Ivor Sexton

2012-01-12T07:01:00.001-08:00

Happy happy happy new dodahs to one and all!

I trust everyone had a fandabbydozy time and you're all now back to relative normality?

I have to admit to having a distinct lack of motivation to get back to it following the yuletide festivities....I blame a major overdose of mince pies, turkey and sherry trifle oooer. I am now struggling to get my enormous bulk back behind my table to paint....cooo lummey...I'm having to stretch my wee arms alot more I can tell you...ho hum.

Anyrode up...I digress............

I've decided that this year is the year to do all those paintings that I have wanted to do for eons. I'm going to blast my creative juices all over my studio and have a major free for all. Mmmm...here's hoping that I don't only "talk the talk" but "walk the walk" too. I continue with my "Cloud Angel" painting despite the fact that it completely buggered up on me...well it was my own fault. I had spent so much time mulling over the "commercial viability" of the image that I completely ruined its integrity....oooooer hark at me sounding all Madonna. Upshot was...following a huge hissy fit where I swore that I'd throw myself and my brushes into the nearest Loch...it is now been re worked and it nearing completion. Mmmm and mmmm...still wondering if it works but it's sure as hell a lorry load better than it was. So ya boo sucks with knobs on.....

Two of my "Faded Seaside Glamour" paintings have sold..."Harlequin" is off to its new abode in Manchester and "Marrionette" is winging its way to France. Hurrah! It's an odd feeling as I've had those paintings for sometime now and I shall miss them.....but atleast they're going to good homes to be loved and admired. My cockles are well and truely hot and I swell with doings....

I am still working with the lovely Julie Waddington from....

http://www.bespokeartgallery.com/ She's a bleedin' gorgeous woman and I love her. I shall no doubt continue my "popping up" with her throughout the year. Cheers Julie...sending waves.

I will also be holding a solo exhibition at The Virginia Gallery in Merchant city Glasgow at the end of March. I will keep you posted on dates and the like when I have them firmed up ooooer missis. I'm hoping to include some drawings in this show...it's been eons since I did any and I'm wanting to get back into it. I was inspired by some 18th Century etchings that I clocked at a Stately Home....yes indeedy...how very Downton Abbey. I still need to get the models involved as I want pugulist type images. I can see it in my head but have no idea how it's going to go down on paper...ho hum.

A big thankyou to Drew and Ian at Virginia Gallery for letting me loose on their lovely gallery. Cheers boys...love ya!

Thank you for taking the time,

Ivor x

2011-12-30T01:18:00.001-08:00

Bonmorrow bonmorrow bonmorrow!

This is just a wee festive message...yes I know it's very late but I've been entertaining family members and they've only just buggered off back home ho hum. Mind...it was lovely to see them and we all had a fandabbydozy time.

I will be writing in full in the New Year to tell all about what's in my pipeline for 2012...oooer.

Until then....................................................

Happy happy happy New Year to all...I'd like to take the opportunity to say thank you to everyone who has followed me through the year and for all the support you have given me. I am internally grateful and it is very much appreciated. Thankyou!

I hope everyones 2012 will be frolic filled, full of jolly japes and larks a plenty...enjoy.

Thank you for taking the time...

Ivor x

2011-11-03T06:49:00.001-07:00

Bon morrow bon morrow bon morrow....

I know it's been ages and ages but I've been poorly sick with a shawl...I had the quincy!

For those that don't know...this is a big "F" off abscess of the tonsils. It was not pleasant and it was not fun and it was not anything that I would inflict on my worstest enemy.........

Anyrode up....that is the reason for my delay in writing owt on this 'ere blog.

Well my chums it has been a wonderful past few weeks....quincy aside....I've sold two paintings so am well chuffed.

"The Emperors New Clothes" is now residing in Edinburgh and was purchased by a very nice man called Garry...thank you Garry. Garry is a very interesting bloke with some very interesting ideas so I'm hoping it is the start of an interesting phase in my working life....oooooer.

It has also opened a wee door of opportunity and may well lead to a very good working realationship. I could well be moving into some work in the hospitality business...I shall remain tight lipped until I know more as I would hate to jinx owt. Cooo and lummey...it's so unlike me to remain tight lipped about anything, infact "tight" is not usually in my vocabulary at all ho hum.

A really interesting and challenging commission is winging its way to me as I type so that should be fun. All I know is it's a portrait and it'll take a shed load of my ingenuity to create something that looks as half interesting as it sounds.....mmmm...not sure if that makes any sense but what the flop. It's a strange and insular world in my head at time to be sure.

I have also just returned from Glasgow and another "Pop Up" exhibition. Cooooo I love things that pop up...the turn around is so quick ooooer.

This one was at 1 Devonshire Gardens....bleedin' 'ell t'was posh. I advise everyone to go and have a gander. If, like myself, you are overdosing on Downton Abbey and all that is stately homesque...mmmm..not sure if that word actually exists...then you'll love it.

The exhibition looked splendid. It was all arranged by Julie from http://www.bespokegallery.com/. she's a star and I'm in love with her.

I sold "Lady with Hound" to a very lovely young lady whose name I failed to get. If the lovely young lady reads this I apologise for being so remiss in not getting her name. I blame the excitement and being swept up in the moment and if she would like to get in touch I will grovel for forgiveness........Any who...lovely lady, I thank you for your purchase and hope that "Lady with Hound" sits beautifully in your abode.

Can I also add here that the evening was spent chatting to some very nice people and I thank one and all for taking time out to have a blether with me. You were all beautiful.....yes indeedy...you know who you are....

I'm still working on "The Murmurring" which is coming along slow but sure. Mmmm...all those starlings and so little time. It's proving to be a rather strange experience painting this piece...I seem to be becoming quite emotional about it. It's all very odd...it's like I've not got the control that I have with my other work. I know it all sounds very "twilight zone" and completely bonkers but I'm dead interested in how this one turns out. Maybe I was a starling in a past life? Cooooo what would Yvette Fielding make of it all........"can you hear that?"..."did you feel that?"

Well that's me done with my updates.....I appear to be getting shed loads of interest in my work of late. I'm fending off queries the live long day......ho hum. Hurrah!

Thank you for taking the time,

Ivor x

2011-08-28T07:07:00.000-07:00

Bonjourno my chums!

I trust everyone is well this dull and chilly day?

I've been a well busy bloke...I've just finished a commission painting for a really nice geezer called Simon. A big thank you to him for his patronage and support. It's a painting of Edith Bouvier Beale of the infamous "Grey Gardens" It was a brilliant commission to work on cos she was such a bonkers old bint...all faded socialite glamour and crazy cat lovin' antics. She lived with her mad old mother who sang alot. I love them! I'm hoping that I managed to portray "Lil' Edies" character....she was the kind of "all fur coat and no knickers" that everyone was scandalised by...ooooer.

I've also finally finished the "Water Ghosts" painting. Oooooo...bloody...er! T'was an epic to be sure. I'm just letting it sit for a spell to see if owt else needs doing to it...I realise that it's an organic piece of work but there are limits to how much more I want it to grow. The sonic artist Jamie Sturrock who collaborated with me is now tweeking the composition and then it should be set to exhibit. Mmmmm....we are now looking for suitable venues so that we can include the full spectrum of senses that this "piece" needs. I want a damp place but think that's just my age ha ha he he.... We would dearly love a dark almost cave type venue to really do it justice but realise that this may prove a tad difficult. Ho hum...we shall see.................onwards and upwards.

I'm also having dialogue with a thoroughly nice chap called David Oddy who is "La Hausse" an arts magazine that is both creative and informative. Please check it out on this 'ere link...

http://bit.ly/qvAoAJ

David is putting together a special edition of the magazine called the "Dark Edition" It will be featuring erotic art and literature. It is in this edition that I am hoping to contribute. Please watch this space......also, please support the magazine as it is so worth it.

Other big news is I have met up with a very very lovely young lady called Julie Waddington. She has set up an online gallery oooooer. Please check out http://www.bespokeartgallery.com/ I am part of this fabulous kabutz of artists and am sooooo excited about it all I leave moist patches everywhere.......

There are to be "pop up" exhibitions and I may well be popping up all over Scotland...hurrah! It's all very new to me and I thank Julie for including me. I want to also say a big big fat humongous thank you to Mark Getty for linking us up. Mark...not only are you a brilliant artist but a bloody nice geezer to boot....cheers fella!

Finally....just to let you know I will be featuring in Fiona Wilsons show at Virginia Gallery, Virginia Street, Glasgow in September. Please pop along and have a gander. Fiona is a stunning artist and you'll be blown away by it all. The exhibition is called "Tease" ooooer. I'll have a large one on view and my painting is quite big too..........sorry I apologise am having a "Carry On" kind of Sunday......it kicks off 16th September for a month. The painting I am displaying is a diptych and is inspired by street theatre meets lovers meets shamans meets communication.....yes I know it's a gobfull but I know what I mean............

I've also finished the first of the "Urban Deciples"....one down 12 to go...it's a gonna be a long one......

Thank you for taking the time,

Ivor x

2011-08-03T06:59:00.000-07:00

Hellooooooooooo!

Oh damn and blast...I've been so useless. It's been eons since I last wrote owt on here I'll be amazed if anyone reads this....ho hum.

Now then my chums I have no excuses and I have no no one to blame for my lack of scribing so please forgive and we'll start over....

I have had a fab exhibition at "Save the Children" in Stockbridge, Edinburgh...a big fat thank you to Barbara for letting me display my wares in her space...ooooer. You are a star! It all went swimmingly well and I actually sold a painting. It was "Romulus and Remus" and it went to a very lovely couple called Robbie and Freddy....thank you boys for all your support. Apart from this fantastic sale in these horrible cash strapped times...I had so much positive feedback that my cockles were well and truely warmed...so much so infact that I needed asbestos undercrackers...ho hum.

I was approched following the exhibition by a wonderful and very talented lady called Michelle Walker...please check out her work in "National Geographic" as it is stunning! She is considering opening a new gallery in Edinburgh early next year and has asked if I would like to be involved. I am dead chuffed and also very excited as I have so many ideas bubbling up in my bonce at the moment. I can also say that, after hearing this, my cockles got so warm they spontaneously combusted.......

I also met a lovely lady called Ruth who has connections with the art world...she's about to return to America...Miami Beach to be precise and reckons my work would go down rather well out there. Cooooo and lawks a lummey...I could go "Stateside"...now where did I put my thong, fake tan and Charles Atlas work out book?

I'm still plodding along with the "Water Ghosts" painting....blimey, I know I said it was "organic" and "growing" but I never reckoned on it being quite so bleedin' organic....it's a very slow process this one. It doesn't help that I have never worked on something as big and it's painful. Being a dwarf I find it quite a challenge to stretch that far over a painting without needing a truss at the end of the day....I don't think the stretching exercises have help much but I can now get my legs behind my head and open a can of coke at the same time. Not sure if this will enhance the painting any but I'm very popular in a crisis....ooooer.

Joshing aside...this painting is proving to be totally different from anything that I've done in eons...thankfully the model that I used for it is suitably impressed so that's ok. Thank you Chris...my flame haired temptress for being so supportive and patient.

I have finally finished the triptych..."The Lover, The Wife and The Husband"...it's just got to be framed up now. I am considering putting in to the forthcoming "Tease" exhibition that is taking place at the Virginia Gallery. The very talented Fiona Wilson is showing and has kindly asked me to contribute a painting....must say I'm so honoured...the woman is mega talented.

I've also began work on a series of paintings that will end up creating a huge painting...mmm...not sure if that makes any sense but, in my world, it does. It's going to be based on "The Last Supper". I know in my head how I want it...but...how it ends up is anyones guess...ho hum. I've got shed loads of peeps to agree to be used so there's a start. I'm wanting to go back to my "spiritual" roots....oooooer how very pretentious I hear you screech...not so...so ya boo sucks to it. I will reveal all at a later date and then you'll know what I'm banging on about...well here's hoping you do or I'm going to look very silly.........

Thank you for taking the time,

Ivor x

2011-05-23T07:04:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon peeps!

Cor blimey t'is windy...and I do refer to the weather here and not my bodily functions. I must admit the weather does seem to affect my mood and ability to paint. Well...that's my excuse as to why I've not got off my arse and entered the studio today...so...yah boo sucks!

It's also because I've had a very busy week end...well...Sunday at any rate. Had to go to Glasgow to collect paintings and then charge over to Edinburgh to meet up with Barbara from "Save the Children"...it was this very day that the Sat Nav decided to have a major hissy fit and die, she kept screaming "recalculating" and then just went into a coma. It was then my turn to have a hissy fit....it appears that we live in an age where we rely on technology. I then turned into a hybrid of Coporal Jones and Private Frazer...."Don't panic" and "we're doomed, doomed" I should of been slapped but Graham was still driving...ho hum. Luckily Ian and Drew from the Virginia Gallery sorted us out a google map so all was not lost.....

Where to start?..........

I'm about have my wares on display for all the world to see in Edinburgh. Stockbridge to precise.

It's for "Save the Children" so I'm feeling positively saintly. The exhibition will run for the whole of June...full details will be blogged as and when I get them....oooooer.

It looks like the "Love Spirit" exhibition is not to be....have no idea what's going on there and...to be quite honest...I don't think they have either. They appear to send out emails on an "adhock kind of wing and a prayer" type way. It's all very Miss Marple...one day it all becomes clear and then the next...tits up, major hissys and plot turns. Hey ho and fiddledee dee, I'm just letting it all slide and watching what occurs...mmmmmmmmmmm. Sad thing is I was donating a painting for their funds but no ones seems to care or know or both.................

I'm sure I will find a home for the painting that was on offer so all is not lost. I do hope they manage to get their act together because their ethos and philosophy was an all singing... all dancing... all embracing spiritual fest with a "gung ho homos will save the world" approach....mmmm...........sending this with love......

I'm still plodding along with the "Water Ghosts" project. Jamie has sent me the nearly finished cut of the composition...ooooooooer...I was dead impressed. It's all so evocotive. I'm just hoping my visual will match his audio. Mmmmm...it's supposed to be a very fluid painting but I keep getting bogged down with the boundaries that I'm desperately trying not to impose on myself. Bugger and blast!...it's a conundrum to be sure. I keep taking time out to do other paintings in the hope it'll loosen me up. Mmmmmm....reckon at this rate I'll have to break out the laxative and bran flakes...ho hum. Hope the washing machine and my under crackers can cope with the back lash. I'm back on with it tomorrow for a serious piece of knuckling down....wish me luck.

I decided to do another "frame within a frame" painting. This ones entitled "Angel presenting a Sunflower"...I wanted to give "The Adoration of the tattooed Christ" a friend. I also like to do a new piece specifically for an exhibition so this one will sit well in Edinburgh. I can honestly say the frame was a complete s**t to do.....hey ho...the only carpenter I know is the one that died from anorexia so I was totally on my own with it....mind..I don't think singing "Sha la la la la" and "Dooby doo ah" at it helped in any way shape or form.....Ho hum...rainy days and mondays always get me down....

