Abstract landscape linocut

I have been trying to explore the themes of my recent paintings (combining landscape and abstraction) in some linocuts. I've already done one linocut using elements of the landscape.

Now I've taken this a bit further. This print extracts basic elements such as a horizon, hills, paths, sun (moon?), grass, and field patterns, and then recombines them. The aim is to create an image that is recognisably a landscape, but not a specific place.



Two stage reduction linocut, 10 x 10cm approx.

Sheri Gee - latest life painting

Here's my latest oil life painting from Saturday. It was a struggle for most of the time, the age old problem of too much ucky blue plastic sheeting on the floor and a yellow-lit model, every shadow was green ... and then I decided to ignore all that and do something nicer, warm it up a bit. I still have some areas to adjust where I can see that they don't read, in retrospect, but otherwise I'm quite pleased.

Art opportunity

I wondered if anyone was interested in this: http://betweencreation.com/about

Sounds worth checking out
x

The Four Elements: Final set

I've complete the last image in the set of linocuts based on the theme of four elements. Here's a composite image of the set. (Clockwise from top left: Earth, Air, Fire, Water.)



Linocuts: Each image 10 x 10cm.

In making this set, I've learnt a lot about simplifying images; using different tones of the same colour to create harmony; and using the white of the paper as one of the colours.

I've also learnt how good Matisse was...

Iron Age fort

Here's another recent painting, based on the patterns to be found in the landscape.



Acrylic on canvas, 50 x 50cm.

The inspiration for this is the Iron Age fort on the summit of Mount Caburn near Lewes. At the top right of the picture is the outline of the fortifications is at the top right; then paths and groups of trees follow down the hill to the A27 and fields at the bottom. I like the combination of a feature that has been in the landscape for thousands of years with the new road, which has been recently remade.

The Four Elements: Water

Third in the series of linocuts based on the four elements.



Three-stage reduction linocut, 10 x 10 cm.

Landscape patterns: 3

Another painting in the series of simplifying the landscape. This one is loosely based on the fields round a farm near Lewes, and the road leading to it. Not that that matters: the idea here is to create an image on the balancing point between naturalistic and abstract.



Acrylic on canvas, 50 x 50 cm.

Two potato...

Acrylic on canvas, 15 x 15cm.

One potato...

Acrylic on canvas, 15 x 15 cm

Art competition

Calling all artists resident in Sussex for an exciting new Art Prize! Artists are invited to submit a proposal to exhibit new work in the Circle Gallery at Sussex Coast College in Hastings. The winning artist will be awarded £3,000 to fund a solo exhibition in October - November 2010.

Full guidelines and details on how to apply please visit www.parkerharris.co.uk

If you have any queries please email sccap@parkerharris.co.uk.

Richard - Recent sketches

A series of quick (5min) sketches from some recent life classes.

Richard - Ashdown Landscapes

My final versions of the four small landscapes of Ashdown Forest I was working on.

The Four Elements: Air

Another print in the series on the Four Elements.



Three stage reduction linocut, 10 x 10cm.

The landscape changes...

Here's the first of the paintings that will be in my exhibition at the Hop Gallery, Lewes 13 - 25 March.



Harbour. Acrylic on canvas, 50 x 50 cm.

Still working towards simplifying the landscape. As you might notice, the picture has changed dramatically from the early stages. Actually, it's changed so much, I can't remember which of those three paintings is underneath this final version.

Vin Rouge

Managed to do a print using only two colours*. It's hard work trying to recognise that you don't need to capture every nuance of shade and light, or record every detail of the subject. Sometimes, the image is stronger for what you leave out. They say drawing is just learning to see; perhaps it's also learning not to see.

*Arguably, it's three colours, because the white of the paper is an important part of the design.



Two stage reduction linocut, 10 x 10cm. With apologies for the punning title.