The Frequent Musings of Mr Lisle

You Don't Call Me Anymore

2012-01-06T21:36:00.000Z

Yes, I ken I hav'nae been posting of late! Here is possibly the most ropey photie I have posted to date. My camera phone thingy must be clarted with magic pocket dust. You get the idea though?

This is the start of an underpainting for a dyptich for my forthcoming show at UnionGallery in Edinburgh. I'm at a loss on how to explain how it fits in with the overall plan for the show but bear with me. It USUALLY comes together as a coherent body of work in the end.

I have been fairly busy in my absence from blogland. I am still working on the three figure painting but it has to be finished this coming week as the studios are receiving a visit from a very special kind of visitor. More on this later. Other than that I have been working on a fairly involved commission which may be revealed if the client is happy enough to let me.

Peace and love and a very HAPPY NEW YEAR to all

lots of love
D&L

This may help

2011-12-09T11:16:00.000Z

Here are the colour studies separated. Perhaps that will help?????

Colour studies?????????????????????????????????????????

2011-12-09T10:26:00.001Z

When I first started this painting I was fairly sure that the three figures would be dressed in white. Having completed the tonal underpainting, I am now unsure. The scale and tonality of the piece at this stage suggests that a bold colour composition would work better.

I have knocked up a few colour studies using blue and red. I feel that this combination was more in line with the classical vibe of the painting. I am REALLLLY confused now. I'm pretty sure the blue/red/blue doesn't work but I am struggling to choose an alternative.

COMMENTS ARE MOST WELCOME. I genuinely need a hand here. Consensus rules.

Help a brother out

D&L

MERRY FESTIVES!

2011-12-07T10:12:00.001Z

Photograph by Anastaziya Borisova

Shane Couch

2011-12-06T15:26:00.001Z

Here's a link to my Bud Shane Couch's blog. Primarily a marine artist but I'm pretty sure he could turn his hand to anything. Supremely talented chap and nae a bad sort. Go see!
LINK

Well I never

2011-12-04T22:28:00.002Z

I was doing a bit of research today when I came across this charming painting from the late 1520s by Lorenzo Lotto titled Venus and Cupid.

That's a bit rough Cupid!

OPEN STUDIOS WEEKEND IS HERE!!!!!!!!

2011-11-29T22:23:00.002Z

Righty-ho folks!

The Coburg House Open studios is this weekend and you are all invited. That's nice eh?.

I will be taking part for once so why not pop by for a nosey at what's occurring in El Studio Diablo. I have a number of pieces for sale at studio prices and my banter is amazing...Leda's too.

COBURG HOUSE ART STUDIOS LINK

This painting simply doesn't want to be finished.

By the end of the year...I promise.

XD&L

Happy Saturday

2011-11-12T15:23:00.001Z

Allstars Awesome...Done

Auldjo Nails It! DON"T RUN AND HIDE!

2011-11-12T13:55:00.003Z

http://www.facebook.com/trevorjonesart http://www.facebook.com/trevorjonesart
http://www.uniongallery.co.uk/
http://www.uniongallery.co.uk/index.php/exhibitions/

I was at the opening of Alison Auldjo's solo show last night. Blimey Guvner! I'm not a massive fan of landscape work but Alison's painterley painty paint paintish thing makes me feel slightly less in touch with my expressive parts. The work makes me wish I was capable of feeling and expressing the world around me as freely as this.

Her worked up and then worked down canvases are grippingly emotive. I loved the way her underpainting bloomed through the opaques of the skies giving a genuine depth. The intricacy of the pencil marks that reinforced the unusual perspectives were something that will also appeal to the technicians amongst us. She's Nae bad.

The work, as a show, is incredibly moving. Especially as I know the journey this installation has taken Alison on. GRAFT! There is a sense of drama to this collection that perhaps was not there previously. The beasts and slightly creepy narrative captivated me. I, personally, feel compelled to visit Alison to ask her to tell me her stories! I cannot recommend this show enough. Amazing work by a sensitive soul. Beautiful! A Must See!

Ouch

2011-11-08T22:11:00.002Z

http://bitterends.blogspot.com/

Technically Mondays post

2011-11-08T11:55:00.000Z

Yes, I'm still working on this big prawny three figure painting. I have reached a stage where I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Still a lot to do.

I received a visit from the talented lens based artist Anastaziya Borisova and her super chilled greyhound Stanley today. Keen to test her new lighting setup, Anastaziya pulled out the white face paint and set about transforming me into something best described as a heroin chic mime artist. Good fun though, being on the other side of the camera for a change. I await the results with dread.

That is all

Stillllllllll going

2011-11-04T21:32:00.000Z

Not got much to say other than bzt!

Neither has Leda

More on this funny looking prop later...

XD&L

Sketching Awah Min!

2011-11-04T00:59:00.001Z

Did this today.

So there!

Then I took this photograph

So there!

Moirai

2011-10-27T02:38:00.002+01:00

In Greek mythology The Moirai were the goddesses of fate and personified the inescapable destiny of man. They assigned to every person his or her fate or share in the scheme of things. Their name means "Parts." "Shares." or "Allotted Portions."
Klotho, whose name means "Spinner," spun the thread of life. Lakhesis, whose name means "Apportioner of Lots"--being derived from a word meaning to receive by lot--, measured the thread of life. Atropos (or Aisa), whose name means "She who cannot be turned," cut the thread of life.
At the birth of a man, the Moirai spun the thread of his future life, followed his steps, and directed the consequences of his actions according to the counsel of the gods. It was not an inflexible fate; Zeus, if he chose, had the power of saving even those who were already on the point of being seized by their fate. The Fates did not abruptly interfere in human affairs but availed themselves of intermediate causes, and determined the lot of mortals not absolutely, but only conditionally, even man himself, in his freedom was allowed to exercise a certain influence upon them. As man's fate terminated at his death, the goddesses of fate become the goddesses of death, Moirai Thanatoio.
The Moirai were independent, at the helm of necessity, directed fate, and watched that the fate assigned to every being by eternal laws might take its course without obstruction; and Zeus, as well as the other gods and man, had to submit to them. They assigned to the Erinyes, who inflicted the punishment for evil deeds, their proper functions; and with them they directed fate according to the laws of necessity.
As goddesses of birth, who spun the thread of life, and even prophesied the fate of the newly born, Eileithyia was their companion. As goddesses of fate they must necessarily have known the future, which at times they revealed, and were therefore prophetic deities. Their ministers were all the soothsayers and oracles.
As goddesses of death, they appeared together with the Keres and the infernal Erinyes.
The Moirai were described as ugly old women, sometimes lame. They were severe, inflexible and stern. Klotho carries a spindle or a roll (the book of ate), Lakhesis a staff with which she points to the horoscope on a globe, and Atropos a scroll, a wax tablet, a sundial, a pair of scales, or a cutting instrument. At other times the three were shown with staffs or sceptres, the symbols of dominion, and sometimes even with crowns. At the birth of each man they appeared spinning, measuring, and cutting the thread of life.
The Romans called the goddess Parcae and named the three Nona, Decima and Morta.

