Back at the lovely Lauriston Castle doing a two day mosaics course. That wall is starting to resemble an art gallery!
Woodblock Printing
Enjoyed yet another great course at the National Galleries of Scotland doing woodcut and printing using primary colours and a roller. Tried to be a bit more abstract than in my usual artwork, and enjoyed the sense of “freedom”!
Wedding commission
I loved doing this commission for friends to give to a bride and groom as a memento of their wedding day. The subject was the wedding venue with the inclusion of lots of related images. In an inspired moment (!), I decided to do the painting as a group of photographs attached to a cork pin board. Turned out really well and was fun to paint.
Woodblock printing at the National Galleries of Scotland
Another interesting class at the National Galleries of Scotland on woodblock printing, based on the exhibition of paintings by Emil Nolde. Really tricky and time-consuming cutting the blocks, but an effective end result.
Illustrations for Metalwork Sculptor
Excited to be working as an illustrative artist for the amazing metalwork sculptor Kevin Paxton at ArtFe. The illustrations are in pen and ink wash, and are intended to give the client a visual impression of the finished product.
An unusual commission!
This was definitely my most unusual commission to date - a painting of an iconic Edinburgh view with the inclusion of a red Ferrari, a black cat and pelicans! Still, I'm always up for a challenge and was delighted that the client loved the finished result.
Merchiston School Music Cup Success!
Absolutely delighted to hear that my pupil Matthew won the Merchiston School, Middle Years Music Cup, playing I Giorni by Einaudi. Well done Matthew!
60th Birthday Painting
Decided to do a painting of Buachaille Etive Mòr for a friend who has climbed all the Munroes, and who was celebrating his 60th birthday. Quite enjoyed doing it and am tempted to paint a few more.
Surprise 60th Birthday gift!
Was delighted that our best man Ross loved the surprise painting I did of Lola for his 60th birthday.
Spooky Halloween
Emma turned up wearing her Devil horns for her Halloween piano lesson!
Oil Painting at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Spent four morning sessions at an Introductory Oil Painting course at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. Decided to use an image of my younger son Alex to create a monotone painting. Pleased with the result though did not particularly enjoy using the oil paints!
Another Successful Commission Complete!
Really pleased with the outcome of this recent 60th birthday commission of Tobermory. The town holds special memories for the recipient and his wife, plus he was formerly a rally driver, so it was fun to add some of his rally cars to the scene.
Capturing the Figure in Dramatic Lighting Inspired by Caravaggio
A really enjoyable weekend course at the National Galleries of Scotland, painting from a live model, and trying to capture tonal contrasts and light in the same way as Caravaggio.
Commission complete!
Just finished this commission of Woodhill Hall in Northumberland. It was painted for a friend as a gift for her daughter who was married there in December. Delighted to hear they all love it!
Outdoor Sketching at the National Galleries of Scotland
A further 15 minute sketch at the National Galleries of Scotland, outdoors this time, and looking towards the Scott Monument and the Balmoral Hotel.
Sketching at National Galleries of Scotland
Really enjoying the "Work in Pastel and Paint Inspired by Joan Eardley" class at the National Galleries of Scotland. Here are three, 10 minute sketches from a live model.
18th birthday jewellery
I met up with former piano pupil Eli to look at the Joan Eardley exhibition at Modern Two in Edinburgh. As it was Eli's 18th birthday I designed and made her a copper pendant. Looks great!
Cameo Painting Safely Delivered!
A painting I had undertaken of the Cameo cinema, featuring Trainspotting on the billboard, was finally delivered to it's intended VIP recipient on the day of the T2 Trainspotting premiere in Edinburgh. I hope they love it!
Music Book
Have spent the last two weeks creating more illustrations for my planned music book. Only a handful to go, then I'll have to find an interested publisher!
Piano Lessons - Christmas 2016
Playing Christmas tunes with pupils is great fun, especially when they bring accessories! Emma looks great in her Santa hat!🎶🎹