Commission: These Boots

Posted on 8th September 2017 by perfectly4med

Building on my recent commissions, I’ve had another commission to do a further painting. This one is to distract from the side of a cupboard installed in a boot (utility) room. The picture will be face-on as you enter the room from the kitchen area.

So when it came to subject matter, it seemed obvious to use the boot as a theme. Wellingtons aren’t particularly in keeping with the area, but being on the edge of Snowdonia, walking/hiking boots seemed very apt. I’m fond of the recent trend toward including typography in images, and a classic lyric popped into my head…

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Commissions: Castles and sail boats in situ

Posted on 6th September 2017 by perfectly4med

I thought it would be interesting for you to see the final forever homes for my recent commissions for paintings of Welsh castles. I’ve also made two quilted wall hangings for the same room. Both installations are designed to help soften the acoustics of what was/is quite an echoey space. So, here are the castles and sail boats in situ:

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Magazine Article: Junk Drawer Journal

Posted on 1st August 2017 by perfectly4med

Today sees the publication of my first magazine project. It’s a Junk Drawer Journal, in association with That’s Crafty!, and is published in this month’s Mixed Up magazine. Mixed Up mag is an digital only publication. The digital format means that many articles can also include interactive elements such as videos and slideshows that wouldn’t be possible in a paper version.

I’m allowed to share little sneak peeks to whet your creative appetite, so I do hope they prompt you to go get your copy to see my step-by-step guide to making the project.
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3D Printing: Wacom Pen Holder

Posted on 23rd July 2017 by perfectly4med

I’m relatively new to the whole 3D printing trend. I have lusted after one since desktop models started to become affordable and user friendly. I have been learning how to use Autodesk Fusion 360 – 3D modelling software for designing things from scratch ready for manufacture. In my case, things are made on my 3D printer, which I have got to grips with after buying it in February. I’d invested in a crowdfunded printer a year or so ago, but the company bombed and I never received it. Judging by the feedback from those that did get one, I’m lucky I didn’t!

This afternoon, I designed a pen holder for my graphics tablet styluses. They are rarely used – in part as I can’t readily lay my hands on them. I specifically designed the holders to fit the styluses. The right hand side’s hooks are gently angled to help hold the pens in place. I’ve stuck the holders to the bottom of my screen using the 3M’s Scotch restickable pads. If you want to print your own, I’ve made the files available for free over at Thingiverse.

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Commission: Castle Series, no. 6 – Beaumaris

Posted on 30th June 2017 by perfectly4med

Here’s the last of my six castle paintings – the half-finished Beaumaris Castle. That’s the castle, not the painting that’s half finished… And, of course, the last was the trickiest! There is something to be said for having a good artist’s sketchbook, having the time and patience to use it and then apply what has been learnt onto the canvas. I don’t ‘do art’ quite like that…

Previous paintings in the series:
Caernarfon – Raglan – Criccieth – Dolwyddelan – Conwy

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Commission: Castle Series, no. 5 – Conwy

Posted on 29th June 2017 by perfectly4med

With the same immenseness as Caernarfon Castle, Conwy is going to be a good balance in the room. With the suspension bridge, modern meets historical – and was most tricky to paint!

Previous paintings in the series:
Caernarfon Castle – Raglan Castle – Criccieth Castle – Dolwyddelan

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Commission: Castle Series, no. 4 – Dolwyddelan

Posted on 28th June 2017 by perfectly4med

When I used to holiday near Porthmadog, I joined Cadw – the Welsh Heritage organisation. I then proceeded to overdose on visiting castles – I think the record was 9 in three days. I don’t really know where the fascination started, but it was certainly early in childhood. The bigger, the better in my book… But, as a subject for a painting, Dolwyddelan Castle is pretty much up there, despite being the smallest castle in the series.

Previous paintings in the series: Caernarfon Castle – Raglan Castle – Criccieth Castle

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Commission: Castle Series, no. 3, Criccieth

Posted on 26th June 2017 by perfectly4med

I love Criccieth Castle – less as a ruin, but more because of it’s place on the hilly promontory above the village. It gives such a stark silhouette, reflected in the bay.

Previous paintings in the series: Caernarfon Castle – Raglan Castle

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Commission: Castle Series, no. 2, Raglan

Posted on 25th June 2017 by perfectly4med

I’ve been painting again today – after I’d potted on my leeks… This time, I’ve gone for Raglan Castle, in Monmouthshire. You might note, in comparison to my painting of Caernarfon Castle yesterday, that the light is coming from the opposite direction. There is method in this madness – the paintings are to hang opposite each other on either side of the room. Thus, the light, and the shadows, will look as if they are from the same direction.

Ok, ok, it was a happy accident that I noticed the above before I started hanging the paintings. Now I will go back to my reference materials and check that the remaining four of the series are split 50/50 in light direction. It was one of those ‘oh no’ moments that turned into ‘well, of course, I meant to do that’ when no one was looking…

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Commission: Castle Series, no. 1, Caernarfon

Posted on 24th June 2017 by perfectly4med

I’m having fun in the Studio, actually playing with paints and canvases for a change. It’s also been a little while since I have had any commissions. This is the first in a series of six canvases, each requested to feature a Welsh castle. The main colour of the room is grey, and the accent colour is purple.

I’ve loved the ‘purple twilight’ type photo treatment, and there’s nothing more striking (I think) than a castle’s silhouette. It gives a much more solid appearance, and given most castle’s prominence on the horizon, a real immenseness.

My first is that of Caernarfon Castle. It took me a couple of tries to get the tonal shades right – my first go didn’t have enough contrast between the grey and black.