David Pilgrim Art http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php David Pilgrim Art en-us Wed, 08 Sep 2010 16:46:31 +0200 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 16:46:31 +0200 SoftCab.com <![CDATA[Amongst the veg]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=103
]]> Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:56:15 +0200 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=103#comment <![CDATA[Back to Whaddon]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=102
]]> Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:50:43 +0200 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=102#comment <![CDATA[Fruity]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=101
]]> Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:44:32 +0200 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=101#comment <![CDATA[Twilight]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=100
]]> Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:27:20 +0200 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=100#comment <![CDATA[Oxford]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=99
I love the colour of the stonework and it's good to paint when it's cloudy or sunny (though not both at the same time...that's a nightmare to deal with!). I like the long format for architectural subjects as it presents more interesting design opportunities.





The two above are of the Radcliffe camera (the first has the church behind). I tried to use more subtle temperature/colour shifts as opposed to heavy value shifts to keep things in harmony.



This one is Hertford college. Just to the left out of the picture is the 'Bridge of sighs' and in the distance you can see the same church as the one in the Radcliffe painting. Towards the end the sun started shining on the canvas so I had to be mindful not to overdo the darks.]]> Mon, 12 Jul 2010 23:29:13 +0200 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=99#comment <![CDATA[Paint till the cows come home...]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=98


...and as this pair of curious moos came towards me I couldn't resist....

]]> Mon, 12 Jul 2010 23:18:57 +0200 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=98#comment <![CDATA[Summer evening]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=97
I used a small 6x8 textured linen panel, kindly given to me by my artist friend Karl Terry. Nice surface to work on and not too absorbent (unlike a other kinds of textured panels). I thought it would be peaceful but it was right next to a sheep station and they made a heck of a din. Still, at least there weren't any cockerels!!

]]> Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:58:16 +0200 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=97#comment <![CDATA[Afternoon at the Exchange]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=96
]]> Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:43:36 +0200 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=96#comment <![CDATA[Back to Bank]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=91
The main difference from my previous visit was the number of people around. Streams and streams of workers everywhere! It was a good test of how to focus and not get put off my onlookers, for sure! For the first piece I sat under a pillar in the shade of the Bank of England. It was handy because it meant that I wasn't really blocking the pavement too much with my easel. This one was done at about 5pm, slap bang in the middle of rush hour! The figures in are quite indistinct in the painting but that's the way I wanted it, almost a blur of people rushing past!



I was getting a bit tired but decided that whilst I was there I'd try and catch the fading evening light somewhere. I hunted around for a decent spot and nearly opted to head for London Bridge but I noted a really good view toward a church called St Mary Le Bow. I decided to give it a go from a shady but busy spot. Again, the light moved fast. I was actually 'beaten' by the light and didn't quite get things finished on the spot but I spent an hour or so on it the next day in the studio, working from memory whilst it was still fresh in my mind. I like the subdued tones against the light of the sky and the church spire is really impressive (built my Wren apparently). I'll definitely be back to do another one!

]]> Mon, 07 Jun 2010 13:59:07 +0200 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=91#comment <![CDATA[Hammersmith bridge]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=90
The painting was done at about 1pm and I got some positive comments from passers by. Even though the sun was high it moved quickly and the shadow cast under the bridge changed it's position quite dramatically as I worked. As with the other paintings, I made sure the canvas was turned away from the sun so that I didn't have direct sun shining on the surface. This can skew your value judgements and you end up overcompensating, making darks darker than they should be. I was pleased with the result and hope to do a bigger version at some point. I might return to the spot with a larger canvas to start things off.



]]> Mon, 07 Jun 2010 13:33:52 +0200 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=90#comment <![CDATA[Tower Bridge]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=89


I was really roasting after the first painting but on my way back I bumped into 3 guys from the Wapping Group who were out painting from a spot a bit closer to the bridge. The light was getting quite interesting and I decided to seize the moment and paint alongside fellow artists! It was a good decision. Really enjoyed it, despite feeling a little jaded.

The scene became almost monochromatic as the sun moved round but I stuck with the initial impression I got at the start otherwise I would have ended up painting a new scene over the old one! The key to getting the light to register on the water was to pitch the general tone of the river low enough to contrast against it.



]]> Mon, 07 Jun 2010 13:19:12 +0200 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=89#comment <![CDATA[Inspired by London]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=88
I made a point of indentifying potential locations in advance so that I wouldn't expend too much energy searching around for a subject. First off, I hit the area around Bank and the Royal Exchange, following in the footsteps of my 'hero' Ken Howard!



