The art of Ryan Evans

Portrait swap

2012-01-08T22:47:00.003Z

KarenOil on canvas8x12 inchesFor the past 3 years I've taken part in a portrait swap with other artists around the world. It's great fun painting another artist and getting a portrait in return from them. All along there's encouragement and sharing of techniques and ideas. This year I was swapping portraits with a New Zealand artist- Karen. Here's my portrait of her.Happy 2012!Ryan

Life paintings

2011-10-09T22:37:00.000+01:00

Wow September came and went so fast- I never posted anything. That doesn't mean I wasn't busy painting and drawing! I'm still going to my weekly life painting/drawing group at Whitespace. I'm now using acrylics to paint the long pose (about 1 hour 45mins). I'm painting on little boards only 9x12inches, to allow me get a degree of finish within the time frame. These boards (MDF from DIY store) provide a good painting surface, they need to be gessoed (3 coats) before use and I then paint neutral gray mixed with acrylic texture paste medium to provide a more interesting paint surface and to get rid of the white gesso- replaced with a midtone. Here's the one I did last week

Rebecca 9x12 inches Acrlyic on board And here is tonight's effort

Justin 9x12inches Acrlyic on board I'm using a new viewfinder that I got, It's really helping me think about the composition before I start and keeps me focussed on scale too. With many of my tutored life classes I'd done previously, there was always pressure to make sure you got the WHOLE figure in to the picture- which really hampers creative composition I feel. The viewfinder let me try out different cropped compositions to pick one that is interesting before I start. Also I'm working with a limited pallette (yellow ochre, raw sienna, burnt sienna, Burnt umber and black and white) I'm finding this works great for me creating believable skin tones and creating a moore harmonious painting. Ryan

Forbidden fruit 2

2011-08-15T21:34:00.007+01:00

Forbidden fruit 2
Mixed media on board
15x15 inches

He's the sequel to the 'Eve' painting I did. Has been on the spare easel for a wee bit while I did some oil painting studies. Finally decided to get this one done.

Here's some close-ups so you can see the textures and collage elements

Ryan

Cast study

2011-08-14T15:18:00.002+01:00

Cast study
pencil on paper

At last I can post pictures again thanks to a new digital camera! No life classes at the moment as the Whitespace studio is being used as one of the many venues in the Edinburgh festival. Been working on this to keep my drawing studies up

Ryan

Modern art vs Classical art study

2011-07-29T12:49:00.004+01:00

Thought I'd share this article I stumbled accross that I found fascinating. It's about the common argument between modern art and classical style art. A proper study was done looking at the behaviour, attention time of the public looking at artwork in the Tate Britain gallery:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1365672/Modern-art-How-gallery-visitors-viewed-work-Damien-Hirst-Tracy-Emin-5-seconds.html

As an artist who paints and loves classical styles but also is enjoying the freedom of a new contempory style emerging in my art, this was very interesting.

I definitely think that the findings of the study mirror my behaviour in a gallery. Most of the minimalist conceptual type stuff leaves me a little cold and don't have much interaction with. I find myself skim-reading it and moving on. I'm not saying its not good by the way, just that it doesn't excite me- others of course argue that I'm not giving it the time and thought to GET the concept though my deep thinking about it. As always with art its a very personal response that is unique to each individual.

One of the examples in the article is Damien Hirst's large paintings of coloured dots- to me its decorative and pretty but I get no story or message from it and as such my attention is not held. I find the same with Mark Rothko's work. Both of these artists sell for huge amounts of course! Whereas some Tracy Emin drawings (though often difficult to look at in regards to content and 'crude' technique) are thoroughly modern do have a message and have made me stop and contemplate.

For me I like looking at modern art and classical art- one informs the other. I prefer modern art that has a bit of craft to it and preferrably a message or bit of narrative.

I think one of the key things that cause a painting/drawing to hold the viewers interest is composition. In classical styles, laws of composition are carefully followed and exploited to keep the viewers eye movement controlled and moving around the canvas- clearly from the study it works well. A lot of the 'modern art' they discuss in the article lacks this or deliberately break these composition rules

-maybe the fleeting glances of the majority of the public is the cost they pay?

Ryan

Colour studies

2011-07-28T22:39:00.005+01:00

Well I'm using my scientist brain to improve my artist brain!

Up until now I guess I've been buying paint tubes based on their shiny-ness, because other artists metion they use them, or whether they're on offer(!).

Well no more!!

I'm using my natural scientific brain (at last the day job comes in useful for more than the bills!)

I'm studying Suzanne Brooker's 'Portrait painting atelier' a lovely book I got for Christmas. So far I've been drooling over the masterful painting examples biding my time until I had more time to devote to artistic study (as opposed to the scientific type!). Also I've got a new digital camera (since the last broke I've been limited to what I can post)

Essentially the first exercise involves exploring the pigments on the pallete and learning control over the mixing capability of each colour.

Here's the first two using core earth red pigments and then contempory red pigments. For each I painted the the hue (colour out the tube) then experimented with tines, tints, shades, warm, cool and neutral mixes of each colour.

Doing this not only allows me to improve my colour mixing control and skill, but also allows me to directly compare different paint hues and variations between manufacturers.

I found these difficult as I have a red/green colour blind deficiency so mixing the neutrals caused me a bit of consternation (as I had to mix green into my reds to neutralise the colour)

Next up is the oranges and remaining earth colours!

Ryan

A virus

2011-07-14T15:08:00.004+01:00

Here's my latest one. It's a bit of an exploration in mixed media- trying out a few new things. Some of the lovely new range of Daler Rownet artist acrylics and Caran D'ache Neo pastels. Different paper types used in the collage too include washi, handmade indian paper, cardboard and printed images.

Having real bother with my digital camera- think its on the waay out. Very difficult to get an accurate image. Quite frustrating and I think I'll need a new one after pay day.

Ryan

Edinburgh College of Art Degree show

2011-06-16T22:24:00.005+01:00

Went to see the ECA Degree show tonight- lots to see. It finishes on Sunday so if you're around and about Edinburgh its well worth a visit:

http://www.eca.ac.uk/degreeshow2011/
There were a couple of painters that caught my eye, they were using allegory (one Christian symbolism and the other Greek mythology) and painting large canvases in oil.

one was Aisha Al-Sadie, unfortunately I didn't get the other's name but will post if I find out.

