Paynes grey versus Mars Black

working on current acrylic painting for signing board featuring at a wedding in Paris in June, its a toss up, usually use Paynes Grey as it is not as harsh as lamp black/mars black, but it may need to contrast more with the blue/purple tones already applied. Thinking out loud in technology:)

Payne's grey is a very dark blue-grey used in painting. It can be used as a mixer in place of black. Being less intense than black, it is easier to get the right shade when using it as a mixer. Payne's grey is a mixture of ultramarine and black or of ultramarine and Sienna.

The colour is named after William Payne, who painted watercolours in the late 18th century.

The colour Payne's Grey is named after a British watercolourist and art lecturer, William Payne (1760--1830), who recommended the mixture to students as a more subtle alternative to a gray mixed from black and white. In Artist's Pigments: c.1600-1835 Payne's grey is stipulated to originally have been "a mixture of lake, raw sienna and indigo."¹

Mars black is supposed to be much more powerful in
tinting strength
About three times the tinting strength of ivory. Not as black as ivory. Hold a magnet up to a tube of grumbacher academy mars black and then hold it next to a tube of Winsor newton artists grade mars black and you can feel the difference in pigment load by the degree of magnetic force involved.
Here a high pigment load can be a negative aspect. Black is one of the most feared pigments. Many have trouble with it and cite the dirtying, muddying nature that it has, yeah, it is black, and sometimes mud is just what you want. So with three times the power, mars can be even harder to handle than ivory. I know some artists who prefer the lower pigment load and tinting strength of winton ivory black. I feel this way about other pigments as well, for instance, I really like winton prussian blue due to the pigment load and my ability to handle it. I won't even try out a tube of Old Holland prussian blue, however, when it comes to other pigments like say yellow ochre, then bring it on because I can handle the highest pigment load there is.

Functionality of Maintenance 1

Painting

Last time out I was undertaking several pieces, ‘Just three words’ and 100 ways to say bollocks, in fairness it felt a little fake to me, going through some motions of concepts, I felt that I was being true to myself but I reckon I was just kidding myself. I was creatively lost, looking back  on it, the work involving writing the word bollocks using one and half inch nails and two inch 

 

nails was the final nail in the coffin. After hours of gluing nail heads onto a board something had to give, in this case I just put it at the back of the studio to gather dust – maybe to return when it felt right, it hasn’t felt right since that decision. Just three little words was just playing, thinking I was being cutting edge, witty, or in fact shoved up my own arse. So what now? Going back to basics, try and find something that I wanted to paint, had a go at looking into my past, the Ladybird book collection that was given to me as a present inspired some ideas based upon my Adidas samba painting,

no matter how I manipulated the images, played around with drawings, layouts and the rest, it didn’t feel right, so yet again in all honesty it was shelved, the result that I had lost my direction, creativity and interest in painting my own ideas.

I still want/need to paint, I’m my most happiest stood/sat in front of a canvas with a paint pallet next to me mixing colours and getting involved with the art of painting.

So what next, who knows, I’m currently undertaking work that has been asked, well, ticking over stuff, it seems that I have been working on wedding stuff, namely signing boards. The first, as a wedding present to my sister in law was a graphite drawing based on their journey together; it was a real challenge as they kept changing their ideas, making the mapping out difficult, but in the end I enjoyed the challenge, trying to make a piece of work that was suitable for the occasion and didn’t veer off to much from my own convictions! Currently, I have been asked, a suggestion from my good lady wife! That I produced a painting for a signing board for a relations wedding in Paris, through some email discussion I have started mapping out a painting, a slightly new approach acrylic on paper – not done it before discovered that with priming part of the paper caused some buckling but hopefully this will go as paint is applied. I will give updates on this as it progresses, the introduction of colour more than the three colours I have used previously is taking me into a new direction, hopefully by undertaking this it might provide me with a new creative direction, its certainly got me thinking more about my work and hopefully it will be the springboard for new work.

Trying to ‘keep my hand in’ over the last year or so, I have set myself a couple of painting challenges, I keep coming back to this word challenges, why is this? What challenges do I want to make in creating art? Do I want to improve my skills, becoming one of the top ten contemporary artists in line with D Hurst, Chapman brothers (previous thoughts about them on blog), it would be nice, but to be honest it aint gonna happen.

