Sleeping Dragon | Scrapbook: Glimpses Into New Work

Scrapbook: Glimpses into new work

These days, many of my designs begin life on odd bits of paper: old envelopes and receipts (in the grand old artistic tradition!) - and go on to be developed on these...

I have new sketch books lying around at home but, somehow, these never seem to get used. Sitting down in front of a blank page is not really how life is led! I seem to prefer an informal, ambivalent approach... Afterall, interests and inspiration can happen anywhere at any time. I might be out and about in town or having an interesting conversation... Probably I prefer the spur-of-the-moment grab for whatever paper happens to be to hand at the time. Later, when a design needs special attention or is ready to be drawn out and painted in full, then a quiet place with fine materials comes into its own...

Also, I am aware that posting regular photos online of original designs in progress could lead to this work being copied, misused or misrepresented.

This page offers a solution to such considerations: to show glimpses and details of work in development rather than giving the whole thing away!

Details can be fascinating and tantalising in themselves, offering potential and promise...

So here are glimpses into new work...

MT - 12th and 21st May, 2014

Dragon Sanctuary - corner study 20th April, 2014: Detail from a freehand sketch done on the back of a receipt... Actual size: 3.5 x 3.5 inches / 9cm square.		Serpent Sanctuary - corner study 23rd April, 2014: One of several corner studies for the first of two new designs incorporating Celtic-style labyrinths. Serpents have now replaced dragons at the corners...

Serpent Sanctuary - corner study 23rd April, 2014: Another variation and study for the corner section of the first new labyrinth design. This one is not being used in the final version.		Light Bringer - detail 20th May, 2014: Freehand pencil sketch from this years diary showing part of the second new design depicting an original Celtic-style labyrinth.

Birth of the Sun - detail 1 This is from a large design and drawing which is A0 (4xA2 sheets) in size. I also have a colour version on computer but the actual painting is yet to be done.		Birth of the Sun - detail 2 Another snippet from this major design. I have a very specific project in mind for this work which I will talk about through the other examples...

Birth of the Sun - detail 3 My plan for this work is to first create the painting. This would then be scanned and digitised. A large projection of this would be used as part of a touring exhibition.		Birth of the Sun - detail 4 This design, as you might have gathered from the title, is all about light, so imagine what it would be like if a large-scale colour version (several metres high) was fading in on a wall before you...

Birth of the Sun - detail 5 The large-scale projection of this design would be triggered by the viewer as they reached a key place in the room. What would act as the trigger? I will leave this for you to guess. If you are interested in sponsoring or supporting this exhibition please contact me.		EYE - pencil drawing This is from a large work yet to be fully realised - although the key elements of the design have been finished. I see it within an architectural setting. Imagine: you climb a spiral staircase and walk out onto a curved balcony overlooking this giant inlaid design on the floor below.

EYE - colour trial This is a more developed version. I made a photocopy from the pencil drawing and tinted it with coloured pencils. The colour clarifies, energises and beautifies the pattern of the knotwork.