slowly goes it

2011-10-22T19:51:00.000+01:00

It's going really slowwwwwwwwly so here's a photo of Leda.

Blimey!

2011-10-19T01:18:00.001+01:00

I have nearly finished the tonal painting of the background. Lots of tweaks to be done once the figures have been painted in. I have also begun to paint the fabric of the right hand figure. I'm slightly daunted by the time this is going to take. Blimey!

XD&L

Silent but deadly

2011-10-18T10:23:00.001+01:00

Haven't posted for a while because I have been cracking on with the big pink painting. It's slow work so I have chosen not to bore you with a stroke by stroke account of my struggle. Here's a photo of the finished painting for the Allstars album cover instead.

The unexpected

2011-10-13T03:26:00.000+01:00

Today brought some quite unexpected and dismal news. Without going into the rather inconsequential details, I began thinking about the days events in relation to the painting I am working on. I have been toying with the idea of having the middle Fate (the measure of life) wearing a blindfold.

Who knows? Who's in control? Who'd've thunk it?

Oh well! Here's a poor photo of todays alla prima tonal work.

Bah!
D&L

It's PINK!

2011-10-10T23:46:00.001+01:00

Hello. My painting is rather prawny. It's starting to freak me out.

I have finished the lining in indian ink and thrown a few washes of burnt umber over it. The drawing and washes are both pretty loose at the moment but everything will be tightened up with a tonal alla prima layer. Looks pretty shocking at the moment.

Remember the wee show in Aberdeen tomorrow evening.

Zzzzzzzz...D&L

Date for the diary

2011-10-09T09:42:00.000+01:00

Remember there is a small exhibition of recent work at NO1 restaurant in Aberdeen. There is a wee opening is 5.30-7.30 on 11th October. Come along for drinks and nibbles.

messing around

2011-10-05T02:05:00.002+01:00

Ordinary Allstars

2011-10-03T01:41:00.000+01:00

Something new from Hasta and the chaps. Will have to pull my finger out and get the EP cover finished.

Progress

2011-10-03T01:11:00.001+01:00

I have finally managed to get the drawing transferred to the canvas and have begun roughly lining the drawing using indian ink. By lining the drawing I can avoid losing the contours when I apply opaque alla prima in later stages. I am also aiming to retain some of the ground colour to give the painting unity and an underlying warmth.

Leda has been very patient today. I wonder just how long this will last?

XD&L

There are a couple of loose ends I'd like to tie up. Nothing important you understand

2011-10-01T23:42:00.000+01:00

I have managed to go a whole five days without posting! I have been up to my ears in my own creative juices and have been falling into bed at the end of the day with brain-ache. It's nice to be busy but I have been working a bit obsessively of late so I decided to take the day off yesterday. I spent a gloriously sunny day in The Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh having a bit of a chillaxe then watched the pilot episode of Columbo from 1967.

Back at the coal-face... I have been tying up a few loose ends for the Aberdeen show on the 11th and planning the big show next year in Edinburgh. Leda and I have been priming everything in sight with a layer of dull red. I plan to begin work on the large three figure painting tomorrow. The composition for this painting is based on the greek mythology of The Fates. I'm quite excited about where it will take me. Here's a wee study for the upper torsos.

All is well

XD&L

Lots going on.

2011-09-26T11:19:00.001+01:00

A letter has been posted to the Anatomy Museum in Edinburgh today. I am hoping to get a day in there with my sketchbook. I really hope this transpires.

I'm hoping to finish up the work for the wee Aberdeen exhibition. The opening is on 11th October from 5.30pm onwards at No1 bar/restaurant, 1 Queens Terrace, Aberdeen, AB101XL in the west end of Aberdeen. All welcome. LINK

I will also be cracking on with the Ordinary Allstars cover work which I suspect is behind schedule.

That is all
D&L

Sunday Sunday

2011-09-25T23:25:00.000+01:00

Been working on this today. All will be revealed later.

XD&L

Happy Saturday to one and all.

2011-09-24T23:18:00.001+01:00

Here's a wee pencil study I have been working on in preparation for the next body of work. I'm liking the stuffed animals at the moment. Might put this into the Aberdeen exhibition and see what the reaction is. Test the water as they say. I wish I knew who they were. Seem quite wise. Note to self - Must do lunch with They.

Here's my theme tune for tomorrow

That is all
XD&L

Late

2011-09-22T23:43:00.001+01:00

Was working late at El Studio Diablo again tonight. Finally downed tools at 11pm! I'm like a man possessed. Anyhoo, here's what's occuring...

I have spent most of the day painting the first layer of colour and rendering of the fabric. Pthalo blue and white into a pthalo blue glaze. Once this layer is dry I will glaze again and add the highlights to stop it looking so electrified. Not sure how I will handle the flesh... perhaps I will have a look up Vermeer's sleeve.

After a bit of a break I can feel things coming back to me. ACE!

zzzzzzz
XD&L

Progress

2011-09-21T17:54:00.001+01:00

2011-09-20T20:03:00.000+01:00

Here's a photo of the latest finished piece for Aberdeen in October. Turned out nae bad.