I sold another painting t'other day so am full of perkiness. I was so perky infact that I had to skip for a whole minute...it's all I can manage these days with out the aid of a saftey net and reinforced gussets........

Would just like to take the time to say a big thank you to Drew, Ian, Stan, Barbara and...ofcourse...Graham.

Sending waves of love..............

Thank you for taking the time,

Ivor x

2011-04-19T07:13:00.001-07:00

Bonjourno bonjourno bonjourno this fine and sunny Springtime doodah...

I'm so perky I could outdo Pinky...I LOVE the sunshine...it makes me skip and hop and do such things that only Isadora Duncan could imagine. Mind...I have no intention of going off at 100miles per hour wearing a nowt but a long silk scarf...not only is it unhygienic on a dralon seat but not a good look for a bloke of my years..........ho hum.

I've been quite a busy bloke despite the lack of a blog for eons and eons. I've finally started the "Water Ghosts" painting. I must say it's all been a bit scary as it's so out of my remit to work with a sonic artist...even if he is a very talented sonic artist. I keep holding back...it's like I'm afraid of bunging anything down incase I want to alter it completely. This, I now relalise, it a complete load of dogs doings....... After a mass debate with Jamie the sonic artist I realised the whole point of the painting was it had to be fluid and everchanging. Coooo lummey...how thick am I? Upshot is...I've now got over the block and it's all systems go. Reckon it'll take a spell to complete as it will have so many washes and layers.....hey ho. Will keep you posted.

I've also been working on two paintings for the "Love Spirit" group who are planning to hold an exhibition at City Hall, London in August. It is still in its planning stages and, everything has yet to be finalised, but I'm hoping it all happens. I'm also crossing everything that I'm included as it would be fandabbydozy to exhibit on the South Bank...oooooer. When I hear definites I will tell all..........I must admit that "communications" are not Love Spirits strongest asset but their intentions are beautiful.

I'm submitting two nudes which represent the idea that mankind is now so dependant on cyber communications that they are in danger of loosing the ability to speak to each other on a personal level. They're also paintings about hope and how man can communicate on a more spiritual wavelength despite all of this going on in the background.

A big thankyou to Matt for modelling...you're a star fella!

"Lady with Hound" and "Lady with Hawk" are now residing at Christos art gallery in Glasgow. Thank you Louise for keeping the faith. I'm wanting to embark on two more when I get the bleedin' time as I enjoyed doing them. Painting all that sumptuous fabric can be dead satisfying after long spells of just painting flesh....oooooer. I'm also about to embark on an image of a "painted lady" for another exhibition in June...........lawks and lummey and lashings of ginger beer "How will you fit it all in?" I hear you cry....I shall just have to strap re entry shields to my eyes, drink bucket loads of coffee and be catharterised......fiddledee fiddledee fiddledee deeeeeee mammy!

Thankyou for taking the time,

Ivor x

2011-03-06T02:15:00.000-08:00

Gooooooood Moooooooorning my chums!

I have a feeling that Spring is springing and all around me is budding...it's either that or I have trapped wind and need some mint tea........

Mmmmm and oooooooer...I seem to have been dead busy for the past month and feel overloaded with fabric and jewels. T'is a fine doodah indeed when ones eyesight implodes on one just by painting a lorry load of jewelry. I have a definite look of "Clarence the squinty eyed lion" about me these days. If I wasn't a starving artist I would take a trip to the opticians but, instead, I'll just tie on another re-entry shield to my specs and soldier on.

Despite all this hard-ship I am rather chuffed with my "Courtly Bints" I was endeavouring to get the effect of "haughty aristo" meets "vunerable wench"...these are the first of the "Kings Mistress" series and are of "Mary Boleyn" and "Nell Gwin"...who the flop I do next is a mystery to me as yet. I think it'll be "Lilly Langtry"...but that could change depending on my whims...ooooer. I'm hoping upon hope that Louise at "Christos Gallery" likes them...so fingers crossed.

The new "old materish" batch are shaping up rather well and, despite my failing eyesight, I'm having great fun painting them. I know the detailing is time consuming but it's so bleedin' therapeutic dabbing away at fabric. I sort of get lost in it all and usually forget where I am...mind, that could be dementia kicking in...ho hum. I've finally finished tweaking "The Lover" and I don't mean that in the biblical sense ya sauce pots...t'is a painting. I also very nearly completed a painting for the latest "Virginia Gallery" exhibition of "Dark Fairytales" I was inspired by the story of the "Emperors New Clothes" It's kicks off on Friday 11th March and runs for a month. If you get the chance do pop along and have a butchers...it'll be a very enriching experience and well worth the time. Plus...Ian and Drew would be so chuffed to see you.

I had another get together with Jamie the "sonic artist" this week which was very beneficial. I now have the second part of the composition. I'm dead excited about this project as I have such a definite image in my mind of how I want it to look. I was in Glasgow yestermorrow taking pics of a very nice bloke to use in the painting. Thank you Chris for being such a bendy model and not putting yourself in traction in the name of art. The photos are part of this definite image...this, ofcourse, means that it'll turn out totally different and will give me shed loads of hissy fits and hysteria...nowt new there then. It'll also mean that, in the end, I will have produced a collaborative piece of work that I will be proud of. Mmmmm...who reckons we need to be challenged to grow? I seem to be growing these days in all the wrong places so it's the "slim-fast" and bran diet for me and maybe that help clear my head as well as other areas...oooooer.

On top of all of this I have been talking to some very nice people from "Love Spirit"...I'm not saying much as it's all in the early stages. All I will say is I soooo want to be involved in this so if you're reading this "Love Spirit"....I love you.

Thank you for taking the time,

Ivor x

2011-02-01T10:08:00.000-08:00

Well plough my furrow and loosen my tongue...t'is February already.

Hello my chums,

What can I say and where do I begin?....I've been steadily plodding along with a new painting that seems never to be finished. It's supposed to be Casanova but is developing into a far more "English" lover. I don't mean he has a union flag tattooed on his unmentionables...just the whole image has a distinctly "english" feel. I'm not sure if that makes any sense but it does to me so ya boo sucks. I'm battling to create a very atmosperic and "Old masterish" painting and I seem to be loosing the battle...it's still early days so all may come right in the end. Heydy hooooo...who said that painting was "relaxing"? I shall continue on like the intrepid artist that I am and, if all else fails I can use it as a very pretentious place mat. Mmmmm.....wish me luck.

I had a very enjoyable time at the launch of "nude". A big thank you to Drew and Ian of "Luke and Jack" for inviting me to exhibit. It was not only the opening of "nude" but also the launch of the "Virginia Gallery" and I must say a good time was had by all. The new gallery is very impressive and a beautiful venue to display ones wares. My wares will be on display until March alongside many other talented and creative artists and photographers. Please pop along if you get the opportunity and cop a gander at the work...it's well worth a look and all in the best possible taste...oooooer. Ian and Drew will be happy to see you and will make you most welcome. If you get an uncontrollable urge you could also have a saunter round their shop upstairs.

I am soon to start a very creative project with a supremely talented young sonic artist called Jamie Sturrock. He's composing a piece of "audio art" that I will create a visual for...I'm dead excited about this as it's so out of my normal remit. In Jamies words "we're well stoked" about the project and working together. He's so bleedin' young that I feel positively geriatric when he's about which should keep me on my toes. It'll be good to just roll with in and not have to worry about the conscripts of the "norm"....ooooer...hark at me sounding all "Turner prize"...all I'm saying is that it'll do me good to challenge myself to think out of the box a tad more. Here' hoping I can and that young Jamie is happy with what I do........ooooooooo...eeeeeeeerrrrr!

Just want to say thank you to Ike in London for his patronage...it was a joy to know that "After the Ride" went to such a worthy home...Thank you.

Thank you for taking the time,

Ivor x

2010-12-24T03:56:00.000-08:00

Bon Noelle my festive chums...

with a tra la la la la and a hey nonny nonny...deck my bowels with sprigs of holly and a big fat ding dong and bing bong on high...t'is Christmas Eventide.

I really wanted to say a humongous thank you to every one who has taken the time to read this blog over the past year...your support is very much appreciated. I must say I am always a wee bit surprised just how many bods do check out what I've been up to and what I'm wittering on about...............................I am most humble.

Well peeps...the "Faded Seaside Glamour" exhibition continues and has received shed loads of wondrous comments. I blush with the excitment of it all...incidentally, it's now going to run until mid January...oooooer. Thankyou Drew and Ian at "Luke and Jack" for their continued support and encouragement. I love you boys and all your saucy minxiness...mmmmm...not sure if such words exist but t'is Chrismas and I'm a big bloated bag of festive fun and frolics...pass me another mince pie with lashings of cream.........

This year has been a pick 'n' mix of creative endeavours. I began the year with a series of "Shape-Shifters"...which were organic and to do with light, texture, hope and fantasy...and ended the year with the "Faded Seaside Glamour" paintings which were all about being on the outside of society and the emotional implications that entails. In between all of this I created "The Adoration of the Tattooed Christ"...a painting inspired by a beautiful trip to France. Mmmmm...I reckon it conveys the state of my mind throughout the year...I began it in my own little fantasy world and ended it a moody old git with a circus fixation...oh...and with a bit of spiritual shananagans chucked in for good measure. Freud would have a field day...ho hum.

On top of the rollercoaster ride that is my inspiration...I've also produced some commissions. Ooooer and hurrah! The latest one has hurled me down another direction and I am now endeavouring to produce some works inspired by "the days of yore". I'm hoping they're going to be a kind of "Raphael meets Holbien". I've started drawing one out on an old piece of shelving, I'm trying to get it to look like a medieval wooden panel painting. Mmmmm...Hope springs internal as they say. Hey ho, if it doesn't work out I'm sure it'll make a fabulous shelf for the pantry...be it a rather ornate one...

I'm going to be creating a couple of nudes for an exhibition at "Luke and Jack"...spookily enough...entitled "Nudes"...ooooooer. Fingers crossed that this new/oldstyle turns out well enough to go on display...wish me luck peeps.

Well enough of these witterings...may your yule log be massive and may you be well blessed....oooooer missis. Enjoy!

Thank you for taking the time...festive hugs,

Ivor x

2010-11-14T05:58:00.000-08:00

Hellooooooo my luvverly chums,

It's a tad gloomy today and the light is really rubbish so I thought I'd take the opportunity to write this 'ere blog. Please bare with me because I'm knackered and seem to have had countless mishaps and blunders this Sunday morning time....hey hoooooooooooooooo.

I'm actually hoping that tomorrow brings a jolt to this enfeebled brain and I can rectify all the cock ups that I've made today...well, a bloke can hope.

I'm actually writing this to let all my readers and followers of this 'ere blog know that I'll be launching the 6 "Faded Seaside Glamour" paintings on December 3rd at "Luke and Jack" in Merchant City Glasgow no less.

Well I say I will be....mmmmmmm...still in the midst of finishing and framing and varnishing and tweaking and sorting. It seems that for some strange and inexplicable reason one of the paintings has taken an extreme dislike to the varnish and has had... one I can only describe as... an allergic reaction to it. I am now a lot balder than I was this morning and a shed load more hysterical...I have hyperventilated into about a squillion paper bags and chanted a calming mantra til I'm blue in the face...all to no avail as the bleedin' thing still looks like s**t. Ho hum...I am calmer now and have walked away until tomorrow...as they say..."hope springs eternal"...and if that fails I will resort to plan B...which is blaming everyone except myself.

I apologise for my rant...but I like to share...

Hope I'll be seeing loads of you at the launch but, failing that, I hope that you'll be able to pop along and have a gander as it runs til after the Christmas festivities.

Thank you for taking the time,

Ivor x

2010-11-01T12:14:00.000-07:00

Bonjourno my special chums,

T'is a dark and gloomy night and it's well and truely "brass monkeys" in this 'ere office. I shall endeavour to write this wrapped in a shawl like a Dickensian dowager...I'm prepared for shrinkage and am hoping that it's not too severe...ho hum.

Where to start? Well I'm so into this "Adoration of the Tattooed Christ" painting and have now finished the main centre piece. I've commenced the painting of the four corners so, hopefully, all the "adorations" will be finished well before the deadline of the exhibition. Mmmm...must say it's been a lorry load of fun doing this piece as it's all about memories of a far flung place...a holiday of light and sunshine...a chance to see my eldest in his natural habitat and a bugger of a composition. I have been working in some very strange positions doing this painting and it is playing havoc with my geriatric frame...I can forsee a brace, a truss and a prolapse before this image is complete...gone are the days when the Kama Sutra was just a thing you did cos you were bendy. It has also proved to have a will of its own and I've been guided by the work rather than the other way round...a strange and slightly disconcerting feeling. Oooooer...perhaps I'm having an "experience"...?...I wonder if I could get Yvette Fieldings job now she's buggered off to pastures new?

I've created this painting especially for the exhibition at the Phoenix Centre. They are having a fantastic open day event at the end of November...it's going to be filled to the brim with truely beautiful art created by a shed load of talent. My pal Mark Getty has been organising it and will be displaying there too. A huge big fat thank you to you Mark....you're a star!

Here's the details and I really hope you'll all pop along and have a gander and, hopefully, buy lots.

The Phoenix Centre

201 St. James Road

Glasgow

27th November 2010

12-23.30

Thank you for taking the time,

Ivor x

2010-10-17T07:52:00.000-07:00

Afternoon peeps,

Brrrrrrr it's chilly round the doodahs this dull noontime day.

I have been working tirelessly and, without the aid of a safety net, to finish another painting in the "Faded Seaside Glamour" series. The "Marionette" is now complete and can sit alongside its counterparts. I'm getting fair excited about this batch as they seem to be gelling rather well and the narative appears to be unfolding in a most satisfactory manner...blimey, hark at me sounding all discriptive and literary.

I have to admit that these images are a tad "darker" than the last series but as they're about "acceptance and solitude" I suppose they should be. I'm trying to create a mood and atmosphere rather than a difinitive story. They're all set in a sort of twilight when all the characters come out to play so the mood is rather important...here's hoping that they work as a proper series when they're complete.

I've now started the "Escapologist"...he's progressing slowly as I'm trying not to make him look like some kind of S&M fetishist...mmmmm...is that a word?.............reckon it's working so far but, hey hoooo...it may turn out to be one chain too many...oooooer.

Alongside the "Faded Seaside Glamour" paintings I'm doing a piece for the Phoenix Studios art exhibition. It's completely different from the current batch as it's been inspired by my trip to southern France. It's very "Christlike" and I'm trying to capture the atmosphere of what I experienced there. Coooo lummey...I sound like I've gone all spritual and ethereal. I haven't at all...it's all to do with the light and colours that I saw. Plus...there's a bit of pagan thrown in...shed loads of symbolism...a suggestion of shananagans and lorry loads of over the top framing. Mmmmm...fingers crossed that I pull this off as I'm treading a very fine line between "high class gorgeousness" and "Blackpool tack"...ho hum.

Thank you for taking the time...

