Thursday, January 28, 2010

8 on 80

Ken
Charcoal on Bristol Paper
14 x 11"

This was actually the first drawing / interview we did for our forthcoming book, 8 on 80. It's pretty challenging to draw someone whilst they're talking, and the light is shifting. It was almost dark by the time we'd finished, so I had to really stay on the ball and work fast. It's amazing to meet people who really embody that whole 'Peter Pan' idea, still living life to the full well into their 80's. This guy said that he rarely skis with anyone else, because they can't keep up with him! It must be the Tahoe air....

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

8 on 80...a sneak preview


Martin
Charcoal on Bristol Paper
14 x 11"

Kim Wyatt (of Bona Fide Books) and I are producing a book called 8 on 80. It's theme is rad 80 year old Tahoe locals, who still ski almost every day of the season. Kim is interviewing them, and I sketch them whilst they tell us about their lives, and reveal a little of the secret of staying active and living life to the full into their 80's. More to come...

Saturday, January 23, 2010

New Artists Statement

Artist’s Statement, January 2010

I have a busy brain, and I’m sensitive to body language, facial expressions, and other non-verbal clues about people. I tend to analyse everyone, looking for a story in their faces. The portraits and figure paintings I create are the result of the fascination I have with wordless storytelling.
The “widescreen portraits” are inspired by what I call “painterly films” such as The Piano, The English Patient, and Finding Neverland, which I find visually fascinating. I’m intrigued by the cropping and camera angles that create dynamic compositions, which when viewed as a still, speak of unseen drama and the bigger picture we can’t see.

When I paint nudes, I’m looking for what the body will tell me—about the individual in front of me, and of the human experience we all share. I’m also looking for the things I’m not supposed to know, the things we cover up. I enjoy the polarity of raw markmaking and carefully finished details, as an expression of the duality of primal energy and conscious control. These marks create the sensation of movement and stillness in the same person, on the same canvas.

Lately, I have been working with costumes, wigs, and make-up. The idea of partially revealing what is beneath the surface of things is continued in this series, using props to more literally disguise/reveal the real person. I wanted to capture a person in the act of applying or removing the disguise, or the private moment of doubt before “the show.”

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Limited Edition Giclee Prints

Divine Light
Signed Limited Edition Giclee Print on Archival Paper - Special Edition.
Prices start at $95.

I've added a new portfolio to my website, containing a new collection of prints available. Starting at just $95, these collectible prints are signed and numbered Limited Editions of 500. They come professionally matted with a neutral, acid free mat - ready to frame. Shipping is free in the United States, $20 worldwide.


I accept Paypal, the safest way to send money.

Please visit my website to see the full collection:

www.shelleyhocknell.com