Experiments in thread continued

 Working out the mix of colours to use on Scarlett's cheeks and eyes

I started my second embroidery experiment last week and already I can see it's more sophisticated then the first one. Taking inspiration from the pillow lipped Scarlett Johansson, I wanted to create something very kitsch with a tattoo like feel. But the more I've worked on it the more complicated it's become with layers of fabric making up the overall image. I'm quite pleased with it so far though.

Again I've used interfacing to bond layers of material for blocks of colour and acyrlic to paint in the areas I want to give a cosmetic look .

There haven't been as many mistakes and unpicking to be done, but I can see areas I'd do differently next time. It's definately a learning process, but a really fun one. I'm really enjoying doing these pieces and already have ideas for the next one!

Still needs the outline stitiching and some embellishments

Other news:

I finished the 'Last Port' painting last week, but wasn't very sure about it. I'm used to doing more complex 'realistic' paintings with acrylic, so when I finished this one I was underwhelmed at first. I used indian ink to outline the images and text which is something I've never used before on canvas. It gives a beautiful slick shiny black line but to my horror comes off if paint is applied over it. I'm going to see if fixative will fix this problem (any ideas?).

Detail of one of the mermaids as I was outlining. 

I quite like the pastel effect this work had without black outlines.

I might do a bit more to the background but otherwise it's finshed

Despite my initial feelings I'm actually growing to like this piece and as it is a gift for someone I really hope they like it too!

Pirates and mermaids

My embroidery experiment is now pretty much finished. Now I've had a go at it I really enjoy the process of creating images this way and I plan to start another image this week. Again, I'll be stitching in my spare time and those moments in the day when there are gaps. 

For a first attempt I'm pretty pleased with it but I went wrong on it so many times and had to unpick threads and try to save parts by cheating a bit. The only thing I have to do is figure out what to do with the back: keep stitching and knots on show or hide them?

I plan to do a Scarlett Johannson inspired image this time, will keep you posted.

The painting I'm doing as a gift is coming on nicely. Here it is, as was a few days ago. I will be applying the outlines very soon, my favorite bit! Hope the person I'm doing it for likes it.

Embroidery experiment #1

Here's how my embroidery experiment is going!

As mentioned before I have been only working on it when I've had spare time (watching t.v, waiting for things etc) and it's been really enjoyable passing the minutes with a needle and thread. The minutes fly by and there's something very calming and focused about working in this way.

After tracing my design onto some canvas I postioned it in an embroidery hoop and got stuck in (I think mine is called a flexi hoop in woodgrain and it's about 14cm high). I'm new to embroidery so was suprised to realise I knew more than one style of stitch. I think it's because I approached this work like I was painting a picture and thought about what shapes of stitch would suit what part of the picture: I used a chain stitch to outline the eye patch and a satin stitch to fill it in.

Then when I got home I traced the shape of the hair and collar onto separate bits of coloured material and used iron on interfacing to stick them in place. This was a bit fiddly as I didn't do it right the first time, but they are pretty well stuck now on a second attempt.

 

Then it was a case of outlining everything, but I wasn't happy with the way the collar turned out. I used a chain stitch for this but I thought it looked messy and not in keeping with the clean lines reminiscent of the tattoo style I want. It turns out I was doing it wrong anyway, so I unpicked it all and had to do a new collar as it had frayed the white material badly.

I'm currently using a chain stitch with a thicker thread count to outline the hair and I think it will work ok on the collar too (now I figured out how to do it right). I used a simple stem stitch to do the fine outlines on the features and neck which is my favourite stitch so far as it's the most like drawing, and I used acrylic paint to colour her cheeks and eyelid.

I'll let you know how it turns out. I'm really enjoying it so far!

Bits and bobbins

 

Detail of my portrait of Noel Toy

I'm working on lots of projects at the moment; My portrait of Noel Toy (remember that?) had to be put on hold for almost 6 months while I focused on other work that took me out of the studio and in front of a computer. But now she is near completion. I am still working on her beautiful green tinted visage between other work and I hope to have the finished thing for you to see in the near future. I am currently looking for non clear shellac to finsih off the meatl leaf details on the painting. My regular brand is no longer in manufacture, if anyone knows where I can buy NON clear shellac from please get in touch!