In my more recent work 'Forbidden fruit' and the unpublished work that currently on my easel utilise suggestions of symbolism in the use of the apple.

There was a lot of pure abstract paintings on show that had some nice mark-making and subdued colours. I thought some of it was nice but a little derivative- its not really my bag but can appreciate that many will like this. I prefer art with more skilled craft and narrative. Was a good opportunity to get in ECA and have a look around though. The building is amazing with beautiful light airy studios looking onto Edinburgh castle- woth seeing by itself!

There was a lot of classical sculpture casts around as well, I can see me going to try to draw them. I did some life classes with artist Graham Flack who teaches there who told me the public can go in and draw there whenever they like so I'll try to do that.

Ryan

Reserved for you- Linocut limited edition print

2011-05-25T23:33:00.004+01:00

Reserved for you
Linocut reduction print
6x6 inches
Edition of 3

Wow first post in ages! Here's a new linocut print I did of my painting 'Reserved for you'.

This was a bit of an experiment for me using the reduction printing method. Basically the whole image is printed from one single block one colour at a time. White areas are carved out first, then the lightest colour (skin in this case) printed. The printing is done by hand using a barren (or in my case a wooden spoon!)where pressure is applied over the surface to imprint the paper against the inked block. Next the areas that are to remain skin coloured are carved out of the block and the next lightest colour printed (sky in this case). This is repeated for each layer.

There's a fair amount of planning to do this as well, working out the correct sequence of layers and number required. The carving of the block is tricky also when you're trying to keep an overall picture of how it should work out! With this technique you can't make any corrections!

Its the first time I'd tried this method as my previous two attempts were just black and white. The trickiest part is the registration- getting the positioning spot on for the different layers. Out of the ten images I started out with, only 3 were worthy of being in the edition. With five layers of colour, its not surprising that there are some positioning errors- especially when all done by hand.

2011 Self Portrait

2011-02-23T21:42:00.003Z

I've decided to set myself the challenge of doing at least one self portrait a year. For one as a model, I'm free to hire and can't complain about the sitter not sitting still!

Rembrandt was famous for his self portraits- probably more-so than any other artist. What he left was a series of work that not only charts his progress as an artist, but also his progress through life as you gradually see him ageing and in various moods as life throws things at him.

http://www.rembrandtpainting.net/rembrandt_self_portraits.htm

check it out

Any way here's my effort! A rather quick one at about 2hrs

Self portrait 2011
Pastel on Sennelier card
8x10 inches

Forbidden fruit

2011-01-18T20:14:00.003Z

Forbidden Fruit

16x16 inches

Mixed media on board

The next in my new style that is developing at the moment. Am really enjoying being able to get a bit of a narrative going in the paintings. The aim is to engage the viewer to think about what is going on.

The ability to add lots of layering allows for me to include elements at the collage stage that add to the story of the painting. I like how the simple composition and colours can initially attract the eye. As you get closer you notice the variety of texturing throughout giving another layer of interest. When you get right up to it you can begin to see through the transparent layers to the collage element.

Off to start the next one!

Ryan

Getting to know you

2010-12-18T13:55:00.002Z

Getting to know you

15x15 inches

Mixed media on board

Continuing my series of mixed media contemporary figurative work that I started with 'Reserved for you' and 'Bond with a blond', here is the next work.

This one took a little longer to do until I was happy that I had got down my original concept. Its certainly tricky to do this compared to working in a representational way from life or photo (where your reference is right in front of you). An imagined image- even with preparatory sketches and colour studies- always changes.

It's weird that the images look simplistic and naive
(deliberately!), but the work invovled to do this as an adult is so tough!!
Picasso put this really well when he said, "It took me four years to learn to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child."

The way I've been working with the mixed media is controlled but intuitive so I don't always know how an image or effect will turn out or fit in with the overall piece. I was unhappy with the walls originally as I wanted a different textural effect. My original attempt with collage, inks and acrylic were too powerful and made the overall image look messy. I had some collage work there that added text elements that were relevant to the narrative of the painting- I realised I was being too precious about it and it was restricting my processes. My eureka moment was adding oil pastel over this. I did this in layers of subtle colours till a had a fairly thick layer then used a damp cloth to gently rub areas- this blended the oil pastel a little but also gives a nice waxy finish as a texture (a happy accident discovering this!!)

Ryan

Keya

2010-12-11T13:46:00.003Z

Keya

Oil on canvas

14x18 inches

Here's a portrait that I've just finished. Painted using classical glazing techniques to build up layers of colour

This is a portrait swap with another artist so looking forward to seeing her portrait of me.

Ryan

House painting commission

2010-11-12T23:47:00.002Z

SOLD

Hillswick

Acrylic and mixed media on canvas

80 x 60 cms

Here's a recent commission of a house painting I did last month.

Ryan

Mairen portrait study

2010-11-06T21:00:00.004Z

Mairen

10x12 inches

Pencil on paper

A portrait study working on my drawing . Tried to keep to a classical drawing technique of hatching here without any smudging. All done free-hand but took time -about 3-4 hours

Ryan

This weeks life class

2010-11-04T23:53:00.004Z

Female figure sleeping pose

Pastel on Sennelier pastel card

10x12 inches

This was the sketch from the long pose (about one hour 30mins). It was a bit of a struggle as the model moved her arm and shoulder position quite considerably at half time. Its part of the challenge of life drawing/painting that you are painting a living 3d thing that i not static. I had to totally re-do that section !

I forgot to post the week before's work too! again it was a toughy with a lot of fore-shortening to deal with

Male model prone position

Pastel on Sennelier pastel card

12x12inches

About one and a half hours again

Ryan

National Galleries of Scotland − Support Us − All Portraits

2010-11-03T15:27:00.001Z

National Galleries of Scotland − Support Us − All Portraits

Click the link about to see how you can help Scotland's National Portrait Gallery complete its fundraising for its major re-vamp due to be completed next year.

The Portrait of the Nation is going to be fantastic!

