No travel, just chilling out in my room in Tokyo and I need to know the truth, the truth is my nose is getting bigger......
This self portrait sketch was done in biro and a number 75 cool grey Tom Bow marker.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
The man in the mirror, sketchbook (pen and ink), 2009
No travel, just chilling out in my room in Tokyo and I need to know the truth, the truth is my nose is getting bigger......
This self portrait sketch was done in biro and a number 75 cool grey Tom Bow marker.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Some artists that caught my attention at Art Liberating Lives 2009
This was an exhibition I attended the night before I left for Tokyo on the 15th of December, I could have posted this earlier as I'm just in the holiday mood but I don't want to leave it till next year. This was Sue Ryder Care's annual exhibition-Art Liberating Lives at the Mall Galleries-it was an uplifting and eclectic collection of works inspired by the theme, "Liberation".
Overall you could see artworks by established artists, available for auction, selected pieces from submitting artists, pieces created by their prisoner engagement programme and an entire room dedicated to works produced by people receiving their care.
It was a fund raising event which has been going on for the 4th year but this was the first year I discovered it and I was happy to take part-as I sold my piece "Art Therapy" on the opening evening of the private view and it was great meeting the lovely lady who bought the piece and the reason why she bought it. Most times one doesn't get to meet the buyer but this day was great!
"Art Therapy" Self Portrait- click HERE for my post on this piece
Each year Sue Ryder Care makes a difference to the lives of thousands of people -they deliver compassionate support to people in their homes and through their specialist hospices and care centers.
ARTISTS THAT CAUGHT MY EYE-click on names for links to their websites.
1. DAN GREEN
"A moment for Love"
First sight of this painting got my attention, the illumination across the figure coming from the upper right kept the whole piece in a transitive mood. Looking closer at the woman portrayed I discovered some younger faces in the background which wasn't apparent at first sight. It all has to do with the moment his sitter goes into her past. It was only later on in the night that Dan was able to recollect that he had met me somewhere before-it was on ITV's show, "Brush with Fame" he was one of the 10 finalists from London. It was a great re-union as we had not seen or connected since 2005.
This was the write-up for the painting-
"My painting depicts the mother of my partner Winnie, who is suffering from Vascular Dementia. Now, at the age of 86 she has no concept of time or place, who she is, who is her daughter, my partner is, or where she is.
Now unable to talk or communicate her feelings-which are still there as she often sobs, the only time she appears to have some respite from this living hell is when she falls asleep in her chair in her room at the Care Home, which is now the extent of her world. It is this time that I chose to depict, seeing her bathed in sunlight in her darkened room. Faintly depicted in the background are images of Win and her husband when they first married."
2. NAOMI ARTON
"A very happy unbirthday"
I was drawn to this piece by the colour and boldness of the figures depicted. I love paintings of children in activity or at play and this was a feast for my eyes.
The painting had a more somber tale to it-
"My little boy Max became seriously ill, brain damage was found 2 years ago, he is now at Great Ormound Street Hospital where they are trying to get his seizures under control. Painting him and his brother has helped me, I hope it helps others too.
When things get rough we have Unbirthday parties. We sing happy birthday to each other, eat terrible food, dress up and go to bed happier than the day wanted us to be. I'm trying to capture these moments."
3. LAUREN CLEMMET
"Two steps Forward One Step Backward, Two Steps Forward"
Her Overall Winning composed photograph caught my attention immediately I got into the Mall Galleries. It had a sort of mystery to it, seeing her at different stages of what was a recovery from Hodgkin's Lymphoma. I had a good discussion with her on the evening and she had this to say at the bottom of the painting-
"I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma 4 years ago when I was 18 years old. Art helped me deal with having cancer as well as coping with the emotions that I had pushed aside in order to get through the ordeal.
