January storm, Newark, Deerness

January storm, Newark, Deerness

size: 48cm square (68.5 cm square inc. frame)
oil monotype and chalk on paper

*sold*

thinking...

Sand O' Wright beach in Hoxa, 07/02/18, on a biting cold afternoon.

Last week I was invited to be a guest judge for the Orkney Camera Club. I've judged for them before a few years ago and yet again I found it really interesting to see how differently everybody interpreted the brief. Judging forced me to activate the analytical, art critic part of my brain, an area which feels out of practice since leaving art school (a somewhat shocking) 8 years ago this year. 

Whilst looking at all their images I realised that I hardly take photographs anymore, certainly not with a creative slant. Mostly I use photography to assist my memory and sketches in order to create art work. I rarely take photographs just for the sake of taking them. Consequently this means I've largely forgotten how to use my camera beyond the basic Auto settings and my manual cameras haven't been touched for a couple of years. 

I'd like to change this. A little shake up is good for creativity and if nothing else it will be fun.

It's also good to take some time out to doodle with no purpose or expectations. I always find pebbles lend themselves beautifully to fun, little studies or experimentations in mark making. Something may develop from it, but it's ok if it doesn't. It's just good to draw.