New life drawing / painting group

2010-10-15T20:33:00.004+01:00

I managed to find a new drop-in untutored life drawing/painting group. Its really good to do a class untutored as I can work in whatever media I want and try to develop some of the techniques and ideas I got from Leith School of Art. It's a 3 hour class with an hour of quick sketches followed by a longer pose for the remainder of the time (about an hour and a half after breaks).

Here's what I got done for the longer pose

Model with red chair and reflection

Soft pastel on Sennelier pastel card

8x12inches

Eyemouth- plein air

2010-09-20T14:44:00.005+01:00

Here's a great spot I found a couple of weeks ago down at Eyemouth- about 45mins from Edinburgh. I had a day off and the sun was shining so I decided to head down the coast for some plein air painting.

Cliffs at Eyemouth (sketch)

Oil on board
8x10 inches

Here's where I got to after about an hour and a half- though by this stage the light was really starting to change as it was hitting the cliffs. Since this was the main focus of the painting, I decided to call it a day. It's just a sketch, but something I could use for a studio painting.

Ryan

Richard

2010-08-25T07:55:00.003+01:00

Richard

Pastel on Sennelier pastel card

12x15 inches

Another portrait using pastels and the sennelier card that is great for building up layers of pastel

Ryan

Bond with a blonde

2010-08-01T23:26:00.003+01:00

Bond with a blonde

Mixed media on board

15 x15 inches

Continuing the stlye I experimented with 'Reserved for you', this one is based on a certain gentleman spy!
Had fun with the texture and collage elements in this- managed to get the Aston Martin in too!

Was aiming to keep the colour harmoniuos and make an interesting composition. The texture uses acrylic mediums (texture paste and glass bead gel) and collage.

Ryan

Reserved for you

2010-06-26T16:30:00.004+01:00

Reserved for you

Mixed media

15x15 inches

Last term at Leith School of Art we used a good variety of media and worked hard at loosening up style and application. I've been inspired to try to develop my style a little away from purely representational work. This has been inspired from Henry Moore's drawings and sculptures and a Scottish artist I like called Jonathan Hood.

I'm hoping to use the semi-abstract and mixed media approach to my Landscape painting as I'd become a bit frustrated with the genre.

New studio- new work!

2010-04-26T00:07:00.004+01:00

Haven't posted in a while as I've been settling into my new place and finally getting organised!

I went to the National Gallery of Scotland and did some sketching of their bronze and marble sculptures. One really caught my eye called Arritino- here's my sketch

I really liked the pose and the way the figure was looking up into the light. I got home and worked this study up in charcoal and conte crayon

This is quite small at 8x8 inches- think I might work up a bigger study or jump straight into an oil painting

Ryan

Welcome

2010-02-10T22:15:00.004Z

Welcome

Linocut print

4x7 inches

My second attempt at linocut printing. Getting a bit more confident at this as it was quite challenging to get some of the detailled bits. Did an edition of 25 which was tough work without a press- as each one has to be hand printed using the back of a spoon to burnish the image!

On another note I got my portrait painting from Julie Mardell- I'm really pleased with it she's done a great job. The portrait swap was great fun- I'll definitely do another one. Anyway here is the painting!

Ryan - by Julie Mardell

8x12inches

Oil on canvas

2010!! Happy New Year

2010-01-05T21:20:00.005Z

Cast shadows

Soft pastel on Sennelier pastel card

8x10 inches

The first post of 2010! Another portrait that excited me due to the strong light and cast shadows.

This was the first time I used the Sennelier pastel card. Its more expensive than the Murano paper I normally use with pastels. The card has a grain on it that resembles sandpaper (but is easier on the fingers) and is really good for adding layers of pastel. I managed to build up a fairly thick pastel layer without feeling the tooth of the paper was clogged up- this sometimes happens with the Murano paper.

Ryan

Jools

2009-12-21T20:24:00.003Z

Jools

Acrylic on canvas

16x16 inches

A portrait I've just finished of a fellow artist that I've done as part of a portrait exchange. Its such a good idea! Jools is working on her portrait of me so will be great to see. She's a fabulous portrait artist so I'll be in good hands.

Merry Christmas everyone!

A new gallery and Cancer Research Exhibition

2009-11-15T23:53:00.003Z

Its been a busy week!

First of all, The Bass Rock Gallery in Dunbar is now stocking some of my lanscape paintings for sale. I'm really excited as its a lovely gallery down the coast that has just the best views right out to Bass Rock. Please visit the link or go for a visit.

Secondly I've got three paintings in the Cancer Research Exhibition at Adam House, Chambers Street, Edinburgh. The exhibition is on Tuesday 17th to Saturday 21st November. Its a great cause and I'm really hoping to sell the work so I can contribute. With Christmas coming its a fantastic event with three floors of paintings and craft at pocket-friendly prices!

Ryan

Heading for home

2009-11-10T23:48:00.003Z

Heading for Home
Pastel on paper
8x12 inches

A local scene that I've worked up in the studio from a plein air sketch. Added the surfers from a reference photo taken on the same day.

This was a nice day- bit windy as I recall!!

Ryan

Morning light at Bass rock

2009-11-02T21:52:00.003Z

Morning light at Bass rock

Pastel on paper

12x8 inches

I realised how long it was since I posted a landscape! I've been focussing mostly on figurative/portraiture work for the last year or so and have neglected landscapes

Better late than never! Here's one of my favourite muses, the Bass Rock. This was worked up in the studio from a plein air sketch I did a while back. I really liked the soft light that I saw that day- nice violets and peach/yellows.

Ryan

Roland

2009-10-13T23:36:00.003+01:00

Roland

Acrylic on canvas

16x20 inches

I'm really working hard on my portraiture at the moment. Feel like I'm getting better and more confident with each one, so I'm happy to be progressing.

When it comes to portraits I'm a huge fan of Lucien Freud, Sir Henry Raeburn and John Singer Sergeant's style and I guess this stylistically guides my portraits (still a long way to reach their standards, but you've got to aim high!!)

2nd year at Leith School of Art is in full flow, so being kept busy with that.

My first Linocut print!

