New paintings.

Apologies that it has been so long since my last post, I have been busy painting for three solo shows.

I have been looking at detailed pieces of Sunderland lustreware, the illustrations seem to tell a story and I find them a rich source of inspiration. The images often depict simple scenes populated by less than perfect illustrations of people and animals, and this is partly why I am inspired by them, there is a naive quality which I love.
Here are a few of the most recent paintings.

Summer paintings.

The  ceramics that I put in my paintings, cups, jugs and bowls etc, are mostly taken from examples that I own or from reference photographs. Occasionally though I combine elements, sometimes sourced from books, textiles or other ceramics, to create a unique object which exists only in my paintings. Some of the paintings on this post are examples of where I have employed this method.

Spring paintings

As you may be aware, my paintings are inspired by the flowers around me. Currently the flowers in the garden are mainly primroses and forget- me-nots. I never tire of painting them.

A couple of new paintings

I am loving all the spring flowers in my garden, the crocus are over now but the cowslips and primroses are blooming beautifully.

Childhood ceramics

I am currently inspired by childhood ceramics, especially pieces from the early 1900's which were given to children for being good. Good at school, good at reading and even knitting. They were given out as rewards for all aspects of education and were also given to instruct children on morals and behaviour.
Here are a few recent paintings on this theme.

Crocus.

In my paintings over the years, a particular motif might hold my attention over a number of paintings. It may have been wooden animals, feathers, book covers, sailboats or certain ceramics. Recently, I have found that birds have appeared quite a bit and the flower which I'm most drawn to right now is the Crocus.
I find the colours so joyful, and at a time where everything else is so grey and we are all wishing for spring to arrive, I think they bring a little brightness.

January paintings

I am painting every day at the moment as I have lots of exhibitions coming up in 2014.

Here are three new pieces, two of which depict birds which seem to be appearing quite a lot at the moment.