Almost . . . In Despair . . .

In Despair . . . 

Have really got to like this square format for paintings, so tried it out recently on a couple of portraits in watercolour. This is named In Despair and is based on a ref with many thanks to Steve Evans. I do find this format gives even more focus into what's really important in the painting. The eyes . . . . The soul . . . . Your feelings . . .  

Almost . . . 

This one was painting just prior to "In Despair" and another ref thanks to Steve Evans.

Both paintings measure approx 20 x 20 cm and 34 x 34 cm Including Mount (Matt). Originals are without any words or large signatures, these are merely for display purposes. Both are available to purchase by contacting me at info@stephiebutler.com

Watercolour & Ink Tiger . . . " Panthera "

I've often used ink on watercolour paintings in the past , although I also love it just as it is, especially when used for architecture. Not having used it for some time I got started on it again recently after seeing a wonderful pen and wash "Helping Hands" by a member of Painting Friends forum, Sharon Williams. which you can see by following the links in the text.

What grabbed me most about Sharon's painting was how it wasn't the typical "Ink & Wash" that is too often a watercolour painting outlined neatly with an Ink pen. While there is nothing wrong with that, I just loved the way the wash overran the lines into other areas and how that gave Sharon's work that painterly look that really appeals to me.

 This is my attempt at a different take on "pen & wash"
 "Panthera"

So out came the ink ... and a straw....
                                      The initial attempts resulted in the painting "I belong to Africa" which you can see in an older post by clicking on the linked title. Although I loved that painitng and thoroughly enjoyed painting it, I still wanted a more randomness to the ink work. This is where those odd workshops and lessons come into use, the ones you don't always immediately use afterwards, but the parts that appealed and inspired seem to sit in the back of your mind just waiting.

 I had taken a short watercolour and Ink course at the local adult education center a few years back, a very enjoyable course run by a talented teacher, but never really used much of what I had learnt. The one thing I enjoyed the most was the use of other implements for the ink work, giving up a bit of control may be scary sometimes but it can have some wonderful effects and becomes part of what goes towards making a painting "yours".
 

  *** The Original painting will be on Exhibition and for sale at the  ***

  * Redbridge Arts Association Summer Exhibition  *

  *  at the Dovecote Gallery  *

* Valentines Mansion, Emerson Road, Ilford, Essex.  IG1 4XA  *

* from 2nd Jul-30th Jul  *

  ***   

Eightbyeight Project

 

All artworks on their website have been donated to the eightbyeight Project by their creators,

to help them raise funds for Camille’s Appeal. 

  In April 2013 the eightbyeight Project are bringing an exciting and innovative exhibition to Eden Court, Inverness. 'Childhood Explored' will feature donations of work from around the UK and beyond, from professional, semi-professional, student and hobbyist artists, photographers, craftspeople and other creatives from diverse disciplines, celebrating what Childhood means to them, and rising awareness of Camille's Appeal’s vital work. All profits raised from the sale of work go directly to the charity

You will be able to purchase these or any other works through their website. www.eightbyeight.org

This is an amazing project that I first discovered when an artist friend Ruth Harris, donated her work and shared their facebook page. Numerous wonderful artist have now joined in and donated their work too. Please take a moment and look through their website HERE, where you will find lots of information along with the continually updating gallery of works that are being donated.

Please help support this wonderful cause. Go to www.eightbyeight.org where you can view the work as it's being added daily.

All profits from website and exhibition sales will be donated to Camille’s Appeal to help their work with children who are fighting or rehabilitating from cancer.

I wish them all the success with this project and am honoured be taking part in it.