Ivor x

2010-09-25T02:25:00.000-07:00

Well bonjour...ooooooo la la and a bucket full of frogs legs,

I've just returned from France...Montpellier to be precise...it was fantastic. I do advise everyone to go as it's so beautiful, historic and full of the most gorgeous looking people I've ever clapped eyes on. Do I sound shallow?...mmmm...I don't reckon so, I'm an artist so can truely appreciate the quality of the perfect form...well that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

I must say that France has inspired me...I saw some things that took my breath away...actually we were up in the hills one day which did actually shorten my breath...blimey it was hilly. I danced on the bridge at Avignon...just like in the song...well not so much a dance, more of a jig. Think I was in danger of being arrested as the bridge was trembling a bit...think of Homer Simpson on a treadmill...the French obviously reckoned it was a fit of some sort so gave me a wide berth...ho hum.

I went to a few galleries as well...saw a fantastic exhibition by Jose Pires in Lodeve and I also discovered the most spectacular paintings by Nicolas Mignard at the Calvert Museum in Avignon. I can honestly say I very near weed my undercrackers. I got all moist with emotion, decided to pack in painting all together as I could never aspire to such wonderment, had a major crisis followed by a cafe au lait which seemed to settle me...mmmmmmmm and aaaaaaahhhh. I've got over that now and am back on track with the new series of paintings.........

I'm now on the fourth image...it's a marionette. She's a rather moody bint...she stares out at me "with attitude" as they say in these 'ere times. I'm trying to capture a mixture of vunerability and defiance in the painting...I think it's working so far but, as it's only half done, anything can evolve. The "Burlesque Noir" and "Harlequin" paintings are also done and dusted...the same theme of vunerability threads through them both...well I reckon it does. I sent the images to a client of mine as I value his opinion and he says they remind him of the old black and white "art films" of Italy and France. I can really see his point and am dead chuffed with the comparison...thank you Michael, you're a star! When the "Marionette" is finally finished I want to do an escapologist/contortionist...I have this idea buzzing around in my head that I can't shake. It'll either work really well or look like an advert for an S&M Swingers club...ho hum.

Incidentally...whilst I was away on my jolly hols I read a book called "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak. It is the first book in years to move me to tears...not a good look sat on a balcony in Monpellier with a snotty nose and making wailing noises, the locals were intrigued at the strange English bloke. I really recommend a read of it...I'm inspired to do a painting...it will not be at all commercial and it will be quite sad...but it is something I feel compelled to try.

I just thought I'd share that with you....

Thankyou for taking the time,

Ivor x

2010-09-23T06:36:00.000-07:00

Bonjour my chums,

This is just a quickie of a blog as I've not got my bonce round a lengthy one...so much has been going on and on and on...ooooer. However...I will rectify this tomorrow with a full on no holds barred blog of epic proportions...

In the mean time this will have to suffice...apologies.

I've just learnt that this particular piece in off to France....how very international is that. I'm dead chuffed to say the least...perhaps it's due to the extra ordinary ammount of images there are in France of Saint Michael slaying the dragon. Ooooooo la la.

Thank you for being so patient...

Ivor x

2010-08-15T06:18:00.000-07:00

Hellooooooooooooooo my chums,

I was enjoying some lovely sunny weather but thought I'd best bung up a blog lest you forget me. I am a martyr to my "art" to be sure....

Well I have finished the commission and delivered it to the client. Thankfully, he really liked it and seemed fairly moved by it. I admit to being a tad worried as commissions are always a little unpredictable...mainly because I tend to always paint "warts and all" with a portrait...not saying that the subject had any warts...infact a more handsome fellow you could not meet...it's just that I do love painting "detail"...mmmmm. I really wanted this one to be successful as it was commissioned from so much love and was full of symbolism relevant to the subject. I think it worked...I hope it worked. It also helped that the clients were so bleedin' nice.....thankyou Dave 'n' Stu for trusting me with your beings, it is much appreciated.

I am well into the new series of paintings...it still hasn't a title and I continue to refer to it as the "Fairground/Burlesque/Circus" series...which is a right gobfull. It's a much darker set of images than the shapeshifters...mind, that may well be due to them being set indoors and with un natural light. I'm endeavouring to capture the vunerabilty of the bods who work in this form of entertainment......it amazes me how most of the masses judge these folk. Hey hoo.

I'm trying to go for the raw, shabby and slightly forlorn look to these images...it's more to do with survival of the art and being constantly on the move than glitz and glamour. Oh and I apologise to all the purists out there....I'm painting a "feeling" rather than perfectly engineered circus/fairground equipment.

I reckon any one who can go out night after night wearing lycra and hanging from things deserves to be immortalised in acrylic...I also admire any bod who can wave feathers and jiggle their bits. I myself have tried it on occassions and am still receiving the doctors bills from all the people I traumatised....apparently the sight of a wee man waving feathered fans about whilst expressing himself through the medium of dance wearing a sparkly thong can give folk recurring nightmares....ho hum.

I'm now working on the second image...this one is proving to be a real challenge as it is so removed from the way I usually paint a piece. I've had to come at it from a completely different prospective and learn as I go. Mmmmm...fingers crossed that it proves successful...it seems to be going ok so far. Mind...that's no guarentee with me...I usually get so far in and then decide it's all a pile of poop. After that it gets quite messy with tantrums and tears and wringing of hands and threats to become a nun and all kinds of carry ons....hey ho...it's a right doings creating "the art".....

I'm off to the printers tomorrow to get some greetings cards printed...ooooer. I shall let you know how they turn out...

Thankyou for taking the time,

Ivor x

2010-07-25T04:14:00.000-07:00

Bonjourno bonjourno bonjourno as our Italian cousins say...not that I have any Italian cousins and the nearest I've been to Italy of late is buying a pizza...ho hum.

I have been away to sunny Liverpool to have my website re jigged and given a spanking update. I've re invented myself like what Madonna does only I refuse to wear a conical bra...
A big thankyou to my chum and fellow artist Chris Butler for spending so much time creating it and putting up with my tantrums. How anyone can stare at screens, push knobs and play with a mouse all those hours is a wonder to me and I have great respect for them. I, myself, can just about muster up the enthusiasm to download a few pics and post a blog before I have a panic attack and become convinced the machine is out to get me and will aid my eventual downfall.
Mmmmm...perhaps I should do a series of paintings based on this paranoia and exorcise the ghosts forever...???

Speaking of a new series...tomorrow I begin work on the "Circus meets Burlesque" set of paintings. I'm quite excited about these as they're so different from the "Elementals"...I'm still unsure how they'll develop as I only have a vague image of them in my head. It's all a tad strange really because I usually have a clear image and a vague concept...this time it's reversed. The idea is firmly imprinted in my balding noggin but I'm going to have to do the first painting to see where the whole series will take me. All I can say is I see...velvet...tattoos...circus art...bosoms and colour. Here's hoping it all goes swimmingly well or I may well end up running away to the circus, donning lycra and dangling from a swing...mind, I have done that at parties....ho hum.

I've also just completed a new commission piece...I must say I'm dead chuffed with how it turned out and am just hoping that the client feels the same way. It's always a very anxious time where portrait commissions are concerned...how I see a person may well be totally different from how the person sees themself. I think I've captured the spirit and character of the person dead well.....fingers crossed the feeling's mutual......oooooooooooooooooer.

Whilst I've been creating "the art"...I've also been developing the idea of doing cards and prints. I'm putting the feelers out and have a set of 6 cards on display at "Luke and Jacks" in Glasgow, as well as some paintings. The very nice lads who own the shop have been fantastic and dead friendly. They are developing the shop into a wonderfly diverse "lifestyle" ambiance...it's well worth checking out. Please note the shop contains items of an adult nature so is only accessable to over 18s.
I'm feeling dead excited in general these days about my work and am often seen skipping merrily on the patio...not really a good idea at my age as things creek...others wobble and some swing................not a pretty site...hey ho.

http://www.ivorsexton.co.uk/

http://www.lukeandjack.com/

Thank you for taking the time,

Ivor x

2010-06-30T15:33:00.000-07:00

Good evening my chums,

I apologise for the lateness of the hour...also...I apologise for any spelling mistakes cos it is so late.

Well what can I say? T'is been a whirlwind doings of epic proportions. I've been steadily painting some new pieces and finishing others. The "Dragons Kiss" is now finished...it was the last in the "Elementals" series of paintings. It's probably the most sensual painting of the series. I must admit she's looking a tad dishevelled and a little "emotional"...mind...who wouldn't with a bloke that's part dragon breathing all over you. It was quite difficult trying to bring in the "fire" to this series. All the dragon shape-shifters were men...and nearly all of those were transformed as part of a spell. This image is the only one of the "Elementals" whose story comes mainly from my imagination. Mmmmmm...how telling is that?

I've also been working on some nudes...reckon I'm doing this due to my own sad carcass being on a tobogan ride to sagging wrinkleness. Perhaps painting better forms will exorcise the ghosts of desperation at hitting middle age. Mmmm...I do admit to it being a very therapeutic exercise and I'm now less inclined to scream when I remove clothing. Ho hum. Plus...I'd forgotten what a challenge it is painting shed loads of bare flesh. Where these particualar paintings will end up is a concurrent countdown conundrum...but...I have fingers in many doodahs and irons in many fires...oooooer, I say no more.
My new best friend Joe Hendry and me have been in dialogue...I sound dead Alan Sugar. We're considering doing some stuff together in a rather groovy new place in Glasgow...I won't say owt else now as it's still in the early planning stage. I'm dead excited...I'm skipping as I type. Thanks Joe for keeping the faith my chum.

I'm still displaying stuff at "Christo's " Gallery in the West End of Glasgow and my stuff is also adorning the walls at "Art Bar" in Brunswick Road Glasgow. Please feel free to go along and have a gander...and...if you feel inclined purchase a pice of "Art"

http://www.christosgallery.com/

http://www.artbarglasgow.com/

I was at the circus the other evening and it was quite an experience. It wasn't immpressive at all...infact it all seemed a tad jaded and slightly sad. I do admire the troop continuing on despite dwindling audiences and constant protests from animal rights bods. "Why are you telling us this?" I hear you ask. Mmmmm...well, along with this circus experience and the stuff I've been reading on "Burlesque" theatre, I feel a new set of paintings forming in my bonce. Have no idea how it'll pan out or even how I'll approach it...but I know something will emerge from it all. A right "circus of burlesque". I will keep you posted...mind it'll have to wait a bit as I've got some commissions to do. Ho hum.

Finally...can I make a huge apology. Apparently a spam dooooings has got hold of my email address book and keeps sending people stuff for viagara. Please accept my sincere apology...I am endeavouring to sort it out.

Thank you for taking the time,

Ivor x

2010-06-04T03:54:00.000-07:00

Helloooooo peeps,

T'is I and I'm finally calm from all the recent drama and upheaval.
Plus....I have news....ooooooooooooooooooooer.

Firstly I would like to take the time to say a big fat thank you to David from Park Gallery. Sadly his beloved business is no more....yet another statistic of this horrible economic melt down. I just want every one out there to know what a huge support he was to me over the past year. It was a pleasure doing business with you my friend, us artists have lost a good chum and I've lost somewhere really fun to lurk whilst I'm in Glsagow. Pecker up fella....I'm sure you'll bounce back with even more enthusiasm and, as our American chums say, spunk.

The "Elementals" series of paintings have now been split up and can be seen at two venues. Hurrah!

I am now showing some work at "Christo's" gallery on the Great Western Road...the West End of Glasgow no less. I don't know about you lot but I'm dead impressed. Thank you Louise for taking some of my work...I'm sure it's just the beginning of a beautiful relationship. "Christo's" is a lovely gallery and well worth nipping along to...not just to have a gander at my new stuff though I'd be really chuffed if you would...but because it has a dead friendly atmos and Louise is so welcoming.

http://www.christosgallery.com/

I am also showing at "Art Bar" in Brunswick Street...oooooer yet again...in the Merchant City of Glasgow no less. The really lovely, talented and all round good egg Joe Hendry contacted me and, Bob's yer uncle, I was in. Joe is organising the gallery and getting together some very talented and established artists to show at the venue. It is all very exciting...I've been skipping now for days which isn't good for some one of my great age and with a dodgy hip to boot.......I reckon it'll be a dead dead hip and happenin' laid back and groovy place to exhibit...I can't wait...I think I'll skip some more......

Cheers Joe...you're a star!

Joe and I attended the most fantastic and fabulous "Glasgow Boys" exhibition at the Kelvingrove. I recommend any one who is in Glasgow to go along and see it, it is so bleedin' worth it.
I came away with really mixed emotions. The first was "I'm so unworthy, I really must hang my brush in shame" The second was "where's me board and brush...I need to create!" They were truely great painters...it's a sort of spiritual experience being in the same room as those paintings. I was sooooo humbled. Blimey...I've gone all misty eyed. Mind...it's definitely put me well and truely back on track to start a new series of paintings. I know one that I feel the need to do...it's of the "Green Man"....the geezer who hung about in oak trees in the days of yore. Have no idea as to how it'll develop...but...hey ho...that's part of the fun.

Thank you for taking the time,

Ivor x

2010-05-19T04:47:00.000-07:00

Hello my loyal chums,

T'is with great sadness that I write today so please bare with me.

My exhibition of "The Elementals" has been cancelled due to unforseen circumstances. Hopefully I will be able to find another venue soon so that this collection can be viewed.

I'd like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to David at Park Gallery for all his support and help over the past year. It is a huge loss to the Art world and especially me, that his beloved gallery has had to close.
I'd also like to say thank you to Rachel his glamorous assistant.

You will be so missed my chums.

Thank you for taking the time,

Ivor x

2010-05-14T02:13:00.000-07:00

Bon morrow my cold damp chums....

T'is supposed to be lovely Spring like weather with gamboling lambs and the budding of fruitfulness and promise...mmmmm...it's about as promising as a damp dishcloth on the draining board of life. Ho Hum.
T'is just as well that I have been locked away like a balding Rapunzel in my studio tower. Me and the weather are as strangers, infact me and the real world are now just passing aquaintances. I've been painting and painting and painting.......................

I am please to say that I am now working on the last piece for the forthcoming "Elementals" exhibition. It's called "Dragons Kiss" ooooer. It's a vague reference to a shape shifting dragon...which, incidentally, there were rather few of. All were blokes to...and all seemed to be shape shifted as a form of punishment or because some other bloke got a bit miffed with them. Enough said...
The paintings seem to have taken on a life of their own and I'm not too sure if they controlled me or I them. I know that sounds like a lorry load of pretentious doodahs...but they have been the most "organic" paintings I have done. It's been quite a challenge to create enough "shape shifting" to inform and still maitain a mood and narative that the viewer can unfold. Hey ho...it's now too late to have all the usual doubts about them as the preview is now less than two weeks away....oooooo...bloody...er.

On 27th May 2010 between the times of 6:00pm and 8:30pm at Park Gallery in Polakshaws Road they will be on show to the world. The past 5/6 months of my life will be there for all to peek at... read about... judge... praise (hopefully)... buy (most certainly)... and enjoy (fingers crossed)
All I can say is please "be kind to my mistakes"

If you have an uncontrollable urge to find out more please feel free to contact David at Park Gallery....he's a most obliging soul and, I have to say, a most patient one...he'd have to be to represent me.....cheers David.

