Untitled 11-i

For the past four weeks I've been working on a rather large painting at least by my standards, what is now Untitled 11-i. The painting measures 47" x 37" and at times as is usual when I find myself painting it has been incredibly trying, dreadful even.

Today though rather unexpectedly, I set to work and stood back from it after a few hours work and felt content with it for the first time, a detail of the second figures face and a full view of the painting are included after the jump.

Marching Band

You remember that steak we ate just now? Well, that's how it is. We live off one another. The shadow of dead meat is cast as soon as we are born.

- Francis Bacon in conversation with Michael Peppiatt

I've had this photo for a while, sitting in the album I keep of anonymous photographs - a marching band in full swing, its very dark and no one has any visible features other than their feet and the instruments which cover their faces. I often look at it and wonder how I might use it, and there is something in the shadows cast which spoke to me today - this might even turn into a painting, I've not decided quite yet.

A sneak peak

It's been a while since I've posted, its been a rather busy time with my Dad getting married, having manflu but more importantly - the past few weeks have been spent working on a new painting, which is currently residing in a makeshift studio I've set up at my Grandparents house.

It's not quite finished yet, but I've provided you with a sneak peak which may be found above. The full piece, which measures 47" x 37" is one of my more ambitious works which I've undertaken, something which Ruth, who was my tutor for two years during my time at DMU, constantly told me I had in me.

Watch this space, you wont be disappointed.

Live for what you love

I was walking to a local park last week and I saw this just around the corner from where I am right now and it sums up, truly what I believe people must do in their lives. If you have ambitions, and aspirations - and I firmly think everyone should have those, then it is your duty to make sure you carry those ambitions out.

Live for what you love.

Dreams are there to lift you up, to give you something to focus on - you must defy the belief that you can't reach for the sky, it can be done.

People are only brilliant because of their resolve to find solutions to problems, and indeed everyone you admire will have achieved this in their lifetime, with their own willpower and desire. You must propel yourself with your dreams because no one else will do that for you - be the person who said I did, not I will.

Why Tom, are you rambling on about this? Read on, I'll explain!

Preliminary works

An update on my drawing - a preliminary sketch, for a painting I'm planning - I've several larger scales works in my mind at this moment in time, the lack of a studio space is becoming increasingly frustrating.

A small study for another planned painting which will be four figures perched on some steps, this is the uppermost one. Interestingly the original photo shows a group of about 20 men - all of whom have the most fantastic moustaches. I was lucky enough for my Grandparents to buy me a radial easel for my degree results, it came just yesterday - so I will be making up some stretchers and sizing my canvas very soon!

Unnamed woman

One of the many anonymous people who ended up indadvertedly getting caught in my lens during the airshow - I particularly enjoyed the way the light fell, with the strong shadow cast upon her neck, and the familiar trend of the subjects eyes being hidden from view - just where is she looking?

I've been turning my hand to my pencils and paper again, so expect to see another post later in the week of the progress.