The last two weeks have been a whirlwind of activity, with a focus on creating some sketches, taking a break from full paintings and reminiscing on experiencing some incredible natural wonders. Towards the end of the month I squeezed in a trip to London.
I feel I have begun to find a style I am really enjoying, a mix of acrylic paint with details on ink creating a sense of movement within the artwork. This has been present in my last few inks. I have also been experimenting with reproducing my inks as metal prints which create quite a contemporary look. I've also had a couple of commissions which is great.
One of my sketches was inspired by the French unrest surrounding the rise in retirement age. It's fascinating to see how different cultures respond to changes in government policy, and the way people mobilize to make their voices heard. The sketch captures the energy and passion of the protesters, and it's a powerful reminder of the importance of democracy and free speech.
The other sketch I completed was of a manta ray. These amazing creatures are one of the most incredible sights you can witness in the ocean, and I was lucky enough to swim alongside them during my visit to Lady Elliott Island, just off the coast of Australia. Manta rays are some of the largest creatures in the ocean, with wingspans of up to 7 meters. They glide through the water with grace and elegance, and their giant mouths are perfectly designed to filter out tiny plankton as they swim. These creatures are also incredibly intelligent, with complex social structures and the ability to recognize individual humans. They truly are one of the wonders of the natural world.
While in London, I was able to soak up the culture and history of this amazing city. I visited iconic landmarks but also found time to catch up with friends over a few drinks. I'm excited to start working on some new artwork inspired by my time in London, and I can't wait to see what develops.
From protesting in the streets of Paris to swimming with manta rays in Australia, to exploring the history and culture of London, it's been a busy end to March.
P.S Orange is the new black…
