Ouseburn Open Studios

There's just a few days left till the start of this years Ouseburn Open Studios. Beginning this Saturday 24th November, the creative venues of the Ouseburn open their doors to the public. The event offers a unique chance to come and glimpse behind the doors of some of the regions most creative artists. This year will be my first from 36 Lime Street, where I've been based for past 6 months. I took on an unworkable space on Level 5 in May, and set to work making huge structural repairs, removing and replacing mezzanines. Creating a functioning space thats inspiring to work in, and large enough to display my paintings and prints. I would love it if you could come down this weekend and take a look at my new studio, and see my recent paintings and prints. My work will also be featured in the gallery, as part of the 'New Blood' exhibition, which will showcase the newest members to 36 Lime Street. Other artists in the exhibition also include Sarah Blood, Laura lancaster, Stevie Ronnie, Laura Johnson, Theresa Easton,and Rachel Lancaster. I will be exhibiting You Were Here, a series of painted crab claws. Hope to see you this weekend. Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th, 10 - 6pm, free admission.

New paintings

I've been working on lots of new cityscapes and landscapes, inbetween working on on going commissions. I've just finished 2 Edinburgh cityscapes, which were meant for the Edinburgh Art Fair, but weren't finished in time. The first is From Arthurs Seat, the other of the Grassmarket. With Quayside Night, I've revisited some of my classic takes of the River Tyne at night. Other Road to Bamburgh is the second in a series of paintings, capturing the journey towards the coastal castle. Last month I also began working on a series of small oil paintings. A challenge, as I'd never worked in oil before, but an interesting departure from the all too familiar acrylic paint. I will be showcasing 18 of these small oils, of cityscapes and landscapes, at this weekends Open Studios. Other work will also be available.

New prints

I have several new limited edition giclee prints to add to my portfolio. I've battled with the composition of 4 Newcastle Bridges for years, in sketch form. Always challenged to get the composition just right, to show the Swing Bridge without being hidden by the High level bridge (in the foreground) . I'm finally happy with the result. The original painting is now in Australia. My latest print, (being printed right now), is Summer Road to Bamburgh. I sold it at last years Ouseburn Open Studios, when I was exhibiting with Mushroom Works, but only recently got it back to get a good print of it. It's one of my favourite paintings, and much thanks to Steve and Shirley for letting me borrow it. Other recent prints include Ouseburn Dusk, Revisited and 2 Newcastle Bridges, where I wanted to return to some of my early, favourite views of Newcastle. The originals paintings can be found at the Balman @ Discovery Museum exhibition.