exhibitions, painting, urban sketching

This year’s exhibitions

I decided to scale back on exhibition activity this year. I had begun to feel that I was working only to deadlines rather than exploring and developing my work. I’d decided to have a break for a year or so, but then got involved in some fun activities in my local area. So glad I did.

Ink, watercolour and gouache on cardboard. ‘The Cartway, Bridgnorth’, urban sketch.

In the summer I took part in an urban sketching exhibition with a difference. The Cardboard Collective exhibition started at the Courtyard Gallery in Solihull and then toured various venues in Birmingham throughout the summer. All works in the exhibition were drawn and painted onto cardboard to highlight recycling issues.

I also took part in the Newhampton Arts Centre’s ‘Paint the Day’, a Paint-out en plein air, followed by an exhibition of all works in the MUNI Gallery.

‘Saturday morning’, en plein air watercolour, 2 hours, for ‘Paint the Day’

These were both sketching opportunities, and it was great to do some direct work and get involved with local artists.

I also had an oil painting accepted for the Shropshire Open 2019, currently showing at the Gateway in Shrewsbury. A lovely exhibition and venue on the River Severn.

‘early snowfall’, oil on board, 30x30cm
urban sketching

Sketching en plein air

A cool May here, but the combination of fresh air, intense colour in the landscape and the ever-changing light is not to be missed. Sketching outside is at the same time challenging and rewarding, frustrating and calming, intense and relaxing. There’s no middle way. The sketchbook work lingers in the mind long afterwards.

I’m also trying to remember to take photos of my sketches with the subject, urban-sketcher-style. Today I forgot, and then went back, this time with camera…

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Baggeridge, Staffordshire, A4 sketchbook, 13th May; ink, watercolour, conte crayon

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Himley, Dudley, A4; charcoal & watercolour
Himley, Dudley, A4 sketchbook, 22nd May; charcoal & watercolour

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Silver birch, Highgate Common, Staffordshire, A4; ink & watercolour
Silver birch, Highgate Common, Staffordshire, A4 sketchbook, 28th May; ink & watercolour

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urban sketching

House as Hide

I’ve not been able to get out very much this winter, but I have still managed to do some sketching, using my house as a ‘hide’.

I live on a fairly busy bus route; a long road that connects different parts of the city. There are houses, schools, shops, dentists, doctors, churches, parks etc nearby. So there is a steady stream of people walking up and down the road, all absorbed in their own business.

I’ve become fascinated by the body shapes, the apparel, the differing gait, the concentration and energy, the purpose. All drawings are sketched using pastel pencils and watercolour.

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pink backpack

 

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multi-tasking

 

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blue hat
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orange headscarf

 

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sheepskin coat
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workboots

 

 

by Fiona Mill