The Final Frontier
OK so zodiacs are not really space paintings, but what other category could you put them in?
Epsilon Eridani
Shamelessly Pastiched from a painting by a much better artist, this is an imprssion of a planet circling Epsilon Eridani, one of the stars of the Lizard Empire in the books of Harry Turtledove
Zodiacs
I am not a great believer in astrology but the 12 signs are an artistic challange. These 2 were painted at least 10 years apart.
Forbidden Planet
As part of my Physics degree, I had to take an arts course, which included watching & commenting on the 1956 film Forbidden Planet (loosely based on "The Tempest"). This frame shows the expedition ship about to land.
Starlight
Saw this pic in a magazine. Great chance to use my "Orient Express" toothbrush!
Geometry
Paragon
I saw "Paragon" in a book & was drawn to do a version. "Tapestry" was my own idea based on the weave of grain sacks on my Dad's farm. It took an age to paint
Tapestry
Mosaic
This was painted in Watercolour in 1996 from my own idea
Stork
Saw this in a book & loved the geometry & colours of it so did my own poor version
Holidays
I don't get all my ideas from cruise ship pictures or from magazines. This section's paintings are all from my own photographs taken on one of our holidays.
Fraser River
This is the Fraser River just downstream of Harrison Lake. My son & I went sturgeon fishing there in 2007 & caught 9 in 3 days up to 400lb.
Little Italy, Mykonos
We called at the Greek island of Mykonos (famous for its row of windmills) twice onWestern Med cruises.
Fjord
This Fjord view was taken on a Norwegian cruise.
Mauritious Beach
This beach view was our hotel beach. The Restaurant is just out of frame to the left.
Durnstein
We have been to Keswick a number of times. A friend once owned a B&B there. Friars Crag is just out of town. This picture was once on the cover of Radley News.
Friars Crag, Derwentwater
Durnstein is a town in the Wachau Valley of the Danube in Austria which we called at on a river cruise. The ruined castle on the hill is where Richard the Lionheart was held captive.
Portland Light, Maine
Called in Portland on an east coast cruise from New York to Quebec & back.
Castello Scaligero
We love Sirmione on Lake Garda. This 14th century castle guards the entrance to the old town.
Playa de Carmen Beach
This is the view from the Rui Palace hotel beach towards Playa town. We have been to this Mexican resort 3 times having passed through it on a tour from a cruise ship going to Chichen Itza (see Photos)
Lake Garda
This was a view from the ferry from Sirmione to Bardolino where we like to go for the Thursday market. Although the weather looked threatening it stayed fine.
Lough Rinn
Lough Rinn is in Leitrim just outside Mohill. James & I had 3 great fishing holidays there when he was in his early teens some 30 years ago.
Newcastle Beach, NSW
Our cruise stopped at Newcastle for a day. I didn't know what to expect but it was a great destination with a moving ANZAC memorial walkway along the cliff top. The gun fired a salute from the top of the fort (the viewpoint of this picture) as the ship left.
Skyscrapers
My daughter in law saw a picture in a store and liked it but could not afford it. She took a photo & asked me if I would do a copy (well a version rather than an exact copy). It was only when I looked at the painting on the store website that I realised is was 1 metre square. Undaunted I started using artist brushes but soon realised they were not up to the task so moved to one & two inch decorators brushes. The original still hangs on Keely's wall but other versions are with my sister, Keely's parents, and my own wall.
Skyscraper Skyline
This was my first use of water soluable oils in a long while. Very happy with it for a first attempt at using a palette knife with oils. It is inspired by a picture in a magazine
Other Paintings
These paintings don't really fit into any of the other catagories. Some are from my early attempts at portraits which I have long since abandoned due to lack of talent.
Bryce Canyon
This is in Utah, USA & the picture was taken from a painting book I bought
Landscape
I have no memory of painting this picture. It must be early since it is watercolour. It is not the the worst thing I have ever done!
Canal Bridge
This is another picture from Sarah's cards painted in watercolour although the original was a winter scene. Perhaps I will repaint in Acrylic, and this time finish it
14th Hole, Drayton Golf Club
I have made a number of attempts at this scene, this is the least inadequate.
The hole is around 120 yards from the yellow tees & I once had a hole in one using an 8 iron.
Woman with Dog
Page 3 girl with boots
Woman with towel instead of dog
Thames Landscape
Elaine bought me, for a birthday present, a lesson with the legendary local artist, Ken Messer. This was the result. I believe that was the first time he had ever given a lesson. Sadly Ken is no longer with us. We have several of his originals on our walls.
Winter Trees
I wanted to paint a picture using only 3 colours and this is it. The colours are Burnt Umber, Ultramarine, & Titanium White
Abstract Lake
My daughter in law ask me to paint this based on a picture she had seen. I gave it my poor best. The painting is 1 metre square. It was mostly painted using 1 & 2 inch decorators brushes.
Lighthouse
Inspiration was a cutting from a magazine which was only an inch square. The painting is 40 x 50 cm
Gobi Desert
Inspiration was a cutting from a magazine The painting is 40 x 50 cm