I was lucky to be there on a Bank holiday when all the city workers were away. This one was done round the corner opposite the Bank of England...



The drawing is deceptively complex but there's no time to dither. After doing quick thumbnail sketch in my sketchpad to work out the basic coposition I want I go straight in with a thin wash to map out the position of the key elements. Then it's a question of establishing relationships...colour, tone etc. I try to get in the zone where I forget what I'm painting and see it in more abstract terms, attempting to pull things together to make a coherent whole. I really enjoyed painting these and will certainly be back for many more.]]> Mon, 07 Jun 2010 13:06:37 +0200 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=88#comment <![CDATA[Evening light]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=87
I'm hoping to work up a bigger version based on this one back in the studio. I actually find that much more difficult as I don't have the energy of the subject to feed off. My mark making and colour mixing are more instictive when working on location. Nevertheless, I think I'll still give it a go as the subject is so enticing.

]]> Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:48:08 +0200 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=87#comment <![CDATA[In the studio]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=86


I don't have a fixed set of colours but more a range that I work with depending on the subject. For some reason I like to put the lighter colours on the right and darker the left (I'm right handed). The picture shows how I like to pre-mix pools of colour before gettng stuck in with the brush. This encourages me to make clearer, cleaner statements with the paint and not end up with a mess of colours on the palette. It helps me to take stock, think about what I'm going to do and identify the key things to work on. I make sure that I clean the brushes a lot so that I don't infect one colour mix with another (unless that is the intention).

I've just added a couple of twistable clips (using those wooden stretcher wedges you get with off the shelf canvases) to the base of my easel platform so that the painting doesn't sit in a 'rut' which makes the very bottom awkward to paint. Nothing pretty but a simple bit of DIY that makes life just a little bit easier :o)



Note also the hooks I've added which are hady for holding brushes loaded with paint!

I've just made my first big batch of canvas panels as I can't work with machined surfaces you get from the shops. I bought a giant roll of cotton duck canvas and glued it to large wooden boards using acid free PVA (bookbinding glue). The surfaces were rolled, pressed, primed/coloured and lightly sanded before being cut with a band saw. I used 2 coats of gesso and 1 coat of acrylic (ultramarine, burnt sienna and titanium white) for the top surface. They have a nice tooth (not too uniform) and are lightweight (ideal for outdoor studies). A fair bit of work but if done in bulk the effort is worthwhile.



.



Below is the roller I used to get rid of any creases/bubbles:



and this is the roll of canvas (10m long). Next time I might try linen but it's much more expensive



]]> Tue, 18 May 2010 17:43:23 +0200 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=86#comment <![CDATA[London calling]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=83
Found a really good spot and decided to leave the actual bridge for another day when the light was more favourable. Instead, I found an interesting view looking east from the bridge. It turned out to be quite a complex little study with lots of varied shapes/tones/colours. There weren't many 'restful' parts to ease up in! Anyway, thoroughly enjoyed it even though I was dog tired afterwards. It's no masterpiece but a nice little study where I've gathered some good information. It has certainly fuelled my desire to get down to London more and for the time being I'm going to head for the Thames (avoiding the tourist hotspots if I can). Also brushed past Colin Jackson doing a TV interview for the marathon in front of the bridge!



Also did a lightning study of one of my favourite local(ish) spots at Tyringham bridge (looking east). The light suddenly started to fade under milky cloud as soon as I got my paints out but I thought I'd have a go. It was a bit rushed (25 mins in the end) but I'm glad I got something of the distancing on the trees and the purplish hues that turned more yellow in the faint shafts of sunlight that were left. It might work on another attempt in the studio but hopefully I'll be back there in the evening when the sun is more steady!



see how drab and lifeless the photo is by comparison...



]]> Sun, 25 Apr 2010 13:37:30 +0200 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=83#comment <![CDATA[London revisited]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=82
]]> Fri, 23 Apr 2010 12:04:18 +0200 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=82#comment <![CDATA[Tulips and daffodils]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=81
The light was a bit iffy so I decided to paint some nice flowers against some railings. I don't normally go for vivid colours (or flowers) but it was hard to resist and I wanted to get something done! It was also a good technical exercise as I needed to think about how to keep the colours nice and vibrant. It's easy to fiddle on a small scale (5x7 in). I opted to paint the flower heads first and paint the surroundings up to them so that the colours didn't get 'infected'. I also made a conscious effort to keep some of the edges softer. An enjoyable little study, hopefully capturing some of the vibrancy of Spring...

