As I write this incomparable Aretha Franklin is playing on iTunes…some people have been the gift of God’s voice and she really is one of those recipients…the real deal. What this has to do with this painting is unclear – but then again does it really matter?
I’m not sure why but Michelle seems to have a very sad look, maybe one of resignation. Whether that is the case is really in the eye of the beholder but what I do know for certain is that I really enjoyed making this painting and I can’t wait to make the next. However, as with all things artistic you have to find the correct subject before working again. Wonder what life will place in my way?
So far so good – although the photo doesn’t do it any favours – so what I have to decide next is where I take this painting? at the moment I’m unsure so I think I’ll sleep on it.
Yesterday saw me painting again and one of the great things is that I think I might have finally discovered an approach that actually suits my method of painting (maybe that should be lack of skills but that is for others to judge).
However, whilst I was having lunch yesterday I watched the latest episode in the ever entertaining Victoria Coren Mitchell’s series ‘ How to be a Bohemian‘. Amongst all the bed swapping of the Bloomsbury set she discussed Eric Gill and his far from conventional life (which I think is as nice a way of putting it as I can). Gill was a devout Roman Catholic and yet his sexual practices were far less christian. At one stage during the episode Coren Mitchell discussed whether Gill should be considered a great artist given what he did? In her view he should some of Gill’s engravings are tainted given that he was sleeping with the subject at the time. All very prudish perhaps but then the subject was his teenage daughter. This took me aback and I had to try and think through what she was saying, surely the sign of a really well put together programme, and I have to say I think I can’t agree with her. This is not because of what Gill did, which was totally disgraceful and in his terms sinful, but rather trying to impose current thoughts and deeds on art produced in a different era is always fraught with danger.
Whilst researching Gill’s work online I came across an image that I have recreated above. It is in one of the fonts that Gill created and sums up everything that Gill did in his private life as well as his public life. When I started to examine his art I found myself more conflicted because he was so very very good. After much thought I think I accept Coren Mitchell’s argument but don’t agree with the central point of rejection of Gill the artist. If you wish to hear a far more eloquent defence of Gill then the Rev Richard Coles does so with great humanity in the programme.
So yesterday evening I start down and made a drawing inspired by one of Gill’s prints Prior of Caldey – 1926. Now it is not meant to be a direct copy for lots of reasons but rather an experiment in the use of economy of line and making every mark count.
Gill’s abominable personal life troubles me but his art is outstanding. Who said life would be straightforward? As Coles said…”…the sinner stands at the heart of Christianity…”
So I’ve started painting again – this time I’m just trying to be loose and let the painting flow.
Sometimes word or phrases keep rolling around inside my head for days. I’m really not sure why but..
“…Mr Tickle’s tent based twattery…”
is one of those things that has just stuck. It is from an episode of The Thick of It and for once it was not spoken by Malcolm Tucker. The reason I mention it is that I have been trying to get the wording right over the last few days and finally this morning I think I’ve cracked it. Actually the full quote is:
“As we enter the third week I find Mr. Tickell’s attention seeking tent based twattery even more annoying than weeks one and two” – Peter Mannion
Even as I write I find myself giggling.
Well that is another book published – my 14th in just over 12 months – I think I deserve a bit of a break from all this publishing.
If you want to see the book then follow the link below
http://www.blurb.co.uk/bookstore/invited/5690473/702109e24d1a1a32543811e2c1624a1c21a9170f
An issue has arisen with my new sketchbook that hasn’t occurred for a while – the paper doesn’t react the same to my other sketchbooks to ink. After a while the paper becomes over saturated and this affects the image. It’s not a biggy but it is a problem nonetheless.
A new sketch book and a new series of drawings that are more narrative than usual…they are just sketches so the technical problems can be overlooked. Interestingly, I have viewed the ‘blue’ series sketches together and you can almost make an interesting noir comic book story out them…almost.
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