Thank you for taking the time...

Ivor x

www.ivorsexton.co.uk

www.parkgallery.net

2010-05-01T05:47:00.000-07:00

Bon morrow and forsooth,

Howdy doooooooody to you my chums, I completely knackered and am fast becoming a shadow of my former self. Mind, this only applies to my emotional state and not the physical as that is expanding so fast I could do a convincing "lookie likie" of John Prescott. Mmmmm....I wonder if there are any school fetes or local supermarkets need opening by a former Deputy P.M.?

The new paintings are going swimmingly well and will soon be ready for public display. It's been a strange old road that I have travelled doing these...I keep floating off into clouds of fantasy trying to imagine what it would be like if one could actually "shape shift". I know I'd most certainly shift this big belly, I'd probably give it to poor and needy. I reckon it's been a kind of cathartic experience painting this series. I've hurtled so bleedin' fast towards the dreaded "middle age" that I've lost my grip on reality....ooooer. I keep looking in the mirror through the hazy smear of vaseline and I don't remember getting to look like that. Ho hum...I think that we would all like to change the way we look in one way or another, it's just that in the old days of the "shape shifter" it was just easier to do. Blimey...."how deep" I hear you cry...but t'is true and I'm sure that I will soon be very accepting of my wrinkles and pot belly....yeah and Katie Price will become a media recluse and Gordon Brown a centre fold for "Play Girl".
If you look back to the days of yore shed loads of strange going ons were put down to "shape shifters"....prime example was the Werewolf, it was far easier for people to believe that such horrendous acts were carried out by a beast than a man. Ho hum...infact...in those days people were constantly changing from one thing into another, the only difference these days is we now use cosmetic surgeons......................mmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Verily I say unto you...I reckon I'd much rather have the belief that I could change into anything that I wanted to than go under a knife to achieve it.

"The old days are lost.......and I wondered why?"

Ooooooer....got a tad "deep and meaningful" there...it seems to have past now and I am once again calm. I do apologise, it's so unlike me to be that thoughtful about anything....I used to be able to rely on being witty and ornamental..........

The launch of this series of paintings is on 27th May 2010. It at Park Gallery, 697 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow G41 2AB between 6:00pm-8:30pm and will run for two and half weeks.
Please please please go along and have a gander as I would be internally grateful. I'll also be bodding about at the lauch to have a chin wag with peeps...you can get to see how my shape has shifted ha ha he he.

Thank you for taking the time,

Ivor x

www.ivorsexton.co.uk

www.parkgallery.net

2010-04-13T00:30:00.000-07:00

Bon morrow to you all....

T'is Spring and my sap is a rising and I'm feeling perkier than a perky person on the Pinky and Perky show...

Where to start?
Well it's now six week this coming Thursday until my exhibition at Park Gallery Glasgow. It's been a frenzy on activity in my studio I can tell you...my arm is aching and my eyesight is failing. I am now eating, sleeping and dreaming "exhibition". I'm a nightmare to live with and I'm fast on my way to resembling a "Terrorhawk" puppet. By the time the launch happens I'll be a shadow of my former self...people will go from looking at the "gaaaaaawwwwjusssss art ambiance" to a wizened old hobbit in the corner, verily t'is a pooh. Having said all that...............

The new pieces are progressing along rather nicely...I'm truely enjoying creating these images. I seem to be alot more "organic" with the process of painting the "shape shifters"...which is rather apt when you think about it. I'm calling this batch the "Elementals"....mmmmmm...."why?" I hear you cry. I wanted to create some pieces that were not only about change but were part of nature as well. I know it all sounds a tad "artistic" but I reckon that when they're viewed all will become clear. Well, I'm hoping it does or I'll look a total pillock. I think that David from the gallery is a tad anxious...the poor man hasn't seen any of the paintings yet and is trusting to fate at the minute. Courage mon brave...all will be well and, if not, there's always the option to beat me over the head with the frames.......................Hey ho, it's a knife edge existance being creative.
I've learnt shed loads of stuff doing this series...I've been researching "shape shifting" for weeks now and never realised just how universal the concept was. I'm trying to bring the notion bang up to date........mind, I suppose the new culture of endless cosmetic surgery has already done that....look at Katie Price, her knockers have "shape shifted" more times than a werewolf at the fullness of the moon.

Oh well..back to the confines of my studio ambiance, the paintbrush awaits....

Thank you for taking the time....

Ivor x

www.ivorsexton.co.uk

www.parkgallery.net

2010-03-07T03:59:00.000-08:00

Bon morrow bon morrow bon morrow,

How are you all my special chums? It is blogging time once more and I'm feeling perkier than a perky person on a perky bus. Spring seems to have arrived finally and it has put a smile on my face.

I've been very busy of late and have managed to sell quite a few paintings. The small "Fairy Tale" series have all been sold. I followed the "Snow Queen" with the "Match Girl" and "Snow White". They were a bit of a seasonal offering and represented the four seasons of the year...hence them being a "seasonal" offering. I know I'm rambling but you'll have to bare with me as I'm practically chained to my artist chair these days and have lost the ability to communicate unless it is through the medium of "the art".....ooooooer. I'm am considering having my paintbrush surgically attached to my hand to cut out the time I have to pick it up upon waking in the morn.
Did I say that "Heathcliff" has gone to a new home?...he is now looking suitably angst upon some ones wall. "Last Days of Summer" has also been given a new abode....I'm really chuffed about that as I so wanted him to go to a good place. Thank you to all my patrons for wanting my images to enhance their establishmnets....I am deeply chuffed.
The prints are also selling quite well and I am now "global"....oooooer...Condaleeza eat your heart out. Apparently my angels are now flying all round Europe....details on how to grab yours are on the website....................

I am exhibiting a new set of paintings at Park Gallery, Glasgow at the end of May...27th to be precise. The concept of this new batch is still ruminating in my bonce. I can see shed loads of scenery...lots of gorgeous women and handsome blokes....people changing into animals, birds and trees....unrequited love....seasonal and symbolic flowers...and lashings of love.
Alongside all of this I will also be endeavouring to produce other images to be displayed in the gallery....I have a very enthusiastic gallery owner called David who's support knows no bounds....cheers David and cheers to Rachel too, his glamorous assistant.

I'm almost finished painting "Houdini and Rosabel"....it's all very unrequited, sensual and romantic. Here's hoping that the finished image lives up to my idea of how it should look. I am very very critical of my own stuff and have been known to go into critical meltdown when I've finished a piece. Thankfully it never lasts too long and my universal compassion and calm return...mind, it may take a smack round the head and some reassuring words...thank you Graham.

I feel the muse calling...thank you for taking the time,

Ivor x

2010-02-08T06:22:00.000-08:00

Bon morrow my special chums,

Happy happy happy belated doodahs to you all...yes I know it's late and I know I should of wished you all well before this time....I have no excuse. Well take me out and flog me, I'm incontinent or incompetent...either way I am contrite.

I've been a very busy old artist...I've been painting the Urban Gothic series and am progressing rather well. The "Snow Queen" and "Red Riding Hood" have been sold recently and, I am pleased to say, have gone to a very appreciative home. I'm now working on "The Little Match Girl" as the third of this size of paintings. It's a very sad tale indeed and I'm trying really hard to capture the beauty aswell as the sadness of this particular tale. It is also rather apt as the weather has been baltic and the poor wench did have to squat in doorways lighting matches to keep warm...mmmmmm...I'd of been tempted to set fire to the pillock that had forced me out to flog the damn things in the first place but..hey ho.
There appears to be a pattern forming with these images and all the ladies in question seem to have very distinctive personalities...here's hoping the two that follow are equally as unique.

I've also been painting "Heathcliff" as part of a literary romantic series. I reckon it follows on from the Fairytale and gothic lot....I'm attempting to give thes characters a more "streetwise" image and bring them into the 21st century. Here's hoping I can pull it off...these bods are so well known that every person who's read the books have their own take on what and how they should look...oooooooer.
I need to say a great big thank you to Safi who modelled as Heathcliff. The bloke endured sub artic conditions to squat in a doorway on a Glasgow street and have me point a camera at him. I was wrapped up in coat, gloves and scarf...he was shivering in jeans and baring his chest.

Thank you Safi....you're a star!

I was also commissioned to paint a picture to celebrate 100 years of the Alhambra cinema in Penrith. It's an independent movie theatre and well worth checking out. I hope all who have frequented the venue for the past 100 years appreciate the painting...I had a blast painting it.

www.ivorsexton.co.uk

www.parkgallery.net

Thank you for taking the time...

Ivor x

2009-12-24T00:33:00.000-08:00

Bon morrow my festive chums,

Well ding dong merrily...tra la la la la...deck the bowels with sprigs and a fiddly diddly diddly dee!
T'is Christmas Eve.

I trust that everyone is well and prepared for the festivities. I am taking time out after a rather busy six months...I've sort of wound down and taken early retirement for the season, ho hum. This was partly due to being inundated with Christmas visitors and partly due to being knackered.

The "Urban Gothic" series of paintings are ticking along nicely. "Red Riding Hood" is now ensconced at Park Gallery for all the world to view. Please feel free to pop along and have a gander. I wanted to create the atmosphere of "chemistry" between the subjects...mmmm...I'm hoping I have. Riding Hood looks quite the saucy wench and I'll leave you to decide what the big bad wolf is thinking about. This piece, along side "Out of the Shadows" were tackled quite differently from my usual way of working. There was shed loads of over lays and wash painting on top of the block work to be done...I wanted the paintings to have lots of half shadows and an atmospheric quality. I will be following these two with more re tellings and grown up versions of Fairy Tales, Gothic Novels and Nursery Rhymes....oooooer. I reckon these tales were so dark and full of hidden agendas, why not bring them up to date. Mmmmm....we will have to wait and see how successful thay are when completed.......

Also...if you have the urge...there is an opportunity to see "Colin and Justin" in all their jungle glory at Park Gallery in Glasgow. I painted them whilst they were otherwise engaged in a jungle eating kangeroos privates and various grubs. This doesn't seem to have phased them and they look every inch the designer celebrities in the painting...complete with very "designer" combat suits. I'm amazed that Justin stuck it out so long...I know I bleedin' wouldn't of....heydy ho.

The limited edition prints have been received rather well and I'm so very very chuffed about it all. I've gone "global"....ooooooer...Germany and New York are displaying my wares in their lounges...I'm practically an ambasador...I shall have to break out the fererro roche and spoil every one. Please check out the prints on my website....if you go to "contact" and click the link you can view all the prints and print off a brochure if you so wish. I'm also exhibiting these at "the Regent" in Edinburgh in January. The exhibition kicks off on the 2nd January and runs through to the end of the month...please pop along and have a look as I would be so very honoured if you did.................

I would like to say a big huge thank you to some peeps....to David at Park Gallery for his support, relentless enthusiasm and constant nagging...he calls it "constructive criticism" and "brain storming"...mmmmm...luv ya. Thank you to Rachel for all her ideas and having to edit the nonsense I write. Thank you to all who have been patronising me throughout the year...love to be patronised...bring on the patronising is what I say....especially Michael and Alan who have both contributed ideas that have been most welcome. Thank you to Frank and John for taking a leap of faith and commissioning portraits....and lastly...a big fat thank you to Graham for just being..............

Well my chums have a frolic filled and fun packed festive. Enjoy!

Thank you for taking the time,

Ivor x

www.ivorsexton.co.uk

www.parkgallery.net

2009-11-02T03:00:00.000-08:00

Morning Peeps,

Hope that all's well in your worlds....mine has been a tad hectic of late and I'm still recovering from a rather frenzied weekend in Manchester....ho hum. Blimey...and there was me thinking that the Americans had the edge on halloween................

I've been in Manchester to set up and launch the limited edition print series...the partying was a sort of distraction. They can be seen in Taurus Bar in Canal Street, please feel free to pop along and have a gander. It's been a busy old time what with the prints, commissions and new paintings and I'm rather pleased with how it's all turned out. Major thank you to David from Park Gallery....he's been a diamond and his advice has been invaluable. The prints have been produced on canvass as well as paper and look very impressive....even though I say it myself. Mmmm...modesty Ivor...modesty.

www.parkgallery.net

I'm about to embark on some new paintings...these are going to be on a larger scale and a square format...something I rarely do so it will be an experience and a challenge. I have a vague concept sparking around in my head about "changelings" and "opposites"....there are some animals lurking there to but these may not surface but just be a side line....ho hum. T'is hard at times for the creative flow not to be clogged up with sidelines...I blame to many cakes and a shed load of sugar.....really need to go on a detox.

I finished the commission painting and...despite the current postal fiasco...it was shipped off to the client. He was very happy with it which made me even more happy that he was happy and, subsequently there were a couple of happy people being happy. Thank you Frank for your patronage...it was much appreciated.

Also....I'd like to say a big thank you to Dillon Buck who has used the painting I did of him as a limited edition T Shirt as part of his new clothing range. Thank you fella....I am mucho honoured my handsome friend.

Thank you for taking the time,

Ivor x

www.ivorsexton.co.uk

2009-10-11T02:38:00.000-07:00

Hellooooooo peeeps!

Blimey, blimey, damn and blast....it's been forever since my last blog. I have absolutely no excuse except, I have been dead busy, the computer went off line for a spell and I find it hard to know what and what not to write on this 'ere thing. Ho hum.

Where to start my chums?

Firstly...things have been rather successful at Park Gallery in Glasgow. David....the owner, and now my new best friend, has been an absolute brick. What that bloke doesn't know about figurative painting aint worth knicker elastic. The paintings are attracting alot of attention and I have managed to sell a few...ooooer...I'm so happy. It has been quite a journey for me, especially as I now have to muti task and get my head round "doing business"...not a good combination for me. I really don't muti task and can get quite hysterical....it's just as well that David is so calm and can put a stop to all of this carry on.
There is now to be a set of limited edition prints made from six of the paintings. It is part of the "Urban Angels" series and they will be available from November 2009. The "Battered Angels", "Mercury", "Romulus", "Gabriel the Messenger" and "The Protector" are the chosen ones, they will be launced at Taurus Bar, Canal Street Manchester on 1st November. Please feel free to pop along and check them out. I am very excited about this turn of events and love the idea of having a set of images that are a collective. Thank you David for having the faith in me...thank you Michael for all your support...and thank you Graham for just being....

www.parkgallery.net

I'm busy working on the "Urban Angels". I've just finished painting "The Protectors" mate. This was a tough one to do as I get getting distracted by other stuff....see...told you I don't muti task. Think I invested alot of emotional energy into this painting and it certainly shows. I had the usual "Oh why oh why do I bother even painting as I'm so crap at it!" after it was finished but I'm calm again now and about to embark on another piece. Mmmmm..this one will be the third in the series....not exactly a triptych...but as near as damn it. The three tell a story...I'll wait til they're all complete before I divulge...........hey hoo.

I've also been working on a commission...thank you Frank for being so patient. Painting the commission piece has been a very therapeutic experience as it managed to focus me whilst I was getting overly anxious about all the other stuff. I've almost finished it now and am hoping that Frank is as pleased with it as I want him to be...mmmmm....fingers crossed.

