Saturday, December 22, 2007

Celebrating Christmas

It seems my artwork is in demand, other people have been asking to buy prints of  "Moonlight Anchorage" and I have therefore put this up on ebay together with some other prints Click Here to take a look. I may get the opportunity to put some more up, but what with the usual pandemonium for Christmas, and I still have presents to wrap! not much painting being done, as well as anything else.


I hope you all enjoy the celebrations and not forget the real reason for the season.


I've been watching the birds in the garden during the recent cold weather and got these shots of a couple of them. Perhaps this Robin is a refugee from a Christmas card. (c) www.artyman.co.uk

This is a Goldfinch resplendent in his flashy plumage, I seem to be spending a small fortune on bird seed at the moment!


(c) www.artyman.co.uk

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Safely delivered

Well the painting of Aysgarth Falls has been safely delivered to the new owners, I hope it gives them as much pleasure as it has to me in the five years that I have had it hanging in my dining room. The trip to deliver it gave me an opportunity to try out a SatNav system that I won at auction on Tazbar the soft spoken lady seemed to have a different idea to me as to what would be the best route when I programmed in the destination the night before. So, I only turned it on when I was at the bottom of the M3, a bit later on she kept trying to get me to turn off, obviously trying to get me to use the A3, she tried again on a couple of exits near Staines and a couple of times on the M40. I did however let her have her wicked way with me as we got near the destination, and have to confess it was a lot easier with her dulcet tones telling me to go left and right and found my destination with ease, shame it doesn't sort out an empty parking spot though.

The day before, I had a van driver back into my car, fortunately not a lot of damge, but his comment, "I saw you, but thought you had gone" was priceless! I guess sorting that out this week, will scupper my painting plans, then it's Christmas, aah well, will get the brushes wet again soon I hope.

Saturday, December 08, 2007

Aysgarth Falls Yorkshire

I have just sold this painting of the famous beauty spot in Yorkshire. It was the largest painting I have done to date measuring 48"x20". I was eaten alive by midges whilst at the location, it being late evening. The sun was just kissing the tops of the trees on the other side f the river so, I took some reference photographs and escaped to the safety of the car, completing the painting later when I returned home.

I am a little sad to see it go as it has given me much pleasure hanging in my dining room for some time before I listed it for sale. I have of course other paintings which can be seen on my website www.artyman.co.uk

Aysgarth Falls Yorkshire (c) www.artyman.co.uk

Saturday, December 01, 2007

Happy clients

The clients who commissioned the watercolour of the Nubble Lighthouse called today to collect their painting. This is the fourth one that they have commissioned from me and have now just moved ahead, in the highest numbers of my paintings owned list!

Spent some time tidying up the studio this week, after some prompting ( no dear I know you don't nag ) from the wife. Also spent some time trying to get some memory for the PC, which is now installed. I wonder if I could get some extra memory.

Friday, November 23, 2007

This week

I had a painful start to the week as I managed to shut my thumb in the car door, which has made holding a paintbrush a bit difficult this week. Sitting in the new conservatory having my lunch today watching the birds in the garden was very pleasant, and it would be easy to spend too much time relaxing.

I managed to take my beginners watercolour class on Wednesday, although there were a couple of absentees, something about a football match or some such thing on TV, can't possibly think why it was important!

I need to get started on some new artwork in preparation for next years round of exhibitions. So off to get some paint as I'm getting low on a couple of colours.

Friday, November 16, 2007

Finished at Last!

Over the last three months we have been having a new conservatory built to replace the old one that consisted mostly of rotten wood, or so it seemed! It has taken a bit longer than I envisaged at the outset but it has been worth the turmoil. I finished the decorating a couple of days ago and sitting in it watching the birds in the garden is a pleasure, might distract me from painting but I suppose I could argue that it is giving me inspiration for some more paintings.