]]> Fri, 23 Apr 2010 12:00:39 +0200 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=81#comment <![CDATA[More sketches]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=80

(Another lunch hour mini sketch from the refectory at work)


(Trafalgar Square in a matter of minutes!)


(lunch hour study of a street in Woburn Sands)

and then the usual stuff I get drawn into sometimes.. ]]> Fri, 23 Apr 2010 11:52:30 +0200 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=80#comment <![CDATA[London calling]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=79 Heatherleys School of Art and the Cheyne walk trust. About a doaen artists turned up and it was great to share the experience with others. I painted a couple of panels of the Albert bridge from a boat sitting under the Battersea rail bridge.

In the time I was there the water rose to a level where the Albert bridge started to disappear from view! I'll know for next time!

!



I've entered one (not shown) into an auction event which will be held at Heatherleys on April 22nd (prizes presented by the brilliant Ken Howard!)

To follow up, I headed to the embankment around Westminster on Saturday and found a decent spot on the Hungerford bridge. Masses of people were passing by but I was still able to tune in and get something down... !



Thank goodness I don't rely on photos that much these days. Just look at the lack of colours and tonal values in the snap I took. It contains none of the energy I found in the moment... !

]]> Sun, 11 Apr 2010 22:11:33 +0200 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=79#comment <![CDATA[Me and my scalf]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=78


The kind of drawings I actually prefer doing these days are the rapid, 'snatched' moments where I don't get much time to think. It's all about being aborbed in the here and now, focused, uninhibited by doubt or hesitation. Who was it who said 'Our doubts are our traitors'? The results can be hit and miss but the process is far more rewarding







]]> Sun, 11 Apr 2010 21:55:07 +0200 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=78#comment <![CDATA[Oooh I could crush a grape....]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=77
Notice the transparancy of the darker colours (achieved by adding a little W&N painting medium) which helps to retain a richness in the colours. The grapes seemed to have reflected light all over the place so sharp observation was needed. I liked the way some of the grape colours were picked up in the cloth (and vice versa). I thought the blue line in the cloth would make an interesting compositional element and colour note. The grapes tasted good too :o)

]]> Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:49:08 +0100 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=77#comment <![CDATA[Saturday stream....]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=76
I liked the lines/shapes of the overhanging branch and reflections. The sun kept popping in and out which made it tricky but sometimes you have to rely on a bit of memory. The key is to observe with intent so that you have the information safely tucked away! This isn't something I've mastered but practicing is certainly the best way to improve. Anyway, here's the pics....







and here's the furry friend....





This was a bit later on.....check out the colours and textures....



]]> Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:27:50 +0100 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=76#comment <![CDATA[Nearly forgot]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=75
I'm actually quite interested in light through trees, even though it's really hard to capture (trees aren't the easiest things to paint). Photos would be useless though as the trees would come out almost black with a bright light behind. Sometimes it reminds me of stained glass windows where the branches are darkened like leading and create little shapes of light and colour. Anyway, I hope to continue with the theme at some point....

]]> Sun, 31 Jan 2010 21:26:58 +0100 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=75#comment <![CDATA[Snow paintings emerging]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=74
I've tried my best to keep things loose and fresh but I find it quite tricky. I'm determined to persevere because I don't want to be a slave to detail and have to 'render' everything. It's not that I'm lazy...it's just that I don't think it's so important anymore. Proof will be in the pudding I guess!



This was a cloudier day but I stumbled across this little scene and enjoyed the more subdued light. The sheep made a little cameo at the top of the hill for a nice ending touch! The original location study is shown below and hopefully you'll agree the studio piece (above) has ironed out a few of the compositional creases (in my defence it was so cold I didn't have much time to think about the composition on the day!)



Here's the frozen river scene reversioned (but not yet finished)



and this one is still in progress....



and finally for now, a scene with light through the trees by the river. I did another location study of these trees before the snow arrived and thought it would be interestng to contrast the two. I'm hoping to work up both pieces into more resolved pieces at some point but hopefully you can get an idea from these pieces..



