Just add masking tape

So, evolving the 'art without precision' technique and putting a bit of the precision back in with liberal use of masking tape... I have finished several paintings which I am happy with. Several layers in this sort of work and quite labour intensive but I find the final result is worth it.

Here is a triptych completed a few days ago called Sharp Suit.

Tag.. you got me!

Hah.. this is fun. I've been tagged by Sara.
The rules - Each person tagged gives 5 random facts about themselves. Those tagged need to write in their blogs 5 facts, as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag 5 others and list their names on your blog. You have to leave those you plan on tagging a note in their comments so they know that they have been tagged and to read your blog.

So, five facts about me.
1. I used to be the managing director of an electronics company in London many years ago and succeeded in going bankrupt with it when I was 23
2. I have four children who are currently 19, 18, 17 and 15
3. I am a member of Mensa
4. I was expelled from school
5. My father was the main BBC TV weatherman for a number of years in the 60's and 70's

And five people to tag...
Sarah - who's adventures in knitting are such fun to read.
Jessica - who's art I deeply admire.
Tina - who was a pen-pal of mine many years ago who I have recently got back in touch with.
Sal - who is also a damn fine artist and favourite of mine
Deb - who's blog is always a feast of inspiration

Just one more game.. OK?

It's been a mildy mad few weeks. Painting like a demon and also getting to grips with my new lap-top.. which is a total joy. Mostly I am using it in exactly the same way as my desktop but on occasion I have taken it outside into the garden and it is really weird to be able to muck about on-line with not a cable or wire in sight. Very cool.

Also I have renewed my acquaintance with Magic - The Gathering. To describe it as a card game vastly simplifies the play but in essence that is what it is. I first discovered it back in the early '90's and played so intensively at the time that pretty much everything else in life went on hold. When the on-line version appeared I was in seventh heaven and once again found myself absorbed. Now, after a break of a couple of years, my son, Toby has started playing and once more I am hooked.

In between games I have been quite inspired recently and sales have been good too so I don't feel too guilty about playing. Plus I managed to get a Member's Mention in the Repurposed Show on EBSQ with my recycled Postage Stamp Bowl. Yay!!!

Painting without precision

Every so often I have one of those eureka moments and a new burst of creative technique gushes forth. Well, in this case, not so much new technique just a sudden feeling of comfort about applying paint. I so often struggle with my often overwhelming need to neaten my art. I do so love the precision of black lines and the delicate blending of colours, but also I admire very much that messier style of abstract art which comes across with so much energy and spontaneity. I find that very hard to do.. being the perfectionist that I am. So the last three pieces that I painted are an achievement for me. They are not precise and they are much more hap-hazard than normal and I love them. I am hoping they will sell well too because I really want to explore this style more. That is the one thing I dislike about making my living from art. I find that what I paint is very much dictated by what sells. I would love to throw caution to the wind and paint absolutely whatever I wanted but bills have to be paid and a certain business like attitude must prevail sadly. Not that it is a big problem. Mostly what I love to paint sells well so that's OK then. Fingers crossed for these three!

Red Herring

Hush Hush

Opium Fields