'Winter Beach'

'Winter Beach'

70cm x 50cm

graphite on paper

I was going through my archives today and came across this drawing of Mablethorpe beach in mid-winter...not so snowy that year though!...but I do remember the gale force wind while I was trying to make some studies on the beach!  Needless to say I wasn't on the beach very long!   It was the haphazard fencing that attracted me. It almost looked as if it was growing out of the sand. I feel that sometimes monochrome says more and that the power of the image can be diluted by colour. For this reason I never ever took this drawing into paint.

'Pomegranate and Spoon' becomes 'Pomegranate, Spoon and Knife'!

'Pomegranate, Spoon and Knife'

8" x 8"

oil on board

SOLD

I've never thought that this painting was quite complete so today I added another object, the knife.  It's quite tricky adding another object after a painting is finished without it looking added on or out of place. I applied more paint around the area where the knife was to be placed so as to achieve softer edges. That seemed to do the trick. Now I feel the painting is resolved.

'First Covering of Snow'

'First Covering of Snow'

7" x 9"

oil on board

Click to bid

This is a view from my previous studio window (I've moved downstairs for the time being). I made the painting after the first snowfall of last winter but before I had started the blog, so I thought I'd take this opportunity to post it now to mark our first snowfall of 2013. I painted it on a primed piece of backing board which was all I could lay my hands on at the time but which proved to be a very able support....mount board is another very able support as long as it's well primed. A tip...give the back of the board a coat of primer as well in order to stop the board bending or distorting. Doesn't the snow look gorgeous from the window...not so gorgeous if you have to venture out in it!! 

'Chloe 10yrs 3mths'

'Chloe 10yrs 3mths'

10" x 12"

oil on board

NFS

Aren't I lucky having such a lovely grandaughter to paint! I've spent three days on this portrait of Chloe. I made a drawing of her when she was over on Monday...to expect her to sit for the whole painting would be asking the impossible as all those of you with 10yr old children or grandchildren will know! For the painting I worked from my drawing, colour notes and a photograph. Making portraits is fascinating. It can be the smallest of marks made on the canvas that transforms the portrait and achieves the likeness and uniqueness of the subject. Capturing something of the character and nature of the sitter is what most portraitists strive to achieve but often that elusive 'something' is so subtle that it's hard to pin down. But oh how exciting it is when it happens! In a way portraying someone you know well is often more difficult to bring to a satisfying conclusion. This is precisely because you do know them so well. You know different aspects of their personality and different sides of their character. It would be impossible to sum up in one portrait such a complex creature as a human being so I find that what helps is to keep focused on a specific aspect of character or personality and stick with that. 

Just to change the subject for a minute...I have a Facebook page now, the link to which you will find below. Please take a look and if you like the page please 'like' the page. Thanks

http://www.facebook.com/annistoker

Another self-portrait! (Still not smiling!)

Self-portrait

8" x 8"

oil on board 

I made this for all those of you who thought my last one didn't look like me. This time I concentrated primarily on likeness and let paint application take care of itself. I started it yesterday and wiped it off! Then began again this morning and here it is. I'm happy with the likeness...I hope you agree. When I look at it now in the photograph, I notice that my left shoulder seems to be missing! But no worries I will add it when I've finished posting this!  

A school ma'am self-portrait!

Self-portrait

6" x 6"

oil on board

Another solemn self-portrait! My intention was to paint a slightly happier version but alas here I am again looking stern and sombre, a bit like a school ma'am...hmmm you want to try concentrating plus holding a perpetual grin for two hours solid...not an easy task!! There are a couple of adjustments that need to be made to the painting but on the whole I'm not unhappy with it. 

'Two Paintbrushes and a Tube of Raw Sienna'

'Two Paintbrushes and a Tube of Raw Sienna'

6' x 6"

oil on board

Click to buy

First painting of the year! A painting about painting! At present, painting for me is about the craft, the materials and honing my skills. In the recent months I have gone back to basics, working from observation taking subjects from the immediate world around me and rekindling my passion for paint. It is very satisfying making a painting that describes the subject in front of you, and at the same time tells a story of the abstract elements within the composition. It goes without saying the importance of the relationship between shape, colour and tone of the subject. But equally important is the consideration of the division of space within the picture plane and the shapes and patterns that the composition is making in relation to it.  

I would like to take this opportunity to say thankyou for taking the time to look at my art. 2013 will see many more paintings and I hope you will enjoy following my progress.

Below are details of my next Life Drawing Workshop for which I still have lots of places left (I'm usually almost full by now...maybe it's post-Christmas lethargy!)

Sunday 13th January 2013

10.30am - 4.30pm

The Village Hall 

Sturton by Stow

LN1 2AE

Cost is at the bargain price of £20!!!

If you are able to make it that would be fab! It would be great to see you there! 

Please contact me asap if you would like to reserve a place.