Ewan McGregor

I was quite happy with this last night. Until I spotted a few flaws, some of which work, others, I'm not sure about. I think the ball needs a bit more, so I might work on that. His face is lop sided but I think that works, just about... so I'm leaving that.

Robbie Williams commission

This was a picture I was asked to do a while ago. I did modify the likeness of Robbie after I copied it, but forgot to scan it again before I gave it to the client.

Halle Berry -completed

Well, this probably could technically be called the "end on the week! Finally finished another celebrity. I'm really pleased with this one, that's not to say there aren't things I wouldn't improve! I'm finding painting in the evening very difficult due to light quality. I need to get a daylight lamp -probably in the new year!

My last commission was finished on Tuesday, collected on Wednesday, client very happy with it - always my main aim. I've decided I need to charge a little more as all the prep work is taking time, especially where there are multiple people and special objects required.

Latest Commission

Finally a picture to post. This was done for today, so I'm allowed to publish without fear of ruining the surprise. It took a few attempts to find the right arrangement for the various elements but I think I managed to strike the right balance. The bike was a bit frustrating, I kept having to move it and redraw it, and the handlebars just didn't look symmetrical. I was really pleased with the sea, especially to the right of the skateboarder.

I've one more commission to finish then it's back to the celebrities.Who knows I might get Halle Berry finished before the week is out.

Halle Berry stage one

Spent a little bit of time finishing off the outline sketch of Halle Berry. This was after I finished one of my commission pictures, for a birthday next week. I felt it was time I posted a caricature as I haven't posted any for nearly 2 weeks. Now I've got to paint it.

Not quitting yet!

I know I haven't posted for a while, I'm not quitting. Just working on 2 commissions, with a third in the pipeline! Great to have some work at last! I've started a picture of Halle Berry which I'll post once my deadlines are met and I've finished her.

Oil painting

No caricatures today. I've been experimenting with oils over the past few days, trying palette knives on a picture of an eagle for my daughter - she likes wildlife. Struggling to stop and leave it alone, still want to fiddle and get the same effect as I can with brushes. Generally struggling to get a more refined effect, but maybe I shouldn't be with a knife, perhaps crude is the way to go. It certainly give a more spontaneous effect. This is the virtually finished effect. I need to define the beak some more but it's quite effective. Definitely a distance picture! More practice needed...

I've started a caricature of Halle Berry, need to ink up and paint. Life is so hectic at the moment with children's activities I'm struggling to get many caricatures done. I'm managing some outdoor sketching, mainly buildings. I'm also wanting to explore the oils more, but not necessarily caricatures.