I took the reference photo for this painting in Kenmare during the October bank holiday weekend. I was taken by the moderness, is that a word?, of the guy texting and the frontage of the old pub. The plan , if it works, is to have the sides of the painting misty and showing the past, but I am not sure yet how I am going to do it.
This has been sitting around the studio for a long time now, and was getting knocked around and marked by other paintings, so I bit the bullet and put it on the easel on Saturday and it’s nearly done, maybe an hour or so more to do.
This is the previous post of this painting.
Coloured pencil on cartridge paper.
This dragonfly was thought not to exist in Ireland until quite recently but due to birdwatchers taking more interest in other flying creatures has proved to be reasonably common.
The hardest part of this painting was trying to decide how to tackle the wings, think I made a reasonable effort.
I have been rearranging my incredibly untidy studio, and came up with an obvious idea (well it was Orla, my mate, the ceramicist next door, actually, I’m just claiming the credit.So we hung paintings on the outside , so obvious huh? That way people can view the paintings without facing the ogre inside…grrrrr.
Just finished this today, I think. Not sure about the top right hand quarter, but not sure what else to do about it, would be interested in opinions. Have changed it a bit from the wonderful photo by Andrew Foley which is posted below, but I think I have kept the overall impression.
Another coloured pencil on the go. This Budliea is just outside my studio and has been full of butterflies so I took a few shots and tried to reproduce the wonder and beauty of the insects. Got a bit bogged down with the flowers so took a break and went on to the picture I showed yesterday.
My latest venture, coloured pencil on pastel board, from a photo by a friend of mine, Andrew Foley, I have changed it around to suit myself , added the mouse etc. Still a long way to go, I will post another WIP. I had forgotton how long coloured pencil takes, but I do love the results.
Cork Craft Month runs from August 8th until September 8th at venues all over the Cork area. This weekend the Shanagarry Design Centre holds centre stage with free painting workshops by myself on Friday and Saturday afternoon (both full), clay modelling worshops on Saturday and Sunday afternoon by Orla O’Rourke, (fee payable), of Stable Door Pottery and free hand scrub by Elaine Hayes of Angels Touch. There is so much going on it’s really worth a visit.
I have been very busy this week, the pressure is on, my students exhibition opens on next Friday night, the 9th Aug, so everyone is up to high ninety. I thought I would put up some of their paintings as an example of the quality of their work, hopefully any of you able to make the opening will do so.
Another racing scene, as you can see,40”x30” canvas. Not sure if the background is too strong but will carry on until the jockeys colours are in, might get a better idea then.
The sun is still beating down, so the classes are very slack and visitors to the studio few and far between,all on the beach I suspect. Maybe I should be on the beach painting?
It’s very hard to settle down and paint in the stunning weather we are having, but I have managed to do some and this one is now nearing completion, just a few nicks here and there I think. It’s a largish canvas, 40”x 30”, I like this size a lot, its not too big to be intimidating. I have started another canvas this size, again of a racing scene, I will post a work in progress.
I have been very busy in the last week getting the exhibition, “A Real Piece of Work” organised. With 40 odd artists involved it’s quite an undertaking, but everybody is giving what help they can, so it will all come right at the end!
If you are anywhere near the venue this exhibition is a MUST SEE!
Seriously hot in Ireland…not complaining but finding it hard to work, inside or out. Have produced more greeting cards, which will be for sale on this blog and also my website, www.theartofphildavis.com .
I am trying to get this one finished, it’s down to the fine detail stage so as usual I am finding reasons not to paint.
FREE FREE FREE FREE
Still places left on Free workshop for Beginners.
Saturday 16th July 3pm to 5pm
Studio 2, Shanagarry Design Centre.
Shanagarry.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL: 086 2468303
:phildavis@iol.ie
The weather is amazing, summer is finally here and everybody is making for the beach.The studio is very quiet, so maybe I should head for the beach as well.
I have been trawling through my sketchbooks again and came across this sketch of my wife.
I have used similar sketches for a painting that I posted recently, but this is from a different angle…may make a painting.
You are going to get sick of hearing about this but I will be posting regularly to remind you all to come to an exhibition of paintings by artists in my classes.
Friday 9th August @ 7.30pm
“Downstairs” in Shanagarry Design Centre,
Shanagarry, Co Cork.
This is a not to miss exhibition!!!!
It wouldn’t be my blog without a picture so here is one I painted and sold recently, of Penn Castle, which was owned by the family of William Penn who invented Pennsylvania, (hope I spelt it right). This is next door to my studio, so it was inevitable that I would paint it sooner or later.
