Tag: portraits

An empty studio.

Now that things are getting back to normal, I thought it would be a good time to have a break from the studio and a well earned rest. I’m using the time to totally empty the studio, clean it and plan the next 2 years.

The pandemic has left me financially battered so I need to use the next couple of years to build up a quality body of work and earn enough money to fund the next set of major exhibitions.

I plan to work in the studio on the projects I’ve currently got on the go. It’s very unlikely that there will be a large exhibition in the next 2 years. There is a chance of a small exhibition, but I haven’t got anything planned at the moment.

Unfortunately, the Jurassic Coast art project is unlikely to continue. I’ve really enjoyed working on it but it’s financially impossible for me to continue. It’s a great disappointment not being able to finish the last section of coastline but I’m hopeful that I’ll return to it in the future.

The project Pilgrimage, a portrait of HCPT is continuing but on a slightly smaller scale. I’m going to continue building up a collection of portraits and landscapes that will eventually be part of a major touring exhibition. There’s no doubt, HCPT’s engagement during the pandemic has kept me going in the most difficult times in the studio. I’m really excited about this project.

I’m also working on a small project painting a collection of sunrise paintings. They’re all of the same beach in Devon from photographs taken by my friend, Fr Paul Cummings. This is turning into a really beautiful and moving little project.

Most of the larger paintings have gone into storage because I haven’t got room to paint them in the studio. Hopefully, I’ll be able to return to them one day.

I’ve got some big plans for the future and I’m really excited about what lies ahead. The isolation of the pandemic has improved my painting skills and I know that the next year will be a very productive one.

Colin.

There is no doubt that 2020 will be remembered as a very difficult year.

 I’ve worked really hard over the last six years and I’ve been lucky to have very successful exhibitions. It’s always humbling when people buy my work and after each private view there is a huge sense of relief that I’ve made enough to fund the studio for the following year.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have an exhibition in 2019 because of the uncertainty of Brexit and I needed time to catch up on studio work. This meant that I was caught out financially when the COVID Virus hit this year.

 This, I’m afraid has forced me to make some very difficult decisions regarding my painting career. Jenny and I have thought long and hard about the best way forward and we came to the conclusion that it’s very important for me to remain painting in the studio for as long as I can. The only way to do this is to substantially reduce my outgoings.

So, I’ve made the decision to retreat back into the studio and work for as long as I can. There will not be any exhibitions until 2022 at the earliest. Like many businesses in this difficult environment, the phrase “it will be cheaper for me to close down than stay open” will become a very well used one. I’ll work in the studio full time until I have to go part time and find another job.

 The art world is really struggling at the moment and it’s going to take years for it to financially and emotionally recover. I’m sure it’s the same for many, but it’s a matter of riding the storm as well as you can waiting for a glimpse of normality to return.

 I’ll use this increased studio time as productively as I can.

 Throughout the first lockdown I was drawn to the portraits that I’m working on for the charity HCPT. This year has really highlighted the importance of this body of work to me. I’m passionate about this charity and it’s been a major part of my life for many years, so I’ll continue to work on them and give the paintings the time they deserve.

I love working on landscapes, so I’ll continue to work on my Jurassic Coast paintings. I know there are people who have been patiently waiting to buy a landscape from me but I’m afraid there won’t be an opportunity for that until 2021 at the earliest.

 I’d like to thank everybody who has supported me over the years and it’s always been great seeing you at the various exhibitions. Meeting the public will be something that I’ll greatly miss.   

I know this new chapter of my career will bring its own rewards, and I’m sure it will be a very productive time in the studio. It’s an opportunity to stop and think what’s important, and how I want my work to develop. It will be good to really concentrate in the studio, just me and the paintings.

I’d like to thank everybody for the support, and I’ll keep posting regular studio updates on social media. I’m already thinking about the exhibition in 2022 and it’s going to be the most exciting one I’ve put together so far.

 Thanks.
Colin.