I've been looking forward all week to visiting this exhibition at Gordale Garden Centre and I wasn't disappointed - I honestly could have stayed there all day, viewing the fantastic wildlife artwork on display and chatting to the artists who were demonstrating. Those who know me know that I love to paint and draw wildlife and I was blown away by the fantastic work there by such talented artists but instead of getting disillusioned, I thought about something that an artist friend Andy Beck said to me - "Do visit galleries, don't get frustrated at seeing better work but strive to be as good some day" - and even though I know my limitations and know that I would never be able to paint like many of the artists I saw today (for a start I wouldn't have the patience to paint in the minute detail of some) I do strive to be better. One of the artists demonstrating was a lovely, lovely guy called Paul Dyson - amazing artist, with a mixture of amazing detail and looseness - he's got two new fans in Gary and I - and he's a mountaineer too! Got the best job in the world as far as I'm concerned - travelling to the Himalayas in search of snow leopards - getting access to the tiger and lion enclosures in zoos to get reference photos!! I could have talked to him all day and he gave me some valuable advice on painting as well - here is a link to his website . I also had a lovely chat to oil painter Robert Cook who made me think more about trying oils - you can see some of his beautiful oil paintings on his website here and pencil artist Chris Wright - amazing detail in his pencil work and watching him at work was a real treat - a lovely guy too - picked up a few tips from him as well! a link to his website here
Anyway I came home all inspired to paint something wild and I've been promising Gary I'll paint one of his favourite puffin photos so I'm posting a work in progress of a puffin with a beak full of fish - amazing how they do that!! - just the beak and fish to do and a bit more work around the eyes and bobs your uncle it should be done!
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| Puffin WIP by Sharon Whitley the rambling artist |
Hello Sharon!is so interesting
ReplyDeleteto meet artists and see the work with authors from the truth! Thanks for the links that bring us closer to these artists! Your wip is already so beautiful! Happy Sunday!
thank you Rita - it was really good to meet other artists - I'll probably go back again next weekend as it's not far! Glad you like the links, take care x
DeleteGreat start on the puffin Sharon. Reminds me of one of mine I did from Gary's photos will post later maybe. It's no where near as good as yours though. Really plesed you enjoyed the day and were inspired by these fabulous artists.
ReplyDeleteoh yes Laura I remember it, yes you should post it, puffins always seem to go down well, you can't help but love them - such characters - have you seen them for real on your adventures seeking out wildlife? - the Farne Islands are a great place to see them up close, a long way to drive from Wales but well worth it!
DeleteYes have seen them at Bempton Cliffs RSPB Reserve, East Yorkshire. Just love these little funny looking fellows which are my favorite birds too.
DeleteHello Sharon:)Wow, this is going to be very nice. I'm waiting for the finished project. Maybe you did finish it already, I'm a little late with everything:)
ReplyDeleteNo I haven't finished it yet Renate - have been out walking all day today - my other passion lol! Thank you so glad you like it, just hope I don't mess it up now!
DeleteI saw your artwork there Jenny - wonderful to see it 'in the flesh' so to speak, I wish you the best of luck and hope you make or have made a sale - there seemed to be a few people buying x
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