Tube and Brush, composition in Sienna and Ochre

Tube and Brush, composition in Sienna and Ochre - 16"x12" 

Here is another still life composed recently. This painting was made in 'one sitting' alla prima, using the light box I set up on the island for night painting.

I have just arrived yesterday on an island even further south east of where I have been.
The island is mountainous and largely undeveloped. I made two landscape plein air sketches today and one yesterday.
After the next couple of posts i will begin posting images of these fluid daylight pieces.
The internet connection is very slow here, so I will be posting a little less frequently over the next two weeks - this should give me more time to paint though! ;)

- Richard

A Detail from 'Tube and Brush, composition in Sienna and Ochre'.

The Admiral's Boots

The Admiral's Boots - oil on canvas - 16"x 10"

Here is an image of a still life painting created a few weeks ago here.
These boots are my friend Sutee's fathers boots. Sutee's father was an Admiral in the Thai Navy.

The painting was made during a party here where we live on the island.
Working rapidly I established the composition and employed an earthy palette of colours.
The guts of the painting was made during the live demonstration, but after a while I had to stop as the gin and tonic was kicking in!

Also a shot of 'me' with the painting in progress. Quite a ghostly image.

- Richard

Ink and Pigment

Ink and Pigment - oil on canvas panel - 8"x 8"

This little observational still was created at a party here in Thailand as a live demo for all in attendance.

From start to finish the piece was made in less then 1 hour.

White Jug with Orange and Green

White Jug with Orange and Green - 12"x9" - sold

Another example of an initial blocking in and the placement of objects.
From these roughs I can get a good idea and feel for my colours and the concept of how the light works or 'reads' across the canvas.

This is the last of the classical arrangements I will post for a while. Some more recent contemporary compositions will follow shortly.

Most nights spent here in Thailand so far have been spent painting still life, more recently I have been setting up my objects in a wooden shuttered box frame which is lite with one light. Each piece I have made to date has started with a strong colour concept and each painting seems to have a strong A - symmetrical composition.

I will post some image of the set up soon with some pics of these more recent pieces.

- Richard

Black Vessels with Grey and Orange

Black Vessels with Grey and Orange - oil on linen - 12"x9"

Here is another example of how I might rough in a composition.
Moving rapidly from place to place I go after the local colour and placement of objects on the canvas, while always concentrating on the larger masses and shapes that appear interesting to me.

I will post images of the finished painting in the not to distant future.

- Richard

Red, Grey and Orange

Hanging Grapes in Red, Grey and Orange - oil on linen panel - 12"x 9"

Here is another example of how I might begin to rough or block in my overall subjects to get a good idea of how my composition might look.

Will post an image of the finished piece in due course.

- Richard

The ARAB IRISH Journal, January 2013

Just received the Attached Article on my Art Work and Life which features in the January 2013 Issue of the ARAB IRISH JOURNAL. (please click on the image to see a larger version)

The Arab-Irish Journal is distributed to CEOs, managing directors, business leaders and key decision-makers within companies operating all over the Middle East .
Developing relationships between the Arab and Irish communities, by focusing on Irish people within the Arab world and vice versa, the publication is circulated among ambassadors, Government officials, trade bodies and organisations.

Work is underway for me to exhibit in the middle east over the coming years. I had planned to travel to Beirut in November of last year to paint in residence with the idea to exhibit, but with the Syrian crisis it was not possible.  
Lets all hope 2013 brings more stability and peace to the middle east.

- Richard

Life Energy and Painting in Thailand

The past two months spent here in Thailand have been so very rewarding and renewing.
Rewarding and renewing in the sense I get from all the old friendships rekindled with the community I have got to know so intimately here. Spending my days painting in the open air, training most evenings and being by the sea  also reminds me of the continuous flow of energy through the world, and through all of us.
Tapping into that ebb and flow continues to be a great challenge. Keeping my eyes and heart open to  see my subjects, feel inspiration and not getting distracted by others or unimportant outside events.

It's all about priorities. Painting each day and in such intense sunshine does present some problems, but I can feel a momentum building these last couple of weeks and will continue to spend each morning out hunting for new subjects. I've been strapping my easel and palette to my scooter of late and do seem to be able to get around the place with my paint box in hand.

Here are some pics of places I spend my time each day here on the island.

AM - writing in my notebook over the rocks by the sea.

AM - Finding a shaded spot if I am lucky in which to begin my work.

MIDDAY - Out further a field seeking new interesting subjects.

EVENING - Some of my friends here have been kind enough to model for me while I endeavor to improve through painting from life.

Waiting for the sunset each day here.

Sunset. Then it's dinner time!

'Masterchef'  has not got a patch on This Crew!

Viridian and Grey with Peaches

Viridian and Grey with Peaches - oil on linen - 12" x9"

Another recent still life work in process.

Ochre, Green and a little Cobalt

Ochre, Green and a little Cobalt - oil on linen on panel - 7"x5"

Detail Below.

An image of the piece on it's easel and the corrugated shack where I hang out and paint during the evenings here.

Still Life with Hanging Plums

Still Life with Hanging Plums - oil on linen panel - 7"x5" - sold
( this is an image of the painting not fully completed ).

I'm  creating at least one piece a day here on the island. Getting out with my easel and paints early each morning and in the evening continues to be so inspiring and energizing.
In the night I've been working on pieces like this. This piece is still a work in process.

On Sunday there is a party at our place and I've picked a place to set up a still life demo. 
Look forward to share some pics with you of that and all the plein air pieces.

-Richard

Out and About over the New Year

Firstly I want to wish you all a very Happy New Year 2013!
I hope you have had a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends, and enjoyed ringing in the New Year.

I've been back on the islands here in Thailand over the past couple of weeks after my trip north.
It's been so nice to be back here, meeting with old friends, and making new ones.
I love island life, the sound of the sea so close to my bungalow, the fresh air and the surrounding nature.
I have been waking each morning to head out and about to paint plein air, even after a few drinks the night before! It's just the best way to start the day!

There is a great energy here, and the chance to paint again in such a location has been amazing.
Below are a few pics of me at work. Since arriving I have made a large figure in landscape wall painting, five plein air landscapes and eight Still Life studies in the evenings. I'll share images of these pieces with you over the coming days as I get back into the routine.

Last night I was invited to do a painting demo at a Bar party. I painted while a brilliant percussion and didgeridoo band from Bangkok played these amazing African vibes. It was one of the best parties I have ever been at!

Tomorrow morning a Dutch film maker wants to video me at work outdoors. So looking forward to that and hoping I can put in a good performance at the easel.