[Deleted]

Sept 8, 2015 6:47:38 GMT 1 met said:

Aug 30, 2015 22:31:08 GMT 1 @cjp said:

Titled "War Machines" 2015 Acrylic and Ink on Reclaimed Hardboard
Just set up my first ever facebook page, I have not the foggiest if it is set up right? Please take a look for me and give it one of those "like" thingies if you do. Very Much Obliged. (I hope this is okay to ask).
www.facebook.com/pages/Cliff-Phillips/904561799609217

There's no harm in copying (or allowing your work to be heavily influenced by) the styles of other artists for the sake of practice and developing your skills.

At some point, however, it will be time to put away those books on Basquiat.

I take that as a great compliment that you see Basquiat in my paintings so thank you. (although I don't think you really meant it as a compliment)
Personally though I am more inspired by the other neo expressionists and also the German Junge Wilde art movement, but obviously the first artist to name would be Basquiat as someone looking at a stencil would say "is it a Banksy" or a piece of northern art would say "Lowry" and Pop Art would say Warhol and so on and so on.......

This is just one phase for me, as contrary to popular belief artist's don't just paint in one style all their life. Maybe I shall continue to paint like this maybe I wont, but for me now I find it a perfect medium to lay down my thoughts and experiences.

Name me one artist in the world who is truly unique and can not be compared to another?

I shall put one of my earlier paintings on and see if you can compare that one to someone else I might be copying or heavily influenced by.

And p.s, I don't own any book's on Basquiat, but if you want to send me one that would be nice

Fist's up, ready to fight corner!!!

[zennomore]

Sounds valid CJP, I find that most of my art at this stage is heavily influenced by the art that I like and it takes time to completely have your own style. Even then, as you say, people may still compare you. There is some very well established artists who are clearly influenced by other artists.. I for one can only paint/draw the way that my mind wants me to, very difficult to know how that will change. Also as you say, maybe your style will change completely, either influenced by other art or own mind.. is a really difficult subject. I don't think anyone can just choose their style.

[Deleted]

I think people will always compare, it's in our nature.
I would not have bothered to reply to "Met" if I had read his previous post's, obviously the forum troll, a person who likes nothing more to pick holes in other people (a classic diversion tactic) for their own failures.

[robertjones]

New one I finished a day ago

[Deleted]

Just finished a follow up painting to "War Machines" creatively titled "War Machines II", acrylic on reclaimed wood.
Full of the mayhem that we have come to expect from a F~#ked up 21st Century War zone........

Thank you for looking.

[Whitefish]

WhiteFish

[Opie]

I have just put a limited edition of 5 of these on my bigcartel site for anyone interested

[Briggs 74]

latest...
detail:

[NN]

More stuff for the same company


The IG

[Dr Plip]

[met]

Sept 8, 2015 11:01:36 GMT 1 @cjp said:

Sept 8, 2015 6:47:38 GMT 1 met said:

There's no harm in copying (or allowing your work to be heavily influenced by) the styles of other artists for the sake of practice and developing your skills.

At some point, however, it will be time to put away those books on Basquiat.

I take that as a great compliment that you see Basquiat in my paintings so thank you. (although I don't think you really meant it as a compliment)
Personally though I am more inspired by the other neo expressionists and also the German Junge Wilde art movement, but obviously the first artist to name would be Basquiat as someone looking at a stencil would say "is it a Banksy" or a piece of northern art would say "Lowry" and Pop Art would say Warhol and so on and so on.......

This is just one phase for me, as contrary to popular belief artist's don't just paint in one style all their life. Maybe I shall continue to paint like this maybe I wont, but for me now I find it a perfect medium to lay down my thoughts and experiences.

Name me one artist in the world who is truly unique and can not be compared to another?

I shall put one of my earlier paintings on and see if you can compare that one to someone else I might be copying or heavily influenced by.

And p.s, I don't own any book's on Basquiat, but if you want to send me one that would be nice

Fist's up, ready to fight corner!!!

Thank you for your reply, and apologies for the delayed follow-up.

1.  It's worth first addressing your point about the complimentary or non-complimentary nature of my initial post.

If you are simply practising, trying out different painting styles and techniques, and showing the results online for preliminary feedback, then what I wrote can be dismissed as an offhand observation.