Thank you my chums for taking the time,

Ivor x

2009-08-18T00:40:00.000-07:00

Good morning everybodies...

Mmmm...what can I say?...I've been a lazy git?...I forgot my blogging duties?...mmmm.

To be fair I've been painting flat out and have only just allowed myself some respite from all the blood, sweat and tears that is "the art" and all it's creation. Yes I know I sound like a pretentious moron, but verily and forsooth, t'is the truth. Glasgow's Park Gallery have launched their "figurative" exhibition...it began on Saturday 15th and will run for a month. I am honoured to say that I am included in the exhibition...having 9 pieces of work on view. Thank you David for letting me be well hung in your gallery....ooooer.

The "Urban Angel" series continue and they seem to be developing at their own pace. I'm not sure if they're quite the same concept as I had in my head at the time of starting them. They have aquired an ethereal quality that smacks less of "gritty urban wasteland" and more "this is modern life and it sucks" Ho hum... They were inspired by some old Tudor masterpieces that I saw at a country house...the idea was to paint a portrait that was detailed and coloured to an inch of it's life and to twist the scene with modern symbolism...mmmmmmm and ho hum. I always create a painting that the viewer can look at and make some decisions as to what is happening. Someone asked me why all my subjects have tears in their eyes...the viewer is left to decide the scenario and if they're tears of joy or sorrow, sometimes it isn't that obvious....

I am now painting like the clappers to get enough work together for the Manchester exhibition in November...I'm off to check out the space next week so will have some idea of how many pieces I will need. I am grateful to "Taurus Bar" in Canal Street for letting me exhibit with them and allowing me to crash in on them next week....Pride starts, so they'll all be dead busy. I'm really looking forward to this exhibition as it'll be my first solo in a while....dead dead scary scary stuff...just hope my arm holds out, I've not had this much arm ache since adolescence.....I'm still unsure if I will just exhibit one series of paintings or to go for a more diverse theme...mmmm...it's a concurrent countdown conundrum to be sure.

I spoke to a very nice lady called Christine at "The Regent" in Edinburgh this past week and I have set a date to exhibit with them in January 2010. I will be starting the year with my wares on display...this is a great feeling as it sets a tone for the coming year.....hopefully. Well a bloke can dream can he not? I just hope my eyes and arm hold out...I'm not as young as I was...reckon it's time to break out the muti vits and cod liver oil........hey ho.
I've also got some commission work to get done in between all of this displaying of wares...I'm dead excited...long may it continue and ya boo sucks to the "credit crunch" and the dreaded "recession"

If you feel an uncontrollabe urge...check out these sites...apparently the more hits the further up googles pole one goes...ooooer.

www.ivorsexton.co.uk
www.parkgallery.net

Thank you for taking the time,

Ivor x

2009-07-09T05:57:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone...

Mmmmm...I'm finally getting my finger out and doing this blog. I have no idea why it's taken me so long to attempt it. I blame my age and ability to get very distracted rather than do what I really should be doing...ho hum. Well here goes..............

I have finally finished "Vision of Hell"...the third panel of the triptych I was commissioned to do. It has winged its way to Olde London Town to sit along side it's brothers. I must admit to be rather happy with the way it turned out. Lucifer became the image I wanted him to be...slightly smug and not at all "horny" or "gnarled". I mean, he was one of Gods chosen at the start and sat merrily along side the other Angels in Heaven. It's a shame he became ambitious and naffed God off...mmmm...think there's a lesson for us all there. I wonder how many of us out there think that ambition is such a sin???...oooer, I've come over all theological. I shall desist forthwith.
The three paintings sit very well together..or so I'm informed by their owner. He reckons they all work as a composition. I have yet to see them in situ and am thankful that they ended up linking...it's the first time I've done a triptych with out each panel being available to size up. I must say it's all worked out swimmingly well, especially as my mathematical skills leave alot to be desired. I don't even think I made CSE at school....oh bum...that's aged me.

The "Urban Angels" have been started. They're being painted very "old masterish" with a twist. Wanted them to be very detailed and make the viewer look for all the bits of modern symbolism etc...well that's the theory...let's hope they turn out that way. I have a habit of altering the concept as I go. I blame my over active imagination and the fact that I'm so easily distracted. I start with a definite plan in my head and initial inspiration for a series...but then...hey ho...it all goes belly up because I see something else that tweaks my imagination. I've sort of ended up seeing great beauty in power stations and knackered buildings to getting overly moist about old Tudor portraits...it's a concurrent countdown conundrum. I have recently visited Drumlanrig Castle...it's very beautiful and full of some extremely stunning paintings...hence the moistness...upshot of it all is..ornate frames, small scale portraits and derelict buildings. Mmmm we shall have to see how they evolve.

Can I say a great big fat thank you to David at Park Gallery...he's flogged one of my paintings and I'm blissfully happy about it. It's the "Mars" painting...the model has been informed and is chuffed to bits he will be adorning a patrons wall, as am I....and as is David I should imagine as he can feel relieved that his faith in my work has been justified.....

Thank you David.
Thank you Greg for modelling.

I've also landed a couple of portrait commissions recently...this has perked me up as they're quite scary to do and will keep me on my toes. Scary because they can be a right challenge. It is human nature to see oursleves so differently from how others see us. This is the challenge which I hope I can rise to...ooooer. They are both so different and have to be worked accordingly, I always keep the client aware of every stage of the painting...that way they can say if they approve or not. It may seem an odd way of working, I know some artists who don't want anyone to see the piece until it's finished. I'd rather work this way as it can save so much time and anxiety on everyones part. Thank you to John and Frank for having such faith in me...it is much appreciated. Here's hoping I rise to it...ooooer again.

Thank you for taking the time,

Ivor x

www.ivorsexton.co.uk
www.parkgallery.net

2009-06-05T04:54:00.000-07:00

Hello peeps,

What can I say?...the second painting of the triptych is winging it's way towards Olde London Town as we speak....post permitting. I must say it was a bit of a bugger to do this one, still unsure it it's what the client had in mind when he commissioned it but, hey ho... I think the anxiety stems from such little information about the "Creation of Adam"...I mean, we all know he is the first human to be created in Gods image but will he be the "image" that the client was expecting????.....ooooer....fingers crossed. On a positive note though....I know it'll sit along side the "Ascension" panel very well and the balance of colour and composition should work rather well. Here's hoping that the third panel doesn't balls it all up. I think the decision to paint all three with a very "English" theme was the right thing to do as it gives the whole image a rather excentric feel.

I've commenced the "Vision of Hell"....now this third painting should tie the whole triptych together....mmmmmm....we shall see. Ho hum.

"Lucifer" is looking dead smug at the minute...mind, if you were sat ruling over the lost souls in a fiery pit all the live long eternity...I suppose you'd have something to be smug about. I'm trying to make him less "evil" in presentation and more "boy next door"...yeah right, now that'll work. Want a new look to poor old Lucifer...I mean, having horns sticking out the side of your head can't be much fun. You'd be constantly snagging them on door jams..plus, it would be very tempting for the "lost souls" to use you as a hat rack. Upshot of this is Lucifer will be without horn......

I'm also not to sure how Hell can be portrayed as "olde England"....it's a concurrent countdown conundrum. The last two panels had a lot of symbolism in them that depicted a certain "Englishness". Oh well, it'll all come together as I paint no doubt. My work usually develops in unexpected ways........

I'm also developing ideas for the next series of paintings...hopefully these will be ready for the exhibition in Manchester in November. Want to do an "Urban Angels" series. I was in Blackpool recently and saw the ruins of the arson attack on Yates wine lodge. It's very strange that a building that has been ravaged by fire can still be so beautiful. Anyrode up....it sort of sparked up some ideas in my head so am working on them whilst completing the triptych. This is quite a wonder for me as I can't muti-task normally...........

2009-05-21T15:51:00.000-07:00

Good evening all...

Well where do I start?...it's been a busy old week really. I'm trying to juggle organising work for the exhibition I'm having in Manchester and finishing the commission painting. It's a conundrum to be sure.

The painting of "the creation of Adam" is almost complete...I've still got to organise the framing and give it a general tweaking but, all in all, it's virtually done. It's been an odd commission this one as a great many people have no idea what or who it is I'm painting. I suppose the trouble with painting a religious subject one has to have a good knowledge of the subject matter and there is very limited reference to the creation of Adam in the bible. Plus...and this is a big plus...Michaelangelo's "creation of Adam" on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is a bleedin' tough act to follow...I mean, how iconic is that piece of work? It would of been easier all round to do a traditional "Adam and Eve" painting in the garden of Eden...then everyone would of known who the Adam I'm painting and banging on about is...hey ho.
It's also the second panel of the triptych and I'm crossing my fingers and toes that it balances up to the main panel of "the Ascension". The "Ascension" is already housed in it's new home and awaiting it's two counterparts..... I've never worked on a triptych this seperately before. I usually have all three pieces together to juggle with and balance up, we shall have to wait to see if they all do. Plus...as soon as this one is finished it's being posted off to meet it's "central" brother so the third will be worked as a seperate entity too. At least the final panel won't confuse anybody...it's "a vision of Hell"...surely everyones heard of Hell and the Devil ??? It's a concurrent countdown conundrum if they haven't..............Ho Hum.

I'm now on display on the Park Gallery's website...I'm still dead chuffed about that one. David, the owner, has proved to be such a diamond geezer...he's very "on the ball" and it's been a pleasure doing business with him. I thank you David...you're a star.

Right I'm off to do some research about "Hell" in general...sure as hell hope there's more reference to it in the Bible than there was of the "creation of Adam"...will save shed loads of confusion...

Thank you for taking the time...

Ivor x

2009-05-08T06:02:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon my chums,

Blimey, blimey, blimey...it's been eons since I last blogged. I have been moving house...awaiting tinternet connection and rushing about like a thing possessed. Incidentally I'm now a Scottish bod...having moved across the border. I'm forever tossing off cabers and chasing haggis. I'm also thinking of forming a "Krankies" tribute act but am unsure if I can still get away with wearing shorts...

I'm now installed in my new abode...have unpacked the equipment and have been attempting to paint the second part of the "Ascension" triptych. It's been altered slightly from having wailing deciples and Marys either side to "The birth of Adam" on the left and "A vision of Hell" on the right. Ooooooer! I must say it makes very interesting subject matter. I never realised that poor old Adam was bunged together from dust and had to hang about for 7 days or such til God breathed life into him....still, I suppose we end up as dust so we may as well of come from it too....
The youth I am using as Adam is looking a tad worried at the minute...mind if you're surrounded by the "Holy Ghost", apples and snakes and awaiting life to be breathed into you...you would look a bit anxious. Ho hum. I'm trying to create a smidgeon of mediaeval wall art on this one...it's a conundrum trying to create a twisted perspective without looking as though you've messed it all up. We shall have to see if it works or needs re-jigged when all the background is painted in.

I have also been to see a very nice man who owns a very good gallery in Glasgow. It is a breath of fresh air to meet a bloke who is so passionate about art and who is so knowlegable about it all. He's also very approachable...this does help when the paranoia kicks in and you just want to run for the hills leaving a wake of painted boards behind you..........thank you David.
It's called the Park Gallery...it has a very good website too if you want to check it out. Some of the work in the gallery is outstanding. The upshot of the visit was that David agreed to take all the work that I had brought...hurrah!
I am now on display in a Glasgow gallery and I'm more perky than a perky person on the perky bus leaving perky town for a perky week end away....blimey, I'm chuffed.

The exhibition in Manchester is still on track...well..sort of...may have to burn the midnight oil to get enough stuff together but...hey ho...these things are sent to try us....

Thank you for taking the time...

Ivor x

2009-03-09T13:40:00.000-07:00

Good evening my special chums,

I am back from a very gruelling period of my life...mmm...what can one say, it has been dead knackering. I am about to make some life changing decisions and it has been a tad taxing on ones old blogging elbow. Does this appear to be a very feeble excuse for taking so long to blog?.........mmm you know me so well.

Apart from the very over dramatised issue above I have been painting steadily and have finally finished the main panel of the "Ascension". It has been a very strange experience as I have learnt much more than I had bargained for. I thought I had a definite idea of how it should of turned out...but...that was not the case at all. The painting seemed to guide its self..yes, I know that sounds like "new age hippy crystal waving nonsense" but it did. The finished piece has a definite "English" quality. I had intended it to be kind of Middle Eastern with a Catholic twist, not at all...very "English" with a medaeval twist...hey ho. Mind you, I have visited numerous old churches and cathedrals recently, perhaps they had inspired me more than I had realised. It is a triptych and the other two panels have yet to be embarked on. The wood is cut and ready for the images...it's a damn shame that I have yet to find my "Mary"...and that is not a euphormism either... in case you're wondering.
I have got the deciples lined up and ready to appear, it will be interesting to see if these follow the same theme as the main panel. If the last painting is anything to go by, they could end up "Scandinavian" with a tribal twist...aint being creative fun?! I can visualise Joseph with the chalice being held up by Peter...who knows...we will see.

The only obstacle now is that the client loves that it is so "English". Nathan tends to think on the same wave length as myself so all should be well...fingers crossed.

Well I'm of to search for my "Mary"....hey ho. Oh and incidentally...I am a great believer in "new age" things so sincerely hope that my run away gob has not offended any body ready this blog.

Thankyou for taking the time,

Ivor x

http://www.ivorsexton.co.uk/

2009-02-04T01:19:00.000-08:00

Good morning peeps,

I am back from my travels and have finally got the new paintings downloaded onto the website...hurrah!
It's very odd finally getting to look at the paintings on the gallery page, they seem to have been eons and eons in the making. Hey ho... A big fat thank you to Will (Neptune)...Brian (Mercury) and Leigh (Romullus and Remus) for their patience. They have all been sat twiddling their thumbs awaiting a gander of how they ended up looking. Mmmm...I hope that it was worth the wait lads ???
Seriously lads...thank you.

The "Ascension" is plodding along very nicely thank you for enquiring...I'm still not too sure what expression he should have. At the moment he is staring out and looking quite wistful...will have to just go with my gut feeling about it when I'm nearing completion. Incidentally, I was going to bung up a progress painting to be viewed by all...however, in my constant state of thickyness and technophobia, I was unable to download the image onto my USB doodah. Hopefully my very good and patient friend Chris will be able to sort me out to sort it out. Not sure if that makes any sense what so ever but I'm just off to work so am using that as the excuse.

Thank you for taking the time,

Ivor x

www.ivorsexton.co.uk

2009-01-25T06:46:00.000-08:00

Hello peeps,

T'is that time again for me to bore you rigid with my antics or lack of antics...depending on how people judge antics....

