TIMOTHY SUTTONGeneral news and chit-chat of what I have been up to in the studio and on the road.
While we’re all locked down I thought I’d use the time to test my sketch speed. I set a time limit of 4 hours maximum and started with some biro scribbles, then progressed to coloured pencil after which I dug out my old water colour set, which I haven’t used for years.
As they say, a change is as good as a rest and I was quite pleased with the results. Let me know what you think.
Some of my favourite parts of completing a portait are the eyes, often referred to as ‘the windows of the soul’. It is at this stage that the painting really comes alive and I am working with a real live person or pet and not just with the medium, be that oils or inks.
HOW TO WIN:
Identify whose eye is from which paintings displayed on the first page of my web site.
This competition has now closed. Congratulations to the winner James Emery.
The winner of this competition will receive a framed lino-cut print of Izzy the tabby cat.
It’s starting to get a bit cold in the studio with my old, partially working, radiator so I’m having to wrap up warm. However the benefit is that it slows down the drying times allowing me to blend the paints more, so not all bad.
I have just completed the above portrait of Flori who is bravely fighting on despite the vet’s diagnosis. She has such a love of life which hopefully I have managed to capture in her eyes so wish her, and her owner, all the best.
Lastly I have attached a detail of some work in progress from a new self portrait. This is a bit of an experiment for the Sky Portrait Artist competition which I have entered. Must admit this took me way longer than the four hours given so need to find a quicker method of getting the paint down on the canvas. Fingers crossed I get in, and also find a new way of working!
Glad to say it has been another busy month at my West Norwood studios with some very pleasurable commisssions.
First up was the portrait of Zola the Yellow Labrador who lives in Wimbledon. A very excitable pup who was more interested in watching the local rugby players than posing for the camera. However, with a little patience and dog-treat distraction from owners Maia and Georgie, we managed to get the shot we needed. This was to be a birthday present for the father of the family who I have been told was “absolutely delighted”.
Next was a portrait of Olivia, a two year old girl who I photographed a few months back at my studio. Together with her Mum Kathryn, we had a grand old time trying different poses and expressions before finally settling on this very animated beaming smile which certainlty summed up her mood that day. Who says “never work with children and animals”?!
In these extraordinary times both myself and Jennie are joining forces, with hope and optimism, for our annual exhibition at the Fountain Gallery, East Molesey KT8 9HA. We will be showing our usual distinctive trade mark work: Jennie with her linocuts of local and London scenes and myself with portraits of pets and people.
Jennie is a local artist and prints her many layered colourful linocuts on a 170 year old albion press. She is a member of the Printmakers Council, Greenwich Printmakers and Southbank Printmakers, and has work in the V&A collection and the Scarborough Art Gallery archive, as well as in private collections in the UK and abroad.
It would be lovely to see you if you are in the area during our two week show. We are unable to offer a Private View this year because of Covid restrictions, but I am sure we can rustle up a glass of wine or a cup of tea if you ask. We will be taking it in turns to curate the gallery. Please call me to find out which days I wil be there 07803 206 204.
Look forward to seeing you soon.
I posed a question on social media the other day asking if you could guess the breed of dog from the palette I was mixing? Well the answer was a Border Terrier, not just one, but two commissions which I have just finished. Lovely little chaps Berry and Twiglet, one for a birthday present down in Kent and the other to partner a cat I painted in Twickenham.
While the Border Terrier wasn’t recognised as a breed until the early 1900s, they had been a well-known and much-admired type of terrier working in the border regions since the 17th century. They developed as a hardy, workmanlike, friendly little dog who would go out with hounds – and both be fast and fit enough to be able to keep up but also to squeeze into small spaces to chase out a hiding fox. Their coat is dense and weatherproof plus they have fairly loose-fitting, thick skin to protect them from bites and injury.
Border Terriers are know for being affectionate and fun-loving. They are brave, adaptable and good with people, especially with children. Generally easy-going, they have an independent nature and like to make their own decisions. Great for active owners who loves the ‘big dog in a small body’ attitude of a terrier but who prefers a softer, less feisty and more social version.
It is always a pleasure to paint this breed of dog, with their flecked coats of sandy colours and always an alert, devlish glint in their eyes. No wonder they are the favourite of celebrities such as singer Janet Street Porter, David Walliams, Andy Murray and Glenn Close.
Thankfully these lock-down months have been a busy time in the studio, free of distraction and time to concentrate on my craft. Latest off the easel is a commerorative portrait of Louis the French Bulldog, sadly no longer with us.
Despite their name, “Frenchies” do not originate from France – they are descendants of British bulldogs. British bulldogs were originally bred for bull baiting until the sport was outlawed in 1835; dogs were trained to creep close to bulls then spring out to provoke them. After the bull baiting was banned, people began to breed smaller bulldogs, which became popular in some parts of the UK. When Nottingham lace makers, casualties of the Industrial Revolution, settled in Normandy, they migrated with their miniature bulldogs.
Breeders in England sent over to France any bulldogs they considered to be too small or with faults, such as ears that stood up. These dogs became hugely fashionable over the channel and a trade in small bulldogs became popular. These small bulldogs were bred with local ratters in Paris and gradually became considered a breed – the Bouledogue Francais.
Originally, French bulldogs had rose-shaped ears, similar to their larger relative, the English bulldog. English breeders much preferred the shape, but American breeders liked the unique bat ears. Today, French bulldogs feature the bat-shaped ears American breeders fought to preserve. In the ‘Gilded Age’, French bulldogs became highly fashionable in American society amongst wealthy ladies who had spotted the trend in Paris. Dogs were sold for up to $3,000 and were owned by many influential families, such as the Rockefellers and J.P. Morgans.
Other famous bulldog owners include Nancy Mitford, Yves Saint Laurent and D. H. Lawrence. They are still popular amongst the rich and famous today, from the Beckhams to Lady Gaga. Leonardo DiCaprio has one called Django and Hugh Jackman’s Frenchie is called Dali.
Another interesting fact is that French bulldogs can’t swim. Their short muzzle causes them to tilt their body backward to keep their nose and mouth above water and they have disproportionately large heads and short legs, which makes it difficult for them to stay afloat in the water.
The Landmark Art Centre in Teddington is easing itself out of lockdown with a Summer Art Salon happening the last three weekends of August.
I cannot be there in person due to social distancing restrictions, but you will find my work on stand A at the start of the show. Looking at the line up of other artists you will be in for a real visual treat, and the venue is well worth supporting too. More information can be found on their web site by clicking here.
I have been exhibiting at their Autumn Art Fair since 2007 and it will be a shame not to meet you all, but very grateful that the Landmark volunteers are making this all possible.
All the best, stay safe and hope to see you soon.
