Open Edition Prints

Station Mouse

I've restocked a number of small and medium sized open edition prints, which are now available to buy on my website - https://www.chris-dunn.co.uk/prints. 'Station Mouse' 6x6" (15x15cm) for £7.50 + P&P.

Like Summer Tempests Came His Tears

'Like Summer Tempests Came His Tears' watercolour and gouache , 24 x 31cm

Another 'The Wind In The Willows' illustration, finished this morning and shared with the online world! Here Badger gives Toad some stern words, criticising his past behaviour and blaming him for the loss of Toad Hall. However, he also offers hope when he comes to explain there is a secret tunnel into Toad's old residence which they can use to flush out the wicked stoats, ferrets and weasels. Good old Mr Badger, I say!

I had plenty of fun adding the extra details to create a further narrative in the image, such as the oars above the fireplace and the framed map of the river and it's tributaries on the wall. Also, please take the time to read the newspaper headline, which harks back to the adventures of Toad.

There are also cameos for my Grandmother's caddy box on the mantlepiece and the obligatory cornishware mug on the table.

WIP 'The Last Train'

The Last Train WIP

Back to my challenging painting today. Originally I thought I would show the scene, of Toad hitchin' a ride on a steam train, under an overcast sky. For some reason I decided to attempt a cloudy sky at the end of the day, when the Sun is about to drop and blue reflected light is starting to take over just for a brief period until the Sun totally disappears below the horizon. Simple enough, until you factor in the platform lamps, which must be bright enough to stand out against the oncoming gloom but not be so powerful as to outshine the other two natural light sources.

As I said, this one is very challenging but is also an excellent opportunity to learn, which for me is the whole point. So back to it...

Sketch 'Like Summer Tempests Came His Tears'

My sketch for 'Like Summer Tempests Came His Tears'. Badger has some stern words for Toad as the four friends formalise a plan to retake Toad Hall.

It was a lot of fun trying to visualise the inside of Ratty's home. I'm hoping once the colour work begins I can really play with the warm light from the fireplace and how it might cast interesting shadows on the wall and floor.

A Merry Christmas SALE

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year! If you feel like treating yourself to a post-christmas gift, please have a look at my online sale. There are over 90 different items that have been discounted.

Pop-Up Shop and Exhibition Sat 17 Nov

I'm busy getting things framed and wrapped for my first show at the Tesco Superstore Showroom in Calne. It is very easy to get there and of course there is a huge free car park. From the outside, as you look at the front of the superstore, I will be in a large seperate room to the left which has its own entrance from the car park.

Here you can see the listing on calnewiltshire.com.

New Grimm's Fairytales Artwork

A short post for those who have not seen my latest output:

'The Fox and the Cat'

watercolour and gouache

24 x 13cm

'Shoemaking Elves'

watercolour and gouache

24 x 13cm

'The Raven'

watercolour and gouache

24 x 13cm

'The Cat and Mouse In Partnership'

watercolour and gouache

24 x 13cm

Some of you may have spotted these illustrations are all inspired by Grimm's Fairytales. I will be producing more illustrations based on the well-known tales very soon.

The Raven WIP

Sometimes I like to paint two paintings on the same piece of paper. Is it because I enjoy the jeopardy or am I frugal? You decide.

Both of these illustrations are for a small series of Grimm's Fairytales that I am producing. 'The Cat and Mouse in Partnership' on the left, and 'The Raven' on the right.

2019 Art Calendar!

I'm very pleased to announce I have a new 2019 art calendar. £9.99 + P&P. I ship worldwide too. Here's the link to my online store - https://www.chris-dunn.co.uk/product-page/2019-calendar

I've never done these before, but thanks to lovefromtheartist.com, I've been able to produce a quality calendar.

New Work Update

That last couple of weeks I have completed these two drawings and this painting:

'Relaxing After A Hot Day'

watercolour and gouache

24 x 31cm

This scene was a joy to paint. Having found a lovely tree (possibly Birch?) over hanging the river Marden, 5 minutes walk from my back door, I knew I just had to paint it. I took a brisk walk during twilight and came back with a collection of photographs that would inform all of the composition. Add to that some reference of me posing in a waistcoat and trousers, and I couldn't fail.

'The Owl and the Pussy-cat'

I'm underway with the painted version of this sketch. It will be my latest nursery rhyme illustration for Art Of The Imagination.

'Summer Evening Walk'

These likely lads will soon be painted quite large (39 x 51cm) for Galerie Daniel Maghen.

Don't forget, this Saturday and Sunday are the last two days of my open studio at Avant-Garde Art Supplies, Calne, SN11 0HY. Click here for details.