BIG ISSUE SERIES IV, V, VI

All three of this guys were seen around St Martins in the Fields as I was walking through to the National Portrait Gallery.





The first GUMBO (above) was very vocal a great lad, who I advised he needed to lower his voice when approaching ladies to buy the big issue. He simply said he couldn't but kept selling, he showed me how much he had made and I had to believe his technique worked. He allowed photography at the end of the sketch.



The second was NICKY (above) who was a stand in seller for GUMBO, while GUMBO needed to ease himself. I didn't have much time to finish his sketch as GUMBO had come to take over again He was looking quite emotional but did the selling all the same. I asked him why he looked emotional and he said he was concerned about a girl who had fallen with the wrong company on the streets.




The third was TITCH (above), he wasn't actually selling the big Issue but really wanted me to sketch him, he remembered me from when I used to work with the homeless. So he got a Big Issue and I sketched him. He was a pleasant guy and very funny. He allowed photography at the end of the sketch.

Sketches on the train and bus in May IV

These sketches cover Monday and Tuesday this week.

Sketches on the train in May III

Just one page spread today, you know it's Friday!

BIG ISSUE SERIES III

This is my third Big Issue seller. I met him as I came out of Charing Cross Station this morning. He was very animated and specializes in selling while standing on one leg and making other catchy poses! He agreed for the sketch and even wanted me to do it without paying, he was great with all the people that passed by, often commenting on the good dressing of women and discussing other issues with the men. He was very friendly and allowed me to take a picture after the sketch.

Sketches on the train in May II

More sketches of people and a cute little girl with an Afro who went to sleep while sketching her(above).

BIG ISSUE SERIES II

I caught this guy while walking along Kings Road. He stood in front of Barclay's Bank. He makes my number 2 of my current series of BIG ISSUE sellers. He was very vocal, had a charm about him, he was also very approachable. He said his name is Steve and allowed me to sketch him. He made three sales while I was sketching him and he was a delight to sketch and allowed photography after the sketch.

Sketches on the train in May I

Recent sketches on the train.

Kezia in Sleepmode XII, Graphite, Sketchbook, 2010

This is another sketch of Kezia in sleep mode, she changed gears thrice and instead of getting frustrated about the constant change, I started a new sketch and enjoyed the movement!

BIG ISSUE SERIES I

Caught him at Sloane Square, said his name is Teddy. He allowed for a sketch as this is a new project I'm embarking upon, to sketch these Big Issue sellers around London. He wasn't even shouting for buyers, it seems he had a long day. He declined photography but was pleased with the sketch!



I got myself a copy from him!

Sketches on the train in April XII

More sketches.

"THERE'S NOTHING POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE MODEL, MAKING IT UP WITHOUT SEEING IT WOULD JUST RUIN THE WHOLE THING. BEST TO LEAVE IT UNFINISHED THAN FINISH IT TO DEATH!"

Kezia in Sleepmode XI, Graphite, Sketchbook, 2010

This is number 11 in my current series of sketches to record the life and growth during sleep of my baby daughter, Kezia. This afternoon she drifted in her buggy in the sun and cool breeze.

Sketches on the train and at the auction in April XI

Sketches on the train and at the auction at Heatherleys.

"SOMETIMES IT IS ALL ABOUT TRYING TO CAPTURE THE OVERALL GESTURE OF THE FIGURE OR FACE, ONCE THIS IS NAILED, IT WOULD DO!"

Evening Light, from Battersea Bridge wins Chelsea Riverside Competition

Evening Light, From Battersea Bridge, 24" x 30", Oil on Board, 2010 SOLD


The Chelsea Riverside Exhibition came to a close yesterday and I am delighted to have won the First Prize for the Best work in the Show! It was exciting so many wonderful paintings of the Chelsea Riverside area!

The exhibition was well organized by Cheyne Walk Trust and Heatherley's School of Fine Art. It was great to meet so many artists, collectors and guests! The auction was another great phase of the show, it was amazing to see so many works of art being sold in hundreds and thousands, people were just outbidding each other it, was a great buzz to witness this!



detail



Halfway through the painting, getting the mood. Sometimes paintings have more wonder and mood before they are completed.


I have more pictures to speak about the night than what I have to say, so enjoy the pictures below.



Sketching during the auction, total addiction-photo by Heatherleys




Winning label




Adebanji with winning painting




Section of exhibition, photo by Heatherley's




Exhibition from above



Cross section of crowd




Bidding, Nick Bonham setting the pace!



Adebanji receiving Award from Ken Howard


To view all works in the exhibition click HERE

Grey Day, Albert Bridge, 16" x 8", oil on board, 2010(Chelsea Riverside Art Competition)

Grey Day, Albert Bridge SOLD

This is one of my entries into the Cheyne Walk Trust Chelsea Riverside competition, I'll be posting on my other entry tomorrow. We were to paint any scene around the Chelsea Riverside. The exhibition of all the submitted paintings ends today at the Heatherley School of Fine Art with an auction of paintings by some well known artists like Julian Barrow; Jane Corsellis; Dennis Gilbert; Ken Howard; Hugh Krall; Bill Packer; Melissa Scott-Miller; Hazel Soan; and Roy Connelly and others. The funds raised from this exhibition would be used to support the student Bursary at Heatherley's School of Fine Art.




detail


The Saturday I went to paint this wasn't the best of days, it was grey, with the rains pouring cats and dogs....But I had to do this painting as I couldn't do the Sunday which was a brighter day.

Below are some pictures of how the day went.



adebanji at work




completed painting on easel





before the painting





shot taken by Heatherleys




oil and water don't mix




Second shot by Heatherleys

Please click HERE to see other artists at work on the brighter day