Rare Privilege: SeenSend Democratic Art 24.10.14.
SeenSend is an initiative I set up in 2011. It is designed to enable people to share locations with me. As a way of showing my gratitude. I provide a copy of the work completed at that location to the person who refer me to it - free of charge.
In most cases I get a set of coordinates or a post code via my SeenSend form. The end result is that I often find myself painting with just the sky, land, wildlife and the elements for company. For example:
Seargant man (54.471N, 3.104W Looking South)
In most cases I get a set of coordinates or a post code via my SeenSend form. The end result is that I often find myself painting with just the sky, land, wildlife and the elements for company. For example:
Seargant man (54.471N, 3.104W Looking South)
Today was different.
As part of the #mynewport #400in14 campaign a local resident suggested the view from Newport Council's Information Centre.
Now, I have painted in front of hundreds of people and for TV shows, but being in a quiet corner of a call centre was a first.
Unfortunately, whilst the view was tremendous, the weather at first light was very poor and the city hung under a dark cloud of grey.
As part of the #mynewport #400in14 campaign a local resident suggested the view from Newport Council's Information Centre.
Now, I have painted in front of hundreds of people and for TV shows, but being in a quiet corner of a call centre was a first.
Unfortunately, whilst the view was tremendous, the weather at first light was very poor and the city hung under a dark cloud of grey.
But a rare privilege was afforded me. Never before has the person who has recommended a view to me been present whilst I have painted so I took the opportunity to involve them in the process. After completing an initial sketch and blocking in some colour...
..Jodie Hilton (who recommended the view) was given leave to join me for a couple of minutes: so that I could guide her in how to use the digital equivalent of a sponge to blend the sky's colours. This set the tone for the final painting
Being able to involve the person who recommended a view to me in the final work was a rare privilege. My sincere thanks goes out to: Newport Council for giving me access to the building; The Council & South Wales Argus for supporting the #mynewport initiative and bringing SeenSend to the attention of Jodie Hilton; and of course to Jodie Hilton herself - without whom this SeenSend experience and the final painting would not have been possible.
P.S.
I am glad to report that the same view on sunnier days offers a warmer and thoroughly inspiring vista over Newport i.e.
I am glad to report that the same view on sunnier days offers a warmer and thoroughly inspiring vista over Newport i.e.