Heavy weather sketchbook pages & Seasons Greetings

Heavy weather sketchbook pages   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

Well what a storm! We got off lightly in last nights Storm Caroline on the south coast but it was very wet and a bit blowy still this morning. Wild weather is always an inspiration for me. I think some more drypoints perhaps? A few drawings to start from a while back in my sketchbook as a starting point and I will see where this takes me.

Now the rain is passing the temperatures here are set to drop with the possibility of the rain turning to wintery showers....could we really get some snow here down south? It would be nice for Twinkletoes as he hasn't seen any of the white stuff yet. In anticipation I will sign off for the holidays with this ....

Winter   collograph with digital drawing   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

Wishing you all a happy holidays & my very best wishes for a happy, healthy and successful 2018.

See you next year.

Back to the drawing board...gull sketchbook pages

When in doubt go back to basics.... something that has helped me many times over the years. The act of drawing with no end in mind can help me push a project through, consolidate ideas or suggest new avenues to explore. I think what these sketches are telling me and the recent experiments and prints is that I need to step away for a while and stop thinking about it. Then later, there will be time to re-evaluate and percolate the ideas. I think I will spend some more time re-reading the poem that was the original inspiration as well. For now the gulls can rest as I begin the wind down to the holidays and the exciting job of planning for next years adventures.

Gull sketchbook pages  ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

A medley of work from the last few weeks....

A medley of work from the last few weeks ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

A virus has been keeping me away from work so I haven't progressed as far as I had hoped to with the gulls. I thought I would share a collection of some of the work that has been going on in the background whilst the gull experiments have been going on - all these pieces are available at SeasideStudiosUK

I'm not sure why a ball of string...it just looked like it needed to be drawn and one thing led to another...

String   drypoint 8.5x15cm   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

Gulls 3 - monoprint & collagraph

Gull   collagraph   15x21cm   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

A round of collagraph monoprints. I used a cardboard plate with textures made from different acrylic mediums. The aim wasn't to make an edition of prints but rather to see how many different ways of using the plate I could come up with before the plate was destroyed in the process.


To begin with things didn't turn out in the way that I expected in that some of the acrylic mediums had sunk into the cardboard plate as it dried and I probably should have sealed the board to begin with to avoid this...lesson learned for next time. However this added to the need to be inventive with ink application and made it even more flying-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-exciting!




You can see in this first print that I took that the tonal contrasts in the background are a little too similar and more definition was needed. No matter the texture in some areas made them beautiful to work into with mixed media. I added watercolour and coloured pencil.The oil based printing ink resists the watercolour and provides a nice tooth for the pencil so further texture results.

Gull   collagraph and mixed media15x21cm  ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

After a few inkings and taking some more prints in this way I started to add some extra gull shapes using separate pieces of board inked up and also by gouging into the baseplate to trap the ink. The gull shape below was cut from a piece of medium weight paper and then inked up by brushing on the ink. I liked the idea of the bird flying out of the frame.


After a couple of hours of playing with these very simple materials I have more and more ideas to work through and a lot of thinking to do. Just where will I wonder next?

Gulls   collagraph and mixed media15x21cm  ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

Gulls 2 - more printmaking experiments in monoprint and digital manipulations

I continue to play with the lone gull motif. The lower five square images are digital manipulations of the original first image. Tiny steps and alterations that can make a big difference to my line of thought. I may be drifting towards vignettes again... On the right three monoprints. I started to play with multiples and pattern - it could be an interesting avenue to explore later. I think I want to contrast this serenity with a bit more energy and texture...onwards!

Gulls ideas in monoprint and digital manipulations   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

October Moon

October moon   watercolour on paper 16x16cm   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

Boo!

It is Halloween after all...

Gulls 1

Gulls have featured in my work for a number of years now. I discovered a poem by Neruda a while back and some of the imagery in the piece has stayed with me. It has sparked ideas to explore which are turning into a series of works in a variety of media.

