Blog post- October's been busy

I've been feeling really keen to study more recently and develop my knowledge of art as well as my experience in creating it.

I'm enjoying learning more about Van Gogh, an artist I studied on a very surface level when I was younger. My interst and admiration of him started when one of the times I visited Amsterdam, I went to the Van Gogh museum there. I'm understanding him more now by reading a great book with a detailed history of his life and work.

I've also wanted to do more drawings, paintings, and photography. Here is a photo of a quick sketch I made visiting Scotney castle and gardens. The house pictured had lots of watercolour paintings and it was inspiring.

Recently I went out painting plein air to capture an autumn tree line, however I set up late in the day and it was bitterly cold as it got dark. I was glad to have decided to just sketch the scene in burnt sienna based on the time I had. I'm now building up the details in colour using memory and photo's I took.

The pheasant commission piece I've been working on has progressed well this week and I'm starting to feel I can finish it in the way I aimed to. I always wanted for this to be a very detailed realistic piece and it's been a long process layering the oil paint, waiting for layers to dry at times and learning new techniques. I'm in the finishing stages of detail, but there is still lots to do.

I also have a squash painting I've been putting off for too long and am keen to finish.

I started a mixed media textural piece to give me a calming creative painting to work on while I tackle grass and feather detail as well as tree foliage.

In a peaceful way and not anything serious I have started an art journal too so am going to be using a sketchbook alongside projects. I think this will help me improve as an artist in being more creative and less critical with quick doodles, paintings, scripples, sketches and scrapbooking.

It's really feeling a lot like autumn now and I love the colours of this season, though I find myself reflecting on the beauty of summer. I miss the light, painting now I'm using more artificial light.

I have a new range out with a collection of printed items and a new autumn leaf artwork I made of a study of an oak leaf. I picked the leaf up walking through a woods and have the painting for sale here on my website or my ebay. Also the whole range of printed items in my collection of art printed designs.

https://www.tshirtstudio.com/marketplace/artbybradshaw-

I hope you enjoy autumn, focus on good things and take care,

Gemma Bradshaw