Though we're already two weeks into 2016, I'll still take this belated opportunity to wish all of my blog followers a very happy, healthy, peaceful and arty 2016.
Mid-January already .... where does the time go? One minute we're finishing off our Christmas shopping and getting ready for the big day, and then, in the blink of an eye, we're halfway through January and we have nothing left of Christmas other than some nice memories and a big dent in our bank balance. Bah-Humbug!!! ;-)
Following on from the portrait I did of my father, which I finished just before Christmas, I was both delighted, and honoured to be asked by a very good friend if I would do a portrait for them. Obviously I didn't hesitate and soon received an emailed photograph of the subject, "Vina" (short for "Davina"). The finished pencil drawing was so well received that it has kick-started my 2016 art pursuits in the best way possible and I have a head full of idea's that are bigger, bolder and more challenging (for me) than ever before. I march onward excited and enthusiastic. ;-)
John, I seriously think you should enter this competition
ReplyDelete"The 3rd Derwent Art Prize - Call for Entries
The Cumberland Pencil Company announced the Call for Entries from international artists for The 3rd Derwent Art Prize on Monday.
The deadline for entry is 1st June 2016.
The competition is now a biannual competition - so the next one will be in 2018.
Astri Saunders, Marketing Manager at Derwent, said
“We are proud to launch the Derwent Art Prize for the third year. Our aim of the exhibition is to showcase artworks created in pencil and increase the profile and importance of drawing as a fine art medium”.
This is a digest of who can enter, what you can enter and how the process works - with an overview of the timeline of dates. The competition is organised by Parker Harris to whom all queries should be addressed.
Approximately 80 drawings will be selected for exhibition at the Mall Galleries. The exhibition will be held between 19th - 24th September 2016. You can see my video of the last exhibition below"
go here for more info http://makingamark.blogspot.com/2016/01/the-3rd-derwent-art-prize-call-for-entries.html
John, thank you for such a generous and flattering suggestion. Having looked at the video of previous entries I can't quite see my work being good enough but it's something to think about and, as they say, nothing ventured ...
DeleteI agree with John Simlett, you should enter the competition. Your drawings are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteYou're very kind Ann, thank you. ;-)
DeleteJohn, I say your ready to move forward with your pencil work.
ReplyDeleteYour portraits are ready for the big time!
Good luck. BJ
Thank you very much BJ. No one handles graphite better than you so I'm flattered. ;-)
DeleteJohn, Fantastic. A happy new year to you and yours. All the best John.
ReplyDeleteVic.
Thank you very much Vic. All the best.
DeleteBoth this and the portrait of your father are lovely.
ReplyDeleteBelated Happy New Year John.
Thank you very much Sue.
DeleteThis is a gorgeous portrait John! Happy New Year to you too... though yes, it already all seems a distant memory. I have mixed feelings about Christmas these days. I used to LOVE it when the kids were young but now they are adults it's not at all the same. I like the two weeks off we get, but dislike the expense! And it's over in a flash!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you like the portrait Sandra, thank you.
DeleteThis is a wonderful portrait, John! Happy New Year to you! And many many thanks for the snowdrops, I have downloaded a lot!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you liked the Snowdrop pictures Judy, you're very welcome. ;-)
DeleteWish you all the best for 2016 John. :)
ReplyDeleteLovely portrait. Lots of personality.
Thank you Catharina.
DeleteHappy New Year to you as well my friend! And congratulations on this portrait and the inspiration it provided. I am always eager to see your work and am looking forward to more.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you so much for your kind words on Howie, I appreciate them so very much!
happy creating!
Thank you Suz .... you're a star. ;-)
DeleteA great way to start the new year. Your sketching is fantastic. Wish I could draw this well.
ReplyDeleteYou're very kind Jean, thank you.
Delete