As this is the first post of the new year, I was hoping to find something pithy and intense with which to start the blog, but so far nothing asserts itself. We all had a pretty rough ride in 2020 and most of us are glad to see the back of it. Major changes in our lives have affected the way we live and the current semi-lockdown here in the UK means more of the same when it comes to lack of social interaction. On a personal level, we had a somewhat subdued Christmas and new year due to the inability to get together with family and friends. (I know, I’m one of those boring types who actually abides by the government guidelines on Covid-19) The upside to the enforced solitude is that I have been able to devote more time to my drawing and painting.
Two works are in progress at the moment, though one is more of an idea than an actual WIP, but I’ve set aside the time in the coming week to start on it and picked the medium, which will be pencil / coloured pencil on Bristol board. The one work I’ve made some progress with is somewhat of a departure for me: I’m doing a tribute to the 80th anniversary of the entry of the DeHavilland Mosquito into active service in November 1941. I’ve always loved the lines of the Mosquito and been intrigued by the wooden construction, so this is a treat for me. I decided that it’s time I branched out a bit from oil painting and pen and pencil drawing, so doing this one in gouache on Strathmore Watercolour paper. As I’ve never worked with gouache before, this is taking time and the learning curve seems rather steep. I’ve decided to take my time with it, so no pressure to finish it quickly. I take inspiration and encouragement from the works of other Aviation Artists I know who work in gouache and will be interested to see how it goes. I’m happy with the work so far, but we’ll see how it works out in the end. More about the context when I get it finished.
Looking forward to this year, I do hope that we can get some sketching days organised with the Guild of Aviation Artists. This roller-coaster lockdown lark is certainly throwing up barriers, but we will see as the year progresses. I also plan on doing some plein air painting in the South Downs with another artist friend of mine who lives a couple of blocks away. There are plenty of old churches, abbeys and other ruins around here that are worthy of a visit (with appropriate social distancing, of course).
With various lockdowns in place for the foreseeable future, those of us who frequent museums are going to continue getting our art fix online. Here are a few of the upcoming events:
The Royal Academy has some links to films and documentaries available on Netflix, Amazon Prime and iPlayer. Go here to have a look: https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/article/10-artist-movies-and-documentaries-to-watch-on-netflix-amazon-iplayer
The RA also has an interesting article on tips from well known creatives: https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/article/creative-advice-from-artists-architects-academicians
The Tate is also currently closed, but you can view over 77,000 works of art via their website. go here and enjoy. https://www.tate.org.uk/search?type=artwork
Here are some events coming up via Facebook, for those of you so inclined:
https://www.facebook.com/events/581245542747775/
As usual, here are some links to fabulous Aviation Art:
Simon Mumford: http://simonmumford.co.uk/
Chris Draper: https://www.chrisdraperartist.com/
Alan Bateman: https://www.facebook.com/groups/379992775532280/user/1479747187
Until next time. I hope the new year is kind to all.