Mini Abstract 6.

Another mini-abstract during lockdown.  This experiment was mainly an exercise using colours I love but haven't used in years.  This was done using gouache but would work much better with proper acrylics on board.

Mini Abstract 6.

Gouache on Paper - 10" x 10.5"

Mini Abstract 5.

A quickish gouache and water colour mini-abstract done this afternoon, just to let off steam.  This worked out as I intended but it would have worked out far better in oils.

"Mine Field"  

Mini Abstract - 9.52 x 9" - Gouache and Watercolour on Watercolour Paper

Drawing of another era

This drawing and watercolour was influenced by another painting - a sort of homage but I can't find out who the artist is; I screen-grabbed the image so long ago. I adore the viewpoint. This was my first attempt and it was done very quickly for an online challenge. I will work up this style when I have more time but, in the process of making of it, I was inundated with new ideas for bigger works. Lovely to work with pen on a ready-made background which consists of splashes of watercolour.

"Long Time Ago"

Waterolour, Pen, Gouache on Cartridge Paper - A5

Quick Sketch III

This was done in ultra-quick time. I had a load of small A5-sized paper with watercolour markings all over them and I started painting and drawing on them today allowing myself to be led by the marks. This one reminds me of the illustrations I used to love in childrens' books. I guess it is the innocence and softness of the lines.

"Avoiding the Day"

Pen, Watercolour, Gouache on Cartridge Paper - A5

Mini Abstract 4.

I've had this unfinished mini-abstract on the easel for months now. I took advantage of being in a positive mood this afternoon and completed it. These mini-abstracts are entirely personal and will cease once I buy some larger format panels to paint on. However, I am learning a lot. The first lesson is, obviously, to get the effect I desire, I need panels four times the size.

Mini Abstract 4.
"A Corner of Someone Else's Forest"

12"x 12" - Oil on Gessoed Panel

Mini Abstract 3.

Another one. This is more assured and again, the expressionistic markings require a bigger format but I learned a lot using colours I have never used together. I'm not sure I liked them but something is out of my system.

"Mini Abstract 3.

Oil on gessoed board - 6" x 6"

Mini Abstract 2.

Another mini abstract hot off the easel. This one was easier than the last one probably because it was so small, but harder because the 'concept' required a larger format. More to come, hopefully.  Lessons learned.

 Mini Abstract 2.

Oil on Gessoed Panel - 6" x 6"

Mini Abstract 1.

I am re-posting this work as I deleted the original post by mistake I can't remember too much of what I wrote except to say these sketches are inspired by larger finished works, either representational or abstract. A small detail of a finished work is isolated and then that section is painted much larger as if it is an original work. Well, it is original in one sense, but it is possible to see what section of the original work was chosen and worked on when finished. We learned this method at University as a method to get us into abstract painting.  (It's not the optimum method, by the way, but it is revealing as to what goes into a painting).

Mini Abstract 1.
Oil on Gessoed Panel - 12" x 12"