6 Steps to the RA Summer Exhibition

After skipping a year (and quite some time off this blog), I've decided to return to floral paintings but with a little more edge this time. The colours I chose for this painting have been influenced by a commission I'm working on which is for a Spanish styled kitchen. In order to make sure of a colour match, I'd bought some sample wall paint. I used this emulsion colour to prime the canvas for my floral work, and its the first time I haven't started painting a design straight onto a white. I shall definitely be trying this technique again since it really adds vibrancy to the tone.

This is the acrylic painting in 6 stages. I had no real plans of what I was going to paint when I first stood in front of a 60 x 90 wall of orange, but just went with the flow. I realise paintings occasionally have to be planned, especially commissions, but its also fun to start with a blank canvas, some music, and see what emerges. :-)

Step 6Step 5
Step 4
Step 3
Step 2

Step 1

Do I...don't I??

Hmmm. Do I or don't I enter the RA Summer Exhibition this year. So far it is RA 3 Sue Cook nil, although I was deferred last year....

The only day I can get down to London is the 26th March - in which case I have to submit a glazed work - but this is the same day as the Arts Group AGM which I have to go to. Gah. Nothing on for months on end and then deadlines all backing up at once. Will ponder and sulk a while longer.

The deadline for buying an entry form is March 10. Next week. I have till then to decide I guess.

Blue blue shoes

My letter from the RA arrived today. Dated 29th May however, so I can console myself that I lasted for more rounds than last time.
But hey, "the" frame has arrived so I'll post a pic soon.

More throughts on the RA, shagging zebras and barbed wire?

Interested? Read on

Kicked out the RA (again)

Yet another Summer Exhibition rejection. Luckily the sun was out because lugging a 4 foot by 3 foot canvas across London ain't pretty.

Ne me quitte pas

Sunny day and some Nina Simone.
My submission for the RA Summer Exhibition is finally finished, after many many hours and a lot of silver leaf on the studio floor.....mobile....laptop.....
I will be a little bit wistful to see them go, after they have kept me company in the studio awhile.

Background

Some work on the background this morning. I think I am almost on the home stretch with this one. I have really enjoyed the exercise of painting in 2 colours...but I have some exotic flowers on the go with lots of bright vibrant colours which I'm looking forward to splashing around with later this week.

I am not convinced about the circles.....I am half tempted to paint them out again and blend the background with just a few bright highlighted spheres here and there. What do you think? C'mon you lurkers....