Bonnie Scotland

Today was one of those days when I got up

early and decided to just get out. I went to visit friends who live on the banks of Loch Awe.

It was one of those days went you expect nothing

and get a lot out of it.

Bob lives in a caravan at the moment while he is having a house built. After having some duck eggs for lunch it was off to his boat which is a whole 30 second walk from the caravan. I wasn't in the back seat for long and was soon scooting up and

down the dark blue waters of the Loch: Scotlands

longest freshwater loch. It was amazing even though

my skippering skills were somewhat questionable!

I seem to forget living in a City that some of the most stunning scenery in the world is on my doorstep and I can completely understand why Bob and others like him have decided to opt-out of City life and live an altogether more tranquill existence.

The thought of having a studio somewhere like this and painting landscapes forever crossed my mind: as did the thought of having a boat and keeping my own hens. My only regret is that I don't have any hair to feel the wind rushing through as we hurtled up and down the water.

Winning Things and Marilyn Monroe Art

I found out earlier this week that I have won a place to the finalists exhibition at the "Pride In The House" exhibition at Lauderdale House in London.

I am fair chuffed! I was thinking that I have never really won anything before apart from a drawing board over 20 years ago when I was a student. Then I realised that I don't really enter competitions and you have to be in it to win it as the old cliche goes!

I am not sure if it is myself and 2 others or 4 other artists but I am furiously finishing pieces of fordispatch to London. Details of the event are on my News and Events page at joehendry.com. There is a preview evening on August 6th if you are in that neck of the woods.

Also, as promised, here's Marilyn....see the incomplete painting below. I may leave her as she is now but, knowing me I may fiddle with her a bit more.

Have a great weekend wherever you are,

Joe

Exposing Myself

Just to show how things develop I thought I would post this work-in-progress to show how wrong it is before it goes right. Halfway through many pieces, it looks as if I am painting a look-a-like. Don't worry though, it usually all clicks into place. I am really pleased with the way this one is going even though the likeness is not quite there yet. I will post the finished piece when she looks like Marilyn.

It's been a week when I have had long stretches in the studio. I don't think that working long periods on my own can be good for me. I am just watching out for the day when I answer the radio back. Chatting to a couple of other artists this week we concluded that some of the artists in the studios who have been working on their own for 20 years plus definately show similar symptoms. The inabilty to look another human being in the eyes or even say "good morning". I think this condition needs to be named.....what do you think? "Studio Fever" ?

Mo' John Lenon Art

My John Lennon portrait is now complete. As mentioned in the previous post (below) this is a large scale painting at over 3 feet x3 feet.

Whenever I paint a piece of celebrity art, I tend to have the sound of the subject singing in my head. the odd thing with this painting was that I had Julian Lennon singing 'Saltwater" in my head most of the time. The only reason that I can think of for this is that it is a really sad piece of music and a sad lyric and overall, I have a sad feeling about John Lennon and the way in which his life ended.

I am now pondering adding to my Beatles portraits but perhaps not on such a large scale.

Oh, and if anyone can think of a title for this piece other than "John Lennon" then I would be interested to hear!

Painting A Friend

I am always looking for subjects to paint and believe it or not, at times it can be a problem. Reluctant family members make do some times and I am sure my daughter is fed-up throwing a pose just for my art.

A friend came for dinner on Sunday and just by chance she was wearing "paint-me" clothes. I snapped a few shots to work from and worked on this piece both yesterday and today.

I love a natural look but I don't mind if a piece is slightly posed and I am really happy with the look of this one so far. More work on this together with John Lennon (see below) tomorrow.

Big John Lennon

After a weekend of letting my hair down (no bald comments please), it was back to the studio and continuing to work on the largest painting I have undertaking.

When I decided to tackle a John Lennon piece I wanted it to be large scale to match the stature of the man himself. The canvas is a meter square, which pips my previous large canvas at 3 foot square.

We will see how he develops over the next few days: whilst I can see a completed image in my head, it could go anywhere from here!

Loving Angels Instead

Firstly, apologies for the lack of updates. I have had a couple of emails asling if I was still alive. Yes, not dead yet and painting away merrily.

I have been working on a commission this week and in between times allowing for drying I have been having some expressive fun.

This new piece, "Angels Instead" changed in style and meaning several times before ending up looking like this. To my mind it is all about darkness and light (not in a religious way).

It was a very satisfying piece to paint regardless of the meanining behind it.