Iterations of Isolation 1

I painted the first part of Iterations of Isolation today. I used a bit of clove leaf oil in the paint to retard the drying of the mars black which I find does dry too quickly, often too dry to blend by next day, proving that oil paints can dry fast. I tried twice to test the retardation powers but the test samples without clove oil seemed to stay wet even for several days so that was no use. So, I've broken a cardinal rule that all good artists know about and all break too; don't experiment your latest technique idea on your latest painting, test it first. Bye bye rule book.

The acrylic canvas was a joy to paint on which was a surprise because to touch the surface feels slick and the imprimatura application was blotchy and not very good at all. I got the canvas from a company called Point North, it's called AC11 and costs about £15 a metre. It's wonderful and easy to prime too. I'm thinking of buying more just in case the supply runs out.

Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane 1

Preparation work on another biblical allegory today, Christ In The Garden of Gethsemane, which is about a moment of psychological reckoning; a time to choose. Tomorrow I'll start painting Iterations of Isolation, a picture about how isolation can lead to fascist thoughts due to selfishness and lack of empathy. It's a large and sad painting which will be largely black and white. The notable thing about the technique is that it is to be painted on acrylic canvas which I prepared myself last year. I usually paint on M.D.F. panels. This underpainting may take five days.

Exhibition Plans

I've spent the day doing more planning for my first exhibition next month. The opening event time has been confirmed and invites designed and ordered. Next is letters to the press and transport arrangements for the hanging days.

The Hanging of Judas Iscariot 1

Here is the underpainting to The Hanging Of Judas Iscariot. Venetian red, yellow ochre, a bit of nickel titanate yellow in the gold areas, black and white. I love venetian red more and more and it's rapidly becoming my red of choice. This painting proves just how intense this earth colour can be.

Chester and Quantum Theology

The Chester opening last night was too much, too crowded to socialise or even see the paintings. The exhibition though was excellent; perhaps the best I've seen in a couple of years because the judges are genuine art experts that give time to each piece, reward imagination, and select a real mix of paintings.

Yesterday and the day before I did the underpainting to a small allegorical paintings called The Hanging Of Judas Iscariot. My pictures often include Christian elements. Even at my most atheist I respect religion for the good that I think it, on balance, does to society. Belief in even a fictitious higher power is good for mental health, better than nihilism anyway. My beliefs are unique in that I believe in gods and no gods at the exact same time according to the quantum rules of mathematical matrix mechanics. I'd like to write more about quantum theology and the definitely uncertain impact of consciousness on the future and past.

Hello Earth

Hello Earth is now featured on a blog called http://everyphototellsastory.blogspot.com/. Thanks for choosing my painting Nancy.

Polymorph

Largely a day of rest before I start painting again tomorrow. I have had a go at that "Polymorph" modelling plastic though. It's difficult to model with because when pliable is very rubbery and tends to want to pull itself into a blob. It can be pulled apart though. Separate bits can be easily and firmly welded to one another, a good property to have. It also remains re-meltable at any point so can be used for temporary structures. When cool it is very tough but flexible, hard for me to snap if I tried. As a glue or repair material this would beat window putty hands down. A bowl of very hot water needs to be on hand to keep warming it up while modelling and slippery hands makes things difficult too. It's cheaper and tougher than polymer clay but harder to model with. I suspect that specialist equipment could make this a really good artist's modelling material. Some sort of heater is needed I think because it's difficult to keep it warm enough to be easy to handle. As such, even the supplied examples are blobs like mine and it's marketed more as a repair material than a modelling clay. I'm considering using it as a ground for painting, if I can melt it and pigment it.

Chester

I did nothing today apart from go to the Grosvenor Museum in Chester to pick up a painting. I'm happy to say that "Two Roman Legionaries Discovering The God-King Albion Turned Into Stone" has been selected for the prestigious bi-annual exhibition there. I wasn't feeling great today after I upset my friend Emma by telling her exactly how brilliant I thought another woman was (a particularly insensitive move even by my standards) so my thoughts have been dwelling on her. I managed to mumble some replies to the impressed expert who handed my painting back, but I felt like I missed an opportunity to express my full knowledge and passion for painting. However, the truth can never be suppressed and I'm confident that a few potholes cannot stop the great iron ball of me from rolling towards something greater. Onward!