Hello and welcome to 2021, what has it got in store? Time to find out. I will start by sharing this commissioned painting: Temple Bar, Dublin. 2020 120cm x 80cm Created with handcut stencils, spray paint on canvas. The client has a special part in their hearts for Dublin and were married a short distance outside of the city and this painting depicts the famous Temple Bar area in the centre of the city. I was lucky to be able to visit Dublin at the start of 2020, before everything got locked down to capture the photograph that would be the reference for this painting. Yes, this is a painting. I have always said that looking at my works on...
As this mental year comes to an end, I spent today both working on a commissioned painting and sorting/tidying up the studio. This is my last session in the studio this side of Christmas but I do also plan to come in between now and New Year. As I mentioned in my last post, it has just been the craziest year globally and for me personally there have been highs and lows. In saying that, however, I am very excited to attack 2021 when it comes. With some murals, a colaboration project (which I can't speak of just yet) and a solo show to work towards there is plenty to be focused on. There will of course be new paintings coming out...
2020 continues to be a year that everyone could have done without, and now restrictions and government guidance has brought near enough everything back to a halt. However I am still able to get into the studio to work which I am so thankful for. I struggle when I am away from my studio for an extended period of time yet I am delight that I can continue to go in everyday to do what I love for a living. It has been a hard year but I remain optimistic and if the galss is only half full, I'll be pouring the contents into a smaller glass to stay positive and focused for the months ahead which look to be busy....
The sun may be out but I find myself busy getting messy in the studio. You may or may not be aware that the majority of my paintings from over a decade ago where urban landscape paintings, market stall, narrow back lanes, etc. Over the years these were put to the back allowing me to focus on my figurative work but I do enjoy returning to an urban landscape from time to time. It has been three year since my last and I am currently working on scene portraying the streets of Temple Bar in Dublin. Stay tuned for updates on that one. As well as that several other paintings are being worked on currently including a number of studies...
With the Covid-19 pandemic bringing an extended lockdown I have had a long break, longer than I usually ever would, away from the studio, but I am delighted to be back in there and getting to work on new paintings. I often take some time out to recharge and spend time with my family after intense periods of work, but that is usually my own choice of when and for how long compared to outcome of this pandemic. I was able to do some work from home and release my Francis Bacon print but nothing compared to how I work in the studio, and this is something I always miss when away from my studio. So now it's full steam...