Here's the composition drawing for the final piece for the Aberdeen show. Alison Auldjo of the UnionGallery makes an appearance yet again.

XD&L

TAKING IT BACK WITH FORCE!

2011-09-18T09:42:00.000+01:00

Surgeons Hall Edinburgh

2011-09-16T09:28:00.001+01:00

Yesterday I went to Surgeons hall Museum in Edinburgh to see some amazing specimens and illustrations. They said I had to write a letter if I wanted to see the good stuff though. Much of the things on display to the public are curiosities such as deformed skulls and pretty baffling growths and parasites but generally it was pretty breathtaking. The array of jars containing scary things is something to behold as is the skin from the chest of a sailor complete with ship tattoo and nipples. A recommended experience but not really what I was looking for in terms of anatomical reference.

It would appear that the main anatomy museum in Edinburgh, based at the school of medicine, is closed to the public and only open to it's students. What a bizarre situation. I am going to write them a letter and attempt to get a day in there drawing.

Tired and Happy

2011-09-14T21:19:00.001+01:00

Lot's of interesting news today and yesterday. All will be revealed in due course.

Finally found a couch for my Studio lounge area. All I need now is a bear skin rug, some obscure art books on the coffee table and a couple of trained penguins to bring me my coffee.

This is finally coming together. A couple more days and She will be ready for the framer.

Now back to work on the record cover...

Tired

2011-09-12T22:03:00.001+01:00

Ready for over painting tomorrow. Very tired.

D&L

Album cover artwork commission

2011-09-10T20:15:00.000+01:00

I have been asked to paint the cover for the forthcoming EP (more of a mini album in my opinion) from The Ordinary Allstars LINK

Looks like I will be doing the album cover next year too. Something different to get my teeth into and a break from the old routine LINK

I will post the developments as they happen.

I have been crazy busy today and now my head feels like this!

2011-09-10T20:01:00.000+01:00

And I'm going to be at El Studio Diablo until the early hours...AGAIN!

Huge blogpost

2011-09-10T04:13:00.008+01:00

I finished up at the studio at 2.30am! It would appear that my creative compulsions have stepped up a gear!

Today has been incredibly busy! Up early for a big walk in the pouring rain with Leda, taught Alistair Walton for a couple of hours, dropped the flatmate off at accident and emergency, ate a couple of sandwiches and then went to the studio. Looking forward to getting back in there tomorrow.

Had a bit of a tidy up at El Studio Diablo this afternoon. Here are some newly organised spaces. Click on the images for a closer look.

I am looking for a some super kind person to donate an old couch/sofa for the studio!

As I will be spending much more time in the studio I am going to turn half of the space into a wee chill out/ afternoon nap/eat my lunch/cuddle Leda space. Please help!
Contact me on 07914817947 or email dylanlisle05@hotmail.com

Here's what I have been working on today. Some very basic blocking in. This piece is for a wee show in the west end of Aberdeen in October. I will keep you up to date with dates and Location.

The opening of UnionGallery Edinburgh's Bee inspired exhibition went well on Thursday evening. Alison and Rob yet again pulled off another fascinating show. I would advise you to go and marvel at the diversity of interpretations on the theme.

I was sent a link to a review of the show. Here's my mention. Shame about the misspelling of my surname but quite an interesting and well considered piece of writing all the same. Click the text for the rest of the review.

HAMLET

Dylan Lyle's previous work shown in the Union Gallery has been characterised by extraordinary realism, dramatically lit female forms, vivid red fabric set against black backgrounds, and a preoccupation with death. There is a kind of serious religiosity about them which, even in sexually charged portraits of young women, recalls gruesomely reverent depictions of martyrdom. That gravity is repeated here, but then complicated by the suggestive title: 'That Is the Question' (see below). Viewed at eye-level, as though the bee were an adult-sized human standing before the viewer, Lyle's splendidly observed, three-dimensional and rather shaggy protagonist is reconfigured through the title as an angst-ridden prince or impassioned actor. It is simultaneously a memento mori for an endangered species, a joke and a brilliantly realised coup de théâtre. I loved it.

http://www.broughtonspurtle.org.uk/news/roam-free-apian-way

Also spotted some updates on my dear friend K M Yule's blog. Go see LINK She has posted up a load of her old work. I had forgotten just how thought provoking this body of work was.

K M Yule

10 metre long dress

Embossed Latex, Vintage Lace and Beading

Righty then! I should get some sleep. Another busy day tomorrow. Have a meeting about designing an album cover in the morning. Will let you know more as things progress.

Good morning!
XD&L

Bees Knees

2011-09-07T11:50:00.000+01:00

Here are the finished Bumble bee pieces for the UnionGallery show that opens 6.30pm tomorrow Thursday the 8th. Should bee a buzzing exhibition It should bee pollen in the crowds so bee there or bee square.

XD&L

New talent Link Susie Brown

2011-09-05T11:38:00.000+01:00

Check out Susiemaroon LINK
Very talented designer friend of mine. If you are looking for one offs and something very different here's the place!!!!

Where is my mind

2011-09-05T11:12:00.000+01:00

This is my theme tune for the day. I am feeling a bit blue. Poor Deer.

Still working on the Bee diptych for UnionGallery Edinburgh. The opening is 6.30pm on Thursday the 8th of September so turn up for a glass of wine, excellent banter and, of course, some amazing interpretations of the bee by some mighty fine artists.