These are a couple of photos .
The new conservatory - www.artyman.co.uk

Inside the new conservatory - www.artyman.co.uk

Friday, November 09, 2007

Nubble Lighthouse Maine

I've just completed this watercolour commission for a couple who visited here this summer whilst on holiday. They already have three more of my paintings that they previously commissioned. Working from photographs on this one, unfortunately their budget didn't quite cover an on site visit.
(c) www.artyman.co.uk

Friday, November 02, 2007

A Demonstration

Started the week with a demonstration for the Hythe Art Society, I allowed what I thought was plenty of time for travel so I could have half an hour to set up and gather my thoughts. Ran into a huge traffic jam on the Motorway and had only travelled 10 miles in forty minutes, panic mode one. Arrived with five minutes to spare so felt a bit harrassed, but soon got into the swing of things. There was a larger audience than I was expecting, around 40/50, has news of my fame preceded me I wondered.

Trying to do my style of painting in a couple of hours is impossible, but I left them with a flavour of seascape painting and some tips on the way I work. I also took along a few of my marine paintings for them to see some examples, these can be seen on my website.

This was the painting I did, it's still in its unfinished state, I shall work on it again after I finish the commission I am currently working on.
(c) www.artyman.co.uk

Sunday, October 28, 2007

That was the Week that Was

Where did this week go too, as I don't seem to have very much to show for it. I had a day at the Royal Society of Marine Artists exhibition at the Mall Galleries in London on Monday. As always some amazing paintings to a very high standard. It was good to go again as I missed last years show being laid up with a bad back! The Royal Society of Miniaturists were also exhibiting there as well so that was a bonus. The detail that they can achieve on paintings measuring just a couple of inches is incredible, though I wonder what it does for your eyesight. Have a busy week ahead of me this week.

Friday, October 19, 2007

It's been a busy few weeks

Well I have just finished taking a beginners watercolour course, attempting to pass on some of my knowledge to aspiring artists, which has been very interesting and I have been asked to do another course starting in a couple of weeks, I also have a demonstration for an Art Society scheduled. To add to my committments I have been commissioned to do a painting of the Nubble Lighthouse in Maine by some former clients who already own three of my paintings. So there is no peace for the wicked, guess I shouldn't be so wicked.

Friday, October 12, 2007

The finished commission

I mentioned a commission a while back that I couldn't show as it was to be a birthday suprise for the recipient. I can now reveal the work, Michael Schumacher at Silverstone. Possibly the worlds greatest driver.
(c) www.artyman.co.uk

This painting came about as a result of them seeing another painting I had done of Lewis Hamilton, which has been sold, although Limited Edition prints of this are available. The question is will Lewis become World Champion this year?

On the domestic front, the new conservatory is having the floor laid as I type so hopefully by tonight the upheaval will be finished. Just have to do the painting then, just boring emulsion stuff, I don't have the time to do a Trompe Loeil as I have another commission to start, then a demonstration for an art society, then take another beginners watercolour course. So it goes on!

Friday, September 21, 2007

A Classic Landscape Garden

Since we had a day without the builders and the weather was nice I took the opportunity to visit the National Trust gardens at Stourhead, a stunning manmade landscape garden, these are a few of the photographs I took which will serve as reference material for some future paintings.

(c) www.artyman.co.uk

(c) www.artyman.co.uk

(c) www.artyman.co.uk

(c) www.artyman.co.uk

Friday, September 14, 2007

The saga continues

The new conservatory is progressing though I have to confess I shall be glad when the chaos is over. Been a busy week with preparations for the watercolour course that I am running. This caterpiller ws wandering across the path it is an Elephant Hawk Moth, at least it will be when it grows up, do caterpillers grow up not sure if metamorphosis can be called that. I wonder if he has finished munching in the garden?

(c) www.artyman.co.uk

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Out of the Chaos

We are currently in a little bit of a mess at the moment as the new conservatory is being installed, still I suppose it will be a nice place to paint when it is all finished. The client came to collect his painting of Fausto Coppi at the weekend and was delighted, he said it was far better than he envisaged. Always nice to have really happy customers.

