Affordable Art

Born in Hampshire, after completing my education, in which art did not feature a great deal, I entered the banking profession. During this time I became an accomplished dinghy sailor later becoming both the National and Inland Champion, experiences that would later stand me in good stead for my favourite artistic subject the sea. After a career in banking, I then spent some time working in the charitable sector, followed by a spell in education.

I've participated in a number of group exhibitions with my second one man show in the summer of 2005. Working mostly in watercolour and also in acrylic. I favour maritime and coastal scenes, but also produce outstanding landscapes. Watercolour is a challenging medium, but when it all comes together, can produce a seascape in which you can almost taste the salt spray.

I'm a self taught artist and runner up in the prestigious Artist Choice Awards in both large and small seascape categories, with over 200 original paintings in collections worldwide, my love of the sea and countryside is reflected in my work. To view previous paintings and current work, or for more information visit my website www.artyman.co.uk

I am often asked about buying art, with regard to prices and values and also prints, and the risks of buying online. For what it's worth here are a few of my thoughts on the subject. You are completely free to disagree with everything I say, I shan't be offended... promise.

Guide to buying art:-
Many people are wary about buying art, particularly from new or unknown artists, and unsure how much to pay, and wonder whether is it value for money. There is also the question of buying online where you don't get to see the actual work for real. Since this is a website I shall tackle this first.

Buying art online appears to present a problem for the buyer as they cannot physically see the painting, just an image which may or may not do credit to the actual piece for sale. The most important issue is does the seller offer a refund service if, when you receive the painting, you are dissapointed. Any worthwhile artist selling online should offer this as I do myself. Frequently the real thing will look far better than a representation on the computer screen. So can you trust the seller is the next big question. Despite comments that you read on the sellers website or auction listing, check that the feedback is genuine. A search of the web for the sellers name will usually bring up some results that you can check. Places like Ebay or eBid which operate seller reference systems. Has the seller won any awards, Do they belong to any Art Societies, this can all give you peace of mind. You can also check the web for evidence of this. If you have doubts ask the seller for some information to assist you. It is all a matter of building trust and confidence. Most artists are looking to establish a relationship with the buyer so they may purchase future work, I have a number of customers who have purchased several paintings, so they will not want to jeopardise this. You could of course arrange a cash on collection, most artists welcome personal contact with their patrons.

View:-
What is the visual stimulus that catches your eye. You may be instinctivly drawn to a particular watercolour or acrylic painting. Stand back and consider it as a whole. (This may be difficult on the Internet!) I have often seen people peering closely at a watercolour painting trying to decide whether to purchase or not. Whilst this is useful for examining technique, most paintings in the home are viewed from across the room, sitting in your favourite chair! Stand back, view the painting from the same distance as you would view it at home. Even Constable's 'Haywain' looks totally different close up and may not encourage a purchase!

Value:-
How much should I pay, and is it worth it. Value is different to price. Several million pounds for a painting may be the price for a work by a famous artist, but is that its value. You value a painting because you like it, the price should be what you are prepared to pay to have it on your wall, as opposed to someone elses. An artist usually spends considerable time on a good watercolour painting, and in addition to the overhead costs of brushes, paint, paper,mounts, and frames, also needs to feed themselves. If they spend 30 hours on a watercolour painting for example, is £120 expensive, that's less than the miniumum hourly wage, they'd be better stacking shelves at Tesco.

Most artists paint because of an inbuilt creative urge, driven to make a statement about the subject that inspired them to put brush to paper or canvas in the first place. So assuming you had the skill as an artist and spent the time painting it yourself, ask if you would be prepared to sell the painting you are considering for less.

Prints:-
Are prints worth buying? A print is never going to have the same appeal as an original painting. It is a copy, albeit a good copy, even difficult to tell apart sometimes. An original painting which you purchase will always bring pleasure both to the purchaser who views it and also to the artist who has the satisfaction that his work is appreciated by others.