Will post more later

XD&L

New Model

2011-09-01T01:55:00.002+01:00

Buzzy Day

2011-08-30T21:46:00.001+01:00

Here is the progress of the bee paintings for UnionGallery Edinburgh. I have drawn them out ready for painting using pencil on triple primed and sanded canvas which will be sealed with a layer of liquin and turpentine. Better get my skates on as the exhibition opens sooner than I thought. Here's the info

Plight of the Bumblebee:
8 September 2011 - 10 October 2011

A fascinating and entertaining mixed exhibition highlighting the problem of the declining bee population and helping to raise funds for research through artwork. Artists as diverse as Jenny Matthews, Janet Melrose, Dylan Lisle, and sculptors Hanna Haworth and Jessica Irena Smith have all produced superb work of a bee-related nature for this exhibition.
20% of the proceeds of the exhibition will be donated to The Bumblebee Conservation Trust.
PRESS RELEASE:
BEES CREATE A BUZZ AT UNION GALLERY
Union Gallery, located on Edinburgh’s Broughton Street, is to hold an exhibition of art dedicated to the bumblebee and to highlight the decline in its population. 20% of the proceeds of the exhibition will be donated to The Bumblebee Conservation Trust.
‘Plight of the Bumblebee’ is a fascinating exhibition of the highest quality in which some of our finest artists have created bee-related work as a method of highlighting the problem of the declining bee population and of raising funds for research into this critical issue. Artists as diverse as Derek McGuire, Jenny Matthews, Janet Melrose and Mark Edward, along with New York based sculptor Hannah Haworth and Czech sculptor Marcela Trsova, have all used their considerable talents and their concern about this issue to produce an exceptional and unique exhibition. All the work has been inspired by the bumblebee, so this exhibition will both amuse and challenge the viewer.
Dr Ben Darvill, Chief Executive of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust says:
‘BBCT are delighted to receive such wonderful support from the Union Gallery in Edinburgh and the artists participating in their upcoming exhibition about the plight of the bumblebee. This impressive exhibition will not only generate valuable income for the BBCT, but it will also help raise awareness of the issues that our bees face. Our bees are in trouble and urgently need flower-rich habitats to sustain their populations. Our conservation and outreach work support our overall vision that one day our communities and countryside will be rich in colourful wildflowers and bees, supporting a diversity of wildlife and habitats for everyone to enjoy. For more information about the BBCT, please visit http://www.bumblebeeconservation.org.
For those who wish to enjoy a superb exhibition whilst, at the same time have the opportunity to support those who are working to stop the decline in the bumblebee population, this is a must-see exhibition.

And here's a few drawings of fellow patients from my recent stint in hospital hotel.

New talent Links

2011-08-28T14:28:00.003+01:00

I have added a few new links in my talent section that are seriously worth checking out! Go check them regular like!

Exhibit A: A Severe case of vorarephilic autosarcophagy and sanguinarian vampirism in Ukrainian twins. Separated at birth, the patients, after having been reunited at the onset of puberty, started to develop a rare form of autocannibalism. Symptoms included suckling of wounds, compulsive eating of hair and nails and skin (trichophagia) and the licking of flesh and face.

Image by Anastaziya Borisva

I am just back from a two week stay in hospital hotel and am restarting the engines on Monday so watch this space as there are many cool things coming up. Watch out for Bees, a stuffed Pheasant, a stuffed Fox, new models and a telephone. I have a new lighting technician and things look great so far. Here's a photo of one of my wee feathered visitors in the studio.

Peace out until Monday
XD&L

RICHARD PURDEN'S BOOK!!!!!!!!!!

2011-08-24T17:54:00.000+01:00

My friend Richard Purden has a new book out on the 15th of September. Loads of great interviews and celebrity input. A passionate book by a passionate man. Go buy it here. LINK or at ASDA. I'm not a football fan but I will definitely be reading it.

Saturday!!!!!!!!!

2011-07-30T12:20:00.000+01:00

Happy Saturday. Popped over to El Studio Diablo earlier... It's a sauna. If only it were inhabited by more aesthetically pleasing people than me and Leda.

Here's what's happening!!!!

2011-07-28T21:09:00.000+01:00

I have set up the BIGGIE and started the prep drawing

I have been wearing big specs and looking facetious

I have drawn this out for the second time

I am thinking about how these paintings form a whole show

Broken and fixed

Diablo is buzzing

My new Lisle-o-fax

Peace out hot dogs

XD&L

Here and Near

2011-07-24T18:05:00.002+01:00

Spent a few hours away from the sun today to do a wee bit to this bad boy. A few subtle glazes and it should be time to start the BIGGIE!

Peas in glove

D&L

Genius

2011-07-24T09:39:00.002+01:00

Easier said than done

2011-07-24T09:13:00.003+01:00

When you make a mistake, don't look back at it long. Take the reason of the thing into your mind and then look forward. Mistakes are lessons of wisdom. The past cannot be changed. The future is yet in your power.

Hugh White (1773 - 1840)

Unexpected gift

2011-07-23T17:53:00.001+01:00

Here's what I found waiting for me at the Studio the other day. A Present!

The talented Mr Ian Moir had been using the gallery space in the building and he left me this on his departure. What a super nice thing to do for someone you have just met. ACE! And here's a LINK to some more of Ian's beautiful work. It would appear that he is a pretty prolific chap.

And here's a photo of Leda enjoying the sun.

XD&L

Still chipping away

2011-07-21T07:49:00.000+01:00

Nearly ready for glazes and other tickles.

Hope to start a huge painting next week.

That is all

D&L

Interesting day.

2011-07-19T19:29:00.000+01:00

I was at Knockhill racing track this morning. A dear friend was using the motor racing voucher I had bought her some time ago. Quite exciting to watch her throwing a powerful rally car around corners at high speed.

Here's what happened at the studio this afternoon.

Bring on tomorrow

XD&L

slow day

2011-07-14T18:46:00.001+01:00

Today has been a bit slow. I have started redrawing this on very fine grained linen as the hole could not be repaired.

I have cut it from the canvas and cut away sections of the areas surrounding the figure. I will fix it to a panel and probably make a study of it to explore a few ideas I have had recently. Mainly exploring different textures, painting methods and a wee bit of a foray into gold leaf territory. I think I will try to use it as a piece for the next show... if it works.

I have also tickled the new red one and think it looks a bit chinese. I will run with this.

There was a bag of tennis balls awaiting us at the studio this morning courtesy of Alistair "Andy Murray" Walton. Leda was very pleased.

That is all
XD&L

bThrew a bit of colour at this today

2011-07-13T21:42:00.000+01:00

have a little faith

D&L

Roughed up

2011-07-12T20:50:00.000+01:00

Managed to get a fairly rough underdrawing of this little gem done today. Long hot day at the furnace. I left tired, elated and definitely excited about getting the first stage of underpainting done tomorrow. In your smug little face Tuesday! IN YOUR FACE!

