Illustrated ABC

 
The cover


 Illustrated Alphabet Book for Lucy Christmas 2011, Vivien Blackburn

And a typical page when put together in book form

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current exhibition, paintings from Wales, Cornwall, Leicestershire, the Cotswolds and Yorkshire

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My work on the wall at the Atkins Gallery, Lower Bond Street Hinckley until Saturday 3rd December Work currently on show at the Atkins Gallery in Hinckley (car park opposite, next to the museum).  There are 16 pieces of mine plus the work of 5 friends. Oils, mixed media, pastels, charcoal, ink .... and more :) And the Leicester Society of Artists exhibition is on at the museum in New Walk until 3rd December as well (I have 3 in that) Plus 4 in Glenfield Gallery, Glenfield I've been busy!
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looking at non traditional composition and quiet vs busy areas in paintings

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Paul Klee I thought I'd look at non-traditional composition - where the rule of thirds isn't the key but the painting relies on different compositional methods. in response to an excellent series of posts on the various ways of looking at composition by Katherine (link at end). These alternative considerations or breaking of rules - but making it work - appeal to me more than too heavy a reliance on the rule of thirds. The painting above, by Paul Klee is a 'field' painting' - the composition is overall, the eye travels around enjoying the glowing colour that he creates by juxtaposing complementary colours, subtle greyed greens enhancing the oranges/reds/pinks. Most of the image is composed of the various greens, greeny browns and khakis, with accents of the warm colours. When working this way it's important that the balance is unequal and that the accent colours are placed carefully to keep the eye moving in the way the artist wants. A couple of the brighter...
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paint or sketch trees: challenge

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