I feel like a gull circling in the sky getting closer but not quite hitting the mark just yet. I have started with some monoprints with Neruda's words in my mind. Using an inked plate and removing ink, applying masks and also making marks in the ink before running through the press.

Flying Free   monoprint and mixed media   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

Some I made ghost prints with (running the plate with ink depleted from the first pass through the press for a second time). I likes the subtleties of a couple and so have left those untouched. Other ghost prints weren't strong enough to stand on their own so I have worked into those with other media. Others have been photocopied, scanned and digitally manipulated and exist only as digital prints. We are fortunate to live in an age where so many opportunities and methods of experimentation are open to us and I like to exploit as many as I can on occasion.I'm not sure where I am going with these still.....I'll see where the breeze takes me.

Gulls   ghost monoprint and mixed media   ©2017Lisa Le Quelenec

A translation of the poem that inspired this work can be read here

A grand day out

A grand day out at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens at the weekend was so inspiring. The sun was shining, it was surprisingly warm, perfect for a stroll through the gardens admiring the sculpture exhibition and beautiful collection of trees and plants. It is a place that we visit every year during autumn and this year did not disappoint.

Twist   sea glass and wood by Glenn Martin

I thought I would share just a few of what I thought were the highlights of the exhibition. First of all 'Twist' by Glenn Martin. I fell in love with this one for the form and choice of materials. I couldn't capture the lovely textures of the piece in a photograph but hope you can see just some of the effect of light on the semi opaque glass. I'm sure this sculpture would keep on giving with it's cast shadow at different times of day too. A different piece by the same artist 'Walking Ammonite' provided a lovely surprise sneaking and creeping through the foliage.

Twist   sea glass and wood by Glenn Martin

Walking Ammonite   recycled materials by Glenn Martin

Canyon (4/10) mild steel and leaded glass by Joe Szabo

There were  a few sculptures by Joe Szabo that I would happily have in my garden too. Again the glass, leaded glass in this case, was shining like jewels in the sun. The curator of this exhibition had done a wonderful job placing the pieces near plants that complimented with their shape, colours and textures. The enjoyment they must of had working out what to put where shone through.

Red Kite   cold cast metals   by Paul Harvey

I loved the beautiful elegant curves of  Red Kite by Paul Harvey.  His sculptures beckon to be stroked like a sea worn pebble in the pocket - not that I did but I was tempted... His website is a feast for the eyes.  Gannets is a particular favourite.









Another favourite sculptor, Stan Jankowski had work was on display but I was unable to get a good image of the pieces he had there this year ( a mix of the strong light reflecting on the metal and the speed of movement). Instead I will show a photo that I took a couple of years ago of wind sculpture Piccolo Vento. You really need to see these wind sculptures in action, there are some links to videos on YouTube on his website which are well worth a few minutes of your time. I think this one would look lovely near the gingko tree in my garden...maybe one day.

Piccolo Vento   brass and copper   by Stan Jankowski

The sculpture exhibition ends on 15th October so we were cutting it fine this year. I am already looking forward to next years exhibition. The gardens continue to be open though and there is a gallery of continuous changing exhibitions in the building near the entrance. The gardens and tree collection are gorgeous to visit at any time of the year and if you look carefully you can see the intricate work of their permanent artists in residence.

Web by S. Pider

Gliding gulls

Gliding to a new Day   acrylic on linen board 10x10cm   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

Gliding to a new Day II   acrylic on linen board 10x10cm   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

Gliding to a new Day III   acrylic on linen board 10x10cm   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

Three little paintings on linen canvas boards. A combination of the gull ideas that are soaring around in my head and the shafts of light paintings from earlier this year. I still feel like I am feeling my way here unsure which direction to take..... I think I will explore and experiment with some printmaking next.

All three available individually at Seaside Studios UK on Etsy.

