I’ve been involved with art for the past 55 years and during that time I have faced a lot of challenges and set myself some lofty goals. So why now am I setting myself a monumental challenge? Am I mad or bored? Neither (I hope). I felt that I needed a change in direction from producing gallery drawings for solo and group shows. That doesn’t mean that I’ve stopped that side of my art completely, it’s more about dividing my studio time in half to cater for both but at the same time not worrying about ‘feeding’ galleries as much as I have done in the past.
It’s time to focus on drawing that I consider is what I’m really about, something I feel deeply and identify with. I left Art School with a strong interest in abstract art, but in the 1970s the art market wasn’t interested. But I plodded on for a while anyway. Realism eventually followed but now and then I’d ‘sneak’ an abstract or two into exhibitions, some even into art prizes. I have been a finalist in the Bay of Fires Art Prize on 4 occasions with ‘contemporary’ drawings, so at least I can claim some success!
So, what am I doing? I’ve decided to draw 4 panels 82 x 57cms based on the seasons. All 4 will be based on my ongoing theme of ‘floating’ objects/shapes. Each panel will be drawn in portrait format to give the impression of movement either up or down, the exception being ‘Winter’, which will be stagnant. I have blocked out all 4 panels, completed the first (Summer) and I’m currently working on adding colour to the second, ‘Autumn’. Each panel has a specific title. Although abstract, there are shapes that may be interpreted as representing something ‘known’, but my series is more about colour than anything else.
I’m allowing at least 6 months to complete my task, maybe longer as I suffer from osteo arthritis in my hands, which restricts my drawing time. On a ‘good day’ I can work for several hours but when my hands are sore, I have to rest for a day or two. I try to work in short bursts and that seems to help. Some days I cannot even hold a pencil let alone draw.
I shall be posting updates from time to time.
Richard
artkleko's Weblog 
Richard I have seen how much work you have produced over the years and the diversity of it. You have always challenged yourself and once again you have a different version.
Thanks Edna. The big issue this time is physical. My hands can’t cope with the pressure I apply as they used to! I’m working on a series of A6 size drawings as well as the large 4 seasons work. The smaller work requires far less pressure to create, therefore, my hands get a ‘break’ for a while anyway!
I think (but I am not a specialist) that you took a good new way. Painting for his own pleasure is the most important. I love your winter painting.