I'm Going to watch the Dudley Moore version of Bedazzled now and fall into a deep and contented sleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep!

Here's what has been occurring with the new student. Early stages but I think she is finally settling down to some work. Hardly heard a peep out of her today until she stated that she was going to get some lunch... to which I replied it's nearly six o'clock. I love to see people so absorbed that they, quite literally, lose the whole day inside their own headspace. This is a truly shameful photo but it goes some way to illustrate her historical references. The background is taken from Leonardo. Better photo tomorrow.

My talented Student/disciple Alistair Walton popped by with a couple of masterpieces today. He is dusting off his speach/lecture/talky skills for his slot at the Pittenweem Arts festival in August. Frighteningly confident. I hope all that can take a trip to this event.

That is all

XD&L

Student Time

2011-07-09T01:59:00.003+01:00

Here's a pic of Nat my new student at El Studio Diablo... She talks too much and should paint more!!!!!!!!! Glad she is having fun though!

Here's a pic of the scruffy Lisle and Leda in teaching mode. Look at her wonky inquisitive head... and mine for that matter... looks a bitty pinhead

Here's what I have been attempting to concentrate on. And yes there is a huge tear in the canvas! Tomorrow should be interesting. A problem has turned into a new idea! I am a big fan of optimism at the moment!

WHoaaaaaa my heid be mince min!

XD&L

Heard this for the first time today!

2011-07-07T19:51:00.001+01:00

This very nearly had me in tears today.

Such brilliantly written and heartfelt lyrics

40 thousand hits to the blog! Whooo hooo!

2011-07-07T15:54:00.001+01:00

Here's the progress of the newish painting. I don't think I'm going to do much more to it.

The Russian/Norwegian student has started her first painting. Not much to report just yet.

Thought for the day

2011-07-04T03:48:00.001+01:00

"AT THE END OF ALL OUR EXPLORING WE WILL ARRIVE WHERE WE STARTED AND KNOW THE PLACE FOR THE FIRST TIME" T.S. ELLIOT

Sweaty and smelly but happy.

2011-07-03T22:40:00.000+01:00

Yes you guessed it! El Studio Diablo is uncomfortably hot. I suspect the devil has set up camp behind a pile of bubble wrap and is torturing me with intense heat. Need to find another fan to avoid my new student perishing from heat stroke.

I have got a lot done to the latest painting today. Left the studio at 10pm feeling satisfied with the days work.
I have applied a velatura of vermillion and yellow ochre to the underpainting and worked into it with white and naples yellow. I will deal with subtleties of colour tomorrow using transparent glazes on the highlight areas and opaque tinted greys for the reflected light and colour in the shadow areas. I will then strengthen the darks and tweak the whole thing with various coloured glazes and scumbles.

Not too sure what to do with the background. I have a few ideas but can't decide which one to use. It's getting there though.

My new Russian from Norway student arrives tomorrow evening so a bit of a tidy up tomorrow.

Whoohaa!
That is all
D&L

Waiting

2011-07-02T12:41:00.000+01:00

I am waiting for the new piece to fully dry before I start working in some colour. Might pop over and check it later. I fully intend to take advantage of the sun in Edinburgh today. I think I should get as much of it on my borderline studio-albino body as possible before it starts raining again.

I spotted this truly baffling piece of unpleasantness earlier. I am quite frightened and worried by the warped understanding of human saucy bits. However, it did make me chuckle. How childish I am!

Will post something a bit more grown up later once I have achieved something.

Something worth seeing

2011-07-01T13:59:00.000+01:00

Here's a link to my pal Emily Moir's Etsy store. I really quite fancy owning one of these bad boys... or one of the prints. Go check it out here LINK

That is all

Another ropey photo.

2011-07-01T09:11:00.002+01:00

Here's a photo of the underpainted figure. Not too exciting I know but that's the tricky part out of the way. Time to get some colour in there.

I have just had confirmation that I will be welcoming a visitor from Norway to El Studio Diablo on Monday. A month long intensive period of instruction. This should be fun. I need to get my teaching head on I reckon.

Here is one of her studies. I think I can work with that. Watch this space for future developments.

I am open to taking a couple of students into El Studio Diablo twice a year. Please feel free to drop me an email if this would appeal to you.

That is all for now
xD&L

Morning!!!

2011-06-30T10:46:00.000+01:00

This is COOL!

Busy Busy Busy Busy

2011-06-29T13:32:00.006+01:00

I have had a pretty good morning so far. My talented disciple/student Alistair Walton was at El Studio Diablo picking my brains about his challenging new painting and his forthcoming debut at Pittenweem Arts Festival in August LINK. He is amazingly organised and the work looks fantastic. Please try to get up there to check out this unique event. Artistic luminaries such as Helen Denerley and Kate Downie are the star attractions but there will be a wealth of artistic nourishment to be taken. ACE!

Here's a recent painting from Alistair Walton that will be on show at Pittenweem Arts Festival. I love this.

The studio is getting a bit warm again. As I said last year it becomes a furnace in the summer and I often resort to painting in my underpants. Sexy! That is not the only hot thing about The Devils Studio at the moment. I am building momentum and I would go as far as to say I am on fire! Here's what's occuring.

I have tightened up my technique on this piece. Using as much of the over-washed drawing as possible, I have applied Paynes grey to the cusp of the chiaroscuro and then painted into the highlight areas with burnt umber and titanium white. This is the second stage of underpainting. I will subsequently reinforce the highlights using burnt umber and white and then apply a velatura of french vermillion and yellow ochre. I will then work into this with opaques. I have left the areas of reflected light unpainted until I have applied the velatura. These areas will be painted opaquely in muted and cool tones.