]]> Sun, 31 Jan 2010 21:14:57 +0100 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=74#comment <![CDATA[Self reflection]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=73








]]> Sun, 31 Jan 2010 20:54:35 +0100 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=73#comment <![CDATA[and it keeps on coming.....]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=68
Boy, I thought I was getting frostbite or something today. I got a bit carried away and was out for 2 hours in the bitter cold/wind. The tips of my fingers suddenly felt like they were freezing up and I swear they were changing colour (or was it just the paint!) so I made a sharp exit. My fingers have NEVER been that cold before!! I think that's enough outdoor action until it gets decidedly warmer :)

Today's little number was interesting because the sun was vieled behind some clouds but I found a nice little stream that had some cracking lines/shapes. Made for an unusual subject which I hope to work up into something bigger in the warmth of the studio!



here's what I was looking at...the colours are a little different from what was really there...



The great thing is all the scenes were just a 5 minute walk from my house which made things much easier....









...and my little house with a good covering!



]]> Sat, 09 Jan 2010 22:35:53 +0100 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=68#comment <![CDATA[It's snow time!]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=65
This is my favourite and the least, erm, polished. Just goes to show you don't need lots of detail to achieve an end result. Less is certainly more in this case. I had about 30 minutes to get it down having just painted a panel facing the other direction (see below). I wasn't sure whether to bother but I'm glad I did. The colours were amazing and seemed to change every time I looked!



This one worked quite well (facing the other way before the sun started going down) and I enjoyed working on a linen canvas panel. The sheep made a nice point of interest and they're definitely less white than you'd think!



The composition on this one wasn't so strong but I think I can tweak the format and use the sketch to work up something more balanced (in terms of shape and colour/value distribution). It was REALLY cold when I did this one...2 pairs of gloves were needed towards the end! Thankfully I had a flask of milky coffee.



More snow....please!!]]> Thu, 24 Dec 2009 18:11:19 +0100 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=65#comment <![CDATA[You looking at me?]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=64






and a couple of quickfire lunchtime studies for good measure...





]]> Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:54:20 +0100 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=64#comment <![CDATA[Out in the fresh air]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=58

(a chilly late afternoon study near Nash, oil on panel)


(a quick sketch helped make some sense of the mass of trees)


(This one's still wet and I had literally minutes to get it down. The sheep turned up for a late cameo apperance. I'd started painting another scene facing in the opposite direction when this view popped up over my shoulder. It had better light although I had to squint a bit because of the glare)


(done in acrylics a while ago)]]> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:32:31 +0100 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=58#comment <![CDATA[ROI Paint evening]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=57



(Adebanji and David Newens deep in concentration)


(David Curtis had a good position and really 'caught' the model)

I also discovered I'd sold both paintings which was a bonus. We love red stickers :o)



and I really liked these winter scenes from the Winsor and Newton under 35's category...



]]> Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:56:31 +0100 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=57#comment <![CDATA[A few drawings]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=56 ]]> Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:29:12 +0100 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=56#comment <![CDATA[A few renovation shots..]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=55





(a bedroom becomes a bathroom)




Some serious fireplace surgery!




Downstairs bathroom to utility room




A new kitchen is born




Shiny new studio!


Front door painted although it wasn't straightforward...probably the most stressful bit of brushwork I've had to do in ages!

I got this from the tip and painted it up.


Now there's a nice little dining room painting waiting to happen...

]]> Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:11:57 +0100 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=55#comment <![CDATA[Prize winner]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=53


I can still remember painting it very clearly. I decided to paint the yellow flowers early on and paint around them rather than putting them on top of other colours so that they would stay clean and fresh. I even remember the conversations I had with walkers as they attempted to negotiate their way round my precariously perched easel! The only down side is that I missed the prize giving and preview opening :O( Still, hope to get down to the gallery soon and see all the work on display.]]> Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:33:25 +0100 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=53#comment <![CDATA[Accepted into ROI 2009 show.]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=51 Mall Galleries. They've taken the 2 small plein air works but not the bigger 'Back of the Woolpack' (hey ho). Still, I'm pleased because I think there were around 700 public entries and I thought I wouldn't get the time to enter anything! I think that's 5 years on the trot that I've managed to get something or other accepted so I'm chuffed :O) Better start working towards 2010 now!]]> Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:39:09 +0200 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=51#comment <![CDATA[Back of the Woolpack]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=50
Perhaps it's a good thing to have a deadline to prevent unecessary fiddling. With the aid of a 500W lamp (dread to think how much that costs to run) and a desk fan it managed to harden off....just!



The other two I entered are a couple of small plein air pieces...





There is light at the end of the tunnel with the renovation work so I'm hoping to get back the easel more often over the next few weeks/months...not least to regain some sanity!]]> Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:52:23 +0200 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=50#comment <![CDATA[Paintings in progress]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=49


I froze my fingers in the back garden omay parents painting this little scene where the now was melting as I painted it. This is a version worked up from the orginal study, hopefully with a slightly better composition and colour balance. I wanted to try and keep the colours fresh and clean. Not an easy one to do.