The title "two steps forward and one step back, two steps forward" is an indication of how time becomes measured according to fence posts such as "check ups". The "one step back" portion of the title refers to the centre image (2007)when at the time it was unsure whether the illness had returned, thankfully it hadn't. but it was still an emotional "set back" but the more recent 4th(2008) and especially 5th photos(2009)show a confidence through eye contact after years of shying away from people, no longer afraid to let people see who I am."
4. MAGGIE MILNE
"Barmaids-Addis Ababa"
Sorry the picture is poor, I haven't been able to master taking pictures with glass framing. This was a delight to behold. Her handling of these two ladies who I later learnt they where bar girls at risk of HIV or AIDs in Addis Ababa. What I loved so much about the piece was the way she kept the transparency of the watercolour washes on the skin luminous and it still had an opaque presence of a richer painting
5. STEVE YEATES
"The Prize"
Just loved this for the sheer visual delight of thinking this man reaching for the prize was hanging in space without any attachment. Checking out his website revealed more beautiful sculptures of which I found interesting.
6. CLAIRE DOWSON
"Excuse Me, Your Silver Lining's Showing"
Her sky painting had mood- almost real!!!I checked he website to see more and I conclude she is a master painter of skies!
7. KASIA ANDREWS
"Foetal"
She won the Royal Society of Portrait Painters Award. I got hooked on this one because I loved the way she handled the anatomy of the man depicted-almost had a real feel of drawing with paint-something I have been trying to achieve but haven't been able to.
8. GUY HADDON-GRANT
"I've options now"
Loved this piece just for the simple, straightforward handling of paint in a classical way. He won the award for a piece done by an artist in Education.
9. DAVID SANDELL
"Open Mind"(Self Portrait)
One of my best paintings of the night. It had great attention to detail and subtle colour shifts. David was first to notice me on the night, he said he met me on the Royal Institute of Oil Painters open Painting evening where he won the Overall Prize for the night. Click on his name above to see his finished portrait of Antonio Carluccio. He has also been featured in the International Artist Magazine where he was a finalist in one of their bi-monthly competitions.
Overall you could see artworks by established artists, available for auction, selected pieces from submitting artists, pieces created by their prisoner engagement programme and an entire room dedicated to works produced by people receiving their care.
It was a fund raising event which has been going on for the 4th year but this was the first year I discovered it and I was happy to take part-as I sold my piece "Art Therapy" on the opening evening of the private view and it was great meeting the lovely lady who bought the piece and the reason why she bought it. Most times one doesn't get to meet the buyer but this day was great!
"Art Therapy" Self Portrait- click HERE for my post on this piece
Each year Sue Ryder Care makes a difference to the lives of thousands of people -they deliver compassionate support to people in their homes and through their specialist hospices and care centers.
ARTISTS THAT CAUGHT MY EYE-click on names for links to their websites.
1. DAN GREEN
"A moment for Love"
First sight of this painting got my attention, the illumination across the figure coming from the upper right kept the whole piece in a transitive mood. Looking closer at the woman portrayed I discovered some younger faces in the background which wasn't apparent at first sight. It all has to do with the moment his sitter goes into her past. It was only later on in the night that Dan was able to recollect that he had met me somewhere before-it was on ITV's show, "Brush with Fame" he was one of the 10 finalists from London. It was a great re-union as we had not seen or connected since 2005.
This was the write-up for the painting-
"My painting depicts the mother of my partner Winnie, who is suffering from Vascular Dementia. Now, at the age of 86 she has no concept of time or place, who she is, who is her daughter, my partner is, or where she is.
Now unable to talk or communicate her feelings-which are still there as she often sobs, the only time she appears to have some respite from this living hell is when she falls asleep in her chair in her room at the Care Home, which is now the extent of her world. It is this time that I chose to depict, seeing her bathed in sunlight in her darkened room. Faintly depicted in the background are images of Win and her husband when they first married."