My favourite art books

A while back artist Sherrie York posted about her book collection and it got me to thinking about my favourites, how they had changed over the years and about the ones that I keep referring back to like old friends. Back in 2011 I wrote this post about 10 of my favourite art books. Those are all still 'up there' but there have been quite a few additions especially as I have explored new techniques in printmaking.

Some favourite books  photograph ©2011 LisaLeQuelenec

I have put together a Pinterest board of favourite books  if anyone is interested in having a peek along my bookshelves virtually. Maybe you will find something that would interest you to check out at your local library next time you visit.

Would you like to share your favourite books in the comments? I would be interested in knowing what you recommend after all you can never have too many books ;o)

Pine cones - it started with some sketches....

Pine cone sketches   pencil ink and watercolour   ©2017Lisa Le Quelenec

...and quickly got out of hand... but in a good way. I love the structure of pine cones, such a challenge to get 'right'. There is a park I visit with my little one that guarantees we will come home with at least a few we are both as bad as each other with our little collections and we added quite a few more this summer.

Sketches and doodles turned into...

Pine cone stages   watercolour on A4 paper   ©2017Lisa Le Quelenec

There are two paintings available to buy here at Seaside Studios UK.


But then that turned into....

From sketch to drypoint plate to prints   ©2017Lisa LeQuelenec

and now I have these....

Trio   artist proof 1 drypoint print 19x10cm   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

Trio   artist proof 2 drypoint print image size19x10cm   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

Trio   3/20 drypoint print image size19x10cm   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

Trio   drypoint prints image size 19x10cm   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

Which are also available at Seaside Studios UK and at Seaside Studios Uk on Folksy.


I do get myself in a pickle sometimes :o)

Three seaweed studies in watercolour

Three Seaweeds    each 30x21cm approx watercolour on paper   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

The latest additions to my 'Little Treasures' series to add to the shells, feathers and other nature finds.

I love the colours, shapes and variety of seaweeds. These are painted from sketches that I did in Jersey and are seaweeds found in the rockpools there. Next time I must remember to collect some samples in jars for studying. I have collected them in the past and pressed them in sketchbook pages but they dry out and become brittle so quickly and it does make a change to paint from living samples. I really wanted to catch the sense of how they flow in the water in these studies.

These three seaweed studies are available at Seaside Studios UK on Etsy

The coast is clear! Etching of Old Harry Rocks

The Coast is Clear!   A/P I etching 14.5x11.5cm   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

Quite some years ago His Nibbs and I went for a walk along the beach at Shell Bay down the way in Studland. We have been many times before and since but there was something about this particular day that sticks out. The sun was out but it was a little hazy, it was neither hot nor cold and there was just a gentle breeze. The water looked glass-like - but with strong contrasts in tone on the surface ripples. Colour was bleached out everything reduced to tones of blue grey. What I remember the most was the stillness and quiet. The quiet sounded loud but gentle if you know what I mean.

Old Harry Rocks photograph ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

I took this photograph and along with the memory of that day it has been the inspiration for many drawings, paintings and now an etching. So far I have made two proof prints and have used paper masks to add some sail boat shapes. I think I could make variations of work on this one memory for many years to come.

Light Across the Bay   acrylic on paper 25x25cm   ©2011 LisaLeQuelenec

Above an older painting from 2011, long since sold but one of my favourites.

Old Harry Rocks  snippets and ideas in mixed media   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

I wonder do you have a memory or lasting impression of a time and place that you revisit in your work again and again?

The Coast is Clear!   A/P II etching 14.5x11.5cm   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

Observational studies in watercolours - beach finds

Watercolour studies of beach treasures ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

Beach treasures collection IV  watercolour on paper 20x24cm approx   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

No.4 has turned into a bit of a trial to photograph! Too much white and pale tones has made it difficult for the camera which just wants to emphasise the contrasts and not the subtleties. Hey ho...the picture above was taken at night using a desk lamp for light and is much closer to the painting.

I loved the marbling texture of the little piece of driftwood. It looks like a piece of old root that has been polished by the sea to a really smooth texture.




