Snow!

Prior to this weekend the weather had turned pretty cold, and sure enough we had a few inches of snow. This may not sound much to a lot of people, but here in London we rarely get any these days. It seemed the perfect opportunity to go out and take a few photos, have a good walk, and then a warming drink (coffee of course, it was too early!).  I would have preferred to drive somewhere with pristine snow untouched by human hands, but the roads hadn't been salted so I reluctantly decided this was too dangerous. Instead, I left the house early before many had stirred, and walked into Walthamstow village. Remembering that snow affects the camera metering, I dialled in an extra stop of exposure compensation (it was overcast; had it been bright I would have changed this). Here are just a few of the images I shot.

Another portrait and some favourite contemporary artists

Here's another portrait I painted a few weeks back - This one is copied from a photo by Lee Jeffries, who received much-deserved acclaim for his series of portraits of the homeless.

I decided to paint this using a very restricted palette - originally I used just burnt sienna, but then added some raw umber and a touch of ultrmarine for the darks, and titanium white for the beard.

As I'm always looking to improve, I have been studying many contemporary artists as well as Old Masters. Its fascinating to see all the different styles of painting, and makes me realise just how much I don't know! I have to remind myself that I've only been doing this for half a year..but patience is not one of my best features ;)

Among my favourite artists are Gregg Kreutz, David A. Leffel and Richard Schmid - these are all widely recognised as some of the best artists living today. I also love Rupert Alexander's work - This talented guy painted the Queen when he was just 23! Can you suggest any more I should look at?

Latest portrait in oil

As well as photography I also paint a bit in my spare time, and have joined a local group. This is only 2 hours a week so I read and practice as much as I can- other than tutorage I currently find this the best way to improve.

Below is a portrait I've been working on over the last week and shows the first stage (simple line drawing and block-in) and then the nearly-finished painting. The subject was taken from a photoshoot I did a while back, although I deliberately changed the model's features slightly. More will appear here as I improve; as well as more portraits I want to try some landscapes soon.

I've now been painting about 4 or 5 months, does anyone have any tips on how I can improve? I've been studying the works of Richard Schmid, Nelson Shanks, David Leffel..all fantastic contemporary artists - One day I hope to have a tenth of their talent!

Merry Christmas everyone

Another Christmas out the way and I hope you all had a good one. Among my presents was a Thermos flask that look exactly like my Nikon 70-200 lens..What will they think of next?! My nephews were very pleased with the radio controlled helicopters I bought them, although I doubt their parents will be quite so thrilled ;)

Anyway, hope you all have a fun-filled New Year and I'll be back in a short while with more images. I also need to book some more model shoots so I'll be quite busy..remember, if you would like one please get in touch via the contact form on the main site links.

Mark

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Nerea Studio Shoot - Outtakes

Following my last post (and also because I haven't done much new model photography lately) here are a few out-takes from a studio shoot I did a while back. This was in South London; next time I'll be looking for one nearer so I can take more kit! Anyway, I've no idea why I didn't like these as much at the time. Nerea is doing very well and getting lots of shoots, so I'm lucky we worked together before she hits the big time!

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