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I’m fortunate to live in a county which I find endlessly inspiring. Before lockdown I created a range of monotypes using my Cornwall sketchbooks as a starting point. This form of printmaking is instant and easy. All that’s required is a sheet of glass, roller, ink, paper and drawing tools. I make mine on my kitchen table. If I make a mistake with the drawing I leave it in which adds to the final piece. I’ve used lightweight Japanese printmaking papers which are acid free and very strong.

Here they are…

For the past few weeks I’ve been concentrating on making paintings inspired by sketches of local ponds. I’m focusing on the water lily pads as the simple shapes and colours fit really well into my ethos of essence and simplicity.

I’m gradually scaling these up as I think they’ll work really well and when I have more time I’ll be adding them to my online shop.

Do get in touch for more information and images.

 

A few simple, bold, bird, sun, moon and star prints made using my Fome 3621 table top press. Inspired by Matisse’s cut out birds. I’ve been researching which paper to use for these monoprints and the Fabriano Rosaspina is proving to be ideal. It has a good weight, smooth texture and dries flat. When I was on my printmaking course I used bread and butter paper which was okay but I think it’s a fairly basic sort of paper, hence the name.

I’ve painted in some areas to enhance the density of colour that I was aiming for.

These are all available from my online shop so take a look…

It’s very easy to make monotypes at home. All you need is a sheet of glass or perspex, printing ink, a roller and paper. I’ve been embracing this form of printmaking as it’s so easy to set up and clear away in my bijou kitchen.

I prefer to print on Japanese paper which I’ve sourced from Intaglio Printmaker. The paper is acid free, lightweight but very strong giving the prints longevity. I love the immediacy of this form of printmaking and any mistakes made add to the final piece.

Some of these are available to buy from my online shop, take a look to see further details.

During lockdown I’ve felt very creative which I know is the opposite to many artists. But for some reason I’ve been compelled to paint, print and make a few textile pieces despite the fact I don’t have anything particularly on the horizon to work towards.

Using the current theme of this strange time, I’ve made a few rug hooked rainbows which I’ve been selling on Instagram as part of the artist support pledge initiative, set up by Matthew Burrows. This is a global movement where artists can sell work for no more than £200 and each time they make £1000 they pledge to buy another artist’s work for £200. It’s grown and grown and has been fantastic for making new connections and sales.

Here’s to brighter days ahead….

 

 

This week my table top printing press arrived! I realised I was going to need to invest as I have no access to presses at the moment due to lockdown. Usually I do my printing at Penzance School of Art, where I’m on a part time course.

This has been the best thing I’ve bought all year! I ordered it from Great Art. Recommended by a fellow printmaker. Portable, storable and perfect for a small space. I’m am obsessed. Model is Fome printing press 3621.

I’m  going to work on a range of variable edition collagraphs to start with which will be on sale as part of the artist’s support pledge on Instagram. Follow my page and you’ll see what I’m up to.

My studio is tiny (7.8 x 10.4 ft) but I just love it. Formerly my son’s nursery when he was a baby, he’s now upgraded to the attic room with sea views. I work either on the floor or with a canvas balanced on the ironing board, very rarely at my desk as the table space is too small.

The light streams in throughout the day and I can just about see St Michaels Mount and the top of the sea through the window if I stand on tiptoes.

I sometimes toy with the idea of renting a bigger studio space but one of the the joys of having a room at home is that I can easily tweak work there and then if needed. No driving or walking to another venue.

I feel very fortunate that since the lockdown my days haven’t changed too dramatically especially as I’m used to working from home but now I’m having to manage the home schooling too, which can be a real fiasco. 

I’m continuing to paint every day and I’ve noticed some greys creeping into my new work. This was definitely subconscious to start with but now I’m aware of the muted tones I’m loving how it works with my palette of brighter colours. My days are really quite full despite lots of exhibitions being cancelled. I don’t have anything to work towards which is quite strange but this is a good chance to evolve and spend time in the studio. I’m making do with materials that I already have and I’m painting over and amending old canvasses and pieces of hardboard. It wasn’t ideal running out of yellow paint last week but I raided my son’s box and have made the best of using kids acrylic, quite a challenge as they are watery with minimal pigment.

Thanks to an amazing campaign set up by Matthew Burrows on Instagram I’ve made a few sales. The idea is for artists to sell pieces of work for no more than £200 and once they’ve reached £1000 of sales each artist pledges to buy another artist’s work for £200. I’ve reached one pledge and bought a couple of screenprints, a collage and an original oil painting. I have overspent.

This initiative has been a complete godsend for so many artists with work drying up, shows cancelled and galleries closed.

Follow the hashtag #artistsupportpledge on Instagram to see some gorgeous work. Anyone can buy.

Whilst we’re all experiencing lockdown I knew it was important for me to continue with new projects and view this time as a chance to experiment and see how my work evolves. And a way to retain some normality to my day. My first project was to create a collection of paintings inspired by other artists work. Due to the internet and art books scattered around my home I’ve been able to access material really easily. I’ve used some of my favourite artists- Matisse, Margaret Mellis and Milton Avery as starting points. 

Margaret Mellis ‘Dying Poppies’

Matisse ‘Goldfish and Sculpture’  Milton Avery ‘White Pitcher’

Van Gogh ‘Sunflowers’

I’m going to continue with this project as I feel that it’s a great way to study, learn, gain new inspiration and enjoyment.

 

A couple of weeks ago I set myself a project to create paintings inspired by other artists’ work, a great way to learn. I began with Van Gogh sunflowers as I find them challenging to paint although I love the look of them.

I was pleased with my effort which spurred me on to continue but this time using my sunflower monotypes as a starting point.

Working quickly and intuitively with the first 3 and I was really happy with the end results.

There’s something so refreshing  painting without too much thinking and just doing it, getting on with it.

As usual, my aim was to paint in a fresh and unpretentious way, capturing the pure essence of the subject matter.

This is the end of my sunflowers project for the moment but I’ll be revisiting it when the florists reopen.