La Jarrie Audouin .. Painting competition

July 2nd. Another painting in the streets competition in France. This time at La Jarrie Audouin. My fourth competition painting in the streets in France and another prize. A certificate, a 25 euro leclerc voucher and two books of my work to be published for free although I am not sure what the latter means. (I have won a couple of books and a sculpture before). 

Not bad for getting a soaking in the rain. Luckily my oil painting did not wash off although there was not a dry spot on it and I had to give up. I was rescued by a very kind frenchman named Daniel and given a lift to a bus shelter to dry off. The professionals had umbrellas, tables and trailers full of equipment. I am going to buy an artists chair with my winnings. Very glad to see my family turn up and take me home to dry off

Peacocks and Klimt Tree of Life

It must be my lucky month as I have won another prize. I joined the saa last month in order to give myself a few specific challenges as otherwise I procrastinate dreadfully about what to paint. I entered a collage competition and are one of the five chosen to win a small prize. Every little helps as I spend a lot on artists materials. Here is my collage and my blurb.

Peacocks and Klimt Tree of Life

Media: Acrylics, Mixed Media, Oil pastel, Watercolour
Subject: Wildlife
WxH: 38 X 52 Centimeters
My most unusual material used in this collage is Old Man's Beard or Travellers Joy (Clemati Vitalba). It is mainly hidden now amongst the flamboyant layers of cut-out leaves and shapes and glitter which compete with the finery of the peacocks. I have photos of the early layers showing the tissue foundation layer based on Klimt's tree of life with the old man's beard applied on the trunk which was painted with acrylics when dry then metallic oil pastels were dragged over the high-points. Finally sheer joy took over and the imaginative decorative layers of birds and butterflies fluttered in to hide the initial construction. Varnished to finish.