However, if you're actually exhibiting your paintings for sale, then, yes, my comments should be taken as non-complimentary. The assumption here is that your paintings were created with the intention of being viewed as art. Now, if this assumption is incorrect, and the idea was instead to produce purely decorative work or Basquiat-like pastiches, then any criticism on my part falls away as irrelevant.

2.  I was interested by your reference to other Neo-Expressionists — and to Junge Wilde or Neue Wilde, which I wouldn't class as distinct but rather a subdivision of Neo-Expressionism.

May I ask which other Neo-Expressionists you are more inspired by?

The paintings of a number of them are familiar to me, especially those who've achieved greater recognition. I'd hazard a reckless guess that, if the body of work of any other artist you mention were considered as a whole, for the average viewer, the influence of such artist on your own style would seem less direct than Jean-Michel Basquiat. [On this issue, though, I'm very happy to be proven wrong. My status is that of a permanent student, ignorant in far too many areas. The more I learn, the more I realise how little I know — education being a continuous lesson in humility.]

3.  Although a side issue, one point you made is a little misleading: the possible suggestion that I brought up Basquiat in the same manner that "someone looking at a stencil would say "is it a Banksy"".

I cited Basquiat, not due to a lack of other bases for comparison, but because of obvious similarities:

For me, what immediately jumps out with your paintings is the Basquiat-like figures. This includes their heads or skulls, stylised in a way that is very much a Basquiat hallmark. The same goes for the Gray's Anatomy-type references and depictions of internal organs of those figures. Likewise again for your use of Basquiat crowns. The incorporation of text into your paintings is also characteristically Basquiat — and, as far as I'm aware, it's atypical of work by other Neo-Expressionists.

------------

In fairness, I don't believe this commentary should come as a surprise. If shown to gallerists or curators with any knowledge of modern and contemporary art, I suspect your current work would often be dismissed (in the politest possible way) as derivative of Basquiat. It's always a question of degree, but the visual similarities in this case are just too evident. They go beyond your paintings being, appearance-wise, merely comparable to those of Basquait.

While you could claim he hasn't really inspired your work, I feel this would be disingenuous, or you perhaps kidding yourself. It would be a situation akin to the London-based artist, Ace, who, when asked about his influences, goes out of his way to avoid mentioning Bäst.

Of course you're free to completely disregard the above; they are the views of but one person. The aim is to be straightforward, not discouraging — though I do appreciate that honest feedback, especially when it doesn't consist of praise, is not always welcomed by everyone.

[Deleted]

Get back to watching Porn you sad Tw#t

(sorry can't help myself)

Who the fu#k are you, are you an art critic or someone of importance? have you actually ever held a paint brush or are you just some co#k who can read and quote passages from books.
Your avatar suits your personality to a tee...

If you ever want to meet up and have a one to one lesson on manners p.m me.

The sad thing is your the type of person who thrives of this type of reply


Sorry Moderators, but really??

[met]

Sept 22, 2015 0:57:20 GMT 1 @cjp said:

Get back to watching Porn you sad Tw#t

(sorry can't help myself)

Who the fu#k are you, are you an art critic or someone of importance? have you actually ever held a paint brush or are you just some co#k who can read and quote passages from books.
Your avatar suits your personality to a tee...

If you ever want to meet up and have a one to one lesson on manners p.m me.

The sad thing is your the type of person who thrives of this type of reply


Sorry Moderators, but really??

Presumably, that post was addressed to me.

Are you upset because you think my comments about your paintings were unfair?

If so, let's discuss. That's what public forums are for.

But if you're just having a little diva freakout because you weren't praised, then regrettably there isn't much I can do. I'm neither a psychiatrist nor your mum.

[Ottomatik]

Ok. That's enough.
Let us all take a deep breath.
If you dont find that deep breath calm and relaxing, how about you take it to pm.

Discuss the minute details until your heart is content on the public forum.
If you feel the need to step outside of the civil constructive boundary, please take the bait and hook(met),as well as the inappropriate language(cjp) to private message.
If you will.

[dreadnatty]

Well said Ottomatik. Feel free to use the BLOCK button as well.

[Black Apple Art]

Sept 22, 2015 2:51:00 GMT 1 Ottomatik said:

Ok. That's enough.
Let us all take a deep breath.
If you dont find that deep breath calm and relaxing, how about you take it to pm.

Discuss the minute details until your heart is content on the public forum.
If you feel the need to step outside of the civil constructive boundary, please take the bait and hook(met),as well as the inappropriate language(cjp) to private message.
If you will.