I have had a trip to "wee bonny Scotland"...Glasgow to be precise. It is a fantastic city, very vibrant and ever so friendly. I had a great time. I went to see "Offshore" cafe/gallery in the hope of getting an exhibition there in the future. I am well aware that galleries are so well ahead with their bookings but a rough estimated date would of been nice. It came to pass that the manageress was unavailable for comment...hey ho. She has been left with a port folio and contact details so, here's hoping that she gets back to me. Mmmm...I have to admit it's been a couple of weeks now and still "zitch".............
I'm not so bothered that I may not be able to exhibit at "Offshore", though I'd be a big fat liar if I said that I didn't want to...the actual gallery space would enhance the "Romanesque" wall paintings very well...only it would be ever so nice to be told the reason why one can't. I do like to have feed back, even if it's not what I want to hear. Call me a sad old masochistic dwarf.
I did get to meet Will...he's the bloke who has become "Neptune". We had not met before and Will had not seen the finished painting...it was brill to be able to let him see himself immortalised in acrylics. I think he approved...here's hoping he did. What a thoroughly decent and top bloke he was too. Thanks Will for all your support. I'm off to Liverpool to get all the new pieces photoshopped and bunged onto the web page next week end so all the world can then have a gander at the man that is Will.....

The "Ascension" painting is developing very nicely. It is a joy to do to be honest. It's a tad different from the stuff that I have been producing of late...far more vibrant and it has a richness of colour that is indicative of the medieval alter boards on which it is based. I have spent all the live long day painting fabric...I close my eyes and I see a red glow. Here's hoping Nathan approves....ooooer. I am also developing a very stiff neck and shoulders as it is a bigger painting than most I produce...I am constantly stood leaning over it in very strange positions. I knew I should of taken up yoga...I'm bleedin' sure old Madonna wouldn't be aching like my old carcass does and the end of the day.

Why oh why can't I be more bendy???

Thank you for taking the time....

Ivor x

2009-01-11T07:29:00.000-08:00

Good morrow to one and all!

A big fat happy new year...I know it's late and I haven't been about and I haven't blogged in eons but...hey ho...I've not been too happy to tell the truth.
Why is it that there are always great expectations to the coming of a new year?...it's like everyone in the whole wide world had decided that last year was rubbish but this year will be fabulous....mmmm I beg to differ... I worked the entire yuletide so it all staggered past me. It did give me a chance to reflect on how I wanted to spend this year. Upshot is...now that 2009 has wimpered into being...I will be painting painting painting, looking for gallery space and exhibitions and...more painting.

I spent some time recently visiting old ruined Abbeys and a beautiful Priory in Cartmel. It has truely inspired me to give the "Ascension" painting a new angle. I'm thinking stain glass windows, knackered old walls, painted panels and distressed alters...mmm...hope the punter who's commissioned is thinking the same things. Hey Nathan...you up for "old medieval Greektype othadox ascension"??? I know this sounds dead flippant and I should be treating my patron with the respect he deserves...Nathan and I go back along way and I know he is on the same "visual" wavelength as me.

I began painting "Christ" this week end...despite the appalling light. (I know the freezing weather was a ball ache but it did provide fantastic light for painting.) I am always slightly anxious when creating a "new face" as it is the focal point to the piece and also sets the mood for the final work. The "Christ" that has appeared looks a very perplexed one. He is also extremely dark and jewish/middle eastern looking...as he should be considering his background. It's early days as to how the final painting will look but I am happy with it so far...even if I have practically blinded myself painting in this light. It's part of a triptych...the other two panels will be of the desciples and the two Marys...what their origins will end up being will develop along side the main "Christ" painting. It's all a mystery to me as I go along...I'm just enjoying the ride at the moment...no doubt I shall have the usual "Oh sod this!, it's all rubbish"...but we will just have to weather that storm when it happens....

I'm off to Glasgow next week end...I'm hoping to get to see the manageress at "Offshore". It's a cafe/gallery in the West End of the city. Fingers crossed that I will be considered for an exhibition at some point. I had a friend display his wares there and the space would be fantastic for the Romanesque wall paintings....here's hoping my chums.

Thank you for taking the time,

Ivor x

2008-12-07T06:55:00.000-08:00

Good afternoon my special chums,

T'is I...I have returned from the wilderness...well the frozen North to be precise. I really do not like this weather, I am totally opposed to it infact. I have no motivation to do anything except hibernate...and...if it gets much colder and things shrink anymore, I will officially be a "girl". Roll on Spring...roll on longer days and warmer climes. Mmmm...rant over and I am calm once more.

I have spent the past few weeks tweaking and finishing stuff off. I reckon it's so near Christmas and the time for festive apathy, I thought I'd get my desk cleared for the New Year...so to speak. I've the urge to commence the "Ascension" painting but really need to get the others completed. I'm off to Bonny Scotland next weekend to photograph two very obliging geezers who have agreed to be my "Desciples"...Please don't fret my chums, I have not started a religious sect, I am not getting young blokes to worship at my feet...actually that would be rubbish, I'm only 5' 3" tall...if they tried worshipping at my feet they'd put their backs out..oooer.

It's for the "Ascension".....

I've had a bit of a creative crisis this week end...I thought I had finished "Mercury" but every time I looked at it I disliked it more and more...well not exactly disliked it... it just wasn't "right". It's the old story..you keep looking at something and the more you look the more you can't think what's wrong with it until you have a total meltdown in confidence and decide that you are unworthy to paint and should just blow yourself and all your paintings up...praise the Lordy Lord that the matches were damp!
I've spent the entire day reworking it and am now very happy with it...hey ho...the hysterics of an over emotional old git...a big fat thank you to Brian...he's the model...for being so very patient with me and for waiting this long to cop a gander at the finished article. Speaking of which...I really do need to get myself to Liverpool to get the latest work photoshopped and put onto the web site. Mmm...why oh why do we need to have Christmas this time every year??? Please bare (sp?) with me peeps...I will have some new work on the site soon...I promise.

Thanks for taking the time...

Ivor x

2008-11-18T11:02:00.000-08:00

Hello everybodies,

It has been so very long since last we spoke. I do apologise but I was laid up with tonsilitis...a rather nasty bout I might add. I never knew a bloke could sweat so much with such little movement. I was rather pathetic through out the entire ordeal...I was begging for an assisted suicide at one point, it's just as well I live alone as I'm sure some one would of obliged otherwise.

I have been plodding along very slowly on the painting front...mind, I am getting quite alot finished. To be perfectly honest I had a bit of a scare. I had negotiated some painting sales with a very nice bloke in Dublin called Tom. He is a bit of a jet setter so all negotiations were carried out via shed loads of different countries. I was on my death bed when I got an email telling me the cheque was on it's way...mmm..the paintings weren't ready....hey bloody ho! Upshot of it all it was a tad manic for a few days and I vowed I would always be like a boy scout...prepared.
Thanks Tom...you're a star.

I've got a commission to do an "Ascension" painting...it's a big bugger too so I'm dead excited.
I was at the Walker Gallery in Liverpool on Saturday so was able to soak up the atmosphere, absorb the "art" and leave inspired. I had a vague idea of how I was going to tackle it but it always helps when you view some of the greats and how they portrayed the theme. The muse is now upon me and when I can prise him off I shall start the preliminary drawings. I'm still looking for the two Marys but have managed to identify who I want as Jesus and I've also found two of the Desciples...should be plain sailing from here...yeah right. I've not worked on a painting of this scale before so am a tad anxious alongside the excitement...it's a roller coaster of emotions to be sure.

I'm still continuing with the "Romanesque" series...hopefully if all goes well these should be seen in Newcastle before too long. Fingers crossed. I really feel it's time to get out there and get them displayed....I'll even exhibit the paintings...

Thank you for taking the time,

Ivor x

2008-10-14T00:39:00.000-07:00

Good morning to you all my special chums,

I have returned from my travels and what a trip it was. It was full of family reunions and howdy doodys and all other interactions. I was at a family wedding so it was choc-a-block to the brim with light hearted drunkeness and "dancing like me dad". I had a very good time.

Whilst I was in Portsmouth I went to see The Mary Rose, HMS. Victory and another old boat whose name escapes me. I admit that bits of old boat don't usually inspire me to be creative but I found all of this very interesting. I had forgotten just how important it all is/was to Portsmouth as a place...I had left it along while back. The surrounding area was really stunning, especially from the top of the Spinaker Tower....not mant sea shanties were being sung and the whole area had a distinct lack of sailors. I did return home rested and ready to carry on with these paintings.

"Mercury" is progressing nicely and I have decided to work it like a "mummy" board and not a mediaeval wall painting. Mind you, I have noticed how the light has changed and how difficult it now is to get a decent days painting in. Hey ho...all those endless dark days...what the hell happened to the summer? I feel like I will end up like that "forger" geezer from "The Great Escape"...I know I'll never be able to locate a pin at the far end of the room, after a day with my brush I have difficulty locating the door. It is the "agedness" creeping up on me....

I have the opportunity to exhibit in Newcastle...only a small venue I may add...but still a chance to get my work seen by the people in the North East. I'm dead excited about it all...I was skipping on a train platform when I received the news...I only realised when someone went to get security. I shall clarify that last sentence...I began skipping during the phone conversation, I would hate for you to think that I just merrily skipped on train platforms for the sheer hell of it. Can I help it if I'm over excitable?
Anyways, I am now painting like the clappers to get enough work together...I've just flogged two paintings so have to make up the short fall. The trouble is, I don't do speed in my work...I do methodical...it's a conundrum.

Thank you for taking the time,

Ivor x

2008-09-28T01:35:00.000-07:00

Good morrow to you all,

I am going to be fairly brief this morning as I am officially on holidays...mmm...I am about to embark on an epic journey to Portsmouth to visit my family, this may not seem such a big deal to most...but...you haven't met my family. Please look out for me on Jeremy Kyle, I'll be the one swinging a chair and speaking only in vowel sounds. I'm hoping to seek inspiration from the sea side and older parts of Old Portsmouth...I have distant memories from my college days that there are some very historical bits of olde Pompey. I left Portmouth in 1979 so we will see if it's how I remember it...mnid, as dementia is kicking in fast, how the hell will I know???

I managed to start blocking out the face of "Mercury" before I left...mmm...it's a very odd thing but I have managed to create an image that has no resemblance to old Roman wall painting and more early mediaeval church painting. It is staring out at me...just a floating head. The thing is, I am in a dilemma now...do I continue and develop this image?...or...do I reel it back to "fit" the series of paintings that I started? I have decided to ignore it all until I return from my travels...I shall look at it with fresh eyes and then, hopefully, will know which way to go. However, as I may well be traumatised from my time away, it could end up wearing a shell suit and hair extentions.

I have to add here that I do love my family and they are really cool people...it's just our way of communicating...we share insults.

Until we meet again...thank you for taking the time,

Ivor x

2008-09-15T14:12:00.000-07:00

Good morrow to you my faithful chums,

I have returned from my travels...I have been away to Olde London Town and a very pleasant stay it was. I have returned a tad knackered and a lot broke...hey ho.
Whilst I was there I went on a visit to St. Pauls cathedral...I was not impressed and at a tenner a throw I so wanted to be. It wasn't the fact that the entrance fee was so pricey...it was such a dry and souless place, it could well of been a wine bar or some such venue. The ceilings were beautiful though so all was not lost...plus...it was a major work out walking up all those steps to the top of the dome.
I managed to get to the "Hadrian" exhibition at the British museum...now that was worth the fee. It was really very interesting and some of the sculptures were stunning. I fell in love with the "mummy" portraits and left the proceedings completely inspired and wanting to mummify someone just so I could paint their portrait. Not too sure if that's quite the done thing in this day and age but a bloke can only try...not sure if it's legal either but if anyone out there fancies being mummified and then immortalised then I'm your man.

I am now back to my sort of reality...mmmm...not sure if that's a comfort or not??? I have been so engrossed in these "Romanesque" paintings since my return I wonder if I should don a gladiators outfit and fight some lions...mind, with my legs and our weather it could prove dangerous. I have still got to add something or omit something and they will be spot on...I keep painting bits, gazing at bits, tweaking bits and distressing bits...one day a bell will go off in my head and I will know that this is it...finished. I sincerely hope that day arrives soon because I am going crossed eyed and virtually blind working on them. If I charged an hourly rate for all the man hours spent on this series they would retail for about £4 squillion..........

I am also in a bit of a conundrum and am wondering if I should be very brave and quit the work on the ward for a less stressful and less time consuming job. I so want to be concentrating on my painting and illustration stuff but am a big fat scardy cat about leaving my "comfort zone". When did I become such a coward??? What hapened to the boy who left art college with a song in his heart and a spring in his step?...mmm...bordering on bursting into song here so will shut up...and with a voice that could shatter plastic it would not be good...hey ho.

Thank you for taking the time,

Ivor x

2008-09-06T04:24:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

Tis I again ready to impart my very special brand of "paint along a Nancy"...incidentally unless you're over 40 you will probably have no floppin' idea what that last sentence means.

It has been a bad bad bad time for me....I have the "block" again...well it's more like the "apathy" to be honest. I have been sat here this morning attempting to paint in "Neptunes" arms only to be distracted by any damn thing that heads my way. I was even trying to count the legs on a caterpillar that had crawled into the studio...mmmm...not good. I am blaming the weather, I have to blame something. The painting is developing slowly and I am hoping will be finished before I reach 50. I do apologise to Will if he reads this, it is going to be finished soon... honest. The stupid thing is that I am already planning the next painting. I've got the model to email a photograph and in my head it is virtually completed. Thank you Brian for allowing me to use your image. Hey ho, it is a big fat countdown conundrum with no detox option from Carol Vordeman.

I am heading off to London Town for a week so maybe that will inspire me again. I'm attending a course which should be fun and frolics and jolly japes...mind, it all sounds like a lorry load of "hippy" nonsense but it gets me away and somewhere to, hopefully, recharge my batteries. I shall soak up the culture and sniff the aroma that is "the smoke"...I just hope my now "country boy" lungs can take it.

Work on the ward continues to be creative...it's like a cottage industry at the moment. I am still amazed at how some people don't realise just how talented they can be...still, if I can unleash the creative beast in some then I may just stand a chance of rekindling my own creative monster.
We shall see...

Thank you for taking the time...

Ivor x

2008-08-18T12:58:00.000-07:00

Good evening peeps,

Mmmmm...I have returned from the darkest of places and am endeavouring to bung down a new blog. The darkest places I refer to are the ones that I create so easily in my mind, blimey, is all creativity so bleedin' difficult? I sort of lied in my last blog by saying that the "Neptune" painting would be a piece of cake...not so my chums...it's been a complete nightmare. It began with such promise and verve but descending into complete shambolic chaos. I blame my lack of foresight and capabilities with the reference I was using. Paul, the bloke modelling, had been very kind and sent me the photograph that I requested, I, however, didn't realise that it was not lit in the way that I wanted to paint it. Hey ho...upshot of it all was a less than adequate painting...mmmm that'll teach me to be so cocky.
All is not lost though because Paul has obligingly agreed to meet up with me when I next visit London to have some more photies done...he's a gentleman and a scholar. In the mean time I have started another painting and am pleased to say this one is progressing nicely...famous last words and all that. This one is still going to be "Neptune" but painted with a different slant. The model is called Will...cheers Will, I hope that you'll be happy with what I do with your image.