2009-08-15T19:42:00.003+01:00

Life #1

Linocut print on paper

My first attempt at linocut relief printing. I enjoyed the abstract mark making opportunities of the medium. Limiting to black and white makes for a bold design, hopefully I've included enough interesting variety of marks with recognisable imgages in there to.

I really enjoyed the excitement of lifting the first print off and seeing the image for the first time- a real buzz!

Ryan

The brown hat

2009-08-11T23:39:00.003+01:00

The brown hat

16x12 inches
Pastel on Murano paper

Bought some lovely new Sennelier soft pastels and decided to give them a whirl on some portrait practice. I liked the quizzical look the guy had and wanted to capture some of that.

Ryan

Made from girders

2009-07-07T21:17:00.002+01:00

Made from girders!
Acrylic on canvas
8x8 inches

Another small still life. A well known Scottish soft drink- like to include some contemporary items that portray life in Scotland at this moment. Also liked the strong bold complementary colours blue and orange that make this striking!

Ryan

Peter

2009-05-16T11:13:00.003+01:00

Peter
Oil on canvas
12x16 inches

A recent portrait, using a limited pallette.
Titanium white, ultramarine blue, burnt umber, yellow ochre and raw sienna.

Trying to keep a sense of colour harmony as I did with Becka. Really enjoyed doing this one and am pretty pleased how it turned out. I wanted to capture the emotion in his face and am calling it a success.

Ryan

Becka

2009-04-20T17:53:00.004+01:00

Becka
Oil on canvas
16x20 inches

Here's the final painting done from life. Finished it quite a few weeks ago but work committments have made posting tricky

Ryan

Oil life sketch

2009-03-08T22:55:00.004Z

Here's the first part of a three-week project we're doing at night-class.

Becka (sketch)

Oil on paper 6x10 inches

We had an interesting approach to our colour pallette. first we made a 'parent' colour Yellow Ochre and titanium white. Then we mixed this into a range of primary (yellow ochre, Alizarin crimson, Ultramarine blue and Lamp black) and secondary colours (derived from mixing our primaries 50:50).

Then we were limited to this pre-made pallette for sketching out our composition idea for a final painting. This took 25 mins so have ready made colours helped from a speed point of view!

Over the next two weeks we are painting the final image

Ryan

Leith School of Art term 2

2009-02-11T21:38:00.005Z

I've been busy beavering away at my life drawing and paintings course at Leith School of Art. Term 2 is in mid-flow and again is high paced and challenging. The emphasis this term has been mark-making, and I've really been enjoying the use of different media and the new effects you can create.

Here's some recent portraiture work that illustrates how the different media are influencing the marks and approach I make to the same subject

Charcoal and chalk

Oil bar and graphite

Ryan

Happy Birthday Rabbie Burns

2009-01-26T21:53:00.005Z

250 years old- and still looking pretty good!

Hears a drawing I did while digesting my haggis, neeps and tatties. It was Burn's night, celebrating the 250th birthday of Scotlands National bard. Caught up in the spirit of the year of homecoming and a' that, I raised a wee dram for Robert Burns.

Auld acquaintance

Pen and ink on paper

8x10 inches

The drawing is obviously based on the famous Alexander Nasmyth’s portrait of Robert Burns that hangs in Edinburgh's Scottish National Portrait gallery

http://www.nationalgalleries.org/collection/online_az/4:322/result/0/1962?initial=N&artistId=3547&artistName=Alexander%20Nasmyth&submit=1

Ryan

First of 2009!!

2009-01-07T23:54:00.006Z

Happy 2009!!

It's good to be back painting after all the Christmas and Hogmany chaos!
Here's another small still life continuing my series, in this one I liked how the shadow patterns linked the cherries and keep the eye moving around the composition

Three cherries

Acrylic on canvas

8 x 8 inches

Back to Leith School of Art tomorrow- term 2 kicks off and I'm really excited. I really enjoyed the first term, which culminated in a exhibition of all the students' work. I was amazed at how many people were there, and not just for the free wine!!

Ryan

Whisky in the jar

2008-11-28T14:38:00.002Z

Whisky in the jar
Oil on canvas

8x8 inches

A small still life continuing my series (http://revanspaintings.blogspot.com/search/label/still%20life), with the light source coming from back right. I wanted to get some of those refelctions and shadows

I was aiming to get the right balance between suggestion and details

Weeks 5 and 6

2008-11-27T16:09:00.006Z

Wow I have neglected posting again! Here are some more works from my ongoing Leith School of Art course.

Week 5- Brush and Ink on paper. Trying to capture the effect of the strong light on the torso

Week 6- Acrylic on paper- we got painting this week with the tutor restricting us to black and white to concentrate on values.

Need to photo the next one soon!

Cast shadows -Week 4 study

2008-11-03T19:52:00.001Z

Cast shadows- Week 4 study

Charcoal on paper 33x22 inches

This week we had a wee bit longer on our main pose so I got more of a finished image. We were instructed to try to use the side of the charcoal stick for the first 30 mins with no measuring and using shading to define edges. Drawings by Seurat were used as an example.

In the last part I used an eraser and some lines to redefine parts that were in need of more resolution.

Ryan

Leith School of Art week 3

2008-10-21T22:16:00.006+01:00

I know what you're thinking, where is week 2- I was on holiday OK!!

This week we studied the etchings of Rembrant, drawings of Degas looking at mark making and using directional hatching marks to show the different planes of the body.

Fiona seated

Charcoal and white chalk
23x33 inches

Ryan

Leith School of Art week 1

2008-10-19T22:15:00.003+01:00

I've not been posting much recently as I've been doing evening classes at Leith School of Art. We've just finished the first half of term 1 (6 weeks) so I'd thought since I've got a week off I must catch up with my blog!

http://www.leithschoolofart.co.uk/

I'm studying figure painting and drawing with a great teacher called Andrew Paterson, whose life-size oils are amazing!

http://www.andrewpatersonart.com/

In the first week we did a lot of quick sketching and loosening up exercises, culminating in a 45min final pose in charcoal. We had to draw looking directly at the model (and not at all at the paper! more difficult than you would think) this lasted ten minutes before we could even look at what kind of mess we made! Amongst the jumble of lines and marks, the loose basis of the drawing.