Seems met gave not only an honest opinion but expanded and explained his reasoning very well. After all this section seems to be where one can post their work and get feedback. Maybe we can start a "positive feedback only" thread for those who can't take criticism. 

[Deleted]

Aug 23, 2015 22:15:07 GMT 1 @cjp said:

well I like it, it would cheer a soul up no end.

[Deleted]

Sept 22, 2015 9:52:23 GMT 1 LonelyFarmer said:

Aug 23, 2015 22:15:07 GMT 1 @cjp said:

well I like it, it would cheer a soul up no end.

Thank you "Lonely Farmer", I proper threw my toys out of my pram but Iv'e had a  camomile tea and a feel much calmer now.

Now what was it that Picasso chap said:

[Deleted]

I'll second what Lonely Farmer says CJP, good luck with the progress, MET is right in what he says only in the rarefied hermetic world of "Fine Art Criticism" , thankfully the Street and Urban art field is more forgiving and supportive of those wishing to pursue a creative path.

PS : Great meltdown ! ;-)

[Deleted]

Sept 21, 2015 23:54:58 GMT 1 met said:

Sept 8, 2015 11:01:36 GMT 1 @cjp said:

I take that as a great compliment that you see Basquiat in my paintings so thank you. (although I don't think you really meant it as a compliment)
Personally though I am more inspired by the other neo expressionists and also the German Junge Wilde art movement, but obviously the first artist to name would be Basquiat as someone looking at a stencil would say "is it a Banksy" or a piece of northern art would say "Lowry" and Pop Art would say Warhol and so on and so on.......

This is just one phase for me, as contrary to popular belief artist's don't just paint in one style all their life. Maybe I shall continue to paint like this maybe I wont, but for me now I find it a perfect medium to lay down my thoughts and experiences.

Name me one artist in the world who is truly unique and can not be compared to another?

I shall put one of my earlier paintings on and see if you can compare that one to someone else I might be copying or heavily influenced by.

And p.s, I don't own any book's on Basquiat, but if you want to send me one that would be nice

Fist's up, ready to fight corner!!!

Thank you for your reply, and apologies for the delayed follow-up.

1.  It's worth first addressing your point about the complimentary or non-complimentary nature of my initial post.

If you are simply practising, trying out different painting styles and techniques, and showing the results online for preliminary feedback, then what I wrote can be dismissed as an offhand observation.

However, if you're actually exhibiting your paintings for sale, then, yes, my comments should be taken as non-complimentary. The assumption here is that your paintings were created with the intention of being viewed as art. Now, if this assumption is incorrect, and the idea was instead to produce purely decorative work or Basquiat-like pastiches, then any criticism on my part falls away as irrelevant.

2.  I was interested by your reference to other Neo-Expressionists — and to Junge Wilde or Neue Wilde, which I wouldn't class as distinct but rather a subdivision of Neo-Expressionism.

May I ask which other Neo-Expressionists you are more inspired by?

The paintings of a number of them are familiar to me, especially those who've achieved greater recognition. I'd hazard a reckless guess that, if the body of work of any other artist you mention were considered as a whole, for the average viewer, the influence of such artist on your own style would seem less direct than Jean-Michel Basquiat. [On this issue, though, I'm very happy to be proven wrong. My status is that of a permanent student, ignorant in far too many areas. The more I learn, the more I realise how little I know — education being a continuous lesson in humility.]

3.  Although a side issue, one point you made is a little misleading: the possible suggestion that I brought up Basquiat in the same manner that "someone looking at a stencil would say "is it a Banksy"".

I cited Basquiat, not due to a lack of other bases for comparison, but because of obvious similarities:

For me, what immediately jumps out with your paintings is the Basquiat-like figures. This includes their heads or skulls, stylised in a way that is very much a Basquiat hallmark. The same goes for the Gray's Anatomy-type references and depictions of internal organs of those figures. Likewise again for your use of Basquiat crowns. The incorporation of text into your paintings is also characteristically Basquiat — and, as far as I'm aware, it's atypical of work by other Neo-Expressionists.

------------

In fairness, I don't believe this commentary should come as a surprise. If shown to gallerists or curators with any knowledge of modern and contemporary art, I suspect your current work would often be dismissed (in the politest possible way) as derivative of Basquiat. It's always a question of degree, but the visual similarities in this case are just too evident. They go beyond your paintings being, appearance-wise, merely comparable to those of Basquait.

