Two commission before the end of the week

Having a mad flap trying to finish a couple of paintings before the end of the week.  It's a commission for a new bar opening in Newcastle.  The brief, to paint two views of the River Tyne, loosely based on a couple of paintings I did a few years ago.  I've finished the 3 Bridges (on the left), just got to finish the 2 Bridges (on the right).  I'll upload the finished paintings to the blog in a couple of days, fingers crossed. Must paint faster!   

Waters Edge IV

Been based at the Mushroom Works for almost 6 years, but in a weeks time I will have cleared out studio 9 for good.  It's been a great few years there, made some brilliant friends, and had a perfect space to paint in.  Will certainly miss the school bell rung every tea break.  My work certainly benefited from being based there, as well as the numerous solo and group exhibitions, Ouseburn Open Studios and the Late Shows.    


I'm finally getting back into painting, following my move to Wooler.  I finished 3 paintings for the Balman Gallery, a follow up to some work I produced for the 'Scapes' Exhibition.  Though a departure from the recognisable cityscapes, these new paintings still reference mans shaping of the landscape, in this case the rural environment.  these compositions of fields and farmhouses, inspired partly by my early abstract Grid paintings.

Moved to Wooler

Had my fill of the city for a bit, so I've decided to move an hour north of Newcastle, to a little town called Wooler.  The kind of space I've been wanting for the past 10 years, back to the country.  It's taken a week to get settled, slowly trying to get back into painting.  Been working on a three new paintings for the Balman Gallery, based on this painting, 'Waters Edge I', I did last year for the Scapes exhibition.  

Been struggling with internet access since arriving.  BT wont fix the line till March 25th, idiots.  So was relying on  wifi in the local cafes, but there was only so much talk of the weather I could take, from all the old dears sipping tea.  Finally got a mobile dongle sorted, so I have brief internet access.  As long as I can respond to emails, get ontop of the blog, faff around on facebook, and listen to music on Spotify whilst I paint.  Heres the playlist I'm listening to today: 

 Hum Dinger #1