Time Lapse Video - Watercolour of Mountain Gorilla

Through the Looking Glass, watercolour, 75x58cms

The Eastern Open 2013 exhibition opened at the weekend and the photo above is of large watercolour painting I entered.  Unfortunately neither of the paintings I put forward were accepted but with a large number of entries from 7 counties I am only one of many who received rejection slips.  However, having experienced the task of being a selector for the WNAA Summer Exhibition on two occasions I have some insight into the whole process.  I would encourage any artist to take up the opportunity to be a selector/curator if the chance is there - you will certainly never take rejection personally!  Fortunately all entrants to the Eastern open have their postcards displayed for sale in the Old Warehouse.  I popped along to the Art Centre yesterday to have a closer look at all the work and the exhibition does have a cohesive flow to it, with several stunning artworks on display.  It is good to see so many drawings selected.  The Best in Show went to a photograph.  It was interesting walking round and trying to visualize if my work could have sat in amongst them.

Anyway, I thought you might like to see the process of this watercolour painting as captured via a time lapse film.  The original reference photograph I took at Bristol Zoo last month.  I was lingering in the indoor area of the mountain gorillas when this big silverback ambled right up to the glass where I was standing and hunkered down for a few minutes.  I was fascinated by the animal itself but also with the reflections in the glass.  Once the painting was finished, although I gave it an official title, I always mentally referred to it as Egghead!  You can probably see why...   

Drawing on full sheet watercolour paper, Not surface

The following time lapse film is in 2 parts - I have yet to learn how to join the two sections together (I couldn't see how to do it directly in YouTube, think I might have to find a video editing programme to load on the computer so I can add titles etc.) so I do apologise.  I did discover how to add audio, Part 1 works fine in terms of duration but Part 2 finishes rather abruptly.  Hope you enjoy my efforts anyway - it's all a steep learning curve.

Part One

 

 

Part 2

Not sure if this painting will be seen in an exhibition any time soon - but I had a great time creating it!  If you are in King's Lynn between now and 30 November I do encourage you to visit the Eastern Open 2013 at the King's Lynn Art Centre www.kingslynnarts.co.uk.  Enjoy the selected work, and see if you can spot my two postcards, on sale for £20 each.

Exhibition Round-Up and First Effort at Time-Lapse Video!

WNAA 'Small Works' exhibition in Shakespeare Barn, King's Lynn

The latest art exhibitions at the King's Lynn Art Centre are now in full swing.  All four galleries are showing work by local artists - so much talent in West Norfolk!  I have already done several sessions invigilating and always enjoy meeting visitors and getting feedback on any of the work on display. 



Pattern of Light, acrylic on canvas, 30 x 30 cms
My painting with selected grey background square in the
WNAA Small Works exhibition

Almost everyone comments on the novel approach to display in the WNAA Small Works exhibition.  I find it fascinating to see which colour each artist has chosen to enhance their work.  It is amazing how each becomes a little jewel in its own setting.  We have had a few people asking what the accompanied paint colour is called (perhaps inspired to use it as a feature wall in their home?) and in a previous year one artist who sold his artwork was invited to paint the square too.

'Wildlife in Art 2013' exhibition in The Fermoy Gallery, King's Lynn

A very different display for the Wildlife in Art 2013 exhibition - not an easy task to create an exhibition that flows with such an array of media, styles, shapes and sizes.  Congratulations to Peter, Ann and David - you did it!

In the photo above you can just about make out my owl painting.  I treated myself to a little camcorder a few weeks ago and made sure it was one that had a time-lapse recording function on it.  This enables a long period of time to be condensed into a much shorter time frame by only capturing snatches of images at pre-set intervals.  I have had a go at this while painting Monty: Eurasian Eagle Owl.  I am offering this short video to you for viewing, but apologize for any frustration it may cause - unfortunately I ran out of battery before I even started working on those gorgeous orange eyes!  I had been playing around with the camera and getting used to the various functions; I should have charged the battery before filming the painting session.  Learning a lesson the hard way...

To try and make amends I finish with a photo of Monty: Eurasian Eagle Owl.  My original reference photo was taken when Paul and I were in the Lake District and while exploring Kendal we came across an owl recue association promoting their work that had some of their magnificent birds with them.  Paul had the opportunity to have a large leather glove on his fist and Monty sat there quite content while I took some photos.  We left a healthy donation to support their work!

  

Monty: Eurasian Eagle Owl, acrylic on canvas, 
(copyright Tod Evans) 

The exhibitions at the King's Lynn Art Centre www.kingslynnarts.co.uk continue until Sunday 15th September, closing at 5pm, so if you are visiting the area I urge you to go along and have a look - there is something for all tastes and you will definitely come away inspired.  You may even be tempted to purchase some original art to hang in your own home.