I'm pretty fed up with my camera now. There is obviously a major problem, rather than me being stupid about the settings. Time for a new one me thinks. So I apologise for the poor quality of the photos.
I can't get into gear today. My head is still full of Libya and I can't empty it sufficiently to allow myself to paint. The temptation to pack a small bag and jump on the first plane back to Tripoli is massive.... Itchy feet.
I recently finished my Marrakech inspired painting and I'm pretty happy with it. The colours are much more vibrant than the pic indicates. I like the carpet quality of the collaged door and the man scuttling out of sight.
One February I spent a few days in Marrakech, it was pouring with rain, the torrential down pour bounced of the steamy streets. I didn't mind as I sat in a smokey cafe drinking coffee, watching the men rushing through the streets, holding up their long hooded coats trying not to get their fine leather babouches wet. It was a glorious sight.
I wanted to do some paintings that are inspired by my trip....but I don't know where to start. There is so much to chose from and I really need to get everything into order in my head before I attempt it. So for this weeks painting, I made a start on an idea I had a while back. I'm not sure I like it at the moment. It has too much of a cartoon look. The fish are collaged with newspaper. I then painted some white household emulsion of the top to knock them back a bit.I like to use ordinary emulsion because it sand papers off quite nicely, leaving a chalky appearance. I use gold metalic acrylic paint quite a lot too. It lifts the surface of the painting and catches the light beautifully. Inspired, I have to say, by Grayson Perry's beautiful ceramics, which are heavy with gold leaf. It makes them look special.
I'm letting this dry now and will look at it with fresh eyes tomorrow.
