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'

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

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.










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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The next two

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

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.

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

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.

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

I've been busy

Since moving away from eBay I have been busy with a couple of commissions for some of the nice folk selling elsewhere.

This is a completed commission from a photograph submitted by a client, if you would like to commission a painting don't be afraid to ask, an enquiry is not going to cost you anything so I look forward to hearing from you.

Things are taking off

Well since moving over to eBid at the end of August the site has grown tremendously and there is now so much to browse and buy. My eBay store has now been emptied of stock and will shortly be listed there.

Ebay's failure to properly address the concerns of sellers regarding fraud and scams, which place not only innocent buyers, but also honest sellers at risk, has resulted in the transfer of my buying and selling to this new venue. I recommned that you check it out.

My Shop is Moving Location

Following the extortionate price increases by eBay and the removal of shop items from searches. My online Art Store has relocated to new friendlier premises where the landlord listens to the tenants!

This will enable me to continue to offer art to you at affordable prices and absorb recent postal increases. So you continue to get good value.

Just click the logo to visit

Record Numbers and Bargains

Well the 'HAMMER' auction protesting at eBay's massive price increases for shop sellers had a record number of 43 bids. It even made it to the Pulse Art page ahead of Rolf Harris! Thank you to all who bid or watched this thus gaining publicity against the sheer greed of eBay.

I have had to restock my store using the last opportunity at the current rates before the increases take place. I am unsure as to whether I will continue to keep the store open after early November.

So here may be your last chance to buy some of my art on eBay, and as an incentive all shop items are POSTAGE FREE during August.

Grab a Bargain

Protest

My protest at the massive Price Hike at eBay


http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150016670954

If you are a buyer on eBay then your choice in the future will probably be much reduced, so add this to your watch list and if you can bid as well to voice your protest.


Join the protest group http://groups.ebay.co.uk/forum.jspa?forumID=1600003483

Change in Strategy

As you may or may not be aware eBay has announced massive rises in fees for store sellers which has resulted in a large number leaving and seeking other outlets for their art. If you are missing an artist you like on eBay then use the search engines to find them.

I shall probably be closing my eBay store and will sell direct from my website
www.wiz.to/art where you will still be able to buy using Paypal or Credit Card.

You can continue to check out my work here

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If you wish to view comments about these matters please follow the following links.

http://forums.ebay.com.au/thread.jspa?messageID=500843710
http://forums.ebay.com/db2/thread.jspa?threadID=1000321345
http://forums.ebay.com.au/thread.jspa?threadID=500024740
http://forums.ebay.com/db2/thread.jspa?messageID=1005802572
http://forums.ebay.com/db2/thread.jspa?messageID=1005815606
http://groups.ebay.co.uk/forum.jspa?forumID=1600003483
http://groups.ebay.co.uk/forumType.jspa?type=home&categoryID=1600000320

Commissioned Waterfall Painting in Watercolour

I've just finished and delivered this commissioned waterfall painting in watercolour to another new customer who was delighted.


This waterfall in Yorkshire is approached through a pub!
You go through the pub, you can of course stop for some refreshment to fortify you for the 1/4 mile walk to the scene! and down the back path and onwards.

There are a number of waterfalls at Ingleton and although the trip here will take you several hours it is well worth the effort. Another famous waterfall is Aysgarth Falls, which I have also painted, this one is in Acrylic and rather large at 48" x19"



I am shortly off on a pilgimage to 'Constable' country, so should have some material for inspiration on my return.

Life is busy

I've not had much chance to paint recently, however here is a picture taken with my new camera, which hopefully will prove useful in obtaining refrence material for future paintings. Went for a sail with my brother yesterday in his new boat (wealthy git!) managed to get back without downing or sinking anything else. Have been preparing for a Craft demonstration day tomorrow.

This is a rose (I think,I belong to the 'machette and flamethrower school of gardening') taken yesterday evening.

Only this one now available

Surf Shore

From the paintings posted here earlier this is the only one left still available, so check it out soon.

Check out the auction for Surf Shore



And a new ACEO also up for auction

Path to the Beach
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150000365234


Ken Gillam
www.wiz.to/art

Original Watercolor Sunset Seascape Painting

This is one of a number of miniature seascape paintings that have just been completed. Another highly collectible ACEO it has just been listed on eBay.

For more information on this and my other worldwide selling artwork, just click on the image.

Sails at Sunset

New Miniature Watercolor Seascape Paintings

Haven't had time to do much but have managed these two miniature seascapes.

The texture of the paper seems to have shown up rather badly in the photos, perhaps I'll have another go later. They will be off shortly to an exhibition with some others.

Been a lttle Busy

Have been a little busy, away for a few days attending a friends wedding. So not had much time to paint.

Anyway here is a great opportunity to get some seriious camera kit as I am selling my Olympus setup as I now have my Father's Nikon setup as he was a pro photographer.