Tonally, the sheet that the model is resting on is correct. I am reluctant to paint it red at the moment as this may confuse my eye and my judgement of the tonality and inherent warmth of the piece (this is the reason for the warm burnt umber underpainting). The warm underpainting adds a unity to the work where it shows though in the less opaque areas. I would even go as far as giving a finished painting an Indian yellow glaze to unify the colours. I feel that separating the the volume and overall tonality of the figure from any decisions of colour at the beginning is important in this style and method of painting. A limited palette is also very useful in unifying a painting.

I will post the next stages once I have finished this stage.

Be mindful
D&L

A good start to the week.

2011-06-27T11:29:00.004+01:00

Today I have realised that happiness trickles down. If you are happy it transmits itself to others. Being a useful, mindful and energised person will create a field around you that will draw people to you and feed their own energies.

Fair enough, it's not that easy today as it is pishing down, over cast and I have a headache. Still, happy enough in what I am doing.

I gutted and moved the studio around today. Chucked out a load of clutter and a few bits of cumbersome furniture. The place feels lighter and I feel ready to start the work for my upcoming shows. Yeehaa!

Here's a pic of the big red painting in it's lovely new home. There is a large mirror opposite in which the proud owner can see the piece when he wakes up. Quality

And finally here's a pic of Leda in the newly reorganised studio.

X D&L

slowly

2011-06-26T19:59:00.003+01:00

Worked hard. Came home. Ate chilli. Fancy an early night. Nice.

First stage of underpainting. Done.

Leda sulking because I told her off. Done.

Monday! Bring it on!

XD&L

Weird Day

2011-06-25T20:34:00.003+01:00

I had a spectacularly uplifting and slightly surreal moment in the middle of an empty park this morning. I was meeting someone very dear to me and the situation was pretty emotionally charged. As we embraced and held each other the sky seemed to brighten and two swallows began circling us, quite close and low to the ground. They did this until we let go of each other. It was a bit of a magical Disney moment. Cool!

I did a bit of meditation in the studio later in the day and the image of two people embracing with two swallows circling them kept returning to me. What does it mean? What on earth is happening to me?

Here's what has been happening this afternoon. I first sealed the pencil drawing to the canvas using a thin wash of burnt umber artist quality acrylic and then worked into it with heavier dilutions of the same pigment. I have taken care to make use of the under-drawing. I have worked into the darker areas and details with acrylic because of the quick drying nature of the medium. At the end of the day I again sealed the canvas with a thin layer of liquin and turps ready for more underpainting tomorrow. It's a bit long winded but I think it is worth it.

Here is a better photo of the recently finished painting

Peace and love
D&L

Quick on the draw

2011-06-24T20:00:00.000+01:00

I have been doing lots of drawing over the past two days. It's a great way to get back into the swing of things. It's been a while since I did any tonal drawing and I am really enjoying it. Here's what's occurring.

I finished the drawing-out of this painting today and will begin the tonal underpainting tomorrow.

I started this 70x70cm drawing today. Will finish it off tomorrow andd give it a raw umber wash ready for painting.

Cooking on gas

D&L

In your face Thursday!

2011-06-23T20:35:00.001+01:00

Today has seen the Lisle get back in the groove good and proper! I can feel my old Art obsessive self returning and I have actually begun smiling again. Whoop Whoop!

Finished this but will post a decent photo when it has been varnished. There are matt and contrasting gloss areas at the moment so it looks a bit ropey here.

I also started this which is 60x80cm.

Cannae wait to get back in tomorrow

Lots of love
D&L

Another Strange slideshow appears on youtube

2011-06-23T09:51:00.002+01:00

There is another one

YOUTUBE

Flattering if not weird

XD&L

Better Mood today

2011-06-22T21:36:00.002+01:00

I'm in a slightly less gloomsome mood today. Stayed at studio until 9pm and didn't really notice. I have achieved a great deal and hope that will tire my feverishly overactive brain enough to get some sleep.

Leda has an eye infection. I took her to the vet and he put day-glow green dye in her eyes to check for something or other. Anyway, on the way home she was getting funny looks as she had glowing green eyes and green snot dribbling from her nose. She looked pretty spooky. Didn't last all the way hame, more's the pity. Here's a picture of her in the hills above Aboyne, Aberdeenshire not so long ago. We were very happy.

Here's a poor photo of the progress since yesterday. I think I may get this more or less finished tomorrow.

Somebody send me some money I'm starving

Lots of love
D&;L

When life hands you lemons...squeeze 'em in your eyes

2011-06-22T09:58:00.005+01:00

My absence from the blog is due to a series of unbelievably unfortunate occurrences... compound misfortune anyone? The past month has consumed every ounce of time, energy and emotion I possessed. Things have calmed down a bit and I'm back at the studio working on my energy levels and very slowly recovering momentum. I think that it's only when life falls apart that you can see what it comprises of and, when putting it back together, what is important.

Here is what I have been working on since returning to the studio. It's a tricky one.

I'm hungry. Thanks for asking.
XD&L

Push

2011-05-20T19:58:00.000+01:00

“Upon the brink of the wild stream

He stood, and dreamt a mighty dream.”

Been moving flat and stuff

2011-05-06T17:15:00.000+01:00

Finally got round to starting the leda painting. I have been arranging couriers every day and moving/cleaning/painting the flat that I am leaving. Hectic. I think she will look pretty majestic once I have sorted out what she is sitting on.

X D&L

Alistair Walton

2011-04-19T09:07:00.000+01:00

Check out my Student Alistair Walton's new website. LINK

2011-04-13T11:23:00.002+01:00

This is off down to Eton Contemporary Fine Arts today with a few other things. Keep the eyes peeled at art fairs and in the gallery itself.

Just started this. It's going to be VERY red... and very cool...obviously!

Off back to El Studio Diablo to meet the courier.

D&L

Just back from Poland

2011-04-05T15:37:00.001+01:00

POSNAN WAS GOOD FUN!!!!!!

I am just back from Poznan in Poland. It was very arty and very food orientated. My belly needs vegetables!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacek_Malczewski

The National Museum in Poznan is an absolute must. It is one of the best collections I have seen. Amazing! Very inspired.

Stary Browar shopping centre is also amazo! It's the poshest shopping centre ever and is peppered with amazing and huge pieces of sculpture. Very impressive sculpture.