While you could claim he hasn't really inspired your work, I feel this would be disingenuous, or you perhaps kidding yourself. It would be a situation akin to the London-based artist, Ace, who, when asked about his influences, goes out of his way to avoid mentioning Bäst.

Of course you're free to completely disregard the above; they are the views of but one person. The aim is to be straightforward, not discouraging — though I do appreciate that honest feedback, especially when it doesn't consist of praise, is not always welcomed by everyone.

 Nothing wrong with being influenced by dead artists and actually producing art in their style is a great way of learning technique and getting a  feel for making art and getting into a rythm.

   Most artists soon evolve their own style from that.

The great schools of classic art had students who reproduced copies of master before them and went on to be successful in their own right.

    Of course it takes an artist to know that not some poncy musem curator who belives that these big boys and girsl in the art world who pay others to make their carved marble or fibreglass staues etc to a high degree of perfection are the real artists.

They are not the real artists just part of some pretentious show that is called art by pretentious twats.

     

[Deleted]

Sept 19, 2015 0:09:31 GMT 1 Dr Plip said:

 a seminal piece from a master of semolina

[met]

Sept 22, 2015 13:05:08 GMT 1 @martedanielsen said:

I'll second what Lonely Farmer says CJP, good luck with the progress, MET is right in what he says only in the rarefied hermetic world of "Fine Art Criticism" , thankfully the Street and Urban art field is more forgiving and supportive of those wishing to pursue a creative path.

PS : Great meltdown ! ;-)

This response will be somewhat hindered in the absence of clarification on the specific point(s) I made that you're referring to. Nevertheless, I'll try my best and give it a go:

Point 1 confirmed whether my initial post was meant to be complimentary or non-complimentary. It was therefore factual and simply about my intent.

Point 2 was a question to the artist regarding who he was alluding to when confirming he's "more inspired by the other neo expressionists", i.e. besides Jean-Michel Basquiat.

There was also speculation on my part. I made a playful guess that, for the average viewer, cjp's current paintings would appear more directly influenced by Basquiat than by the work of another artist he might mention. None have yet been named, so we can't say whether or not that guess was correct.

Point 3 was another confirmation by me, and a list of similarities (to my eyes) that first led me to make the Basquiat comparison.

With the latter, there is definitely scope for debate on whether my position is rightly or wrongly held. I'm always open to — and very interested in — hearing arguments that counter my own. However, if you do share (or partly share) my opinion, it cannot be qualified as being valid "only in the rarefied hermetic world of "Fine Art Criticism"". The visual similarities are either there for the relevant viewer, or they are not.

------------

What's stated in the antepenultimate paragraph of my earlier post can also be challenged — including the likely responses of gallerists and curators. You can agree or disagree. But, here again, if you believe my opinions have at least some foundation, then that must also be the case beyond the sphere of fine art criticism.

------------

With respect to forgiveness or support offered to creatives, I think a more accurate distinction relates to (i) the expectations each of us has of artists generally and (ii) individual knowledge — rather than artistic genres as you suggest.

Regarding expectations, at the risk of stating the obvious, countless high street galleries (with an in-stock inventory that has nothing to do with street or urban art) are extremely forgiving when it comes to possible shortcomings in artistic quality, imagination or innovativeness.

As for individual knowledge, people who look at works in a vacuum — without broader reference points, oblivious to history and context, what came before, and what else is happening in the art world at the moment — will clearly fail to recognise any works as being derivative or hackneyed. For some viewers, such art may actually be happily embraced and cherished. It's one of the reasons why the likes of Bambi and Alec Monopoly will always have a certain level of commercial success.

So I suppose one might conclude that ignorance truly can be bliss.

Or, to quote one of the Party slogans, IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH.

[Black Apple Art]

Sept 22, 2015 21:18:28 GMT 1 met said:

Sept 22, 2015 13:05:08 GMT 1 @martedanielsen said:

I'll second what Lonely Farmer says CJP, good luck with the progress, MET is right in what he says only in the rarefied hermetic world of "Fine Art Criticism" , thankfully the Street and Urban art field is more forgiving and supportive of those wishing to pursue a creative path.

PS : Great meltdown ! ;-)

This response will be somewhat hindered in the absence of clarification on the specific point(s) I made that you're referring to. Nevertheless, I'll try my best and give it a go:

Point 1 confirmed whether my initial post was meant to be complimentary or non-complimentary. It was therefore factual and simply about my intent.