2. NAOMI ARTON
"A very happy unbirthday"
I was drawn to this piece by the colour and boldness of the figures depicted. I love paintings of children in activity or at play and this was a feast for my eyes.
The painting had a more somber tale to it-
"My little boy Max became seriously ill, brain damage was found 2 years ago, he is now at Great Ormound Street Hospital where they are trying to get his seizures under control. Painting him and his brother has helped me, I hope it helps others too.
When things get rough we have Unbirthday parties. We sing happy birthday to each other, eat terrible food, dress up and go to bed happier than the day wanted us to be. I'm trying to capture these moments."
3. LAUREN CLEMMET
"Two steps Forward One Step Backward, Two Steps Forward"
Her Overall Winning composed photograph caught my attention immediately I got into the Mall Galleries. It had a sort of mystery to it, seeing her at different stages of what was a recovery from Hodgkin's Lymphoma. I had a good discussion with her on the evening and she had this to say at the bottom of the painting-
"I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma 4 years ago when I was 18 years old. Art helped me deal with having cancer as well as coping with the emotions that I had pushed aside in order to get through the ordeal.
The title "two steps forward and one step back, two steps forward" is an indication of how time becomes measured according to fence posts such as "check ups". The "one step back" portion of the title refers to the centre image (2007)when at the time it was unsure whether the illness had returned, thankfully it hadn't. but it was still an emotional "set back" but the more recent 4th(2008) and especially 5th photos(2009)show a confidence through eye contact after years of shying away from people, no longer afraid to let people see who I am."
4. MAGGIE MILNE
"Barmaids-Addis Ababa"
Sorry the picture is poor, I haven't been able to master taking pictures with glass framing. This was a delight to behold. Her handling of these two ladies who I later learnt they where bar girls at risk of HIV or AIDs in Addis Ababa. What I loved so much about the piece was the way she kept the transparency of the watercolour washes on the skin luminous and it still had an opaque presence of a richer painting
5. STEVE YEATES
"The Prize"
Just loved this for the sheer visual delight of thinking this man reaching for the prize was hanging in space without any attachment. Checking out his website revealed more beautiful sculptures of which I found interesting.
6. CLAIRE DOWSON
"Excuse Me, Your Silver Lining's Showing"
Her sky painting had mood- almost real!!!I checked he website to see more and I conclude she is a master painter of skies!
7. KASIA ANDREWS
"Foetal"
She won the Royal Society of Portrait Painters Award. I got hooked on this one because I loved the way she handled the anatomy of the man depicted-almost had a real feel of drawing with paint-something I have been trying to achieve but haven't been able to.
8. GUY HADDON-GRANT
"I've options now"
Loved this piece just for the simple, straightforward handling of paint in a classical way. He won the award for a piece done by an artist in Education.
9. DAVID SANDELL
"Open Mind"(Self Portrait)
One of my best paintings of the night. It had great attention to detail and subtle colour shifts. David was first to notice me on the night, he said he met me on the Royal Institute of Oil Painters open Painting evening where he won the Overall Prize for the night. Click on his name above to see his finished portrait of Antonio Carluccio. He has also been featured in the International Artist Magazine where he was a finalist in one of their bi-monthly competitions.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Adebanji gets Review on Charley Parkers "Lines and Colors"
This is my 600th post and I am so surprised and I am still enraptured to get a review on Charley Parker's, " Lines and Colors".
Does Adebanji get a ticket for parking here...?
@ picture by Henry O'Tani
He has from a broad perspective analysed what he sees best, about what I do, take time to have a read by clicking HERE or copy and paste the link http://www.linesandcolors.com/2009/12/22/adebanji-alade/.
Does Adebanji get a ticket for parking here...?
@ picture by Henry O'Tani
He has from a broad perspective analysed what he sees best, about what I do, take time to have a read by clicking HERE or copy and paste the link http://www.linesandcolors.com/2009/12/22/adebanji-alade/.
