Handmade books

Just a small sample of some of the artists' books I have made over the years.

Painted tissue, collage and stitch

Handpainted papers

Triangular book with paste grain covers

Re-using an old painting

Rather than throw failed paintings away, I often cover them with gesso, splash on fluid acrylics and then put them aside for later experimentation. This particular piece was also randomly printed with linocut patterns – the end result didn't look at all promising!

At a recent local art society workshop our theme was based on producing postcard size paintings, so for one of my efforts I chose to use a section of this paper. I was able to position my sketch so the poppy heads coincided with the red areas, then it was a case of subduing the background with several glazes of fluid acrylics and adding a few defining details to the subject itself.  I am uncertain if I will fade out more of the background - I might look at it again in a few days.

Experimental Poppies - 4" x 6" - acrylic

Travel sketches

A couple of sketches from last year's travels.

In May, our third trip to Norway and just as enjoyable as our previous visits.

Skjolden harbourside, Norway

Norway

At the end of September, we enjoyed glorious weather in the Lake District.

Restored boat house, Coniston Water, Lake District

Cricklade sketches

I am currently working on a small artist's book about a local nature reserve, famous for its Spring display of snakeshead fritillaries.  Below are a couple of rough sketches of the area which I may include.

St. Sampson's Church

The infant Thames

Artist's book

This book structure has become a favourite - it can be made without sewing or glue.  I found the instructions in a book about handmade miniature books by Peter and Donna Thomas.

The cover is lino-printed drawing paper.  It contains 8 pages with inkjet printed text and collaged mixed media images, the bamboo spine is decorated with ribbon and paper beads.  Size 5" x 3.25"

Something old and something new

Terracotta Warrior - acrylic and hand-printed paper collage

8.5" x 7"

Untitled - a recent collage - acrylic, lino-cuts and book paper

7" x 7"

A belated start ...

For a number of years I have been pondering on the joys or tribulations of starting a blog, but have kept putting it off. I am now about to take the plunge (technophobe that I am) – let's see how it goes!

My artistic output is meagre as far as finished, presentable work is concerned, but I spend a fair amount of time “playing” and experimenting with my not inconsiderable stash of art materials. This blog, therefore, is likely to include a few older paintings and sketches to start with, along with my current dabblings, in an effort to provide a reasonable flow of content. I hope to post on a weekly basis – at least it's a target to aim for.