One of the reasons for lack of posting/painting on a regular basis will be posted within the ‘functionality of maintenance’ in due course; Pinner Rugby Club, but within the context of this post it is about art and painting I produce (is that the term I want to use?) connected with the rugby club I set up a competition 

Competition – seek and thou shalt find

Following previous successful competitions we have introduced another one. On the website there will posted this image

I know there is one on this post but there’s another one somewhere else on the website (very funny quoting this one!) nor is it the one in the ‘pelican brief’ that again is just advertising the competition – I give up!!

The first one to email me where it is on the website will win. The date it will posted will be Sunday 7th March. The prize…… something a little different; a personal graphite drawing 10”x 8” on paper of the winner in action, signed and dated. (personal choice of image and style) there are examples in the latest newsletter found on website as a pdf or a paper copy in the clubhouse

it has now been posted on the website, as of 8.13pm Good luck

things then transpired 

The final presentation was made by Paul Talbot who ran a competition on the website to locate a picture of Tommy Cooper wearing his famous fez with the Pinner RFC logo on it. For the first person to find it the prize was a portrait drawing, completed by Paul Talbot, this was extended by the winner’s request; Neill ‘Bullet’ King for a painting, not only of himself but with three of his first team mates

 

In fairness, the idea of making this painting did give me a buzz, using colour, trying out something different that extended me was great, I didn’t have a time limited, so as with most things it slipped away, the initial ideas, drawings etc got started but put in the recesses of my mind and studio. I have now come to the conclusion that I need to set my time targets, I work under pressure and with this I set myself a date to finish in time for the end of season awards, I finished it unfortunately, the winner did not turn up! Got some great feed back and may pursue this line of painting further, who knows might get a couple of commissions from it (always nice). 

artwork by paul talbot

Came across this site the other week, had a play withit and produced several quick videos for my rugby club, well they are not quite videos just another way of doing a power point I suppose. It costs nothing to makew a thirty second pece, I subscribed and you get a lot more, good fun and a good way to put photos together

the one that got away

As you can see, I met the Chapman Brothers!

The visit to the frieze exhibition was a strange affair: when approaching the show you could smell money - limousines everywhere and gold and diamonds dripping of line stretched necks - how do you make a chicken neck look glamorous? anyway....

I had the painting in a rucksack and along with my printed flyer's entered the 'tent'. Security was tight - earpieces, walkie talkies etc.

I passed a group of people carrying placards - "where do I smoke", "where am I?" - not to sure if this was a demonstration or performance art, they were being given instructions on how to walk etc. let them got on with it thought, I have my own fish to fry.

Initially, I was informed that I couldn't take my rucksack in with me (should have bought D&G handbag!)

Removed painting and flyer's handed in bag and walked to the entry isles. (the painting at this stage was in a discreet Tesco carrier).

I was stopped and asked what was in the bag and then asked to explain why I was taking a painting in - was I an exhibitor? (not quick thinking here on my part)

"you can't take that in with you", so I explained etc. he called over big honcho security and informed me that I couldn't take it in, they would look after it for me. Smiles all round, trying a bit more blag, still no further. Ok, they could look after the painting. Before doing so I took out the flyer's - "are they flyers?" - after reading one he said that I couldn't take these in, they don't allow multiples in?? They are business cards.... you can take one in

This was getting hard work

OK I'll just take the one in.............. pulled out several and stuck in pocket (ha ha)

after 20mins finally got into the 'tent'

Found white cube stand to be informed that the 'bro's' weren't signing/defacing notes at the present time - looking around, not for the foreseeable future either, they had nicked off, done their stunt, they couldn't tell me when they would be back.

Had a look around - basic summary of work - poor, to much stuff trying to be art, trying to be controversial, many pieces were 8-9 years old.

Was I inspired - no

Did see anish kapoor - walked past him

Did get my photograph taken - don't know what that was about, but he did follow me for a while!!

Obviously, there are levels in the artworld and at this level there is little consideration for quality draftsmanship, skillful painting - image is everything.

Managed to slip a few flyers here and there, but generally all I wanted to do is get out and get some fresh air.

Upon exiting the place I was handed back my painting and flyers.

What to do with the painting?