A print will provide the same visual stimulus as the original, but is not like owning the original. They are of course more affordable and bring pleasure to the viewer.

Top celebrity artist's prints sell for hundreds of pounds, but their originals often cost thousands. It is a question of scale. The fundamental question is "DO YOU LIKE IT" if so, and you can afford it, buy the original, or if too expensive then buy the print.

Fausto Coppi was a renowned cyclist in the 1940's and 1950's, said by many to be the greatest cyclist of all time. Sadly he died aged only 40 from malaria. This was a commssioned painting for a cycling enthsiast, a different method of transport from my last commission, Michael Schumacher in his F1 Ferrari. To view this and other paintings visit my website www.artyman.co.uk

This is a painting of Lewis Hamilton winning his first Grand Prix in Canada, the championship fight is closely contested by last years champion Fernando Alonso. Will Lewis succeed and become World Champion in his first year? There are a number of signed Limited Edition prints of this painting available. Visit my website www.artyman.co.uk to view this and other original paintings.

This acrylic painting was commissioned as a 16th birthday present which was celebrated yesterday, I understand the recipient was thrilled. This came about when they saw the painting of Lewis Hamilton which was sold at exhibition a couple of weeks ago, though Limited Edition prints are available, just check out my website

Having just finished taking a watercolour course, attempting to pass on some of my knowledge to some beginners, which has been very interesting, I have been requested to do another beginners course starting in a few weeks, this plus an art demo for a local Art Society is going to keep me busy. I have been commissioned by some former clients to do a painting of the Nubble Lighthouse in Maine, where they went on holiday. They already have three of my paintings, so this will keep me busy for a spell.

Well I haven't got very much to show for this week, apart from a day out at the Mall Galleries in London on Monday. I visited the exhibition of the RSMA (Royal Society of Marine Artists)and there was some fantastic work on show.

Additionally there was an exhibition by the Royal Society of Miniaturists at the same venue. The quality and detail that those artists achieve on paintings just a few inches in size is amazing. Well, I have a busy week ahead of me this week.

I've just completed my fourth commission for a couple who visited the Nubble Lighthouse in Maine USA whilst on holiday. They have previous paintings as momentos of past holidays. If you would like somewhere special painted just ask.

I have just sold this painting of the famous beauty spot in Yorkshire. It was the largest painting I have done to date measuring 48"x20". I was eaten alive by midges whilst at the location, it being late evening. The sun was just kissing the tops of the trees on the other side f the river so, I took some reference photographs and escaped to the safety of the car, completing the painting later when I returned home.

I am a little sad to see it go as it has given me much pleasure hanging in my dining room for some time before I listed it for sale. I have of course other paintings which can be seen on my website www.artyman.co.uk

I've just finished painting this beach scene in Barbados for a customer. Obviously a memory of a pleasant holiday, shame I had to work in cold damp England instead of a warm sunny beach. Just shipped it off today, and started thinking about warmer weather to come as the spring flowers are making an effort in the gardens on my way to the Post Office.



To see more of my paintings or more information about me and my work visit www.artyman.co.uk

I have been busy this week working on my miniature paintings ready for a forthcoming art exhibition. This is one of a number of seascape paintings that I am showing.

This is an acrylic landscape painting that I am showing at an exhibition this weekend, along with several of my miniatures. For those unable to visit the exhibition you can see more of my work at my website www.artyman.co.uk where there is a wealth of additional information.

More affordable art created this week, an acrylic on canvas, since the deer caught in the shafts of sunlight filtering through the trees is the focal point is this a landscape painting or a wildlife painting?



I have just completed an order for notecards of a selection of my paintings which are sold to support the League of Friends at my local hospital. I have also shipped a couple of prints to the USA. I've noticed that deliveries there seem to be taking a little longer these days, are the planes are flying slower to save fuel or has the postman been relegated to a bicycle instead of his trusty van.

This latest watercolour shows one of the steam locomotives on the Watercress Line preserved railway, that runs between Alresford and Alton in Hampshire.