Next we had to attack what we had done with the rubber, which smudged, merged, softened and lightened our original image. Then for the last 30 mins we got to work proper! Tring to keep some of the sponaneous mark of the under drawing and refining it. As it was the first week I was definitely rusty and was knackered at the end!

Life study week 1

Charcoal on paper 23 x 33inches

Save our Titians!!!

2008-10-08T09:35:00.003+01:00

The National Galleries of Scotland has one an amazing collections of old master paintings but a significant number are part of a loan 'The Bridgewater Loan'. 27 works including two giant Titians and a Rembrandt self portrait, Poussin.

These paintings have been on loan since 1945 but the owner now wishes to sell . He has offered us the chance to acquire two key works Titian’s Diana and Actaeon and Diana and Callisto on extremely favourable terms

We need to secure £50 million by 31 December 2008 to purchase the first painting, Diana and Actaeon. If we don't raise the funds then the painitngs will go on sale on the open market

http://www.nationalgalleries.org/collection/online_az/4:322/result/0/8685?initial=T&artistId=11008&artistName=Titian%20(Tiziano%20Vecellio)&submit=1
Titian's -Diana and Actaeon

If we are successful with this then we get the opportunity to buy the second Titian (another £50mill ) and secure the remainder of the loaned paintings for 21 years

http://www.nationalgalleries.org/collection/online_az/4:322/result/0/8686?initial=T&artistId=11008&artistName=Titian%20(Tiziano%20Vecellio)&submit=1
Titian's- Diana and Callisto

The Scottish gallery has launched an urgent appeal for public money to keep these paintings in the public collection- it would be horrendous to think of works like these going into a private collection or worse a bank vault.They have linked up with the National Gallery London in a joint bid to raise the huge funds required in the extremely short space of time

http://www.nationalgalleries.org/supportus/page/3:5883

Ryan

Green pepper (and friends!)

2008-08-13T00:03:00.003+01:00

Green pepper and friends

Acrylic on canvas
8x8 inches

The next small still life and again my mind is on food! I'm enjoying getting these really simple set-ups with vibrant colour and light. Trying to avoid the traditional dark backgrounds to make something more contemporary. Having the white paper to sit things on flattens the picture frame and allows the light and reflections to jump around. I also like the blue/violet shadows you get.

Ryan

Quick still lifes

2008-08-06T22:20:00.003+01:00

Had great fun doing these small pieces. Limiting my time so I didn't get fussy

Humble teacake

Oil on canvas
8x8 inches

Lemon and lime

Acrylic on canvas
8x8 inches

Ryan

New portrait, John

2008-07-12T10:54:00.003+01:00

John

Oil on canvas board

12 x 15 inches

I've signed up for Leith School of Art- Figure painting and drawing so I thought I'd better get some practice in before I start in September.

Did this portrait over two nights about 3 and a half hours in total

Cheers

Ryan

Horse #2

2008-06-25T23:15:00.007+01:00

Horse #2
*SOLD*

Mixed media on canvas

16x20inches

The next in my series inspired by classical sculture. This Greek horse sculpture (from the Parthenon Frieze) had a great sense of urgency- there is a mix of excitement, fear and rage that I wanted to recreate to give the sense of a horse used in battle.

This was the starting stage for this one- using collage and texturing effects to create an interesting backdrop

I enjoyed trying a new trick on this one in using acrylic paint mediums to transfer an image onto the paint surface. Instead of using collage to stick a paper image- the benefit of this technique is that with acrylic mediums transferring the image they can be made to be transparent and therefore the underpainting can show through- really was quite exciting to see what I could do with this

Self portait in soft pastel

2008-06-11T23:28:00.002+01:00

A quick self portrait! Done while watching the football so about an hour

Soft pastel on Murano paper
15x12inches

Working on another abstract classical piece so did this while waiting for paint to dry!

Horse, Persepolis

2008-05-31T12:13:00.002+01:00

I can't believe its been so long since my last post!! I did get married however so I have a pretty good excuse!!

Anyway here is my next offering inspired by Classical sculpture

Horse, Persepolis

Mixed media on canvas

16x20inches

Stormy seascape study

2008-02-19T20:08:00.004Z

Stormy Seascape (study),

Oil on canvas

14x10 inches

Trying to improve my seascapes, I realised that I needed to study the movement of the sea a bit more. My coastal scenes tend to focus on calmer sea, and the sea in itself is rarely the focal point. It took about an hour and a half. I'm reasonably happy with the way it turned out and I definitely learned a fair bit from the techniques side of things. The one thing for me is that the pallette of colours doesn't really work here in Scotland as the blue and browns in the rock are too intense. The colours here are much more slate blue/grey for the sea and the rocks locally are a lot darker.

Next I need to try to put some of these techniques to use on original stuff from local scenes.

Quick Self portraits in charcoal

2008-02-11T23:05:00.000Z

Self portrait

Charcoal on light grey murano paper

16x12 inches

Wanted to get some drawing practice in so decided to have another crack at the portrait and since I'm the only one who's willing to model- it's me again!

This one was done in about an hour and a half

This one took about 30 mins- considerably faster sketching, again charcoal on light grey Murano paper

16x12 inches

Portraiture really is one of the hardest disciplines there is. Trying to acheive a likeness is tough work, but a great challenge.

I'm waiting for some oil paintings to dry on the easel and enjoyed getting some drawing practice in meantime!

Cheers

Ryan

The beach at North Berwick, Winter sun

2008-01-28T20:21:00.000Z

The beach at North Berwick- Winter sun

Oil on canvas

16x16 inches

January is a cold month for sure! The sky is usually like this, threatening to hit us with snow, sleet or rain- every now and then though the sun peeks through and lights up the landscape with warm light. Wanted to capture that contrast in this piece.

Ryan

Achilles

2008-01-26T11:02:00.001Z

First post of 2008!

This has been on my easel for a while now as had a festive break while waiting for layers to dry. Finally finished it this week. I started this while doing my recent oil painting night class where the tutor was trying to get us to go more abstract. After much head scratching for ideas I came up with looking at the legend of Achilles and using classical art as a starting point tried to create a contemporary 'abstract' image.