ACE

A week in pictures

2011-03-28T20:01:00.001+01:00

Broken

AL is an enigma! I see original Vetriano's and the word fist.

Al's new painting

Costco I love you

Memento mori

Claimed

Click the text you maddies

2011-03-24T18:02:00.002Z

STEVIE WONDER DRUM SOLO

Bonjour

2011-03-24T11:07:00.000Z

Here's a link to my old pal Mikey's music. Right up my street. LINK. He's had stuff out on Gene Farris' label under a different name in the past. Prodigious talent and cool guy.

A DAY!!!!!

2011-03-23T21:32:00.005Z

...finished gold leaf inscription. A coat of liquin to seal everything, a coat of matt varnish and a nice dark chunky frame will finalise this piece.

Nearly there on this one. A few warm and cool glazes here and there are needed. A yellow glaze to give the white fabric the correct lighting colour will be sorted tomorrow. May add a broken gold leaf line around red bit.

A very limited palette has been used for this painting but a decent range of colour can be achieved through an understanding of how these paints behave when using mixed techniques. Opaque underpainting, velatura, dry brush and glazing (opaque and transparent). A limited palette also aids general unity.

BLACK IS NEVER TO BE USED AS BLACK. TINT!!!!

Raw umber, Burnt umber, Titanium white, Lamp black, Yellow ochre, French vermillion, Indian red...and probably a bit of Cobalt blue for glazing tweaks.

NOT AGAIN LEDA!!!!!!

The Guilder came up gold!

2011-03-22T18:57:00.001Z

Fraz and I went to see the RSA New Contemporaries exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh today. 2 quid to see yet another bunch of pish pseudo-intellectual twattery. There were, however, a few artists who held our attention. Shaun O'Donnell being the favourite. There's nae much online but here's a LINK. Particularly liked his quite bold use of glazes and his control of half opaques. Disgustingly beautiful. You need to see them in the flesh.

The signwriter came up trumps again and returned this antique gold lettered painting this afternoon. I will put a wee box round the lettering and stick it in a frame. Job done.

Still working away at this. Tried a few new things here so it's taking a bit longer than expected. I have worked up the glazes to a more intense ochre than usual and I will glaze the drapery to sit with that. Looks a bit weird but have faith.

Beware Tomorrow....your ass is mine

D&L

Mike Keeble is writing

2011-03-22T08:07:00.001Z

Here's a LINK to my old pal Mike Keeble's blog. He has been writing some stuff. I have known Mike since I was in my teens. He is one of the most cerebral and entertaining chaps I have the good fortune to be acquainted with. Go see!

I have my arty pal Fraz Lethardy staying at not so-Cripple Towers at the mo'. He is ginger, paints and makes films. Here he is showing me the ways of Photoshop and shooting in RAW.

2011-03-21T08:02:00.000Z

Here's a photo of the lovely Laura Rose and I. The Roses popped down to Leith to pick up their painting on Saturday evening. Really nice folk!

Leda doesnae seem too interested.

More later.

Sundays work.

2011-03-20T20:11:00.001Z

Finished this today. Might get the guilder downstairs to put some gold leaf writing at the bottom.

Threw a bit of colour at the Leda painting. Toying with the idea of a swan in the background. Might be a bit much.

Wiped out but happy

xD&L

PLAY ME

2011-03-19T19:51:00.000Z

My lovely French friend Adrienne Zitt is starring in, directing and fundraisery organising pretty much everything to do with a production of The Memory of Water by Shelagh Stephenson in Edinburgh. She is both mad and very focused. Here's a wiki LINK.
It is also importanto muchos to put your thumb in your hip pocket and help facilitate productions such as this. Donate HERE. Adrienne is busting her...something... to allow us to experience this. I, personally, feel duty bound. Shall be Awesome!

I'm feeling summery...summerey...summer something?

2011-03-19T09:10:00.002Z

This was last year at Loch Chon in the Trossachs. Any suggestions for this year before the midgies kick in would be most welcome!

Working on a drawing at home today. Might post something later.

Had a look back on this today an remembered that AA needs to be booked for my next biggie.

2011-03-18T16:10:00.000Z

Commission went into it's frame. Looks well.

Working on three paintings today.

Had a bit of a tinker with this today. Re-underpainted face. A lot more velatura work is needed on this one. Hopefully get most of it resolved this weekend. I have brought a bit of the drapery up to the correct tonal value to use as a key for the flesh.

Velatura work done on this piece today. Still need to get some pinks and greys into flesh. Did a wee bit of work to the hair and fabric too.

Starting a drawing this evening

woop

woop!

Edinburgh's twilight

2011-03-15T03:45:00.001Z

Edinburgh Cityscapes by my super talented studio co-inhabitor Mr Gareth Beare. Talented and hyper motivated chap. His new body of work is breathtaking. Come see.

Look this up

2011-03-15T03:07:00.005Z

I have applied a thin but potent velatura of yellow ochre and french vermillion (artist Quality) with a small amount of liquin. Linseed or stand oil (or your own blend) are the preferred choice of medium but liquin has similar, though short lived, qualities and has the added bonus/drawback of being dry within a 24 hour period. This mixture does tend to get sticky over the course of the day so I would advise painting sections. I.e. I have painted the legs as one section and the far arm as another.

The anatomical detail is a bit wishy washy at this stage but will be resolved in the layers to come.

I have worked into this velatura with titanium white and a small amount of naples yellow to work up to the correct values. Soft round brush! I am aware at this stage that subsequent velaturas and 'working up' will ensue. Build a painting not an image! A local colour has been established so that warms. pinks and greys can be worked in.

It must be noted that I have mixed a velatura AM for the legs and used the same mixture PM. The arms and hands are much cooler due to this mixture going off.

Go play in the road

D&L

Ooof!

2011-03-13T19:14:00.000Z

Started painting of Leda

Reworked this painting that has been hanging around unfinished. The blue will change once I have figured out what to do with it.

