of the quickest I've ever done and I'm pleased with it. I stole the background style from Rob Hannaford, the pic from a biography of Spike and doubtless much else from others.

Spike

Work in progress

Something Old , Something New

Here's a new painting of an old favourite subject. I havent been painting for six months but feel more motivated again. I've gone about as far as I can with this one but I've learnt a lot by doing this. Not perfect by any means but fun to do. How do you make Ringo look "not wierd"?

Oil On MDF Board, 900 x 600 x 3mm.