Thinking about that, read a book recently - taking a fridge around Ireland, gives me an idea!!!

think of a colour

As mentioned in an earlier blog - the use of colour in the £10 note painting. many years ago I attended an exhibition of Frank Auerbach somewhere in Cork Street around 1983-4 (not to sure where and when and searches have come up blank)

what he had instructed the gallery owners to paint the walls a blue grey colour (I've tried to get as close as I can) and then, the most suprising element - about 12" from the floor, painted around the whole gallery was an orange line - no wider than 1cm - it looked fantastic, the contrast with the backdrop, which didnt detract from the work itself. funny how things stay lodged in the depths of your mind!

£10 note saga!

well despite coming home after witnessing QPRs first victory of the season! I picked my emails, following the positive contacts that were made with the white cube, I recieved an email that basically has put a downer on the project:
Dear Paul,

Thanks for you e-mail. Although, Jake & Dinos appreciate your charitable intention - they will not sign your painting. The whole point of this years Frieze performance is not to make any money and they will not sign this in order to potentially gain a profit from them doing so, even if this is for charity.

Well, things are not as one intended, got a little wound up, Jo replied to the email and as of this evening not had a reply - s'ppose they are very busy at moment to deal with small fry!
Anyhow, as in earlier post, there are positve and negative aspects of life... I have thought of several responses to this;
1. don't bother
2. get back at them - an initial mind set driven by anger/frustration/annoyance..... go to the art show, queue as everyone will, present them with the original tenner, get them to put their mark on it then rip it up in their face.... not really going anywhere with that one to be honest, like spitting the dummy out of the pram
3. still take the painting and see if they will sign/put their mark on it despite what they have said.. this will probably piss the off and get no where
4. print and give out mini flyer's with image on, title of painting (have come up with it) and my website.... even at a push, might get them to sign one of them I have already printed a number of them and will drop them around the exhibition ..... its more passive and possibly could generate a bit of interest.

title for the painting:
'the one that got away'

finished

Well, despite the long nights and bleary eyes I have completed the £10 note painting, still haven't thought of a title for it, no doubt I will think of something soon.


Here's the painting:

gives me and idea/new painting V believe the hype

update:
painted second coat of blue this evening now adding orange for contrast - still a long way to go
post image tomorrow

gives an idea/new painting III believe the hype!

Well, things are on the move - work on the £10 note painting is coming along, see image below. I have opted for a blue grey colour rather than match the browns found on a £10 note. The reason for this: its more in keeping with my other work, brown looks s*** as seen on wild west painting, it changes the intention to make a copy of a note and I intend to use on orange as a contrast - not making a great deal off sense - late night painting!!

Update on the hype!: contacted Frieze yesterday, spoke to their press about the concept - they liked the idea but no free tickets (I had no intention of trying to get a free ticket)

I will have to queue like everyone else, but that's all part of it.

I intend to post the full idea and thought process later/nearer the time. If it goes the further movement will be to auction the painting and proceeds going to breast cancer charity.

Next stages:

second coat of blue/grey on canvas

contact white cube gallery - in view of my intentions

post more on different groups that I am part of

bump up the hype!!

gives me an idea/new painting II

fol owing earlier post, I've decided to create some home brewed hype. Whilst others may stand clutching their fivers, tenners or in fact a bit more, eagerly awaiting one or both of the Chapman brothers to deface and therefore increase the value (as quoted in post earlier) I have a cunning plan - I am in the process of painting part of a £10 note (my usual style), and hopefully, with long nights ahead will finish it by the 14th Oct - opening day at the frieze art fair. It is my intention to get the 'Chaps' to sign my painting, hopefully, and will extreme bits of luck, they might like the concept of creating a double stooge!! It could lead onto other avenues - someone buying it, a gallery becoming interested who knows.... but something could happen, again its like doing the lottery (although I don't), there's always a chance. Hopefully, using this blog / my website and any other means I can think of, i'm going to try to create a positve return. Wait and see...... I will post updates of the painting as it progresses and of any deveopments. As my dad would quite happily quote from Del Boy -'he who dares...'

Painting in its first stage - mapping out with paynes grey acrylic paint, 000 size brush on primed canvas (4 layers 1 white acrylic). apologies for quality of photo - taken past midnight, in shed with poor lighting!

size: 20 x 20cm