That is all

Dylan

Labour

2011-03-12T20:17:00.001Z

I have spent the day working up an opaque layer of burnt umber and white into the highlights and mid-tones. The shadows have been left as the wash underpainting which has been left unpainted on the back and ribs. Will finish this stage tomorrow and then leave it to dry ready for colour.

Cream crackered!
lots of love
Dylbo Baggins and Leda Horse to Water

Frantic Friday!

2011-03-11T20:18:00.000Z

Busy busy day today. Made good headway on the drapery underpainting. Again this is raw umber and titanium white with the wash colour showing in the shadows. I will highlight with white to bring up to the correct tonal value once dry. This is pretty much ready for velatura and opaque colour.

Had a bit of a tinker with the tonal values of the wash underpainting and threw a bit of colour into the drapery. Blocked in the thingy at the bottom with burnt umber and white to prepare for a decorative design thingy. Thingy thingy thingy.

I received delivery of a few cool things today (One of which is pictured below). A remote control for my digital SLR and a Cool as Funk clinging, grippy, monkey-hand tripod type affair. I can wait to get a model in and get some extreme camera angles on the go.

I have also found the perfect image of Leda to paint. Will start next week!

Excited by life's possibilities

Love
D&L

Photography

2011-03-11T08:00:00.001Z

This week I have decided to up my game where photography is concerned. I have ordered a few gadgets and I am excited about the new possibilities. Lighting is important in my work so that is next weeks focus (see what I did there?). I am also going to be looking into the possibility of unusual camera angles when posing a model. Tres Exciting!

Here is a LINK to an Edinburgh based chap called Tobias Feltus. His photography is right up my street. Dramatic, weird and technically superb. He also has a rather impressive mustachio. It would appear that he is from a prolifically creative family. I have been a fan of his fathers paintings for some time but have only just made the connection. Go have a look at Alan Feltus.

Will post more when I return from El Studio Diablo

Dodgy photos

2011-03-10T20:25:00.001Z

Here is the finished secondary opaque underpainting in raw umber. I have taken care to allow some of the warm burnt umber ground to show in the darker mid-tones and shadows. I usually paint this stage a few tones darker than it should be as I have found that subsequent lighter opaques sit more pleasingly. Once I have underpainted the drapery, I will begin making decisions about colour. I feel that it is important to have a solid tonal base before applying colour. Separating the challenges of tone and colour makes things simpler.

I have also resolved the wash underpainting of this piece. I have used burnt umber Alkyd paint for its quick drying properties. I will begin the opaque underpainting in burnt umber and titanium white artist quality oils.

On Fire

Lisle

Raw Umber

2011-03-09T20:23:00.000Z

Cracked on with the opaque raw umber and white secondary underpainting today. Didn't get as much done as I would have liked but did get to have lunch with the delightful Alison Auldjo of UnionGallery.

All in all another cracking day

X
D&L

GENIUS WEBSITE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-03-09T15:38:00.000Z

This is just amazing. Words cannot describe how impressed I am with this.

LINK

As many virtual galleries as you can shake a stick at.
I've never understood that phrase.

Change

2011-03-09T07:48:00.002Z

It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad.

C.S Lewis

On another note, here's a link to an amazing painter who contacted me recently LINK. It beggars belief that Shane couch is self taught. His seascapes are Mind-blowing. I would like to see these bad boys in the flesh. I find them fascinating.

Like a tentacle monster

2011-03-08T19:59:00.000Z

Good evening.
Today has been amazing. Perhaps it is the change of season but I feel energised!

Got to El Studio Diablo nice and early this morning and didn't stop until K.M Yule came in with her student about 6pm. Went down to sort out a few framing things, had a word with the resident gilder sign writer chap about the next painting and then painted like a tentacle monster. A very productive day!

I had planned to start the opaque layer of underpainting on these two pieces but decided to work on their overall tonality a bit more. Can't wait to get stuck in tomorrow.

Leda is a bit ill today. She did some rather impressive puking this morning and refused her favourite fish breakfast. There she is above looking a bit under the weather. Poor little Leda! I hope she is feeling a bit more chipper tomorrow.

And here's a Tentacle Monster.

Good night.
D&L

The Frequent Musings of Mr Lisle

You Don't Call Me Anymore

This may help

Colour studies?????????????????????????????????????????

MERRY FESTIVES!

Shane Couch

Well I never

OPEN STUDIOS WEEKEND IS HERE!!!!!!!!

Happy Saturday

Auldjo Nails It! DON"T RUN AND HIDE!

Ouch

Technically Mondays post

Stillllllllll going

Sketching Awah Min!

Moirai

slowly goes it

Blimey!

Silent but deadly

The unexpected

It's PINK!

Date for the diary

messing around

Ordinary Allstars

Progress

There are a couple of loose ends I'd like to tie up. Nothing important you understand

Lots going on.

Sunday Sunday

Happy Saturday to one and all.

Late

Progress

TAKING IT BACK WITH FORCE!

Surgeons Hall Edinburgh

Tired and Happy

Tired

Album cover artwork commission

I have been crazy busy today and now my head feels like this!

Huge blogpost

Bees Knees

New talent Link Susie Brown

Where is my mind

New Model

Buzzy Day

Plight of the Bumblebee: 8 September 2011 - 10 October 2011

New talent Links

RICHARD PURDEN'S BOOK!!!!!!!!!!

Saturday!!!!!!!!!

Here's what's happening!!!!

Here and Near

Genius

Easier said than done

Unexpected gift

Still chipping away

Interesting day.

slow day

bThrew a bit of colour at this today

Roughed up

Student Time

Heard this for the first time today!

40 thousand hits to the blog! Whooo hooo!

Thought for the day

Sweaty and smelly but happy.

Waiting

Something worth seeing

Another ropey photo.

Morning!!!

Busy Busy Busy Busy

A good start to the week.

slowly

Weird Day

Quick on the draw

In your face Thursday!

Another Strange slideshow appears on youtube

Better Mood today

When life hands you lemons...squeeze 'em in your eyes

Push

Been moving flat and stuff

Alistair Walton

Just back from Poland

A week in pictures

Click the text you maddies

Plight of the Bumblebee:
8 September 2011 - 10 October 2011