recent sketch

Managed to do a quick sketch today. A couple of ladies enjoying a spot of afternoon tea at a genteel establishment somewhere 'in town'. Played around with the shadows on the picture - they're deliberately meant to be 'not quite right'. Am thinking of painting up a version. What do you reckon?

new folksy items

Have just listed 3 pieces of art in my Folksy shop. The only thing is - these are all wearable!!
They are all mixed media pieces on 5x5cm canvas board, each with a regular brooch fastening bonded onto the back.
They look great whether they are being worn or displayed on the dressing table.
Would love to hear any comments.

brass band

The evocative strains of a brass band can always be guaranteed to draw a crowd. The pomp, spectacle, and rousing tunes serve to tug gently at the heart strings of most northern folk. Despite the demise of the mining & textile industries, many bands are still in existence. A village fete would not be complete without a stirring soundtrack provided by the local brass band.

20x20cm, mixed media on canvas board.

on a roll

Another painting - with a bit more going on than 'normal'.

'Card Players'

13x18cm, mixed media on canvas board.

painted up

Delivery boy picture completed.

13x18cm, mixed media on canvas board.

completed

'Pithead'

13x18cm, mixed media on canvas board

Update: This piece is now listed in my Folksy shop. Two paintings have recently been sold (!) - please feel free to check out the remaining stock!

in progress

Currently on my painting table;

two's company

'Me 'n my girl'

13x18cm, mixed media on canvas board.

me 'n our lass

As it says on the header - a mixed media piece depicting a young couple.
Perfect for Valentines surely?

13x18cm, acrylics, collage & ink on canvas board.

on yer bike

Years ago, groups of like-minded folk used to form clubs and go off cycling of a Sunday afternoon. I remember reading in the local newspaper, notices informing members of that weekends forthcoming jaunt. Here's a little painting depicting a 'Sunday Wheeler' enjoying his day out.

13x18cm, mixed media on canvas board.

skiffle

A painting of a 50s skiffle group - 4-string banjo, tea-chest bass and washboard. The thimbles on the washboard players' fingers and the banjo skin surround are done in silver acrylic , hence the brightness. Makes a change from a sporting picture. Might need to take a better photo before I put it into my Folksy shop though.

Mixed Media - acrylics, collage & ink on 13x18cm canvas board.

paintings listed!

I've just uploaded 4 of my recent pieces to my Folksy shop and have also managed to add a logo link on the right side of the page should you wish to take a look. As befits a re-stocking of the shop - virtual nibbles, and wine for those not driving!

full picture

A footy pic that fills the whole paper! I don't usually do backgrounds but tried this out to see how effective it might be. Not entirely happy with the finished piece (should have re-painted the blue sock!) but reckon it's ok for a first attempt.

Acrylic on heavyweight, acid-free paper (courtesy of 'Moleskine'), 9cm by 14 cm.

acrylic footy

Tried an acrylic version of the 'footy' pics today;

Again, on 'Moleskine' paper, approx 9cm by 14cm. Any comments most welcome - am undecided between crayon & paint at the moment.

listed on ebay

'Aerial Tussle' is currently listed on ebay;

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Aerial-Tussle-contemporary-football-illustration_W0QQitemZ190372911570QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_art_drawings_GL?hash=item2c531c19d2

Shameless promo - sorry!

peg 2

Have made another unique, naive piece of folk art - Peg 2. She 'wears' a slightly battered and faded heart (possibly too many unrequited loves & missed opportunities). Could you be the one to make her life complete and give her the tenderness she deserves - or perhaps you know someone who would! An ideal valentine keepsake for the one you love.

She is jointed using red embroidery thread and vintage, hand-made French nacre buttons.

Update - she's now listed in my Etsy shop should you care to peruse. Click on the shoplink.

peg doll kit

Have just finished creating a peg doll kit - one with movable limbs. I intend to list this in my Etsy shop soon.

I've 'posed' the pieces next to what it started out as. It's designed to be fixed together using string (or wool etc.) and painted or dressed according to personal taste.

Would love to know what folk think about it.

Jake in boxer shorts!

Just listed in my Etsy shop - an energetic and flexible Jake doing his early morning exercises!

Naive art

Today just showed Y4 how to do a wash, which we then overpainted with simple, representational images of animals. Turned out in very much a naive/folk art style.

Prima Ballerina

Miss Peggy D'Ancer deigned to put in an appearance today. She posed for a few photographs but insisted I sack the photographer after he failed to capture her in all her glory.

She has agreed to stay a while in my etsy shop, so should you wish to meet her please feel free to pop along.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7669563