Monday 24 February 2014

Milton Keynes Market.



I've had a voice whispering in my ear lately. It's very quiet but I can make out two words very clearly. "Comfort Zone"!! Hence this departure from my usual rural territory. I love the countryside and observing nature in all it's unspoiled beauty but, I have to say, I found this project intriguing with it's various tones, colours and forms. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge!
Because it is so different to what I normally do, this is on Bockingford but I wish I had done it on Saunders Waterford, I could then have used masking fluid. I was worried that it would rip the Bockingford, so there was a lot of negative painting with this one. I think I will certainly do more pictures of the market this year, it's a vibrant, lively and interesting subject with lots of opportunity to introduce narratives and characters.
I go into hospital for my big "Op" in a few days so this will be the last post till I'm out and hopefully all fixed. I live in hope!!
Bye for now.

14 comments:

  1. Your market scenery is amazing! I can even hear the voices of the market traders although you do not create this kind of scenery very often. Yes, please do some more after your big "Op". All the very best for the surgery! I will keep my fingers crossed for you and looking forward to your return!

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    1. Thank you for your kind words Stephanie. I'm glad you like the picture and will take your good wishes with me. See you when I get back!!

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  2. When I see something this complex done so beautifully I understand what you meant by going out of your comfort zone and finding it stimulation, and - I love your word here - intriguing, for all the right reasons. The end result is fabulous.
    Good luck with everything. Prayers coming your way for a surgeon with great hands plus heart, and wonderful nursing care.

    While recuperating get in touch with me and I will pass on info about acrylic and palette knife

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    1. That is so kind of you Julie! Thank you for your lovely comments about my painting and your good wishes concerning my "Op". I will take those wishes with me. I will also take you up on your kind offer when I'm back home again, that will be so helpful!! Thank you so much. Helen says you are awesome!!

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  3. Wow, Kev, I really love this! I feel as though I am browsing this lovely market!

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    1. Thank you Linda!! I love markets. The sounds, smells, colours and all the different cultures. They are so vibrant, I can't help but be inspired!!

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  4. Hi Kev, tremendous watercolor. This took a lot of thinking and planning with the multiple layers and great depth in the painting. Its like we are standing there with them. I like the contrast of the shadowed area on left and the bright awnings on the right. Great figures all doing their own thing. What size is this? Hope everything goes ok in the hospital, keeping fingers crossed.

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    1. Many thanks Pat. Yes it did take some planning and is probably one my most complex pictures to date. I'm better able to take liberties with photographs these days and imported elements from other images for the sake of composition. It's 14"x11", I would have struggled with anything smaller, especially on rough paper, not that I didn't struggle at times anyway!! Thanks for your good wishes mate, I'll take them with me.

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  5. Kev, what a brilliant painting. All the best to you at the Hospital Kev. God bless.
    Vic.

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    1. Many thanks Vic. I'll take your good wishes with me. I hope you are doing well now.

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  6. This looks so realistic!!! Wonderful job! You did wonderful negative painting to do all those windows. You nailed the shading on the inside of the ceiling and the other windows that can be seen through the panes of glass. I am so impressed!!! I love markets. There are always such interesting little things to find in the shadows and the sunshine.

    I am sending you my wishes for a successful surgery and recovery! I will be saying my prayers and you will be at the top of my list.

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  7. Thanks for your lovely comment Joan. I love markets too, they are a cauldron of cultures and colours, people and produce. Thanks also for your good wishes and prayers, I'm so desperate to be better so I can return to work and support my family, I will take your wishes and prayers with me. Yet again everyone has been so kind, if good will alone could cure me, I'd be running marathons by now!!

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  8. A stunning and really eye catching work with great contrast, full of life and color !

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    1. Thank you for visiting and leaving such a lovely comment Jane. I really appreciate it!!

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