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I'm working on a small gift painting for someone who has really helped me out over my career as an artist. He is due to retire soon so I thought I'd do a special piece for him. He used to be in the Navy so I've designed a sailor tattoo style with the words 'Last Port' to symbolise his retirement. The work is only a third of the way through but I thought I'd show you where I'm up to:

The design first drawn out on tracing paper and put in place on the canvas

The background colour applied and the first layers of colour on the mermaids

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I've been spending a lot of time applying for things and putting proposals together which can take a lot of time away from actual creating things hands on. I was trying to think of ways around this when I had a brainwave about embroidery. Yes, embroidery! Providing the piece is small enough, you can carry it around with you anywhere and it will be a great way of passing time in situations where I have a few minutes to spare.

My love of sailor tattoos came to mind as the defined black outlines would transfer beautifully to stitching and line work. I designed this image during another few minutes I had to spare, which I plan to get on embroidering tonight!

It's based on an image of Taiwanese fashion model Jeanine Chin Hsi. I made her rather piratical, and she will have applique hair and shirt before I'm through. I plan on doing some nautical patterns in the background and can't wait to get to grips with the black thread outlines!

French kisses xxx

A couple of days ago I rediscoverd the French pop duo 'Air' in my album collection. I put on 'Moon Safari' while I was working in the studio trying to get my head around the drawing for my next sailor tattoo inspired pin up painting, and something just clicked! The tone of the music, it's sultry melancholy sounds, the disco edge mixed with the breathy pop; something just made complete sense with regard to my work!

It's hard to explain, so with that in mind, I thought I'd share a few of my other inspirations which are all being stirred in the melting pot to create the images for my new work:

Pierre and Gilles
These French artists have been a favourite of mine for a long time. Once you've seen one of their magical photos you'll never forget them. Their brand of glamour and iconography is the perfect blend for erotic images of saliors goddesses and fairies.

Oh, and nuns, as you can see here. This image of Kylie Minogue is just one of many celebrity portraits they have produced since the 70's. I love Pierre and Giles work because you can see the work that has gone into every photograph. They don't use computer effects to create the fantastical landscapes and props. Everything is sourced and painted. Even the photos once taken are then painted over which adds to the magical otherworldy quality.

In more recent years the duo have embraced digital technology, which brings me onto my next inspiration; the tour programme for Kylie's X tour 2008.

I knew as soon as I bought it that P&G had something to do with this lush art book. I couldn't find them acknowledged anywhere but my thoughts were confirmed with a little digging on the internet.
The sacred heart motif is a trademark of theirs and here it has been put to beautiful use. The tour and programme also feature heavily homo erotic images of the backing dancers dressed as buff sailors;



The overall link that ties all these subjects together for me is the glamorous and sexy iconic images and narrative which have an underlying hint of drama. Even the music by Air has the same ambience and conjures up the same stories in my head. All these things combined with the sailor tattoo are pushing my work in a glorious melancholy direction. I'm loving putting these ideas down on paper!

Naughty nautical update!

Hooray, I have overcome my technical difficulties and can now share with you what I've been up to:
Rack and Ruin is now finished. This nautical saying literally means shipwrecked, no hope and despair! So when it's all gone to rack and ruin for you remember, it could be worse! As for this poor sailor girl, she's in a pretty bad way. The seaweed around the main picture is actually called 'Wrack' and I added octopuses (apparently 'Octopi' is not grammatically correct as I thought) to symbolise the depths of the sea and the slippery creatures that could soon be feasting on her unfortunate bones!

I also decided to show you a painting I did some time ago; although it's not based on a nautical saying I really enjoyed putting this piece together and I think it has a similar melancholy feel related to the sea.

A Sailor Stole My Heart, was inspired by a line I read in a magazine. The girl in this painting is one the many women who have fallen for sailors on shore leave, men who aren't looking for long-term relationships, just a good time before they ship off to a differnt far flung destination. This lady is crying for her lost love, her limbs and torso also make up the shape of an anchor, whilst the nautical stars symbolise the Navy and also might help navigate her away from this upsetting situation.