This painting of the great days of the 'J' class yachts is listed on Tazbar



So pop along and take a look, there are also plenty of other things to look at on Tazbar which is a refreshing alternative to eBay.

Friday, August 24, 2007

Cyclist Fausto Coppi

This is a commssioned painting for a cycling enthusiast. Fausto Coppi was a renowned competitor in the Tour de France in the 1950's and this depicts him way ahead of the competition in the mountains. He sadly died aged only 40 after catching malaria. Many consider him to be the greatest cyclist of all time.

(c) www.artyman.co.uk

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Another commission completed

I have just completed another commission for a client, to be a special birthday present, I can't post the image here yet, just in case it spoils the suprise, socheck out my website www.artyman.co.uk later on and look under commssions.

I now have to start another commission, this time a painting of Fausto Coppi, a renowned cyclist from the 1950's

On the domestic front the builders have now completed the brickwork for the new conservatory, it will be a nice replacement for the old wooden construction that I built many years ago, but the garden looks like a battlefield.

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

A visit to the Past

I have been having a bit of a tidy on my hard drive and came across some of my earlier paintings, this is one of those early works and I may revisit this theme again when I have a moment. It is called after the rain which is perhaps somewhat appropriate after the recent floods that some people have had to endure.
(c) www.artyman.co.uk

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

A garden visitor

The warm sunshine that now that Summer has finally made an appearance brought this visitor to my garden a couple of days ago. I tried to capture him in flight but it was next to impossible, I did get some very 'interesting' shots though!! Any way I had to settle for this. I'm told it is a 'Common Hawker'

(c) www.artyman.co.uk

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Is this your handsome Prince

My wife discovered this little chap, he was only 1.5" long, in our garden, Ok so you may have to kiss a few frogs before you get lucky, but hey I think he looks cute, and before you say it, yes I know he's a toad, but there weren't any frogs about
www.artyman.co.uk

Friday, July 13, 2007

A rare day off!

Took the opportunity to grab a rare day of sunshine this week and went to Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve. These are some of the photos that I took and may well be turned into paintings when I get the opportunity.


®www.artyman.co.uk

®www.artyman.co.uk

®www.artyman.co.uk

®www.artyman.co.uk

It made a pleasant change from all the bad weather that we have been experiencing lately

Saturday, July 07, 2007

Preparations this Week

I have been busy this week preparing entries for the main Summer Exhibition that will be held in Portsmouth during late July and early August. I have also been commissioned to do a painting of Michael Schumacher, so still going to be busy, and the studio still needs tidying up!

Friday, June 29, 2007

Lewis Hamilton Grand Prix Winner


This is my latest painting in tribute to Lewis Hamilton's first Grand Prix win in Canada driving the McLaren F1 car. Painted in Acrylic it measures 15" x 11" unframed and would look great on any Formula One enthusiasts wall. If you are interested in this painting or perhaps a signed print then contact me on my website www.artyman.co.uk I now have to get some works ready for my main Summer exhibition, however there is still the chance of getting one of my prints or painting Post Free in the SS2BM campaign, but you will have to hurry it finishes tomorrow.

Monday, June 25, 2007

Chance for a bargain

Well the SS2BM campaign is now well under way with plenty of bargains to be had. There is a charity auction being run at eBid so a chance to grab something and do your bit for charity as well.

Just starting a new painting today, so check back later to see what it is.

Monday, June 18, 2007

Only two days to go to SS2BM !

Well it is only two days to go before the SS2BM 'Summer Solstice to Blue Moon' St.Elsewhere promotion. What is all this you may ask. About a year ago an increasing number of sellers on ebay were unhappy at the failure to deal with fraud and scams, the eventual outcome has been a dramatic rise in the viability of alternative auction sites that have acquired the nickname "St. Elsewheres"

Many people may not think to go anywwhere else except eBay, well here is the good news, there are plenty of alternatives and this promotion is to draw attention to the buying public, that there are plenty of bargains to be had at these alternative sites.

