Fishy Collage Detail

Ever had the feeling that you should sometimes just give up on something? Well, that’s exactly how this painting went for me. There is a figure (a fisherman) who is the main subject of this painting but it went so wrong I feel a little embarrassed to show it so have cropped him out, ha ha!! However – it wasn’t all bad as I really like the background. I collaged torn rectangles of some papers I coloured up over 13 years ago when I was at school doing my art A’Level.  I think this may be the reason I am disappointed with this piece as I had ‘high hopes’ using these papers I have kept for so long and became a little sentimental over them, but it just didn’t work out as I expected. The fishies are cut from car-body repair mesh and hand sewn to the canvas. Along the way though I have learned about using Golden Matt Medium as a barrier to protect and save the base paper below – so all is not lost. On top of the Matt Medium I have layered up thin washes of acrylic paint which I have sanded and peeled back in places and then layered over again.  The background on it’s own is pretty cool, I guess!!

Sunshine Girl by my 10 Year Old Daughter.

It’s been so cold for too long now (brr rr rr rr!), and although the snow has been lovely I’m starting to look forward to the warmer weather and brighter evenings.  To help set us on our merry way I have added this very optimistic looking painting made by my 10 year old daughter.  It’s been a really enjoyable experience to watch her create this.  I have given her some guidance (and a little help with the stencils) but it is otherwise all her own ideas and work. I’ve seen her go through a creative process which I know she has gained value from.  She’s used layers and collage, and new materials/techniques she’s never employed before and it’s been a journey of discovery for her.   She said to me “It’s really interesting, because if I do this……….then I’ll get ….(that).  And if I do……(blargh) ……then I’ll get (the other)!”  I could see the proverbial cogs whirring round.  She’s another creative soul and it has been a treat to really see her get engaged in a project.  She has even managed to get a buyer for it within a few hours of completing it!!  Her Dad wants to buy it for his new flat.  (We are separate.)  It helps that we have this office space for my studio, and it is somewhere to come with a specific purpose.  She loves coming here and said the other day that she wishes we could live here!!  I don’t know how long we will have it for though, as it was only meant to be temporary while we sell and move house.  I think having a separate studio/office from home has many benefits but it certainly has drawbacks too, which I am still adjusting to.  I want it both ways, ha ha!!!!!

Happy to have been able to share this with her and you!  She loves Manga/Anime art work and I believe you can see its influence here.  For more of her work see her Kid Manga website.