It was a real departure for me as I mostly paint in a realist fashion- I have to admit I really got into and was surprised how much work was involved in it. I really got excited seeing what effects, textures and shapes I could get in there.

Achilles

Oil and gold leaf on canvas

24x18 inches

Stormy sky, Cockenzie

2007-11-24T11:30:00.001Z

Stormy sky, Cockenzie

Oil on canvas
16x16 inches

Painted from sketches and reference shots I made the warmth of my car on the way back up the coast. I liked the energy an colours of the sky over the 'ugly' power station at Cockenzie.

In the distance further round the coast is Edinburgh with Arthurs Seat visible. Wanted to keep these elements subdued and secondary to the sky.

Ryan

Self Portrait in Profile

2007-11-18T23:50:00.000Z

Self Portrait in Profile
Oil on canvas
20x28 inches

Had a real learning curve with this, portraits are tricky to get right and the head in profile can be trickier yet! Getting the shapes and angles right take a fair amount of observation. This one took a while as I waited for layers to dry inbetween painting sessions.

Ryan

The White Cup

2007-11-12T20:37:00.000Z

The White Cup

Oil on canvas

16x20 inches

I've been doing an evening class working on still lifes in oil paint, picking up a few tips here and there. I do find still lifes a great training exercise for painting. Its a real challenge being presented with a new object and working out how best to render it in 2D.

The copper pot had great colours and shine to it and the different cloths and the weathered slate were also a challenge. I opted for the white cup being the focal point as for me it stands out from a busy set-up.

This took about 5 hours to complete over three weeks. We're now looking at more abstract work and will be working up another finished oil. Abstraction will be a departure for me so I'll see how it goes....

Ryan

Early morning light over Bass Rock

2007-09-26T23:13:00.000+01:00

Early morning light over Bass Rock

Acrylic on canvas paper

16x12 inches

I think the summer (what little we had here!) is just about over, so glad I managed to get out for this plein air sketch. This was from a clifftop walk down by Dunbar called Belhaven bay. All in all took about 2 hours.I was excited by the yellow band in amongst the purple/violets/blues going on in the sky.

Ryan

Safe Haven

2007-08-29T23:52:00.000+01:00

Safe Haven
Soft pastel on Murano paper
16x12 inches

This was a sail boat moored up in Musselburgh harbour along the road from me. Made sketches and took some reference shots. I've simplified the scene (removing other boats that distracted) and played with the composition a little to make sure the placement of horizon and mast sit on the 'golden mean'.

Plan to work this up into oils later

Haven't posted in a while as my PC finally died and had to be replaced!

Ryan

Still Life Sunflowers with summer fruits

2007-07-10T15:11:00.000+01:00

Still Life Sunflowers with summer fruits

Oil on canvas
12x16 inches

Fresh off the easel, decided to try out a still life as haven't done one in a while. Had just bought some fruit and decided to put it in.

Here is a photo of my set-up
And this is my rough drawing with charcoal onto the canvas. Trying to get the correct tone here.

Next its time to get painting- first blocking-in the main colours at the tonal values set down in my charcoal sketch

This was a fun exercise and I'm pretty happy with the results.

Fiona back view

2007-06-21T21:49:00.000+01:00

Fiona back view

Acrylic on board

6 x 8 inches

A small painting worked up from my previous ink sketches from my recent life class (see below). Mixed marble dust and a little impasto medium into my acrylic for this to add a bit of textural element to the brushstroke.

Ryan

Cliffs at Dunbar, a plein air sketch

2007-06-05T22:16:00.000+01:00

Cliffs at Dunbar, a plein air sketch

Managed to get down the coast at the weekend again (the sun is being very kind). Found a great spot on the beach at John Muir country park near Dunbar, a small fishing town on the East Lothian coatline.

Really enjoyed this one. Was using Acrylic again for PA this time I was armed with some retarding medium and a water spray gun to stop it drying out too fast. This worked much better than the PA I did at Newhailles house (previous post) as I felt much more in control.

A cool thing that happened was the breeze kept blowing sand into my paint which really added to the painting!! A Scottish artist I really like must do this, as this is the effect he gets and I wasn't sure what he was doing. His name is Davy Brown, if you want to google.

Finished Sketch

Cliffs at Dunbar

12x8 inches

Acrylic on board

(~1 to 1 hour 30)

Cheers
Ryan

Lighthouse on Fidra

2007-05-30T20:36:00.000+01:00

Lighthouse on Fidra, Scotland

Oil on canvas12x15inches

Fresh off the easel! From just a short drive down the coast, this wee island looks pretty spectacular. The author Robert Louis Stevenson (who lived in these parts) supposedly was inspired to write Treasure Island after being inspired by these little islands here- according to the tourist board anyway!

Ryan

View to Cockenzie, Evening Light

2007-05-28T22:55:00.000+01:00

View to Cockenzie, Evening Light

Oil on canvas

18x14 inches

Painted this mostly with painting knife and a little brushwork. Not a traditionally beautiful scene for a painting- dirty big coal burning power station!! That made for an interesting challenge. This is a view along the East Lothian coastline from the beach where I live. Had really interesting colours and hazy effect going on that I wanted to capture.

Ryan

Life Class sketches

2007-05-27T23:10:00.000+01:00

Life Class sketches

I just did another Life class through the National Galleries of Scotland- which have been really excellent.

For the first 1/2 hour we go up into the gallery and look at the master paintings, with our tutor pointing things out. Then we have a 2 hour life class working on the techniques discussed.

There is a great exhibition of on at the moment of drawings, which were the studies for major paintings. Edgar Degas, Seurat, Raphael, Poussin all are represented here. I was taken by a sketch by Poussin done in ink and wash, the finished painting was also on display. (will try to get a link)

Here were my attempts in this medium- quickly done ~5 mins each. We used sharpened willow sticks to dip in the ink and draw. The wash of diluted ink was applied with sponge. These unusual implements really made you consider line and mark-making. First one on the left I put down to learning the marks made by the tools!! I think they improved!

15x12 inches

Ryan

Bass Rock at last light

2007-05-17T22:59:00.000+01:00

Bass Rock at last light

(SOLD)

Oil on Canvas

1meter x 1meter

Applying the final touches!

