“Red hair..” for some reason appears a lot in my artwork
I have always drawn and doodled for as long as I can remember. During the weekly Saturday morning food shop in Cradley Heath my Dad would treat me to a ream of “Woolworths own brand” typing paper before catching up Mom, loaded down with bags. As a ten year old my school teacher, Mr Harris encouraged me to draw and paint as much as possible having spotted me doodling in my “rough book” when I was supposed to be making notes in class.
Ideas and images flood into my head, usually at the most unexpected times. I find myself waking up in the dark, early hours, I know if I don’t make my mark on paper the idea will fade. Unable to sleep I make my way down stairs and make a quick sketch of the latest image…..though more often than not this “quick” sketch turns into an hour or so as the image comes to life like “developing photographic film in the dark room”… the image slowly appears, taking its first breath as it feels life for the first time, pulling itself forth from its faded past to a solid living being.
So, here are a few of my latest sketches, some have already made it into paint, others have yet to be developed.
Title “Oh Dad….”, inspired by my daughter Alicia x The canvas is in progress…oil glazes drying.
“The Enforcer c1930….” now evolved into a painting.
“Wombourne Cricketer” this too has evolved into a painting
developing ideas, scenarios for my characters….oh and a “quick” highland cow eye!!
a black country “mon” and his staffie….
He doesn’t realise it yet but someone’s “nicked his bike”
Characters “smudged” with graphite from another sketch
What he done to be told off?
Two drunken “buddies” outside the Bull and Bladder in “Quarry Bonk”….
Suppin` a beer in Ma Pardoes
One of my wife’s favourites, miniature dach…”poorly paw”
More characters
The old romantic…..posting a letter to his “loved one”
The “dark side” reappearing…..it happens to me periodically
Yours truly….retro gear
He “just appeared”……I have no idea!!