Lots of stuff included, a real bargain bundle, check out the Auction for details

Seascape from Original Watercolor

This is a Limited Edition print from the original watercolour commemorating Ellen MacArthur's record breaking trip around the world in 71 days 14 hours 18 minutes and 33 seconds, in her B&Q sponsored trimaran.

Profits from these prints are going to the Ellen MacArthur Trust a charity for young cancer and leukemia sufferers. This one is up for auction on Ebay, but if you miss out can be purchased from my eBay Store.

Original Acrylic ACEO 'Moonlight Anchorage'

Following on from my much sought after ACEO 'Moonlight Beach' this latest miniature acrylic painting is on a similar theme.

Moonlight Anchorage




To bid on this painting Click Here

WATERCOLOR ACEO LANDSCAPE Langdale Pikes

This is my latest listing for the ACEO collector. A place with an average rainfall of 130 inches, I think they shipped it here over the last week !

Langdale Pikes

Latest Acrylic Seascape Painting

Have just completed my latest Acrylic Seascape Painting entitled 'A Rough Passage Home'. Unsure whether to keep this for the Summer Exhibition or to place it on eBay. If you are interested in this piece please contact me.

Busy time

No new pictures to show you today as I have been trying to sort out a few things, plus a walk to my twin brother's house to check if a parcel had been delivered (it hadn't) He's sunning himself in Spain at the moment, lucky so and so, the weather here is appalling, windy, wet, and they keep slapping on drought orders!

I hope it improves tomorrow as I have to go to Buckinghamshire, perhaps I might get a chance to do some quick sketching. Now where's that paintbrush.......

Todays Bargain

Your opportunity to obtain a Limited Edition print of an original acrylic seascape showing the majesty of the old J class yachts of the early 20th Century. This was real gentleman's yachting.

A Slight Lead

Another Miniature Seascape

Just finished another miniature seascape ACEO, which is up for grabs just don't get trampled in the rush. Also working on a new larger Acrylic Painting so check back later to see how it turns out.

Moonlight Beach

A few more added

Have just added a few more bargains for the avid art collector. I must now get down to some serious painting to replenish my stock.







For more information on these paintings Click here

Bargain Time

Since eBay decided to have a cheap day for listing fees , there are now a number of bargains that you can check out. Bargain time Now is perhaps the time to buy that painting or print that you've been promising yourself, and fill that space on your wall that is just asking for a picture.

On the Beach

Not listed an ACEO for ages so check this one out. For those who have not heard of ACEO's they are 'Art Cards Editions and Originals' miniature works of art that are always 2.5 x 3.5 inches. Avidly collected, particularly in the USA they can be a good way to have an art collection for which you don't have to be a millionaire.

On the Beach

HMS Victory Entering Portsmouth

This is the latest bargain up for auction, and can be found in my eBay Store.

HMS Victory was Admiral Lord Nelson's famous flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. It is now preserved in Portsmouth's Historic dockyard where it is open to visitors. It is the oldest commissioned warship in the Royal Navy, though now used for ceremonial duties only. Not really equipped to cope with modern warfare.

Watercolor Seascape

Here is a great opportunity to bid on a Limited Edition print of one of my Original Watercolors which is now in a private collection. Please feel free to comment on this painting or on any of my artwork.
Click here for more information on this picture

Good News Bad News

The BAD NEWS - The original of this painting has just been sold. The GOOD NEWS is that limited edition prints are available from my Ebay Store just Click Here

Don't miss out on the opportunity to own an original piece of artwork, 35 of my originals have already gone this year, and not all have prints available.

Seems like I must get down to some serious painting, particularly for the Summer Exhibition.

Independent Artists Exhibition

These are a couple of entries for the eBay Independent Artists Exhibition, only a few days left to see some great art by one of the most talented groups on eBay.

My poor wife now has a temporary filling and has to go back in a few weeks for more dental work. Glad it's not me!.

The website glitches just get weirder, I kept getting messages that things weren't available last night, then it seemed to work a bit later. Have just spent the morning sorting out a Water Butt and drainpipe system as we are desperately short of the wet stuff and the Water compnaies are starting to place restrictions, guess I'll just have to not clean the car!

Enjoy these
Aysgarth Falls
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7411246286



Victory Entering Portsmouth
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7411710146

Just when you sort one problem!

Just when you sort one problem another rears its ugly head! Having got the posting sorted I'm now having trouble with my website, it doesn't seem to want to take any uploads.

So you will just have to look at the picture here.

My latest listing on Ebay, and is part of the Independent Artist Spring Exhibition.
eBay



Have to visit the dentist tomorrow, my poor wife has just lost a large filling.

Tearing hair out!

Spent a good few hours trying to amend a post to another blog, only to be sent in an endless loop... Grrr don't you just hate computers at times. Still seems to be sorted now.

Have been a bit busy sorting out an online exhibition, have a look at my entry and there are links to some great work by other artists.
Art Exhibition