Shining Sands

Shining Sands   acrylic on canvas board 20x20cm   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

I am working on extending this series and have a couple more paintings 'on the go' . As I work on more than one painting at a time they all evolve together each one informing and developing each other in a constant conversation. I had thought I had finished two but when I went to the studio yesterday I could see that they weren't. A mini breakthrough on one has meant adjustments on the other two... It's all to the good.

It's funny but when I started working on these I had envisioned mark making being an important aspect of the series but it has really taken a back seat. The work has once more taken a life of it's own and is dictating it's own path which I am happy to follow and so the conversation continues.

Across the Bay - a coastal etching

Across the Bay   etching 6x6cm   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

I thought I would take a break from a canvas that I am working on to print a few more etchings from some plates that I had made a while back. I inked up the plate and began to wipe thinking of the current theme of a strong shaft of light that breaks up the line of the horizon. I think with a little more work the theme will extend well into printmaking. Being able to work across media and develop an idea or technique is something I am eager to explore. This is another varied edition, each print different in the inking.


This print is available on Etsy at Seaside Studios UK.

Preparatory sketches in mixed media trying out ideas...

Preparatory sketch in mixed media for Wet Sands   15x15cm monoprint and mixed media   ©2017Lisa Le Quelenec

Two small preparatory works using graduated ink in a monoprint overlayed with colour pencil. I'm still thinking about verticals of light, contrasts, lost and found edges. If you haven't tried it soft colour pencils on top of printing textures are rather lovely to explore, you can get some very subtle colour shifts. I have been using mostly Caran d'Ache Pablo and Derwent Coloursoft pencils. I'm not sure how 'blue' to make the painting - whether I should warm it up a bit....these little prep pieces are a good way to try out different combinations.

Preparatory sketch in mixed media for Wet Sands   15x15cm monoprint and mixed media   ©2017Lisa Le Quelenec

Calm Waters I & II

Calm Waters I   acrylic on canvas 24x30cm   ©2017Lisa Le Quelenec

Postcard sketches for paintings 'Calm Waters I & II  ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

You might remember these two little postcards sized sketches that I posted last year. They have been patiently sitting on my pin board waiting to be given attention. I wanted to develop the idea of looking into the light and also of verticals in a seascape without reverting to motifs of landmass or sails etc. Another theme that seems to be developing in some of my work is an aspect of minimalism. How far can I take a subject and subtract detail without losing it's essence? I seem to go from one extreme to the other capturing small details of shells and feathers and the next the opposite where I am painting just tone and colour. It keeps things interesting...

Colour inspirations photographs ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

I have to admit I am really enjoying using these strong blues again, it has been a while. Intermittent warmer days have arrived and the blues are making me feel that Summer may just be around the corner - or at least a warmer Spring.

Calm Waters II   acrylic on canvas 24x30cm   ©2017Lisa Le Quelenec

Both paintings are available as prints in various formats and cards at Redbubble - Lisa Le Quelenec - click on the link.