I hope to visit the Great Western Railway Centre at Didcot tomorrow, for some more photographic references for future paintings.

Some years ago I was able to take a few holidays in Scotland, it is a long way from the South Coast of the UK. Memories of the rugged west coast was the inspiration for this watercolour painting, and I defy any artist not to be in awe of the majestic scenery in that part of the world.

I visited an exhibition of Railway Art a couple of months ago which was quite inspiring and following on from the train painting I did a few weeks back I searched the web to find some locations where I could photograph steam on a mainline. I came across a website and learnt of a steam special running from London Waterloo to Weymouth, being pulled by an old Southern Railway Bulleid air smoothed pacific locomotive 'Tangmere' one of the Battle of Britain class, appropriate in this the 90th anniversary of the Royal Air Force. I decided that a good place for photos would be to the west of Southampton station, the weather was awful and hadn't taken any notice of the name of the train, 'Sunny Coast Special' and I ended up getting soaked,with no decent shots. Undeterred I found an old photograph taken in South Devon whilst on holiday with my son many years ago and this painting is the result.

I have spent some time this week creating my first video for YouTube which can be seen here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBxaIvNnCII Trying to find some music of the correct length took some searching.

This is a means to show a selection of some of my artwork, of which 200 have now been sold around the world. Im setting up for the exhibition in Portsmouth this afternoon, so if you fancy a trip to the seaside and want to see my latest art then the venue is Portsmouth Cathedral and it runs daily from Saturday 26th July until Friday 8th August.

Portsmouth has many other attractions to offer so could be worth you having a day out.

From time to time I get asked by people who want a commissioned painting, and the latest was something which I had not attempted before so always a challenge for any artist. Something completely different from my more usual landscape and seascape paintings.

When I sent an image to the client for her approval, she said it made her cry, so it would seem that I have managed to capture the character of her much loved pet and will be a pleasant memory for her.



If you would like to commission a special painting, please feel free to contact me for a no obligation discussion at www.artyman.co.uk

Spent last weekend exhibiting some of my paintings at a small local exhibition. I spent some of the time painting as well as chatting to visitors, always a pleasnt experience I find. Managed three sales as well so a better way to spend a Bank Holiday than sitting in a traffic jam on the M25.

I was chasing a steam Locomotive this week across Oxfordshire to try and get some photographs as reference for a future painting. Nothing captures the romance of rail travel like these classic steam locomotives. An LMS 4-6-2 designed by Sir William Stanier the Duchess of Sutherland can be seen on the occasional steam special runs. This is one of the photographs I took.

A litle bit of sunshine appeared for a few days recently after the rather wet summer that we have been experiencing, so I took the opportunity to grab a short holiday on the Isle of Wight with my wife. Whilst not baking temperatures it was very pleasant with some stunning scenery near where we were staying. I have plenty of photographs to remind me of the time we spent and of course inspiration for some future paintings. Perhaps the only slight dissappointment was that there were no old Southern Railway locomotives when we visited the Isle of Wight Steam Railway at Havenstreet. They did however have a fine collection of vintage carriages though, so not all was lost and they will prove useful reference for future paintings.

These are a few of the photo's that I took showing some of the magnificent scenery looking from St Catherines Down and further west along the coast toward Freshwater.







I have sold three paintings at exhibition since returning home, and now need to settle down to some serious work over the coming months to complete a commission and prepare for next years exhibitions.

NO! not some titled lady whose portrait hangs in a stately home but one of Sir William Stanier's most powerful locomotive designs. Shown here in her LMS crimson livery, she is certainly impressive when thundering past belching steam and smoke. Modern railway transport just doesn't have the same magic.

I was recently referred to the local hospital for the removal of a skin cancer, following a visit to my doctor. Unfortunately this was on my brush hand so this painting had to wait until a couple of days ago before I could be resume painting again. There are always side benefits of course and I have been excused dishwashing duties for the time being, so not all bad.

