Wednesday 3 April 2013

Picture #3 Rosie-Lee and Me!

So far my paintings are coming out far better than I had anticipated, how long that goes on for is anyone's guess.

I hear a little friendly cynicism: have I dabbled before? To be perfectly honest, no I haven't. The only paint I ever used was on tea-towel designs, where I drew them out in pen & ink and then coloured in the spaces with poster paint - no blending allowed.

So this really is my first attempt at artistic painting, and the only reason I'm using acrylics is because I was given a whole bunch of them.

                                                  Rosie-Lee                                John Simlett
Acrylic on Stretched Canvas
14 inches x 10 inches

I have to understand the basic processes before I start attempting anything and I use the same route whether it be poetry, writing software, flying, drawing... or painting. So my 'procrastination' is a necessary part of my 'route in.' I need to read and observe the basic processes and talk about them. 

Painting is no different to Creative Writing. They say that it is impossible to teach people how to become writers. Maybe, but you can give people the tool kit and train them to a point where they go solo, thereafter, only their natural skill, talent and lots of practise will decide how successful they will become.

Well I'm a long way from going solo as a painter, but I'm managing to get my mind around the processes and enjoying myself immensely and that's what it's all about!

Why Rosie Lee? In the middle of London is the Church of Bow. Anyone born within the sound of Bow-Bells is deemed to be a Cockney (a Cockney Sparrow). The Cockneys' love to talk in Rhyming slang - which is a code hard to crack:
Apples & Pears = Stairs
Trouble & Strife = The Wife

Do you get the idea? ...so... Rosie-Lee = cup of tea! 

25 comments:

  1. Yes, if you please : I would take a (beautiful) cup of tea !...
    ;-)

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    1. Milk or Lemon? You're welcome, Anne - thsank you.

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  2. OH Wow.. Very good John. Love how you said how anyone can do something with the right tools or tool kit. I once had a teacher that said that anyone can paint if they want to bad enough.. or good enough..lol Yes some have a built in ..call it radar..imagination..something special.. for doing amazing things with a pencil or a paint brush but then they have it with anything they attempt and I think you have that in your work. How ever you do it keep it up its paying off. Also thanks for the Cockney lesson. Never knew that. I learn so much coming here.

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    1. Nice to see you, Cris, and thank yo for your kind comments. I'm pleased with the way its going, but grounded enough to know I'm only scratching the surface.

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  3. Well, I believe you. "They" say a painting is only as good as the initial or under-sketch, and given your sketching ability and already-acquired sense of composition, you have lots going for you even if you used one color only. But your process of procrastination (or rather preparation)is bearing fruit as well. I'm loving the results!

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    1. Thank you, Minnemie, your comments are welcome, thank you

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  4. This is FANTASTIC, John...you definitely understand the process, LOL ...this is "really" good and an excellent still life ..I love the colors and pattern on the tea cup. Congratulations!!

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    1. Thank you, Hilda, I value your opinions and kind comments

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  5. excellent work, John...I am tuned in to see what is next!

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    1. Thanks, Celeste ... I'm just hoping it doesn't fall apart as I'm going to focus on detail next!

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  6. I like it, John. It's an excellent start.

    Mind you, you've got me in a right two-and-eight with the patter, me old China.

    in Domino.

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    1. Cor blimey, Governor. Glad you had time for a butcher's hook at my posting!

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  7. Hi John, I'm really impressed by the fact that this is your first "artistic" painting. Wow, it is absolutely beautiful, colors, light, composition.....you have certainly learned the process. Congratulations. Ciao!

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    1. Praise from the master is praise indeed, thank you Tito. Ciao

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  8. That's it! I might just have to stop following you! You seem to be an 'instant painter' and it's SO not fair, lol!
    Okay - so is there anything you can't do???
    I honestly can't get over that you can paint like this after just three attempts! I love the pattern on the cup of Rosie Lea... AMAZING! :0)

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    1. It's all your fault Sandra, you got me into this blogging thingie! Loved your last couple of paintings!

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  9. Don't bad John for a novice. Pitcher needs work--more shaping--but you are taking to painting like you've been doing it all your life. PLUS getting a kick out of it. Your joy shows.

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  10. Your painting skills are coming along so well, John. How do you like it, compared to pen and ink drawing?
    PS - Love the lesson in Cockney-ese!

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  11. If must be honest ... I do not understand the association of the words!
    But instead I understand that your still life is very well done.
    Light and shadow have no secrets for those who draw like you, so I am not surprised: brilliant use of shape and color,dear John!

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  12. John, I do adore your writing style and I do believe you are naturally gifted in the creative arts. I show some hints but nothing that speaks of greatness. I think I'll enjoy your's vicariously!

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  13. John, outstanding work. On my way to check out Will K's dvd.

    thank you for sharing.

    All the best to you,
    Joan

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  14. You've already got the natural talent, so I'm so pleased to see you stocking your tool kit! Rosie-Lee = :)

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