Hello friends.
Here I am with the latest development of my project. Since I last wrote on here I have re-visited Castlefield to take some more photographs and get a feel of the area again. I am posting some of them for you to have a look and see what you think. When I went again the sun was shining bright giving the whole area a fresh look that was lacking the first time as can be seen by my photographs.
Here is a perfect blend of 19th Century and 21st Century architecture. I like the contrast between the arches and the straight lines of the buildings in the background. I aim to use arches in my work in abstract to connect the past with the present. Due to the colours in and around Castlefield I have decided on earth colours such as red ochre, burnt and raw sienna, burnt and raw umber, yellow ochre and some greens. (The greens are important for me as it is one of the main features of the transformations that Manchester has given to huge parts of the city, adding some natural flora and fauna).
Contrast of the past and present. I think this would make a good feature in my work. I have altered the image on Photoshop (not seen here) and it would make a good image to print from. What do you think? Suggestions gratefully received.
At some point the area cordoned off must have been transformed, (there are a few picnic tables to the left just out of sight of this image) but as can be seen it has become almost derelict, with the bridge and new apartments in the background.
I love these bridges for their simple lines and decorative details and I may use some of the shapes in my work. Watch this space.
This is one of my favourite images and it has also worked out well using stamp in Photoshop. I feel that this image takes you back in time as there is little to no modern influence. What I like about the stamp feature is that it strips it back to the basic lines and allows you to see them better for sketching. Very often the amount of detail can get in the way when I'm sketching especially when I'm doing buildings. What do you think of the stamp image below? I love it and it reminds me of traditional printing.
I like this close-up of the underneath of one of the bridges leading up to Castlefield. The contrast of black and white is striking.
The next set of images were taken on 2.4.13 on a bright sunny day. However was freezing cold so I wasn't snapping for long. I'm still working out how I'm going complete my final piece/s, especially after talking to one of my tutors. My head is in turmoil!! I've had so many conflicting ideas and thinking about it most of the day and sometimes the night too. I need to try to collate my ideas, possibly talk to the girls at the studio and also our course leader. It's a shame I've got to wait until next week.
This image is simple yet effective. A blend of old and new. Below is a stamp version and again this looks like a traditional print.
Old and new blend seamlessly. Manchester has transformed the mills into much sort after new apartments.
A view from the other side of the bridges.
What do you think of this image? I think this view is good.
If you took away the new apartments in the background and the benches this image could almost pass as a 19th Century view. Of course it would have to have alot of workers and the industrial age smog to make it realistic.
The glass tower in the background should look out of place against Victorian architecture but it doesn't somehow. I'm not a fan of modern architecture but this does look stunning.
The canal basin looks its every 160 years older than when it was first developed by the Duke of Bridgewaters navvies.
The sun really shows off the brick and iron work in this image.
Knot Mill Station in the midst of being rejuvenated with a fresh coat of paint. It's hard to think it's been here since the mid 19th Century. Hope you've liked my page so far. I will be adding anoth one in a day or two discussing my project in more detail.
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I am a new up and coming mixed media artist currently studying my 2nd year at Macclesfield College on Creative Arts for Employment Foundation Degree.
Since April this year I share a Studio Workshop and Gallery space in Macclesfield with three of the students that are on the same course. We are all quite diverse from one another; one specialising in textile and embroidery, and the three remaining artists have all created our own techniques in mixed media.
We will eventually have guest artists exhibiting their work and we'll also be doing workshops so that we can share our knowledge to all ages.
My work is primarily centered on natural forms such as abstract flowers, landscapes, seascapes and ceramic work that is both textural and with the feeling of movement.
Colour has a strong influence on me and this is reflected in my work mainly strong and bright or subtle, however the mood or subject dictates. When looking around me for inspiration colour is the first thing that has a major impact on me with texture a close second. Due to colours influence on me this is the first thing I consider when starting a new project and then I decide if I'm going to add texture to the canvas, paper or board. I use photography, watercolour, acrylic, mixed media, printing & ceramics as a means to translate what I see. Some of my work is representative yet I also like to experiment with small compositions & paint abstract images from them. I use a wide range of media from tissue paper to tile grout in my acrylic & printing work to add texture & depth; this makes my work both visual & tactile.
I have been commissioned paintings & I'm available for more work.