This was a really challenging painting due to the size, composition and colour strategies. It has forced me to really study the Bass Rock and get to know it intimately. All the other studies that I've done certainly paid off as painting the final parts (the rock and sea) were done from memory/imagination and previous paintings.

Ryan

Female Life study

2007-05-14T00:39:00.000+01:00

Female Life study
Soft pastel on Ingres paper
12x15inches

A painting I've worked up from my recent Life drawing classes

Ryan

Next installment of the WIP

2007-04-24T20:23:00.000+01:00

Next installment of the WIP- re-worked the sky colours as I wasn't entirely happy before. I'll add some red/orange to the underside of the clouds next (when this layer dries a bit!)

Bass Rock Commission (work in progress)

2007-04-16T22:19:00.000+01:00

Bass Rock Commission (work in progress)

This is a large painting I'm working on at the moment in the studio (1 x 1 metre). Its easily the largest I've atempted and it a subject I love to paint (as you can see from previous posts!), for these reasons I really excited about this one!

At this first stage I've decided on my composition. The horizon is placed on the traditional golden mean (dividing the canvas in roughly 2 thirds sky and 1 third sea). I've placed the rock off centre to the right hand side also. At this stage I've very loosely blocked in the rock itself using burnt umber and ultramarine blue, thinned with turps, this was done with my handy 2 inch decorator brush (felt like Rolf Harris at this point!), then my favourite 1 inch flat brush.

Next stage I blocked in the sky and sea. Again very rough at this point- not worrying about detail or anything, just want to get rid of the white canvas and try to establish the rest of the composition and tonal range.

Well this is where I'm at now. I've been working up the sky, trying to get the colours and tone right as this will define the light for the rock and the sea.

More to follow.....

Ryan

Plein air tree study, Newhailles House

2007-04-16T22:06:00.000+01:00

Plein air tree study, Newhailles House

Acrylic on canvas

16 x 12 inches

(~1 hour)

At last the weather is changing for the better! Have a gloriously warm weekend and managed to get to do some plein air painting- first of the year!!

Thought I'd have a go at acrylics (haven't used them for a while), thinking that the quick drying time would make for easy (and mess free!) transport home. This is undoubtedly a great advantage as the painting sketch was completely dry within minutes. The downside is the drying time being so fast! I'd gotten so used to oils where you can mix colours on the canvas, scrape off etc!

It was great fun though and I might try to get some of the mediums for acrylic that can slow the drying a bit.

Ryan

Recent life studies and sketches

2007-03-16T19:19:00.000Z

Recent life studies and sketches

Study of my right hand

Staedler pigment liners on paper

9x12 inches

Sometimes poor TV focusses you on doing something more interesting!- Did this waiting for football to come on in about 30mins. Better fun than the game (my team lost obviously!)

Maria sleeping pose

Soft pastel on paper

23x11 inches

Another one from the night classes I'm doing. Model was very slender (yes her leg was this bony!)

Fiona seated

Charcoal on paper

23x17 inches

One from another life drawing group I've been going to organised by the National Gallery of Scotland, led by the artist Damien Callan. This has been a great series of life classes, with a suberb artist and teacher. Having the class in the National gallery is amazing as for the first 1/2 hour we go up into the gallery and are looking at the Titian's, Ruben's, van Dyke's, Rembrandt's, Velasquez's, Degas.....
Damien talks at these master paintings giving us pointers, then we go back and try it out- superb! Highly recomended if your around Edinburgh.

Tonight I went to see an exhibition Damien is having here and was really taken by the loose expressive style. You get a real sense of movement and animation in his work that coupled with vibrant colour make for a striking image- please visit the link below:

http://www.chameleon-arts.com/exhibition.html

Fiona with headscarf

Charcoal, sanguin & white chalk on sepia paper
12x15 inches

Another quick sketch (20mins) from the Damien Callan class

Have been doing loads of life drawing for the last 8 weeks which has been great, need to get back to painting though!

Ryan

Bass Rock sunset with heavy cloud

2007-02-26T23:11:00.000Z

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)

2007-02-12T23:57:00.000Z

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

2007-02-07T23:59:00.000Z

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

2007-02-07T23:50:00.000Z

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

2007-02-07T23:17:00.000Z

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

Rooftops, Paris

2007-01-30T00:19:00.000Z

Rooftops, Paris

Oil on board 12x15 inches

Had a bit of fun with this one. I was a bit disappointed in Paris earlier this year (not the city itself!)- I was really excited about seeing all the artists at Monmatre, but when I got there it seemed that everyone was knocking out stock postcard image paintings of the Eiffel Tower. They all looked identical and destined for the tourists.

I wanted to paint the tower but make it different. The weather was poor so painted this from sketches and photo references with pallette knife

Ryan

Flower study #1

2007-01-18T21:44:00.000Z

Flower study #1

Soft Pastel on paper
8x12 inches

My second foray into pastel painting. I love the direct approach of pastel painting, allows images to be created quickly which is great for keeping that fresh spontaneous look.

Ryan

Sail Boats at Bass Rock, North Berwick

2007-01-15T22:48:00.000Z

Sail Boats at Bass Rock, North Berwick.

Oil on board
15x12 inches

I love the Bass Rock as a subject. Its colour constantly changes with the light along the coast. On this day there were nice clear skies giving the sea a brilliant blue. The Bass Rock took on these same colours and with the haze coming off the sea, it had wonderful soft edges.

I added the sail boats from a previous sketch to add a bit more foreground interest and to help provide a sense of scale.

Ryan

First post of the 2007!

2007-01-09T21:53:00.000Z

First post of the 2007!

It's a New Year so I'm starting a new sketch book. I try to carry one around as much as I can, capturing scenes figures that catch my eye. I though I'd start the year by posting some of the sketches I did last year that haven't made it to the gallery yet, though a couple shown here have been used for other studio paintings.

All are drawn with Staedler pigment liners of various thickness. I try to not only get a fairly accurate sketch down, but also try to indicate tones and textures and sometime add written notes to remind of colours time of day, weather etc. This information is very useful in allowing me to work up ideas into paintings and are often more insightful than photographic reference notes because they are my take of the scene as it was when I experienced it. These (particularly the figures) are all captured very quickly plein air, as conditions and people don't sit totally still for long unless you pay them!

