Architectural Inspiration.

I sometimes attend a Blue Monkey Network here in Eastbourne, which is an organisation run by artists, for artists, in partnership with the Towner.

We were invited during the last meeting to participate in producing a piece of artwork, inspired by a set of models, belonging to Paul Bartholomew, which were used as drawing aids in the teaching of technical drawing. 

There were plenty of these sculptural pieces to choose from, all different, and this was the one that appealed to my eye.

Very different from what I would normally choose to inspire me, I can't say that I have found this challenge easy. However, we were informed that we could interpret our chosen block in whatever way felt right to us, so of course, I decided to use fabric and stitch!

In both theses examples. I have used a combination of inktense blocks, acrylic paint, machine and hand stitch, and you can also see above that I made some printing blocks from foam and card. I did print with these, but also used them to make some rubbings with the inktense blocks.

If I feel inclined, and if I have the time, I may have another go at this challenge. I'm not particularly happy with these two examples, and feel that i could still improve on an outcome, I just need  that all important enthusiasm for something that is normally alien to me!

Moths

Another four page concertina, this time featuring Moths. I am fascinated by the patterns and colours on moth wings.

I have photographed the pages while flat, but the first three images also show where the folds of the pages are.

Some close ups

I have sketched the moths in pen first before adding the watercolour.

Another little project to keep me sane during this continuing heatwave.

My garden flowers

So very hot here in the UK at the moment, and too hot for me to do much except to sit quietly with my paints. However, the garden has been a real delight, as long as I keep it watered, which may become difficult in coming days if this heatwave continues!

Having taken some good photos, I have been able to sit indoors in the cool, capturing the array of colours and textures.

One long strip of paper, which I have then divided into four sections, and folded to create a concertina book.

This way of  displaying artwork I find easy and quite successful. It is also a good way of recording gardens, landscapes etc., and can easily be tucked into a sketchbook when it has fulfilled it's role as a display piece.

Phew, we don't seem to be as prepared as some parts of the world for higher temperatures, so if you're reading this from the UK, I hope you are able to keep cool while our land bakes under this midsummer's sun, and thanks for joining me!