Tawa Ridge

This is a new approach I am trying. This painting started as a ground colour of red and I built the image up in layers, which is different to the pools technique I use for most of my paintings. I have been inspired by the work of John Russell of the impressionist art movement. The rough daubs of colour he used were very expressive and carried a lot of depth and meaning. This painting simply called Tawa Ridge will be followed by several others I have on the go. I hope you like.

New Plymouth Inspiration

Paritutu rock is easily one of the most picture worthy monoliths. I have enjoyed painting it in many mediums. This is one recently done from a photo I found I had taken from its southern side. I have a box of these shadow frames and I thought the textured plastic painting would look best in one.

Over the Christmas Break I Painted

I have been traveling about New Zealand and have taken many photos. Over the break I went through my photos looking for some suitable subjects for a painting or two. I found a few of Castle Rock Lighthouse. So as inspiration demanded, I created a small artwork of the lighthouse and found a suitable little frame.

Large Blue Pot With Bamboo

Of the two sketches I created before I decided the pot and green jug would be nice to experiment with. The final image didn't suit the old frame so  I've opted to put the finished plastic work in another reclaimed frame I put a patina to. The final image is OK but it may need a little work here and there as it came out a bit dull.

At Home I Have Two Other Nouveau Frames

I am currently relaxing and indulging in digital art. I am in the process of deciding on the next two images to create for my French frames. My aim is to incorporate the style and influence of Matisse, particularly during his transition phase when he experimented with colour and form before forging a new, distinct style of expression. As I have some free time, I am exploring the digital world and discovering new things for myself. My ultimate goal is to create plastic artwork that can fill the frames.

French Nouveau Frame, Works!

The working title of this painting is "Path To The Bay." It was crafted with the intention of fitting perfectly within this frame, even though this may not align with traditional artistic practices. The painting is a nod to the various vacation spots I have been to, where there was always a trail that wound away from the house and through neighboring areas, leading to breathtaking beaches for swimming and fun.

Tauranga

I have been to some places that everyone in New Zealand loves to visit. Tauranga is a bay of plenty city that despite having a confusing road system has some of the loveliest views around. Mt Maunganui is something I have got to get around to painting. But while I was there I did these small paintings of other islands by the beach. These use my plastic technique.

Here's One I Did Earlier

When I lived in New Plymouth awhile back, I always loved painting local scenes. Sometimes in oils and some times in watercolours but never in plastic. I really didn't have the space. Artists need lots of space and storage as I am finding out. My back room is full of art and frames. I'll need to think about a proper studio space soon. Oh and here's one or two I did earlier.

Fabulous New Process For Style

I've been immersing myself in the world of AI technology and its impact on the art industry. My fascination with the integration of art and technology dates back to my university days, and since then I've been exploring and experimenting with coding algorithms to create art. I was once awarded a 20K grant from the Arts Council Australia to develop my L2A (Linear Autonomous Animation) System, which now seems primitive in comparison to today's technology. During my recent studies, I came across numerous innovative techniques, one of which I utilized to create this interesting self-portrait.

A Collection Is Taking Shape

Here is a compilation of paintings that will be included in my debut exhibition of recycled plastic artworks. Rather than showcasing these pieces in a traditional art gallery, I hope to find a company involved in recycling and exhibit the works in their lobby or boardroom. Once I have these artworks framed, which I aim to accomplish by the end of the year, I will begin searching for appropriate venues. I would also like to collaborate with a gluten-free catering company to showcase their offerings. It would be great to make this a memorable and special event..

I Think Flies Would Flip

So as I said previously I am keen to do an animated flip book. I like the idea of something flying so I went back to my folio and found some cool fly characters I did for coffee mugs and T-shirts. I reckon they would be fun characters to animate in a simple flipper. either flying around stupidly or getting sprayed and getting sick. I'll play around for a bit and see what works.

Inspired By Animation Again

Recently I have been seeking out videos by flipbook artists. I am thinking of creating some of my own. I trained as an animator at Disney in my 20's and have worked on lots of animated TV shows throughout my life. But now I just want to investigate the artistic possibilities of flipbooks. my favorite works are by the Flippest and Andymation.

But I am really enjoying the work of Juan Fontanive

Forgot to Post These

A little while ago I did some poster designs for a friend who was excited about the "Prince" project management principles. She originally had tried to draw these herself but got frustrated very early into her endeavor. Then she asked me to help. I thought it looked like a fun project so I jumped onboard with the condition that I got paid in cheese and wine. I found the task so much fun that I gave her some signed copies as a gift of appreciation for thinking of asking me to get involved. The posters turned out really well and we had a little party when they were finished.

Dusk - Piko Road

I always hoped to find a frame for this painting but I have never wanted to pay a lot for it. I needed a glowing frame one that suits the dusky glow that was there when I painted this little scene. It's funny how just today I found the perfect one. I was saying to my wife this morning I think from now on I will not be just grabbing any old frame from the thrift store. Instead, I will be looking for standout frames, ones that suit the paintings I'd already painted. We had some grocery shopping to do and decided to stroll down to the village shops. On our way there as usual we stopped off at three of the four opp shops in the main street. My wife went off to look for china for her photoshoots and I retreated to the back of the shop to rummage through some of the frames I am sure I had seen the last time I was in this particular opportunity shop. I passed some old couches and a desk and sitting on the floor behind them was this little gem. Immediately I knew the Piko Road painting had a home.

Here it is a real standout I think. It's now sitting in the lounge room being admired by all. It's definitely one for exhibiting later.

New Art New Techniques.

I have just received a canvas print of one of my artworks from a company named Canvasfactory. They are an excellent company and I highly recommend them to any artist seeking a canvas print of their work. My current process involves digitally designing my paintings and then having them printed on a large canvas. After that, I apply my plastic technique to enhance the canvas and create my own interpretation of the image. I use only original designs, so the final canvas print serves as a color guide for my ultimate plastic painting. Additionally, the canvas prints come pre-framed, making it a convenient solution.