Point 2 was a question to the artist regarding who he was alluding to when confirming he's "more inspired by the other neo expressionists", i.e. besides Jean-Michel Basquiat.

There was also speculation on my part. I made a playful guess that, for the average viewer, cjp's current paintings would appear more directly influenced by Basquiat than by the work of another artist he might mention. None have yet been named, so we can't say whether or not that guess was correct.

Point 3 was another confirmation by me, and a list of similarities (to my eyes) that first led me to make the Basquiat comparison.

With the latter, there is definitely scope for debate on whether my position is rightly or wrongly held. I'm always open to — and very interested in — hearing arguments that counter my own. However, if you do share (or partly share) my opinion, it cannot be qualified as being valid "only in the rarefied hermetic world of "Fine Art Criticism"". The visual similarities are either there for the relevant viewer, or they are not.

------------

What's stated in the antepenultimate paragraph of my earlier post can also be challenged — including the likely responses of gallerists and curators. You can agree or disagree. But, here again, if you believe my opinions have at least some foundation, then that must also be the case beyond the sphere of fine art criticism.

------------

With respect to forgiveness or support offered to creatives, I think a more accurate distinction relates to (i) the expectations each of us has of artists generally and (ii) individual knowledge — rather than artistic genres as you suggest.

Regarding expectations, at the risk of stating the obvious, countless high street galleries (with an in-stock inventory that has nothing to do with street or urban art) are extremely forgiving when it comes to possible shortcomings in artistic quality, imagination or innovativeness.

As for individual knowledge, people who look at works in a vacuum — without broader reference points, oblivious to history and context, what came before, and what else is happening in the art world at the moment — will clearly fail to recognise any works as being derivative or hackneyed. For some viewers, such art may actually be happily embraced and cherished. It's one of the reasons why the likes of Bambi and Alec Monopoly will always have a certain level of commercial success.

So I suppose one might conclude that ignorance truly can be bliss.

Or, to quote one of the Party slogans, IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH.

[Deleted]

Sometimes, it's better to be kind and supportive than right.

[Deleted]

cjp could be to Basquiat what Banksy is to Blek.

Who knows what this crazy artworld future holds.

[met]

Sept 22, 2015 22:06:15 GMT 1 @martedanielsen said:

Sometimes, it's better to be kind and supportive than right.

I think you are absolutely correct, the key word for me being "Sometimes".

Where we may disagree is over whose role it is to be kind and supportive, when exactly, and in what context. Here is my position:

(i) It's entirely appropriate, gracious, even noble to mollycoddle, indulge and generally treat an artist like an 8-year-old — at least when they happen to be eight years old.

(ii) By the time the artist reaches their late teens or an art-school-foundation-course level, assuming they're in possession of average emotional stability and resilience, it seems right to be encouraging but also reasonably straightforward, whether discussing their artistic strengths or weaknesses.

(iii) When the artist is in their early twenties or beyond, it's preferable to be truly candid when commenting on their work (and even more so if they're actually selling art). False praise or euphemistic language, especially regarding possible areas for improvement, may well be less upsetting to the artist's pride. But in my view such diplomatic niceties and dishonesty do both the artist and everyone else a great disservice.

I appreciate this is a grey and contentious area. As mentioned in my last post — and as alluded to by Black Apple Art with the extract from Whiplash — it might come down to individual expectations about creative people, and fine artists in particular.

Is mediocrity in art okay? Are there occasions when mediocre art is good enough?

For me, the answer is "No, never." I want and I expect more from artists. It's an unfair position to take, because I don't hold every other profession or hobby to the same high standard, but that's just the way it is.

This reminds me of earlier discussions I had last year with jim and Coach, in a thread started by Michael Jacob. [Does anyone know whether, in the end, he worked on 10 copies of the Koran?] For those who haven't already read them, the exchanges (starting halfway down the fourth page) may or may not be of interest:

urbanartassociation.com/thread/115833/peace-art-giveaway?page=4

[Dr Plip]

I think it's important for an artist to be able to defend their work. Either to others or themselves. And be honest. I think good art is about truth. Whether that's a truthful depiction of an image, emotion, concept or message. And artists are constantly learning and searching. You'll try many things in your artistic (and non-artistic) lifetime and it's important to acknowledge that you may be either influenced by the work that's come before or maybe you've just both randomly chosen the same path at some point.

