Will I finish these 41 paintings in time for my solo show in 3 weeks time?
The Buzz of Creativity – Painting, Life Drawing, and Representation
As I mentioned in my last post, I’m currently working on two large figure paintings for my upcoming show. While life drawing will only play a small role in this exhibition, it’s a practice that’s been central to my artistic journey. In fact, I already have close to 50 figure works from 2007 to present day which won’t be making it into this solo exhibition, and I’m planning a future show where they’ll showcase and be the focus.
I’ve been painting and drawing nude models since I was 16 (or there about…now 37), and I still vividly remember my very first session. I was so nervous that I hid behind my easel and paper, avoiding eye contact with the model, fearing I would disrespect them if I did, and used the smallest brush I could find—a rigger. Now while I still use small brushes and that is nothing unusual, I can now have a conversation with the model while drawing them and it’s made me a lot more comfortable around bodies, helping me in sports massage and care job later on (now art and dog walking , after those jobs or at least having to be somewhere, led to a breakdown and re building myself and returning to art where I’ve had many amazing experiences since)
that tutor with teenage me, encouraged me to use a larger brush, but after I refused, they were shocked when they saw the scale I’d achieved using the tiny tool. I had filled an entire A0 sheet of paper with the figure! I still have that ink drawing somewhere, and will share if I can find it.
Now, while I still gravitate toward smaller brushes despite large scale work, I’ve grown much more comfortable laying down bold shapes with a palette knife or larger brush then working on top of this with the smaller brushes I favour, in order to define those shapes. I’ve also grown more at ease with nudity, both observing it and being a model myself. During the life drawing session on Sunday, 9th February, I’ll even be modelling with united models again, who I’ve invited to host at the show. For about half an hour, likely split into short poses (2-minutex5, 5-minutex2, and a 10-minute durations) i’ll be in various poses inspired by the dreams the attending artists have had. modelling is an experience I’ve come to love and one that deepens my connection to the art process. A time to meditate and go within. Though challenging at times holding still (more difficult than you’d imagine) .
The Studio Buzz
One has my detailed sketch transferred to the ply with carbon copy paper and the other was drawn with post paint pens directly onto the canvas, and others use a grid method, some painted in bold shapes building up. I use whatever technique is needed for the painting, I don’t niche.
The studio is alive with energy right now as I work on my figure paintings and brainstorm more ideas for the show. Alongside the two large works in progress, I’m exploring concepts that celebrate a diversity of human experiences—particularly those of the LGBTQ+ and disabled communities.
While I can’t claim to fully understand the stories of others, I’ve faced my own challenges: childhood and teenage chronic illness, chronic fatigue, a misdiagnosed turning out to be a thyroid condition, and years of navigating life with undiagnosed ADHD and autism. These experiences have taught me that everyone has their own battles, and we can all benefit from kindness, understanding, and connection.
The Importance of Representation
For me, representation in art is about honouring individuality and providing a platform for stories and perspectives that deserve to be seen. As a cisgender white male, I know I don’t have the lived experience of someone who is trans, disabled, or part of a marginalised group. just as I don’t have the same experience as someone form different cultures and country backgrounds. But I firmly believe that everyone deserves to express and present themselves authentically, to be themselves—and to have that expression respected.
Recently, I’ve been inspired by the book I Exist by Mister Samo, an Artist, trans man and activist. The book showcases the diversity of bodies within the trans community, something Samo is uniquely positioned to depict, their passion is inspiring. While I can’t approach these themes with the same depth, I’m driven to include more representation in my life drawing collection and larger body of work.
Countdown to the Show
As the show approaches, my to-do list is growing by the day! Here are some of the pieces I hope to complete before opening day:
Figure Paintings
• Mars Art Model – inspired by her chromatic Gumroad reference pack (in photo - and I wish to create a more loose version of the same post too, if I have time)
• Serene Art Model – from her River Gumroad reference pack
• A disabled sports figure (still seeking the right reference model - I prefer to get to know the model and purchase ea reference pack from them)
• A trans figure model (still seeking a reference)
Dreams Ive had-Inspired Works
• Bull Dream 1
• Purple Bean Dream 2
• Triangle Wheels Dream 3
• Building Falling Dream 4
Nature and Surrealism
• Birb Fest – featuring 31 birds
• The final painting in my Four Eagles series
• Space Fish
This list is ambitious and constantly growing, and while I may not finish everything, the creative energy in the studio is pushing me to try.
Having the entire gallery has sparked the joy of sharing work and thinking “it would be cool if” and then,ing up ways to fill the walls and display the art.
Join Me at the Show
Inner and Outer Landscapes opens 7th–12th February, 11 am–4 pm, at Centrespace Gallery.
• Life Drawing Session: Sunday, 11th February, 10:30–12:30 (tickets required)
• Exhibition Hours on Sunday: 1–4 pm
This show will be my most expansive yet, and is the first solo show; with a mix of traditional layouts and walls covered floor-to-ceiling with art.
Will I manage to complete everything on my list? Stay tuned to find out! Subscribe to this blog for updates, and I can’t wait to share this experience with you all.
