Bass Rock sunset with heavy cloud

Bass Rock sunset with heavy cloud

Oil on canvas

20x16 inches

Another Bass Rock painting, this time working up from my pastel ideas into oil. This was painted entirely with a pallette knife (except a couple of moments of finger painting- still the artists best tool for softening edges!)

I love the textured affect that can be acheived with the knife, it prevents you from being too detailed. Also I love paintings that from a distance are based on realism but as you go closer the image breaks up and can be quite abstract.

Ryan

Bass Rock at sunset (study#2)

Bass Rock at sunset (study#2)

Soft Pastel on sepia Murano paper

18x14 inches

Here's another study of the Rock, this time a bit more close-up and with a different colour strategy. I've toned down the sunset a tad and introduced some of the warmth into the colours on the rock. The water and the rock itself are also darkened helping to create more depth to the painting.

Also thought I'd publish a photo of the Bass Rock for those not so familiar with the subject

Ryan

Bass Rock sunset 1

Bass Rock sunset

Soft Pastel on red Murano pastel paper

18x14 inches

Trying out some ideas for a large new oil painting of the Bass Rock I'm about to start. The small photo here on the blog doesn't do much justice to the actual colours of this painting, which is a shame. I'll definitely get a better shot for the gallery image!

Coastal rock, North Berwick

Coastal rock, North Berwick

Oil on canvas

12x12 inches

The area around North Berwick and the East Lothian coastline are a constant source of inspiration for me. This rock sits just off the shores of North Berwick close to the Bass Rock which I paint more often. I decided it was time to try to paint the neighbouring rock for a change!

Sketches from Life Class

Sketches from Life Class

Male rear pose (20 mins)

Soft Pastel on pink rice paper
25x20 inches

I've started a new life class so thought I would share some of the work so far. These sketches might work their way into oils at some point, probably after I've completed the 10 week term and choose my favourites.

Male profile pose (20 mins)
Soft Pastel on pink rice paper

25x20 inches

Apologies to anyone shocked by the nudity- I did warn you this was a life class! The human body is surprisingly difficult a subject that has fascinated artist for centuries. Getting proportions, values, movement and a level of realism keeps you on your toes. As an artist it's one of the ultimate challenges to sketch from life- a 3D environment and make it believable in 2D, also the pressure of working quickly with a tutor and fellow artists make it pretty exciting.

Male front pose (25 mins)
Charcoal on paper

25x20 inches

Female reclining pose (30 mins)
Soft Pastel on pink rice paper

25x20 inches

In some of the previous life classes I've done I tried to be pretty precise and accurate, this time I'm deliberately trying to keep a loose feel to the sketches- hence the wacky bright pink paper!

As the class goes on I'll share more