Core values – a circle based abstract in blue, red and silver

I’ve been nursing 3 sick children today, but still managed to do the odd sketchy thing and even play with the acrylics. I emphasise the play, it’s not a piece I think has any artistic merits.

So, in the time honoured Blue Peter tradition, “Here’s one I did earlier”

This one’s a bit metaphysical it’s called “Core values”. The circles are layers of our personality,  the spikes representing parts of our character which penetrate our very being, transcending the layers of daily routine behaviours and thoughts becoming more complex as we reach our ‘centre’. The blue and red colours reflecting competing desire of passion and calmness. I know, far too deep for a blog about cartooning. What can I say, I’m evolving?!?!?!??

I’m now going to ruin it all by saying I keep thinking of ice cream when I look at this! The red reminds me of raspberry ripple!

Having a distinctly blue/green day today!

Well I’ve had a lovely day today. Lots of painting done. This one is called “Points of focus” more lovely circles –I’m a bit circle obsessed – expanding outwards from their origins. I had to resist doing everything blue/green as I feel I might be getting in a bit of a rut with my colour choices. It’s a shame the iridescent colours don’t show up when I photograph these.

The BAFA meeting was interesting but not a practical,not as much fun as a result and we finished early.

Making abstracts work! Abstract Art Circles in blue and pink!

Ever have an idea only to find it doesn't quite work in reality?
This watercolour and ink painting was started a few weeks ago.
The Plan? An abstract based on circles radiating from a central point but it looked unstructured and thrown together.
I wasn’t happy, so I left it for a while to brew!
I felt it needed something tying it all together.

So there it sat! Forelorn and neglected for a few weeks while I pondered options.

Today I finally decided that what it should be.

I like it now!


Sometimes a work needs time to mature. If you're stuck, leave it for a while! Prop it up somewhere you will pass it on a daily basis!

As you pass it each day you'll realise either it's perfect or you'll spot what's missing! 
And When you're sure you can act!

So, have you any examples of when leaving be is the best way forward? If so, I'd love to hear in the comments.!


If you'd like to see more of my abstracts look here!

Back to the beginning?

The commission is still haunting me, there are some issues with likeness. Just been sent a picture which, had I had it earlier, would have made the whole process so much easier. I’m trying to decide whether or not to tweak or start again! Part of me would really like to cut my losses and start again and the other thinks, Oooh no, not again! I think it’s going to be a start again as I firmly believe the client should be happy with the picture. That and tweaking always looks messy.
Having written the above this morning, I decided to start again. I’ve nearly finished pencilling in the picture. I’ve not had time to do anything else but I’m happier about the picture than I have been at any time previously.
So, I’ve decided to post one of my abstracts from yesterday. I used a slightly different technique on this one. I really like the way the colour have mixed. Not sure on a title yet - oh that sounds familiar! I quite like “Venus” or “Orbit” decisions, decisions…

Abstract values

This is one of the abstracts I've been working on. Not sure on a title yet. As usual the irridescent colours aren't showing up.
It's a similar concept to "Confusion" here  but I wanted a calmer version so it might be titled something like "Personality" I like that! Short , simple with a suggestion of potential musings and a reflection on the complexity of the mind!