This one's from Norfolk. More loosely painted than normal but I might just leave it there. Not quite decided yet]]> Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:08:08 +0200 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=49#comment <![CDATA[Not much...but something....]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=48










]]> Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:54:03 +0200 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=48#comment <![CDATA[Moving day!]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=47
Anyway, the my art activity has inevitably been hit but I've been thinking about some new ideas and have a few paintings approaching completion which I'll post up once I've got the chance. Looking forward to getting into the new studio with the varnished floor that proved quite a challenge to sand down (don't ask!!!).

Pics of the new place to go up soon. Keep painting people :O)]]> Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:09:45 +0200 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=47#comment <![CDATA[Here's my excuse......]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=46
Keep an eye on the blog as I still hope to do some painting/drawing over the coming weeks, if only to escape the renovation mayhem for a while! Anyway, here's a few pictures to show the state of the place at the moment and prove that I'm not just slacking off from art for no good reason!


(this fireplace has got to go)


(aaaah...that's better Dad)


(I love hacking plaster)


(hey...Dad..no time for slacking off!)


(the mayhem isn't just inside either)


(this is what the fireplaces were like upstairs)


(...until we found these beauties underneath!)

]]> Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:09:48 +0100 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=46#comment <![CDATA[Better than nowt...]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=45

(shorter hair and...ahem...am I putting on a few pounds?)





]]> Fri, 20 Feb 2009 08:19:52 +0100 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=45#comment <![CDATA[Keeping indoors...]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=44
It's funny because this wasn't really what I had in mind when I first stumbled across the subject but in pictorial terms it works far better than the others. No matter how much I tried to shift things around, the perspective in the others seemed too 'forced' and the balance between the figure and the surroundings just wasn't right. The study I've opted to go with has a good balance of light and shade and a strong 'L' shaped composition. The expanse of carpet provides a useful rest area for the eye, countering the activity going on in the rest of the image. The figure shouldn't be too prominent and it will hopefully help to convey the atomsphere and meaning I'm after. These quick studies were done in acrylic and although they're crudely done they do help to give an idea as to whether it's worth investing time and energy into a larger version.





Oh yes...and a quick 20 minute life study from the class. Nothing special but it was a nice pose and the hat provided some extra interest. I could have done with another 10 minutes to refine it but I'll claim the unfinished effect was intentional :o)

]]> Thu, 12 Feb 2009 11:59:10 +0100 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=44#comment <![CDATA[Fruity....]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=41
]]> Mon, 02 Feb 2009 23:11:19 +0100 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=41#comment <![CDATA[A place to live...]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=40
Even so, the painting and drawing will certainly be continuing, not least serving as a welcome relief from all the renovation mayhem. I've got a handful of paintings to finish off and they'll be going up on the site soon. I've been reading an interesting book on Manet recently (Manet by himself - Wilson-Bareau). I LOVE his still lifes of flowers. They are so delicate and sensitive. The book is full of his own quotes/thoughts and that gives such an insight into the artist, not unlike the way a blog can! Anyway, I liked one of his quotes:

"An artist can say everything with fruit or flowers, or simply with clouds...."


How very true. Grand images do not have to be grand subjects!]]> Sun, 01 Feb 2009 11:27:21 +0100 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=40#comment <![CDATA[Walton Hall....]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=39
]]> Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:07:03 +0100 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=39#comment <![CDATA[Persevering with the pencil.....]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=38




and here's a few from lunchtime sketches...



(this one was done in the doctor's waiting room..a guy who didn't move much at all for about 20 minutes!)]]> Wed, 14 Jan 2009 10:44:35 +0100 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=38#comment <![CDATA[Keep it simple...]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=37






]]> Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:26:09 +0100 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=37#comment <![CDATA[Lunchtimes aren't just for eating...]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=36








]]> Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:48:39 +0100 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=36#comment <![CDATA[New website is here...at last!]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=35
I hope people like the new site. I really felt as though it needed a complete overhaul. Now I just need to get some new paintings done to fill the site with. Phew....I need a holiday!]]> Sat, 13 Dec 2008 14:03:28 +0100 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=35#comment <![CDATA[Me and my tombos]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=34


]]> Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:59:28 +0100 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=34#comment <![CDATA[Outdoor studies]]> http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=33


]]> Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:40:23 +0100 http://davidpilgrimart.co.uk/blog/index.php?number=33#comment