Monday, December 21, 2009
"Contemplation" (DSFDF Portrait Swap), 5" x 4.5", Graphite on paper, 2009
Stealing precious holiday time in Tokyo, I managed to get one of the smallest portraits I've done till date. I never planned to do it this small. I was just doing my normal ritual of trying out a thumbnail of how I plan to compose the main piece and then I got stuck on the thumbnail. I noticed I could do all I wanted to express about this beautiful lady(unknown to me at present)on this small scale! It was a good time saver too, because I kept on wondering how I was going to do it on holiday but the small scale meant I could finish faster and keep my commitment to the challenge!
This is my entry into Karin Jurick's Different Strokes from Different Folks end of year challenge. It was the time for Portrait swapping again and after last years deal with James Parker and his frogs- this time I was given a precious young lady. I love bringing mood into my drawings and her face though not filled with striking drama had the feel of contemplation or some sudden gaze that had gotten her attention. I did my best to bring this to life from the picture reference I was given, hope she likes it....Funny enough she'll be drawing or painting me too- A very healthy way to share art and build creative artistic bonds.
I have used a rotring visupencil 0.7 on the beautiful paper in "The Urban Travellers Sketchbook" by Hush
This is my entry into Karin Jurick's Different Strokes from Different Folks end of year challenge. It was the time for Portrait swapping again and after last years deal with James Parker and his frogs- this time I was given a precious young lady. I love bringing mood into my drawings and her face though not filled with striking drama had the feel of contemplation or some sudden gaze that had gotten her attention. I did my best to bring this to life from the picture reference I was given, hope she likes it....Funny enough she'll be drawing or painting me too- A very healthy way to share art and build creative artistic bonds.
I have used a rotring visupencil 0.7 on the beautiful paper in "The Urban Travellers Sketchbook" by Hush
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Sketches on the train and tube in December V
More people. These would be the last from London this year. If I'm going to sneak and sketch anyone else it would be at the airport or in Tokyo. I say sneak because this is supposed to be a break from Art but can we really have a break as artists......I doubt? I'll be off this evening for a Christmas break with my family to be back early January.
Wishing you all a great Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Sketches on the train and tube in December IV
Just for the love of sketching, it was a wonderful day just sketching, some people love observing, some offer compliments, some even asked me to sketch them! Now, it can't get better than that!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Sketches on the train, tube and bus in December III
More people, most sketched yesterday. Most are very brief with minimal use of line. While some involve a network of lines to build up form and tone.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Sketches on the train and tube in December II
The people I see and sketch from day to day continue to amaze me, the human face has endless phases- What you see is what you get. Someone used to say, "the more you look, the less you see"
Monday, December 07, 2009
Bath Experience VIII (shots on the site) Dec 1-3, 2009
These are 5 shots of the 5 different paintings I attempted in the cold at Bath from the 1st of December to the 3rd of December, last week. Hope to elaborate more on each, if time allows as I'm also preparing for a Christmas break with my family to Japan.
@photo by Femi Jaiyeola
..getting a clearer view around the Weir
@photo by Megan Kelland
Too cold for comfort at Queens Square
...frozen strokes at Kingsmead Square in the morning
..in the middle of the High Street
Right in the morning Rush Hour around the Station
@photo by Femi Jaiyeola
..getting a clearer view around the Weir
@photo by Megan Kelland
Too cold for comfort at Queens Square
...frozen strokes at Kingsmead Square in the morning
..in the middle of the High Street
Right in the morning Rush Hour around the Station
Friday, December 04, 2009
Sketches on the bus and train in December I
Catching up...........I have been to Bath again, I was able to get five paintings done on location! The weather was not friendly(biting cold) but it was fun! One morning it was so cold my wrist went numb. Stay tuned with these sketches and I'll soon be posting my experiences at Bath.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Sketches on the train and tube in November IX
Eleven pages of sketches. I had to use these as I couldn't find my main sketchbook yesterday.
