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Thursday 17 March 2011

Painting of the Month (15) March 2011: Bazza



View of Kitsilano, Vancouver, BC, at night 2010 in a sort od Cubist style.
I have imodestly included myself among the other greats of world painting history to show this picture, based on a photograph of a night-time view across English Bay with West Bay, North Vancouver in the distance.
You can see the incompetent photographer's shadow (mine) across the picture. It's a beautiful city in a lovely part of the world.
I had done a regular painting of the view which is not very good (see below) and decided to re-do it in a different style which I prefer. I have been dabbling with watercolours for some years and it's a hobby I greatly enjoy.
The medium of watercolour painting was established by three English artists; JMW Turner, Thomas Girtin and the lesser known Paul Sandby and it has remained a strong Britsih tradition. It is often regarded as the most difficult of mediums because of the problem of 'controlling' the wet paint. The colours are mostly translucent and, in the right hands, can reach a standard of brilliance that is
unique to this style.

17 comments:

John said...

Hi bazza,
Both of your paintings are exceptional! Can`t choose between them if truth be told.
I find painting in any medium difficult, so I marvel at anyone who can, especially in watercolour!
J
Follow me at HEDGELAND TALES

joanne fox said...

Well I think that looks really good, even with the shadow! I like the blocky shapes of the trees in the top pic.

I haven't been to that side of Canada, but Vancouver does look a wonderful city. Cities by water always seem more attractive, I guess.

klahanie said...

Hi bazza,
Very nicely done paintings and they do capture a certain captivating ambience of a part of Vancouver, I know very well.
Thanks for this and it is a warm reminder of where I shall be at the beginning of May. Vancouver is truly, one of the world's most beautiful and liveable cities.
PS, in response to your query on your previous post. I was born in England, Chelsea in London. You may have remembered my childhood reference to living in Banbury. I lived and worked, for several years in Vancouver.
Take care bazza.
Gary

bazza said...

John: You are kind but misguided! Thanks for your comment.

joanne: Vancouver is indeed worth seeing. The only problem for me is that it's a bit isolated and miles from anywhere you'd want to go.

gary: I thought you might know it. I'm happy that it's recognisable. I would love to go again. Perhaps next year.

Anonymous said...

Hot from the desk of Sir Tom Eagerly:
Actually Bazza, old boy, this is my kind of art. More in the mould of the greats. Like, say, Rolf Harris. Are you putting these up for sale?

bazza said...

Happily Sir Tom, I can tell when you are taking the mickey.
I don't believe any sensible person would want to buy this stuff. But you might?

joanne said...

bazza...

oh, i had so hoped you would share more of your art after you posted the wonderful painting you created for Sonny...

these are both really wonderful, and i like each for different reasons. I like the top one for the unique perspective and use of shapes, and I really love the bottom one for its soft hand and translucent, dreamy quality.

Thank you for posting these. What fun to see this part of you :)

THE SNEE said...

Oh Bazza! I'm tickled, no thrilled that you shared these paintings with us, and of Vancouver too. So, so pretty. I would like to hang one up in my new house. They make me smile.

bazza said...

joanne: Coming from an artist such as yourself, those words are too kind. I am a bit embarrassed that people seem to like these paintings.

Snee: I love painting and I love Vancouver (and New England!). Thanks for saying that.

Mimi Lenox said...

I see that Sir Tom is inquiring. What is he doing here too???!

(Your paintings are very nice indeed!)

David said...

Dear bazza,
Nice paintings. I think I prefer the "cubist" one, too.
Upon lookling at one of my drawings of an ear (yes, an ear), the clinical lead nurse at my local residential unit told me that I should stick to words. And I thought it was their job to bolster self confidence!
Anyway, bazza, not everyone is capable of doing this, so very well done.
Yours with Very Best Wishes,
David.

bazza said...

Mimi: After being dormant for a while Sir Tom has started commenting again. I think he's been to dry out or maybe he's been 'detained at Her Majesty's pleasure'. (A euphemism for being locked-up!)

Hi David: Did the nurse say to you "What's this 'ere?". OK, I won't give up the day job.
When you see the paintings life-sized the 'cubist' definitely looks better.

Dixie@dcrelief said...

Hi Bazza.

I like both watercolour painting styles and perspectives. I admire your creativity, and such a lovely location choice. Hope to see more.

Kelly said...

I loved both paintings, bazza. Two distinct styles, for sure, but both drew you in. I didn't know you were such a good painter, man. I didn't really notice the shadow part until you mentioned it but what you said about yourself, in regards to that, was pretty funny. Don't be so hard on yourself. lol.

I've been thinking about going back to painting, myself, and taking classes at the Community center. It's very cathartic and a wonderful way to express oneself.

Take care and happy painting.

bazza said...

dcrelief: Hi. Thanks for looking in and your kind remarks. If I show one of my works again it won't be in my 'Painting of the Month' slot; that was just a joke!

Kelly: Now I am really blushing! I honestly thought readers would pick-up on my reference to "other greats of world painting" and humourously shoot me down. It has pleasantly back-fired!

Rob said...

It's very good indeed and, to my eye, far more dramatic than the earlier attempt.

You are a man of many talents.

bazza said...

Rob: You are too kind but I think I have exhausted my talents!