Tag Archives: Acrylics

The Xmas decorations are back in the attic once more and the New Year Resolutions are in there with them

Kaya Chapel 8" x 6" Framed Acrylic on board

Kaya Chapel
8″ x 6″ Framed Acrylic on board

I’m not really one for making resolutions at New Year as I tend to make them all year round.  You know, must paint more, aim to lose a couple of kilos, see more of Turkey and so on.  This way even if I break them I’m guilt free.  All I need to do is set updated ones and aim at fresh targets.  A New Year doesn’t have the exclusive right to host self criticism, life just isn’t like that.  I don’t say “I must spend more time in the studio” on the 1st January…..I say it every bloody day!

Dog hunting

Contempoary Xmas tree 9" x 6" Acrylic on mount board

Xmas tree 3
9″ x 6″ Acrylic on mount board

Since we lost Ziggy all has been quiet on the dog front.  However, Gina has started showing the signs of wanting another bitch and I can sense the first developments in the hunt for a suitable animal.  I’ll keep you posted and I’ll continue getting Inspiration for my daily paintings from the spirit of Xmas.

Slightly Neo Impressionism

Seascape2 9" x 6" acrylic on mount board

Seascape2
9″ x 6″ acrylic on mount board

The style I found myself exploring lies between the two late 19thC movements of Impressionism and Neo-Impressionism and the borders between the impulsive nature of the former and the more scientific approach of the latter.  I’m aiming for a pointillist technique without the discipline of Divisionism and Chromatics.  Using acrylic paint encourages this looser approach because of it’s tendency to bleed and I plan to avoid the use of line altogether.  I can see the dangers lurking ahead but we will see how we go.

Caroline and Jon’s wedding

Caroline and Jon 36" x 24" Acrylic on canvas

Caroline and Jon
36″ x 24″ Acrylic on canvas

This is not my usual oeuvre but inspiration comes from many sources. My neice married in Australia and, as we missed the occasion, I painted this portrait as a surprise wedding present. The shipping quote from Fethiye to Melbourne was outrageous so I’ve had to wait until it was finally delivered by hand  (oversize baggage foc with Etihad, by the way) before I could post this image. I’ve heard from her mum that they like it so I’m happy!

Kayakoy Street Craft

The Kaya Lacemaker 10" x 8" Acrylic on card

The Kaya Lacemaker
10″ x 8″ Acrylic on card

On the little side lane that leads into the old town from the ancient water fountain in Kayakoyyou will find this lady.  She moves up and down the lane, seeming to occupy in a different position whenever I see her. I assume she lives in one of the nearby cottages and seeks out some shade and a bit of breeze. This is not a busy spot so she sits placidly among the chickens and cats and quietly pursues her craft making lace and jewellery.  I’d like to say I painted this plein air but the 40 C temperatures dictated a quick photo and work later in the studio

Cemetery Walk

Cemetery Walk 10" x 8" Acrylic on card

Cemetery Walk
10″ x 8″ Acrylic on card

To get to the hills where we normally walk our dogs you can climb up through a small cemetery. It is a place of melancholy beauty, family groups sipping çay ın among the olive trees.  Wild flowers thrive among the monuments large and small framing the views above Calis and out across the Bay of Fethiye. This is my impression of the view inland as we head home on another scorching day here in Turkey.

Dog walking in the hills above Fethiye

Looking West towards Ciftlik 10" x 8" Acrylic on Card

Looking West towards Ciftlik
10″ x 8″ Acrylic on Card

Today is the opening of my exhibition in Kayakoy.  I’m keyed up so last night I painted this landscape of the view over Ciftlik and Yaniklar that we see from the path where we often walk our dogs, Zara and Ziggy. All those blues and greens are very calming and I managed to enjoy several stress free hours. This morning, I’ve put my organising head back on, so please wish me luck!

Fethiye from across the bay

Fethiye Bay 24" x 18" Acrylic on canvas

Fethiye Bay
24″ x 18″ Acrylic on canvas

This is the larger canvas promised in my post of the 18th April.  It came together just as I wanted although I experienced all my usual issues over how much detail to include, still I am very pleased with the end result. I’ve just taken it to the framers and on the way back I decided that I like this view so much I will paint a even larger one!