Threadneedle 2010: I am a number

On Saturday, I ventured into London (via car of all things on a day when the Blackwall Tunnel was closed), to take my submission for this year's Threadneedle Art competition.

This is an oil of the first wedding shoes of the landlord of the Queens Head, Eynsham. He kindly provided me with some 'blurb' to accompany the shoes...fingers crossed they appeal to the judges. Each entry gets a number and the numbers of the paintings accepted for the competition which are to be exhibited at the Mall Galleries, are published this Friday. I am 549.

Change your shoes, Change your life VIII: "These shoes winked at me in Coventry, circa 1974,
whilst looking for wedding attire. They cost me a week's (apprentice) wages...in fact twice the price of the wedding dress! Elton John and Slade were Top of the Pops and I enjoyed my elevated view of life."

Red shoes

My mother always used to say 'red hat no knickers'....but I have always aspired to owning red shoes. And what better red shoes to aspire to than a pair of Louboutins?

This isn't finished yet. But you get the idea....

Back to black - change your shoes, change your life V

Finished and framed.

Phtographing paintings behind glass needs better studio lighting than I have - but you get the idea.

This one will be exhibited and for sale at the Eynsham Arts Group Winter Exhibition which opens on the 21st November.

The original boots belong to Marmalade Kiss (lucky devil!)

Next.....

This is going to be my submission for the Eynsham Arts Group Exhibition which opens on the 21st November in the Bartholomew Rooms.

These boots are not quite finished...I need to refine the background ( I keep changing my mind) and the highlights on the patent leather need bringing up.

I have the most gorgeous gothic black swept frame to put these in, and all should be completed by tomorrow. I have decided to just enter one painting, and for the first time have pushed the boat out and had some limited edition giclee prints done of my other shoe paintings. I have never tried selling prints before so this should be quite a learning curve. I have also got some more fridge magnets made up - again of the shoes. Hopefully these will offer an interesting alternative to cards.

No news yet on the OXART competition - watch this space. All busy in the studio otherwise as I have been asked to submit paintings for a new gallery. Details to follow!!

Killer heels

This is a work in progress....I have to admit to being hugely envious of the owner of these babies!

Normal service (nearly resumed)

Check out these cha-cha heels....courtesy of fellow blogger and famous seamstress, ..... Marmalade Kiss ......and my next shoe project.

Painting suede is hard....

This isn't finished in my customary speed, but I am pleased with the progress thus far. The bracelet is still a bit messy, and the tone on the front of the shoes isn't right. I'll get there...eventually. I am going to frame it in a siilar frame to the pink shoes (see below). Here is a link to my newly discovered star framing supplier Friargate Framing

Don't step on my dirty beige shoes...

Latest in line for the 'Change your shoes, Change your life' project. Lorna suggested I add some jewellery into the composition so here you are. The shoes are old abandoned ones of mine found at the back of the cupboard. The bracelet is made from seed pearls and bits and bobs and very cherished. I like the shadows cast by the straps and the seeds....
I took this photo after ages faffing over how to place the shoes. Its been sunny recently and perfect for taking outdoor natural daylight photos. School has started back so I am not sure when these will get finished but I can see these in a frame likethe pink ones......hmmm

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.

Thinking landscape after all.

I can't help wishing I'd painted these as if they were abandoned on a sandy beach. Well, its what I imagine anyway. Perhaps the background is best left neutral so viewers can make their own narrative...thanks for the suggestions all. :-)
Decision now is....what frame???? This work is destined for the Threadneedle Exhibition/Competition in London next month...so I need to decide soon.

Change your shoes, change your life IV

Been rummaging in the back of my wardrobe today. Looking for some shoes to paint as part of my 'Change' series. These, believe it or not, were (in the eighties) very expensive and now very battered silk Cartier's. Luckily the sun was out so loads of good lighting for the photos. It has (however) taken the best part of 2 hours to upload said photos after having to reinstall drivers for the camera. Why does a 30 minute job always take an afternoon??
Who knows.
Anyway. I'm off into the studio now to see what I can come up with. I'll update later.....

.....2 hours later here we are.

I do enjoy using this canvas paper. The grain is similar to very fine canvas but you can tape it to a board and you're ready to go. Its Crimson & Blake and rare as hens teeth. I got my pad from a well known online auction site, since none of my usual artist suppliers stock it. I haven't signed this one yet. I cannot decide whether it looks best portrait or landscape. Any suggestion?

More shoes....in progress

This is number 3. Unfinished as I need the paint to dry so I can paint in the laces. I suspect the owner of these picked them in part for their tartan linings! (mutter mutter). LOL.

I want to paint portraits of shoes rather than people and build up a series for a gallery. I think favourite shoes can say a lot about a person....the shoes themselves and also the ones that are picked. If you would like your favourite pair painted and included please let me know...I am on the look out for the interesting and the quirky :-)