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.

… lets try again

Good old WordPress app. I uploaded the app as apparently you can now see images as you post them (instead of a string of computer code), and created the previous post ‘and mud, sand and stones’. Then I published it, only to discover the image sizes were all over the place and one (on my screen anyway) was stretched out of all proportion. So I’ve deleted it and here it is again… looks like future posts will have to be done on our laptop or via BlogPadPro as previously.
Anyway, where was I? oh yes…

Recent workbook sketches from a trip last week to Burnham Overy Marsh on the north Norfolk coast, in cold winds, grim sky and mist (the forecast said ‘fair’).

Workbook mixed media sketch © Mari French 2015

Workbook mixed media sketch © Mari French 2015

Workbook mixed media sketch © Mari French 2015

Workbook mixed media sketch © Mari French 2015

Workbook mixed media sketch © Mari French 2015

Workbook mixed media sketch © Mari French 2015

creeks and marshes …

A few recent workbook spreads and a collage/mixed media piece. I’m trying to get a handle on my current obsession, Burnham Overy Marsh and creek on the north Norfolk coast.

mixed media workbook spread © Mari French 2015

mixed media workbook spread © Mari French 2015 


mixed media workbook spread © Mari French 2015

mixed media workbook spread © Mari French 2015


Collage/mixed media on art board © Mari French 2015

Collage/mixed media on art board © Mari French 2015

I love the expanse of sand and mud when the tide retreats, the marks left by wading birds, the dark breakwaters and remains of bank supports, channel markers tilting at the sky, sunlit drainage channels lined with reeds and broken fencing, bright light on water.