areas of light …

Progressing the experimental studies on the Norfolk salt marsh areas I’ve been concentrating on recently.  The intention is to create a body of work on this theme eventually. I feel I’m getting somewhere … I’m excited anyway, which is usually a good sign!

Areas of light. © Mari a French 2015

Areas of light. © Mari French 2015

Am still starting with the orange gold colour I’m so obsessed with at the moment, but now adding a few more subtle tones to that limited palette. The one above, Areas of light, is in acrylic, Inktense stick, gouache and newsprint on watercolour board. One for framing eventually I think. The abstract below has a different feel, more of a summer atmosphere perhaps.

Saltmarsh abstract © Mari French 2015

Saltmarsh abstract © Mari French 2015


Workbook spread © Mari French 2015

Workbook spread © Mari French 2015

 And above, another workbook spread on the same theme. I love the golden hues and contrasting dark ink in this.

One thing that bothers me is that each time I write a blog the images look squashed up and I cant figure out why. If they look odd to you, please do me a favour and leave a comment letting me know, thanks.

Coastal marks …

Mixed media on watercolour board. Mari French 2014

Mixed media on watercolour board. Mari French 2014 


Abstract. Mixed media on watercolour board. Mari French 2014

Mixed media on watercolour board. Mari French 2014

 

I’ve been using the relatively quiet period since my King’s Lynn solo exhibition in September, to experiment with a few abstracts and also to develop my visual language, my mark making, in the process. 

The one above and one below left, are part of a series inspired by the north Norfolk salt marsh coast, two of which recently sold from Thompsons Gallery in Aldeburgh, Suffolk.

 

 

 

 

 

a safer distance …

I’ve been developing my sketch ‘a safer distance’ further (see previous post ‘passing time’). This artwork is acrylic ink and tissue on watercolour paper, approx 40 x 45 cms. 

The original inspiration was the crumbling interior of a 19th century dynamite store at Cape Cornwall, a place I’ve visited a few times this year (see my post on the art residency I took at Brisons Veor). The small austere structure, perched on the rocks above Priests Cove, was originally part of Cape Cornwall Mine. The bolts and bars in the fabric of the interior walls were bleeding rust in a very interesting way. I seem to be very attracted to industrial archaeology lately.

I like that I can see other imagery in this. It feels there may be potential for a series here.

A safer distance. Acrylic ink/tissue on paper. Mari French 2014.

A safer distance. Acrylic ink/tissue on paper. Mari French 2014.

 

Old dynamite store, Cape Cornwall. Mari French 2014

Old dynamite store, Cape Cornwall. Mari French 2014