This is the painting is from a photograph I took of the scene about twenty years ago whilst on holiday. A Great Western Railway pannier tank locomotive running alongside the River Dart in Devon.



The stitches in my hand are scheduled to be removed next Thursday,and I'm hoping to go and photograph a Gresley A4 Pacific locomotive immediately afterwards, assuming I don't have to long a wait at the surgery.

I revisted the hospital today to get the result of the biopsy following the recent operation on my hand. The consultant advised me that it was "Bowenoid Keratosis" and not malignant, so good news there. The downside is that I'm now fully functional for dishwashing duties, but I guess you can't have everything.

I shall be up early tomorrow to try and photograph "Bittern" a Gresley A4 steam locomotive that is passing nearby en route for Bath. She is a sister loco to Mallard the world steam record holder.

It's been a busy week as I have been selling some of my Rose photographs, buyers from as far afield as Scotland in the UK and also the USA. You can see my photographs in my Fanatstic Fotos Store

I've been busy sending various items that I sold in the monthly charity auction that is held on eBid Each month a charity is chosen by the previous months winning seller and apart from a great deal of fun you can get some fantastic bargains. Sorry there isn't one in December as everyone is busy eating and drinking and making merry, but check it out on 23rd January. Just search for "YDC" over on eBid

I've also just sent this print to a buyer in the USA, I hope it gets to them in time for Christmas.



I'm waiting for a couple of items I've bought online to arrive in the post, buying online can save you a lot of chasing round the shops. Whether I shall get much painting done over the festive period may depend on how much food and drink is consumed, but I must be a disciplined artist.... erm, yeah right!

May I wish all my readers, customers, past present and future, a Joyful Christmas and Happy New Year.

Since my early days as an artist I have come to appreciate more and more the value of good photographs as reference material when it isn't possible to paint direct from the subject, a bit tricky when a steam locomotive flashes past at 70mph.

I have created a short video on YouTube of some of my photographs that I also sell on Ebid.net created with the Movie tool that comes with Windows it lasts for just a couple of minutes so why not take a look.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iStRMtzRmE0

I have been saving up the money i've had for Christmas, Birthdays, the odd Bank job, you know how it goes ! and invested in a new telephoto lens for my camera. I'm very pleased with it and it should prove very useful for my bird photography. These are a couple of the shots.

I completed a commissioned watercolour a short while ago, but as it was to be a gift I delayed posting about it on here. Original paintings can make an excellent gift for someone special, and is different to the usual sort of thing that you buy in the shops, it is unique, personal and shows the recipient how much you care.

Commissioning an artist to paint a picture is often thought of as something for the very wealthy, but nothing could be further from the truth. Why not take a look at some of the previous commissions on my Website that I have undertaken for people. A favourite scene perhaps, you are only limited by your imagination, in fact I painted a fantasy space scene for one client, that was total imagination!

Whatever you want just ask, there is no obligation at all and a chat will cost you nothing. You can contact me through my website www.artyman.co.uk

This was the recently commissioned work.

This is one of two original paintings I sold this week, more can be seen on my website, which reminds me I must do some maintenance on there.



I took the opportunity with the glorious spring weather we have been enjoying and visited a local Nature Reserve to take some photographs for my store on Ebid.net. This little Egret was doing a spot of fishing in one of the small drainage streams.

This small watercolour painting was sold recently at a local exhibition.


In these difficult economic times, many would consider buying a painting a luxury that can be ill afforded. I wonder whether those who failed to by a painting by Van Gogh when he was alive would have done so if they see the prices they obtain now.

Paintings can be considered an investment, OK, so you should never buy a painting on that basis, you buy it because you like it, not because it may increase in value. But how do you put a value pleasure, and paintings bring pleasure to the viewer.

For affordable art check out my website.

I recently won a category of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Photographic competition with my shot of "Brent Geese at Farlington" in the 'Taken on Reserves' category. This is a shot of me with the certificate and a poster sized print of the winning shot.