I seem to be finding lots of striped things at the moment; bits of pottery, striped pebbles and striped grain on driftwood.

Stripes from the shore sketchbook page ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

Beach treasure; Collections III

Beach collections III   watercolour on paper 20x24cm approx   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

I had hoped to have no. IV ready as well but it is quite pale and hasn't been easy to scan so will need a bit more work. I have been rather enjoying these and the concentration on tiny details.

No.III is also available at RedBubble. 

Beach treasure; Collections I & II

Beach collections II   watercolour on paper 20x24cm approx   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

I was playing with some of my beach finds looking at the colours, textures and shapes. I thought rather than painting them in isolation as I usually do I would put them into an arrangement for a group portait. These are the first two -  there will be more. It's interesting to build a relationship in the colours, textures shapes and the linear rhythms. I enjoyed including the sea china, glass and pebbles which are given context with the shells and feathers, otherwise they just read as abstract shapes and colours.

As I write this I am thinking that this may be another avenue to explore on another day it would be interesting for me to return to abstraction after so long...... So many possibilities and so little time especially now that school is out and there is a little one to have adventures with. More trips to the beach! Yippeee!

Beach treasures collection I   watercolour on paper 20x24cm approx   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

Both of these images are available as reproduction prints, stationery and greetings cards on Redbubble/lisalequelenec.

July's moon and a big storm

July's Moon   acrylic on board 19x19cm   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

Another moon inspired painting - trying to capture the beautiful hazy and subtle coloured rings that surrounded it. There is something very restful and calming about painting night scenes that I really enjoy.

This painting is available on Etsy at Seaside Studios UK.

Reproductions are also available in different formats both framed and unframed  here.



I previously wrote about July's moon being named a thunder moon by some people. We were certainly treated to a spectacular electrical storm that lasted many hours in the late afternoon and stretching into the night on Tuesday. The rain was very heavy as the sky lit up. I didn't venture out but watched for some time from inside. I imagine had I been on the cliff top I may have seen something akin to this as the torrential rain started to move in;

Sketchbook page  watercolour   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

July's moon and Indigo

July's Full Moon   sketchbook page A6   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

This month's full moon was a real treat! It was big, bright and beautiful. The last light of the setting sun combined with the inky cloud made for a lovely colour combination of palest aqua, indigo, cobalt and soft ochre and sienna. It was quite a display. Trying to sketch in the dark so that I could watch all the colours changing was quite a challenge and I really couldn't do it justice but it was fun to try anyway.

I have read that some Native American tribes call the full moon in July the Thunder Moon because of the hot and humid storms that can arrive at this time. In Europe it was sometimes called the Mead Moon, (a drink made from fermenting honey, yeast and water.) because it occurs at the same time as larger honey yields. I know parts of the country have had a good display of storms but whilst it has been hot here and we have had our share of rain to clear the air there has been no thunder or lightening so far - we do have many honey bees busy in the garden though.





After night sky watching I have been inspired to paint the velvety blues and a set of inky coloured watercolour shells have been the result. All six are available individually at Seaside Studios UK
 

Shell studies in blue and indigo   21x30cm approx each   ©2017Lisa Le Quelenec

Four watercolour feathers

Four feather studies   21x30cm each approx   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

I am pondering the recent acrylic paintings and to help give myself a little distance from them have been painting some new watercolour feather studies. These four are available in my Etsy store Seaside Studios UK .  Sometimes it is good to completely change tack and look again with fresh eyes at a later date.

Sailing at the Ocean's End

Sailing at the Ocean's End   acrylic on canvas board 20x20cm   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

I couldn't resist trying another version and including the sail boat. I wonder if this one reads as a larger expanse of space compared to the one in the previous post. What do you think?


This painting is available on Etsy at Seaside studios UK.  and as a print on RedBubble.

Colour inspiration   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

Ocean's End

Ocean's End   acrylic on canvas 30x30cm   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

The ocean, the sky and the light....