At last the days will be getting longer and means I can get more sunlight and painting done fantastic.

I have also enrolled in a series of Life Drawing/Painting workshops and night classes so I can brush up on my figurative work

Ryan

Profile study #1

2006-12-02T15:37:00.000Z

Profile study #1
Oil on board
16x19 inches

Just finished this portrait, I had started this earlier in the year and was waiting for some the underpainting to dry. Finally got around to completing this one.

Off to start something new now!

Fruit bowl with pomegranites

2006-11-08T11:20:00.000Z

Fruit bowl with pomegranites
8x12inches
Pastel on paper

This is my first piece of work for a couple of weeks due to a hand injury. Having been unable to paint for a while, I kept myself going by reading some art tuition books. I was inspired to have another go at pastels- I have not been overly impressed with my efforts so far, but was pleasantly surprised with this small study.

I'll have to try some more pastels in the near future!

Hay bales

2006-10-15T18:38:00.000+01:00

Hay bales
Oil on board
15x12 inches

This was a recent work completed en plein air, again using a combination of brushes and painting knifes. I love the texture contrasts that you can acheive this way. The brushes allow a degree of control and you cannot help but paint loosely and expressively with the painting knife.

I used deliberate colour contrasts in this one, starting with a cobalt violet under-painting, establishing the tonal contrasts and sketching out the composition. Yellow is obviously the complementary colour to purple/violet and I have deliberately left some the underpainting show through in spaces to enhance the yellows in the field. The blue/violet sky also deliberately complements the orange highlights in the field.

I almost never got to do this one as the farmer turned up as I was about to set up. He was not too happy having a stranger in his field, but when I explained what I was up to he got pretty excited about it. I promised him first shout at purchasing it, but by the time I finished it he was long gone and I could not find him.

Ryan

Sail Boat at Cockenzie

2006-10-11T23:44:00.000+01:00

Sail Boat at Cockenzie
Oil on Canvas
15x15 inches

Another scene from the East Lothian coast. This boat was sailing in the Firth of Forth with the Cockenzie power station in the background. Although power stations aren't traditionally beautiful buildings, this dominates the coastal views from Leith to North Berwick and depending on the quality of light has its own unique beauty with its strong vertical chimneys- its a subject whose beauty is an artists job to convey!!
This was painted from a pen and ink sketch. I exclusively used the pallette knife and paint texture to emphasise the abstract attraction of the scene.

Ryan

Contemplation

2006-10-04T21:10:00.000+01:00

Contemplation

Oil on canvas
8x8inches

This is a new work in a series of small figurative works. This was based on a sketch I made of this old guy sitting on a wall. The scene just had a great composition and needed little from me to enhance the mood of the scene. I have no idea what the man was thinking of when I sketched him, but I was excited about the idea that he was contemplating his life. Compositionally I added the 'rose-tinted' sky to increase to the feel I was after.

Cheers

Ryan

Cromarty Boats

2006-09-27T20:47:00.000+01:00

Cromarty Boats
(SOLD)
Here is another painting from my trip up North. This one was in a lovely little town called Cromarty near Inverness. These boats were out of the water I guess for repair but they had a real run down rustic appearance that had lots of character. That was the inspiration for the piece. Again this was painted entirely en plein air in one sitting of approximately 2-3 hours. Thankfully the weather was more than kind for this one with beautiful sunshine. I sketched the boats in and really went for using mostly painting knife to try to capture the rough rustic feel of the piece. Hope you enjoy- only the final version I'm afraid as I had no camera on this day!

Cromarty boats
Oil on panel
15x12 inches

Cheers
Ryan

Buachaille Etive Mor

2006-09-14T23:52:00.000+01:00

Buachaille Etive Mor

I managed to get outdoors to work on perhaps my favourite mountain here in Scotland- Buachaille Etive Mor- which means 'the great herdsman of the Etive' (mountain range).

This ominous rock guards the enrance to Glencoe and is absolutely awe inspiring- I just had to paint it!A short walk got me to this spot where I set up with my painting box and got cracking

At this stage I've blocked in the main shapes with a neutral gray thinned in turps

I've now got most of the main colour blocked in- working fast as you can see the dark clouds coming up Glencoe

There was a beautiful dance of sunlight catching the grass at the bottom of the mountain and some of the crags on the left so was keen to get this quicklyAbout 2 hours in and its just starting to rain a little. I actually managed to finish a bit more than shown here berfore rain got too heavy, but I didn't want to get camera out!!

Well here is the finished version. I decided that I didn't want to work on this in the studio and risk losing the freshness and atmosphere I captured in the field. What you see here then is the result start to finish outdoors in just over two hours- phew!

Buachaille Etive Mor

Oil on panel 15x12 inches

C&C always welcome

Ryan

Portobello Promenade

2006-09-04T23:32:00.000+01:00

Portobello promenade

(SOLD)

Acrylic on canvas

15x15inches

Hi Welcome to the Ryan Evans Painting Blog!

Well this is my first post in the brave new world of blogging- please bear with me as I don't have a clue about how this all works yet!

As an artist I'm mostly self-taught though I try to attend night classes and workshops whenever possible- there's always something new to learn.

Coming from Scotland I have no shortage in beautiful scenery around to inspire me. My main passion in art is landscape, but to constantly keep me improving and sharpen my skills, I tackle other subjects- still life, portraits and figurative works. I paint mostly oils, but dabble with other mediums such as pen & ink, pencil, pastel and acrylic.

Over the coming weeks I plan to add to the blog with new paintings, drawing and projects. This will allow those interested in my work to follow me on my journey as I hope to progress as an artist. I'll try to give an insight into the work and techniques behind the paintings as well as some information about what inspired me about the scene in the first place. I also hope that in the near future I will be able provide access for anyone interested to purchase or commission work- This is something I'm looking into at present.

Anyway enough blethering from me- I thought the best thing me me to do is post a picture to get started. This was the first painting I sold in an Edinburgh Gallery!

Cheers

Ryan