Very fishy fish

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.

Shows

The 'Art at the Marina' show at Brightlingsea only runs for a few more weeks, so if you haven't already been to check it out, go before it finishes on the 13th June. There are lots of interesting works there, including jewellery, ceramics, photography, stained glass and of course lots of paintings. It is a non profit making venture, run by the artists. Commission going to the RNLI, a worthy cause.

I shall be down there today replenishing some work.

I also have to put the finishing touches on works going into the Stoke By Nayland Art Fair this next week. The 'Private view' is on Wednesday (26th) evening, 6-9pm. (Running until bank holiday Monday). Not sure why it is called a private view because everyone is welcome!

Again it is a collection of local artists with an eclectic mix of styles and mediums.

Phase two of this work. I have started to layer coloured paper and tissue now. The door reminded me of a Persian carpet...ooops is that a pattern sneaking in?!!