I continue to plod along happily on the ward...there is a very talented artist with us at the moment. He seems unaware of how good he is and I am in the process of trying to nurture him with out scaring him off...he is not in a good place emotionally and the balance of "pushing" and "holding back" is very delicate. I hope that he will eventually have the insight to realise his talent he really is rather good.

Thank you for taking the time,

Ivor x

2008-08-01T07:33:00.000-07:00

Hello my special chums,
Apologies for being so long in talking to you...no excuses...just apathy on my part. Blimey, it's been a bugger of a few weeks. The thing is I returned to work following a couple of weeks leave...not a very happy event as it takes me eons to get back into the swing of things. Mind, after a couple of hours it was like I'd never been away...hey ho.

I have been bashing away at my "Romanesque" wall paintings and am very nearly "happy" with them. It has taken shed loads of hysterics, a ton of sleepless nights and heaps of vallium to get me to this point...not that I am prone to exaggeration. I have re worked and reworked "Romulus and Remus" and "Mars"...I am now embarking on "Neptune". I think that this one should go more smoothly as I have had loads of practice on the other two. My only concern is that, at this rate, my paintings will be as bleedin' old as the Romans them selves.

I have been out and about appreciating the English counrty side...I was "a walking" the rivers and canals of Lancaster last week end and very nice it was too. I am still constantly amazed at how beautiful this country can be in the good weather...a thing that has to be taken advantage of when it is available. This week I was gardening in the pouring rain with some of the clients....why???...I ask myself. They insisted, so who am I to dissappoint them? Just kept on digging and thinking a couple of days ago I was whacking my bits out in the sunshine...it's a concurrent countdown conundrum to be sure...mind, not for poor old Carol Vordeman any more...

I'm rambling...I do apologise...think it's the fumes from the glue I've been using to frame up these paintings...

Thanks for taking the time,

Ivor x

2008-07-14T03:31:00.000-07:00

Good morning my special chums,

I am back from my travels....I have been to exotic Durham Town. It was really fantastic...I can't imagine why the hell Roger Whittaker wanted to leave it???
I have always wanted to visit Durham cathedral because I had heard it was very beautiful...it was indeed. I loved it because, despite being extremely ornate and immense, it was not austere and overpowering. It was very welcoming for a large cathedral....some I have visited give off an almost "you're not worthy to enter" feel to them but Durham was just the opposite. I have no idea if this makes any sense but I know what I mean...
I also climbed the 325 steps of the tower....very nearly needed an oxygen mask and full medical back up when I finally reach the top but the views were spectacular...even through the misty eyes and wheezing. The clutching of the chest was a bit distrating too, not just for me but for the other tourists

One of the reasons I went to Durham was to deliver the commission portrait that I had been painting. I must say it was a tad nerve wracking...had no idea if the guy would like it...had no idea if he'd be honest enough to say...had no idea if it would look like him as it was painted from a photo and I'd never met the bloke. I was squirming a bit pre meet I can tell you. It all turned out great in the end...as soon as I saw him walking across the carpark I knew all would be well because it was "him". I felt like I'd known him for ages, must admit I was dead chuffed. Eddie liked the painting too, he reckoned that I had captured "him" too. The upshot of all this is I am now fully inspired to get back to my work with gusto once more. I was having a bit of a blip recently and felt like giving it all up and running away to the circus. I really must think of somewhere else to run away to...I'm far too old for the circus now and the only chance I'd have of getting in would be to grow a beard and drag up...hey ho! Any who, I digress...I am now going to spend some time re working a couple of the paintings and getting them to a place where I am completely happy with them. I admit that this could take some time due to my paranoia and insecurities...will I ever be truely happy with them???

Thanks for taking the time,

Ivor x

2008-06-29T06:42:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon all,

I have spent the live long morning working on this commission piece....ooooer....it is almost finished so I am at that stage in the proceedings where I think I am the crapiest artist in the entire world, I should give it all up now and become a nun and that I should be drummed out of every art establishment in the world! I always get like this at the end of a painting....why the flop I do is a concurrent countdown conundrum...all I know is that it eventually passes and calm once again riegns in my world. It does, however, hold up the final push because I have to leave the painting... I have a tendancy to overwork them when I am in this frame of mind. Are there any other painters out there that experiences thse emotions at the end of a painting????

Answers on a postcard please...

This one is short and sweet...abit like myself!

Thankyou for reading this tiny blog,

Ivor x

2008-06-20T05:52:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon my special chums,

I am in a very good mood today...apart from getting an extra day off work, I have had a very successful days painting. The commission piece is going swimmingly well and is very nearly finished. Still a bit of tweaking to do and the arms need some work but, on the whole, it is almost done. The strange thing about this painting is the way it has made me look at the other work I have done. This piece is more "painty" than the others and, frankly, I now need to go back and rework some of the older stuff. I suppose the trouble with having "works in progress" and other finished paintings lying about your studio...you are always looking at them and re evaluating them. Mmmm..not sure if that's a good or bad thing but hey ho...when you're limited with space...you don't have a choice. All I know is...and here's the rub...it has proved to be a blessing cos I now know how I can improve the paintings I have done.
Now the other question is..if you're at all interested...do I tweak and fiddle before beginnig a new work?....or...do I start a new piece and tweak and fiddle during it...or...do I just bang on with the new piece and fiddle and tweak when I feel the urge overtaking me??? It is indeed a concurrent countdown conundrum.
The new painting is going to be of "Neptune". I have finally sorted the photos of the model I am using. He is a very obliging and patient bloke and I am very grateful to him for allowing me to use his image. Thank you Paul...you're a star! I just hope I can do him justice. This is going to be sort of created as I paint cos I have no clear image of how it's to be....all I can see is blue and fish and a horse. I know what I vaguely want to achieve but am just giong to allow the painting to "happen". I don't expect this to make any sense to any body..it hardly makes any sense to me, but it will be an interesting experience...

Work on the ward continues at a pace....I am fortunate to have many clients who are really keen to create. I must say that I envy their energy sometimes...it takes me all of mine just to get there in the mornings. I have now got a vast array of differing bits of work and will really have to try and organise it a bit better. The trouble with me is that if someone has taken the time to produce a piece of work when they are so "troubled" it would be gittish of me not to try and display it. However, there is only a limited amount of wall space...I feel a decisive moment befalling me.

Thanks for taking the time,

Ivor x

2008-06-09T09:26:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon peeps,

I have finally managed to sucessfully block in the commission portrait that I am working on...I even managed to send a pic of the rough stage to the sitter too. I was totally relieved and pleased to get the thumbs up to it. Phew! I must admit that it's been a blast doing this painting....I had no idea of how it was going to turn out and was really streesing at one point. I had even decided to end my painting life as I was so crap at it all...mmmm...perhaps a tad dramatic. It was then that I decided to work at it differently and just "block".....hurah...result!
It is always a learning curve when painting a commission...I always manage to go through some form of creative crisis before I eventually settle down and stop being such a paronoid idiot. Hey ho. Is this normal behaviour I ask myself???
The Roman God series seems to be on a go slow at the moment...I can only manage one crisis at a time it seems. I'm blaming it on the fantastic weather and the need to be outside in the sunshine attempting to get my pasty complexion somewhere to a normal colour. I also have the added excuse of being rather head battered by work on the ward. Not by the clients as it happens....enough said!

I went to view one of the rarest plants in the British Isles over the weekend...the "Lady's-slipper Orchid. It was quite beautiful and is being watched over by a bloke in a tent. Apparently it was stolen in 2004 but, luckily, not all the plant was taken and it has managed to recover. These orchids are now so rare that they are highly prized by unscrupulous morons that think it is their God given right to own anything that is on the verge of dissappearance. It amazes me that these people have such enormous egos and display such stupidity....would they be clamouring for the last buttercup if there was a virtual wipe out of that species....mmmm...sadly, yes.
It was a very humbling experience and almost spiritual to see that beautiful flower sat unobtrusively in its limestone recess....I was very moved.

Thanks for taking the time,

Ivor x

2008-06-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

Good evening all,

It's been absolutely eons since I last wrote anything on this site...I would like to say it is because I have been so busy doing fantastic things that I never had the time...sadly this is not the case. I have been steadily working on the portrait commission, it is a strange feeling trying to create a portrait of someone that you have yet to meet, and then the meeting takes place on completion so the anxiety levels are well up. Mmmmm...wonder how the sitter feels??? I wonder if it is just as anxious for him??? I will find out in a few weeks time so until then I am desperately trying not to think about it. I am just plodding along in the vain hope that all will be well.
I've still got some tweaking to do on the "Romulus and Remus" painting...the frame mainly. Yes I know I was banging on about it the last time but it is still a major issue that I have yet to resolve. I wonder if there is a Bach flower remedy out there solely for the pupose of making idiots like myself stop dithering....answers on a post card please.
The next painting is still being mulled over in my head and is in need of getting bunged down onto board soon or it will erode into a pile of mundane nonsense. This does tend to happen to me if I dwell on something for too long...I start to fiddle with the idea and over produce it...not a good thing to do in my case as it always proves to be a balls up! Hey ho...I really must learn how to multi task and manage two or three projects at once. The problem with the way I work...if it is indeed a problem...is I get so focused on that particular bit that my vision become tunneled which makes me very boring to be around as I tend to switch off to everything else. Mmmmm, knew there was a reason why I live alone.....Still, onwards and upwards. I have no idea what that last sentence means but it sounded good at the time.

The ward is still producing some very fine and dandy work at the moment despite the fact that there are some quite disturbed people residing there. It always amazes me that so much creativity can happen even when it is being bombarded with so much erratic energy. The clients I work with have a wonderful abilty to accept and then switch off to what is happening around them...I envy this abilty.

I shall end these latest witterings to say that I attended the opening of The Midland Hotel in Morecambe this weekend. The Midland is a beautiful art deco builing that had been left to decay on the sea front. Urban Splash have undertaken the task of restoring it back to life. I reckon they have done a fabulous job....love all that old and new combination. Check it out if you get the chance...even if it is just to have a cup of sedate tea in the conservatory.

Thank you for taking the time...

Ivor x

2008-05-19T13:05:00.000-07:00

Good evening peeps,

It is that time once more for me to inform you of what I have or have not been up to this week.

Mmmmm....shall we say that it has been a slightly more creative week than the last one. I have managed to complete the figures of "Romulus and Remus" and am half way through the painting of the birds. It all appears to be going swimmingly well and the crows are shaping up nicely. I do admit to a certain amount of satisfaction as it has been a long while since I have painted any form of wild life apart from homo sapian.... I remember saying in a previous blog that I was trying to create an ambiguity about who's who in this painting, dare I say that I think I have succeeded. I am not even sure myself which one is Romulus and which one is Remus....ooooer is that a cop out...???
I will have produced two paintings for this series when "R & R" are completed...the thing is I have yet to frame them up. This in its self is a crucial part of the finished piece and is going to be a very "learn as you go and hope for the best" time. I have a very clear and distinct vision in my head of how they will look...however....it involves cutting away and distressing, which only allows a fraction of error. Do I look scared...??? Absolutely! Blimey, it takes me forever to get going when I know what I'm doing, lordy lordy only knows how long it'll take me to crack on with the frames. Hey ho...

I have also been asked to do a private portrait and am about to begin the preliminary drawings. It has been a wee while since I was commissioned to do a portrait and am dead excited about it. The thing is when you don't know the sitter very well...in this case hardly at all, you need to bring a whole new way of looking to the table. I've decided to try not and deliberate for too long over how I am going to "do it"....think it will cloud my judgement and fog up my thinking.
The sitter will have his own perception of how he looks, I will see something else...the hope is that the final painting will marry these two up and all will be well. I defy any painter not to admit to wanting so much to please the sitter...

Can I say that when a person is subjected to constant and prolonged abuse they have a tendacy to become extremely knackered and weary. I mention this because it is happening to me at the moment and I am knackered and weary. It has not been a good time on the ward. Please emit waves of sympathy toward me in the vain hope that I will once again become motivated and committed.

I thank you.

Ivor x

2008-05-12T13:20:00.000-07:00

Good evening all,

I am writing this following a rather nightmare day on the ward....well, to be honest, it's been bleedin' horrendous! No bodies fault really and not very sedate of me to say so but I need to voice this as it has a baring on how I am feeling and how this blog is written. It is my way of saying that my head is mashed and I may not come across as the usual "up-beat" and "sparky" geezer that I like to portray.
Apologies now to any body that I may have offended with this previous statement but I do try to remain honest about my emotions. I shall shut up now and continue...........

The painting progresses and, dare I say as much, is looking mighty fine...mind you, this is usual at this stage in the proceedings and will, no doubt, plummet in my estimation nearer completion. Once I've almost finish a piece I go through a major crisis of faith in my abilities and convince myself it is all a piece of worthless crap...hey ho the torment of an insecure mind! I am about to begin the painting of the birds to finish the "Romulus and Remus" and am dead excited about it all. It's eons since I painted any form of wild life so it could either make or break this piece of work...ooooer...I'm excited and very worried at the same time. Is this a normal state of affairs? I ask myself...and...going on how much I fanny about before getting on with the actual painting, will I ever finish??? It is inded a concurrent countdown conundrum. I really will have to make a real effort as I am getting dead worked up about the next painting....not giving owt away at the moment as it is all buzzing about in my head.

Can I just say here and now how fantastic and truely beautiful this country is when the weather is sunny and the bluebells are out. I have spent the weekend in the wild outdoors and have been so in awe of it's splendor! Blimey, I sound almost Byronic....or moronic, depending on your view point. I do feel very inspired and humbled when the spring is springing and the summer is about to burst forth...what can I say...???....I'm artistic!
On that very up myself note I shall stop...

Thanks for reading,

Ivor x

2008-05-05T06:52:00.000-07:00

Hello everbodies....happy bank holiday!

I have been painting...not much of a revelation I know but I have been struggling of late and have managed to overcome. Yes, I know that sounds very "up my self" but I was suffering the "block". I spent hours and hours and hours the other week painting a pattern on the T shirt of this painting only to discover it looked complete s**t! Only after I had the courage to obliterate the pattern did the "block" lift....voila, as our French cousins say, I am now going full steam ahead with poor old "Romulus and Remus" who had been very negleted.
I always find it very wierd that it takes so much courage to wipe something after hours of work on it...???...I knew it was wrong and had to go but it still took ages for me to actually sit down and do it.
I seem to be doing this procrastinating stuff alot lately, I always did go through a strange ritual before starting a new painting...usually just finding inane things to do just so I didn't have to begin right away. Now, however, I do it every time I intend to sit down and paint. It's like a fear that it's all gonna go horribly wrong and by delaying all will be well. Perhaps it's age?..perhaps it's insanity?....who the flop knows!???

I have very little else to say to be perfectly honest....I expect it's a blessing to most..ha ha he he. I put it down to the "block" and all it entailed. Hopefully I shall have more to bore you with the next time I blog....

Thank you for your time,

Ivor x

2008-04-28T14:07:00.000-07:00

Evening all...didn't some old codger with a helmet say that once?