Just type SS2BM into Google to find thousands of links. I have listed my items on eBid and Tazbar but apart from artwork you never know what other delightful bargains you may find.

Friday, June 15, 2007

Wildlife Activity

The local wildlife has been busy, and we had some collared doves set up a nest just opposite my bedroom window in the neighbours guttering. Unfortunately the first brood were taken by crows, they have however succesfully raised two more. The first picture is of her two youngsters both down her throat at the same time!






This is one of the fledglings in the garden yesterday.

Thursday, May 31, 2007

The Beauty of the Garden

As anyone who has met me or chatted on various forums know that "I am to gardening" what a "politician is to straight talking" ie I'm from the Machette and Flamethrower School of Horticulture.

I photographed this rose in my, or should I say the wifes garden, who tells me it is called 'Peace', the photo was so stunning I felt compelled to paint it, and this is the result.

Thursday, May 24, 2007

The South Downs

Despite living on the South Coast of England I am fortunate to live a few minutes drive from the rolling landscapes of the South Downs, and this painting is typical of the views on can experience. I remember as a child we used to walk down lanes such as this, with our packed lunch, not reappearing at home until teatime. Sadly a pleasure not possible for youngsters today. I hope I've captured some of that sense of open air freedom I one enjoyed.

Thursday, May 17, 2007

The Ultimate Recommendation

I suppose for any artist recognition of their work is what gives them a buzz, but selling a piece is confirmation that it is valued by someone who is prepared to spend their hard earned money on it. It is especially pleasing then, when a client having liked their original purchase so much, that they purchase a second artwork.

This has happened with this painting of the legendary Lancaster bomber, made famous through the Dambuster raids with the incredible bouncing bomb.



He now joins a select group who now own two or more of my original paintings.

Friday, May 04, 2007

Another commission completed

I have just completed this commissioned painting for someone on Ebid A different challenge from my usual seascape and landscape work. Painted in acrylic the finished piece is 15"x 11". If you want to enquire about a commission just visit my website www.artyman.co.uk there is no obligation, and a chat will cost you nothing, you may be pleasantly suprised.

Sunday, April 22, 2007

A new Online presence

I have acquired a new online presence www.artyman.co.uk this currently points to my existing webspace though it is hoped that a major revamp will take place as soon as I have the chance. I have another commission to complete first! At this rate I shall be struggling to create some work for the Summer Exhibition.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

The final two

These are the final two postcard sized acrylic paintings, now I just need to get them framed ready for the exhibition.

Another roundtuit job is sorting out my website having now got the domain sorted www.artyman.co.uk so a lot of work to do, I wonder if I can get some time from somewhere going cheap.



Wednesday, April 11, 2007

The next two

These are the next two 6" x 4" acrylics, need to get cracking on the remainder now for the exhibition.



Tuesday, April 03, 2007

The First Two

These are the first two miniatures painted for the exhibition at the end of the month. They 6"x4" and acrylic on canvas Paper.



Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Space the Final Frontier

This was a commissioned painting and something totally different from anything I've done before. The client specified the colour scheme and wanted a painting in which she and her husband could lose themselves, and take them to another place. This arose following their purchase of one of my photographs of the lunar eclipse.





I'm busy now painting six miniatures for an exhibition, at the end of April, so watch this space for news

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Another sale elsewhere

I have had another sale on a St Elsewhere, yet again proving there is life away from eBay. This was a watercolour painting which has been purchased as a retirement present.

Monday, February 26, 2007

A Garden Commission

I was asked by a seller on Tazbar if I could paint from a photograph as he wanted a picture of a garden pond for his Fathers 60th birthday present. I said yes, but anyone who knows me is aware that I am a founder member of the 'Machette and Flamethrower School of Gardening' so this was going to be a challenge. It was duly completed and delivered and I received a response from the buyer of 'Fantastic'.



Thanks are due to my other half who is more green fingered than me, though that wouldn't be difficult. The picture is below.
The Garden Pond