Intimacy and Disconnection

Creating artwork is a very intimate activity, and I constantly endeavour to put something of myself into my paintings.

Of course there are times when an element is quite literally part of my life. In this picture I wanted a focal point in the foreground, and included an image of my husband and son, in an attempt to draw the viewer into the scene.

However,in my opinion, every mark and brushstroke should identify me as the artist. I always hope each piece will reveal a tiny part of me.

Having worked with such intensity, it is often hard to look at my own work objectively.

Recently seeing my work reproduced in a calendar gave me some opportunity to view certain images through fresh eyes.

But with my exhibition fast approaching I have bundled all of my framed works away, and will not look at them again until they are hung on Thursday.

I now hope to feel sufficiently disconnected to view the gallery walls at my exhibition with pride and satisfaction.

Fiona Naughton

The Spennymoor Settlement

Preview Evening Friday 27th November 2009

7pm to 9pm

All are welcome!

Breaking the Rules

I was once told that my paintings must celebrate the media I use with their fluidity, and should be devoid of line.
How I try to be a purist, but sometimes the temptation of mixed media is just too much!

Watercolour with bold inky lines.

Pastel and pencil gaudily streaked across a wash.

An indulgent combination.

The Vibrancy of rebellion!

Low Force, Teesdale

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The Story Behind The Image

Working towards my exhibition preview on November 27th, I don’t often take as much time as I should for reflection. However Yesterday I had the opportunity to share my portfolio with a friend, and we discussed the inspiration behind various different pieces.
Now I am left questioning whether it is the process of making art, or the memories evoked by the process, which brings most pleasure.

Two recent works were inspired by a wonderful holiday my husband and I shared in Seahouses about three years ago.

We spent one bright autumnal day, during our visit, walking between Seahouses and Bamburgh along the beach.

This is such a well known view of Inner Farne, but I hope it does evoke something of the stingingly fresh air on our faces, and the merest hint of sea spray . For me it also brings back the memory of the inviting warmth of the pub at the end of our journey, and the fantastic hand cut ham sandwiches washed down with Guinness!

On a practical level this picture reintroduced me to the joys of masking fluid, and the spontaneity of working with a toothbrush.

The second walk during that stay found us exploring Holy Island. My husband has spent a great deal of time on the island in the past and was able to direct us to the most breathtaking of places. We stood for a long time on this rock as P. tried to capture the thrill and exhilaration of the crashing waves with his camera. I have endeavoured to do the same with water colour, and have discovered the ruthless but nevertheless exciting effects of household bleach on wet watercolour.

Which is greater: the joy of experimentation; the joy of creating; or the joy of memories?

Discovering More of the Durham Coastline

When invited to produce some illustrations for The Tall Tales Project, by the Easington writers group, I could not have envisaged what wonderfully inspiring views I would encounter.

Obviously, as ever, I was drawn to the coast…

But a knowledgeable guide revealed so many interesting locations, with fascinating tales attached.

This is certainly an area my husband and I will visit and revisit.

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A Big Splash

My current fascination with water is all consuming. It is such an elusive element to capture. Yesterday’s wonderful walk along the Easington coastline only inspired me further to continue my endeavours to capture the ever changing character of the sea.

Easington Coastline

I have studied rivers,

River Wear

River Tyne

Canals,

Bruges

Harbours ,

Seahouses

And calm waters. However, here is my first splash!

Not perfect, but sufficiently satisfactory to offer encouragement.

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At Last

I have finally finished my coastal view which has been languishing on the drawing board for far too long!

It’s hard to find time to paint now that the school term has begun, but with an exhibition fast approaching I must get some of these images from my head and onto paper.
My preview night will be Friday November at the Spennymoor Settlement.

Chance Happenings

I was struck today, whilst painting, that the aspect of my work which most excites me is the ability to introduce an element of chance.

St Cuthbert's Island and the sort of atmospheric sky I strive for

There is something quite thrilling about the fact that the final image produced could, to some extent, be beyond my control.

These are my favourite tools for introducing chance, and encouraging random effects

Crumpled and folded cling film.

Water colour flows along tiny transparent veins before drying.

Sea salt.

It absorbs pigment in the wet water colour around it resulting in a wonderfully organic pattern.

Surgical spirit.

Applied sparingly, this slices through wet paint like a knife, leaving a ghostly trail behind it.

I am greedily trying to incorporate all of these techniques in this reworking of a costal view. The work is still in progress.

Beach banks between Easington and Horden.

For more examples of my work check out my website at www.fionanaughtonartworks.com