You're allowed to tread the same path as other artists, but at some point, you might want to start your own journey. If you and another artist are both going to Impressionist town or spot city, then good luck to you. But keep in mind that the other artist will have got there before you. Having said that, originality SHOULD NOT be the benchmark of artistic success. But explore and try new things.

And I am not criticising you in any way CJP. I like your style of work and I hope that you continue to create and share it on here. Oh, and I do have books on Basquiat, as well as David Shrigley and other artists that I love and am obviously inspired and influenced by.

I've never found Met's comments to be spiteful or coming from a bad place (but I admittedly haven't read all of them). As for critical comments, they might not be what you or I would like to hear, but you can either defend your work, take onboard those comments, or just ignore them. Have your own internal filter or information processing centre.

Oh and it's vital to have a thick skin if you're going to be an artist, whether amateur or professional. No matter how good you are, or think you are, there'll be an awful lot of people out there that will tell you your work is s**t. Right to your face. And on art forums.

If you think there's honesty in your work or your opinion of your work, then you f**king stand your ground. You don't have to explain yourself, but look at the critically acclaimed artists, they usually have a hell of a cover story for their work, both great and s**t.

Anyway, I'm talking rubbish. I'll just call myself a c**t and bid you all a good morning.

Edit: Oh, and this is a thread for showing amateur art, so let's not get too heavy on here.

[Coach]

I agree with much of what met has said.
In particular I agree with his distinction between art created by children and that created by adults. Mainly because adults should have thicker skins than kids. And criticism could put kids off for good, which would be a crying shame.
And, on that subject, I am grateful to all those that have encouraged my lad over the years as he has developed doing something he loves.
I also agree that there is a distinction between amateurs on here having a go, and artists selling their work.
Over the years members on here have posted their efforts for no other reason than a bit of fun, and it's brave to do so. Some are a lot better than others. But I would hate to see that discouraged by negativity. But I do think people selling their art should have thick enough skins to listen to criticism, which hopefully should always be constructive.

[Briggs 74]

latest two paintings…..bring on the critique!!

"two lamps"



"offices with bush"

[Deleted]

I thought I best add something, I'm not going to write a "war and peace" but try to keep it simple and just clarify a few things (not all as I can't remember them all).

Firstly I have no problem with people criticising my painting's, don't get me wrong I'm only human and it's always nice to have good feedback but to be honest I don't care what people think because I don't paint with "what people might think" in mind.

I have very thick skin which you would know if you knew me but as I have now found, having partaken in a public forum for the first time, this can easily be misconstrued.

My rant was based on not what was said about my painting's but the person saying it, I'm pretty good at reading people and having read through a number of this particular forum members previous post's I only see a person who can only find fault in what others do and a person who enjoys the feeling of superiority over others, this to me is a bully. but maybe I see him wrong.

I have always painted, and over the years I have tried a number of styles, why not be influenced by some of the greatest artist's in the world, I see being compared to one of them as a great compliment, no one has said my painting's are sh#t based on the brushwork or finish so I guess I must be doing something right.

I paint in this style at this time because that is how I want to paint, I don't copy pictures, when I paint, I paint without visual stimulus and paint from my own hand and my own mind.

Hints have been made to the selling or not selling of work, It does not take a detective to work out that I sell my work, (I think for a modest amount).
I do not do this because I think I am a super duper artist or that I am going to be famous, I do this as a little extra income and to put food on the table for my family, also I simply cannot keep painting and storing the amount of painting's as we just do not have the space so I thought by putting them up for sale I could kill two birds with one stone.

I've even started giving them away-see competition thread.....

Please believe me when I say that I am under no illusions, there are a billion better artists than me and I am very confident that I will never be able to give up my day job,  (which revolves heavily around art so I wouldn't want to) but I will continue to paint because I always have, surprisingly to me I now have a number of painting's in America and Germany as well as a large number in private collections in the U.K, and I am always very humbled when someone spends their hard earned money on something that I have created and want's to put it up on their wall.  

Lastly I just want to say that I initially posted my painting's on here to feel as though I was partaking and adding something to the forum, thank you to those that have been positive.
I added the link to my Facebook page on one of my images only because it was the first time I had joined facebook, but to be honest I Fu##ing hate the thing and having avoided going on it until now, I'm a little disappointed in myself for giving in.
I wasn't looking to be mollycoddled, I just wanted to add my little bit. 

New painting coming soon