February 2024 update

New exhibition this Spring!

I joined a Facebook group called Creative Cornwall whilst trying to network and connect up with other artists. I was really happy to find such a welcoming and humble mix of talented individuals that I could socialise with and learn from. Being part of an exhibition with them was an unexpected bonus. We were asked to create a piece with the theme of the sea and whales. All of my work is underpinned by the influence of the colours on the Cornish coast as well as the urge to do something to help the climate crisis. I tend to paint over old canvases and use up scraps of things to create texture. I also like to make art that comments on the changes in climate or other world events and conditions. I am really pleased with how this piece came out as it has the right level of drama and spirit of the sea, with complementary colours and my usual sense of motion within it. (See below)

New piece - ©Island Storms (2024) by CLT_Abstracts, Mixed media on reclaimed canvas, 60cm x 60cm x 2cm

As you can see, i have started with smooth strips of colour to give the sense of movement and waves. This was done over a layer of gesso and a strip of texture paste through the middle section. I used a mix of acrylic paint, liquid acrylic and some irridescent paints. I don't usually use a brush because of the cramps/shooting pains i get up my arm but this time i had to grin and bear it to get the right effect. It also helped to blend areas of paint and liquids. I then used an old sponge on the wet thick layers of paint to pull at it and reveal colours underneath. It also helped to move the paint around and create this fluffy cloud and sea spray effect. I was almost going to stop at this point but then i knew i was yet to use the liquid acrylics in my usual drip/splash method. I also wanted to add my signature metallic areas for that added dimension of light.

As my work has progressed, i have found that i am enjoying making my artworks more and more and this is my favourite piece i've ever created. I hope you like it as much as me. Feel free to leave feedback here or on my social accounts on Instagram and Facebook. This piece will be exclusively available from the Creative Conservation exhibition at The Welloe, Praa Sands, Cornwall on Sunday 18th February 2024, but if you cant make it in person, it will be on he exhibition website too. To read more about the charities benefitting from the exhibition sales, please go here: https://www.cornish-times.co.uk/news/creative-conservation-art-exhibition-inspired-by-whales-664520

To purchase art from the exhibition and see what was created: Charity Art Auction

My website for other artworks: www.cltabstracts.co.uk

My instagram: www.instagram.com/CLT_Abstracts

My Facebook: www.facebook.com/CLT_Abstracts