What can I say?....I have had an appalling week and have been suffering with the "block". I put it down to post holiday misery, a poor excuse I know but one that I am sticking with. Poor "R & R" have been left well and truely to their own devices the live long week. I did think about pushing myself into doing some work on the painting but know from old that it would end up a complete mess. I'd only have to go back to undo it all so have left well alone. I have been studying the piece and am unsure if the "block" is because I am unsure of where to go next or if the whole thing is wrong to start with...??? I shall know by the end of the week because, s**t or bust, I am going to be working on it...hey ho.

I have also been suffering with an appalling lack of communication...I mean that I send stuff out but when it comes back it has been totally misunderstood. That's if I get a response at all....who was it who reckoned that our lives have been made so much easier by the speed and communication of the internet? Who ever it was must of never used the old methods of speaking and posting. I mean, how do you know if an email has actually gone?...is there a man sat in a booth just passing them on?....mmmmmm...what/who/how ever....all I ask is just please respond...even if it's via smoke signals.
I have finished ranting and apologise for my lack of composure....must be that "block" that I've been banging on about.

On an up side...work on the Ward has been fantastic, I have so many very creative people to work with at the moment. It is a shame to me that these people stop utilising their creativity when they leave us, still, I suppose if they know that they have the ability to be creative then they have the choice to use it if they wish.

Thank you for reading...

Ivor x

2008-04-19T00:13:00.000-07:00

Good morning one and all,

I have returned from my visit to Olde London Town in one piece....mind, I am totally broke and completely knackered! I always seem to forget just how expensive London is to eat out in...no wonder it is considered "chic" to be "London thin"...it's just a cover up so no one has to eat.

I have come back full of inspiration and my head is completely battered from sensory overload. I went to the "Jarman" exhibition at the Serpentine gallery....not a barrel of laughs I grant you, but very moving non the less...would of like to of seen more of his painting work as I always find them so passionate and animated. I went to the "American print" exhibition at the British Museum too....blimey and Lordy lordy...they certainly knew how to create atmosphere in the days of yore. I know that the computer is a fantastic thing that has made our lives so much easier and quicker....but............to see those prints and the way they were created and the time that they must of took and the awe inspiring results of the finished pieces...well, it damn near took my breath away.
I did the "Independant" galleries to check out what was "hip and happenin'" in the world of the not so starving artists...some of the work was very witty and creative and I loved it....other work I did find to be a tad.........enough said!
I did seem to find most of my inspiration and interest on the streets just wandering about aimlessly. I do like a good aimless wander whilst I'm in London. The streets are full of such amazing stuff, like a really cool piece of graffitti or mural...a crumbling building or decrepid gateway. The people are so diverse too...there is so much colour and differing ethnic cultures.

I am now sitting in my studio, staring into space alot and trying to gather my thoughts into some semblance of order. I came back and feel the need to move in a new direction with the paintings...trouble is, not sure how...??? This art lark can be so taxing. "Rommulus and Remus" wait for me to continue working on them, I have had a quick tweak but there is a nagging doubt in the back of my head telling me to go slow as I am in danger of "over working" the piece. Hey ho....who ever said that "ART" is relaxing?
Time for more coffee...I shall, no doubt, continue my day staring into space and calling it contemplation...

Thanks for reading this...

Ivor x

2008-04-09T04:57:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon all....aint it gaaaawjusss and spring like, it does make one feel good to be upright. I fear that I have been neglecting this blogg...I have no excuse apart from the fact that I have been awaiting some definite news about the exhibition in Manchester next year. I do know that it is definitely in November 2009 and I do know it will be at "Taurus" in Canal Street....ooooer! A very nice bloke called Iain Scott has been handling me and I must say he is very good at it. Can you tell I'm very excited?
I've also been preparing for my trip to the great metropolis that is London....it's been a few months since I ventured down to the city and am in the process of organising my timetable.....so much to do and see and so little time... I have lined up some work aswell, which has just cropped up and I am very grateful for. I am hoping to be inspired beyond measure by all the diverse cultures and visual stimulus that I'm expecting to be bombarded with. Mind, not sure if my chums that I am residing with will see it that way. I really think that the older I am getting the more child-like I become...most who know me would, no doubt, say "childish" but hey ho.

"Rommulus and Remus" continues...why oh why did I decide to give the clothes very elaborate patterns? I'm anticipating a spectacular finish on this painting due to the detail on the clothes...we shall see. All I see when I close my eyes after a day on the job is a mass of blurring colour! Is it good for ones eye sight I ask?....will it matter if it creates the desired effect?....NO is the answer to that. I mean, look at how old Van Gough suffered for his art....in the grand scheme of things I suppose a stronger prescription at the opticians is a small price to pay.

I seem to be rambling on a tad...I do apologise, think I'm far more excited about my hols that I first thought.
I will leave this blogg here whilst I still have a semblance of dignity left...mmmm.

Thankyou for taking the time...

Ivor x

2008-03-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon all,
I am writing to you this fine spring day on a friends computer as mine has decided to descend into madness and stop doing what it is desgned and paid to do...I'm still convinced it's a conspiracy and my computer is out to drive me completely over the edge...mmmm, me thinks that I have overdosed on "Martix" films...
I am in mighty fine and dandy good spirits today as I have just received news that I am to be exhibiting in Manchester next year. I am still unsure of the extent of the exhibition or how long it will last...the only details I have is that it will be in November. I will release details when I get them. I am chuffed to bits to tell the truth...I am now having to eat my words a tad...I shall explain. Last week I was banging on about no one ever responding to ones correspondence, I have been proved so wrong this week...some of the news has not been good but at least I had a response. I thank those people concerned....thankyou.

Work on the "Romanesque" series continues..."Rommulus and Remus" are all but blocked in and looking suitably bemused/bereft. I'm really hoping that this one works out how I'm anticipating it will...I seem to be going at it so differently from the others. Well all's well so far so fingers crossed and all of that. I'm off to London for a couple of weeks in the not to distant future so will no doubt return full of inspiration and a squillion pounds poorer! I will be open and exposed to all sorts of creative goings on....well here's hoping....I must admit that I do miss living in the old capitol, hey ho.

The creativity on the ward continues....it all seems to be on a roll at the moment and I am very grateful for it.

Well that's it for this week....can't get used to my digits hitting this very odd key pad.
Thank you for taking the time...

Ivor x

2008-03-24T09:53:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon and Easter greetings to one and all...blimey aint it early this year and aint it a cold one!
Mmmmm..where to begin?....the painting continues very slowly, I blame my "man flu", it slowed me down and mashed my head. I do think that if you're endeavouring to paint a picture depicting sibling murder you really do need to have a clear head....or am I being very old fashioned? It has progressed....I have one of the twins nearly blocked out. I'm hoping the "who's who?" will be very ambiguous. I'm hoping that the whole emotive state of things will be left for the viewers to decide. I'm hoping that when it's finished an equal amount of empathy will be dished out to both lads.....I'm hoping to get it finished before the model that sat is too old to be recognised....sorry Leigh, it is on it's way. Will be painting "mother" next.I have decided to go for the whole family theme on this set and am going to paint Rhea Silvia when this one of the twins is completed, mind, hers is not a happy story so will have to consider a range of emotions when dealing with this one. I also want to depict the "suckled by a wolf" theme too....have read a really cool story concerning this and think it would make a very good subject. All will be revealed at a later date......
The father of these two lads is on view on my web page....

www.ivorsexton.co.uk

Creative work on the ward has reached an all time high....I am honoured to have some very inventive and creative clients on the ward at the moment. The activity room is like a cottage industry which, in turn, has encouraged more of the staff to join it. I must admit that the banter during the sessions certainly expands the mind....I know it keeps me on my toes and I am constantly amazed at how "free" some of the work is. Here's hoping that it develops into a full time interest for the people involved.

I end this page of witterings by saying that I really do believe that blokes never grow up....yes ladies I know that you have said this since time began....I went to a friends allotment this weekend and discovered a pond full of frogs and frog spawn....all I could think of doing was bunging on some wellies, aquiring a jam jar with some string around the top and jumping in. Blimey, talk about "Swallows and Amazons" and "Enid Blyton"....all I required was a case of ricketts and some blamange and I would be back to my childhood....hey ho, it's got to be better than working for a living....

Thank you for taking the time.....

Ivor x

2008-03-15T08:35:00.000-07:00

Hello every bodies....

Blimey, where's the week gone?....I have finally started the "Romulus and Remus" painting...mind, it's been a bit hit and miss this week. I have the man flu which, as all you blokies out there will know is completely different from normal colds, flues or any other form of sniffling type illness. We suffer!....you all know who you are....

I am endeavouring to produce a painting of twins with the under currents of sibling rivalry and all that entails....thing is, the out come is murder, so want it to create the "mood" with out being too obvious. Mmmmm...we will see if it succeeds. The thing is with this batch of paintings is they seem to just evolve rather than have specific planning.....which is a new one on me, as I have always sort of known how they were going to turn out in the past. Not too sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. Will probably not know until I am at least four paintings into the series. Hoping that all wells that ends well to quote the illustrious bard.

Right peeps, it is time to off load!....sorry, but have it on good authority that "blogging" and "off loading" can improve your mood and creativity. Mmmmm....I shall take their word for it.

Basically....I'm fed up! I have decided that the winter has gone on far too long and that we all need longer days and a warmer clime. I also would like some one to actually answer some of the emails, letters and correspondence that I am forever writing, even if it's just to say...."naff off, you're crap" This does not refer to these ramblings...I like a good blog myself....just wish that people would have the kindness and decency to reply to my enquiries etc....hey ho! Please forgive the bitterness of a dispondent old man.....I have "man flu", I have an excuse.

Painting is something that I have always loved and have always done....ever since I could hold a brush/pencil I have been creating something. Think is my one huge passion....it has certainly kept me sane through some rather crappy times....my need now is too exhibit....need to have the stuff on display and to get some feed back...need to feel the "buzz" of getting it all together.
Any help on that score would be very much appreciated.....I would be internally grateful so to speak.
Think I have stopped ranting now....all is calm in my world again and I am no longer hyperventilating...........thank you for listening.

Ivor x

2008-03-10T04:39:00.000-07:00

Morning all,

it is blog time again and I am happy to inform any one who's interested that I have finally completed "Mars"....yippeee. It has certainly been an experience painting a bloke that I admire so much and to try and encapsulate his persona into a painting. Greg has now seen a copy and tells me that he likes it... so...result all round! Mind, not sure if he really sees himself as a "God"...think he's far too modest for that...reckon that there are a few people out there that do though, the girlies at work to name but a few!
If you'd like to view the finished result, check him out on my web site...

www.ivorsexton.co.uk

I am now starting a new painting in the series..."Romulus and Remus". Strangely enough, "Mar's" children. The model is a really nice geezer called Liegh...he has kindly allowed me to use his image for the pic and I am truely honoured that he has. We have never met in person so I am hoping that I can do the man justice and that he doesn't feel the need to track me down and batter me when it is finished! Hopefully all will be well.

The week has started off quite calm here...no hurricanes experienced at the moment, well not weather wise at any rate. Have yet to venture onto the ward. I am attempting to get a large project under way...something to involve the whole ward...wish me luck.

Thanks for reading peeps....

Ivor x

2008-03-02T00:07:00.000-08:00

Good morning to one and all,

Mmmmm..where to begin today? Firstly I would like to apologise to any one who is leaving me "add to my friends" on the "my space" site....I seem to be having trouble working that one out. I'm not sure if it's the site or me....it's probably me as I am a total idiot when it comes to things of a technical nature! I tend to either sit and stare blankly at the screen in the vain hope that something will happen or become convince that my computer is conspiring against me and go into a melt down of hysteria and obscenities....

I have now nearly completed the painting of Greg....."Mars" to every one following this blog. I'd forgotten what it was like to paint flora....that's...."as in flowers"...and not some random woman. This whole painting has been an odd experience....it keeps changing. I started out with a very clear picture in my head of how it would look on completion....doesn't look anything like how I imagined. I will be tweaking and detailing today so should of finished it before the light goes this afternoon.
I will then know if it "works".....must say that I'm quite enjoying the uncertainty of how it will end up. I'm usually 85% sure before I start....

Work on the acute ward is still very up and down.....lots of uncertainty about finance and bugets which is impacting on every one.....hey ho....all I can do is try. There has been some very creative stuff commenced this past week by some of the clients so I must be doing something right.....let's hope they are able to continue in the same vain this week...

Well I'm off to tweak Greg....thank you for reading....

Ivor x

2008-02-24T07:46:00.000-08:00

Good afternoon peeps....
Blimey I'm knackered...have been painting all the live long day and dessert fatigues are a bit of a visual nightmare to keep at with out a break. You'd of thought that they'd be a simple thing to just slap on and ignore....not so!
Think I'm sorted now, mind, far too head bashed to judge so am leaving them until my eyesight has returned...This painting of "Mars" is proving to be a strange combination of concentration and nostalgia. The model is a bloke that I have shared some good times with and it is very difficult not to keep wandering off down memory lane....after all, he is suposed to be the God of War so have to keep reeling myself back to the subject at hand. Not sure if smiling whilst painting keeps you focused or not but at least it may lessen the frown lines that seem to be taking over my face....
Can some one please tell me if I am the only one in this world that would rather not rely on computers to communicate with people....I'm referring to my attempts at getting people to respond to emails....in the good old days you could phone people and they would have to answer you. I'm so bleedin' useless with this technology I'm never sure if I've even sent the damn things or not....subsequently, I am always nervous about re contacting any one in case they think I am stalking them and call the police!
It is indeed a concurrent countdown conundrum.....

Think I've rambled on enough....thank you for reading,

Ivor x

2008-02-18T06:52:00.000-08:00

Hello All,
once again it is time to inform everyone as to what the flop I have been up to....thankyou for being remotely interested.
The painting of "Mars" is progressing steadily....helped by the fact that the light has been so fantastic of late. Spring is on it's way I feel...so there is much rejoicing on my part as I tend to become a complete misery during the winter months...well that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!
I ventured out and about this weekend and went to "Williamson Park" in Lancaster....it is quite beautiful and it's flag ship building the Aston Memorial a fantastic centre piece. It has a very good gallery in its upper reaches which, not only is a very fine exhibition space, but allows fantastic views from its balconies. I was well impressed and and am chomping at the bit to be accepted for an exhibition there....mmmm...well here's hoping, will have to commence a charm offensive. Wish me luck!
Work on the the acute ward seems to be in limbo at the moment...not sure if it is the time of year or all the changes that are being implemented at the moment...???...what ever it is, it is stifling creativity and I am in need of some kick starting myself. Any suggestion would be much appreciated.....

Thanks, as always, for taking the time.....

Ivor x

2008-02-07T01:36:00.000-08:00

Well hello once more....blimey, you must be very patient as this is only the second blogg I've bunged up on here!...
How the flop does any one manage to keep these things going and do other stuff as well....perhaps it's just me??? I can't "multi task" This is meant to be a kind of apology for being so slow in up dating.........

The first thing I want to say is thankyou for taking the time to look at my web page and for checking this out....I have had a strange old week and a misunderstanding occured with one of my models. I hope that what I am about to say will clear things up for every body. The models painted are in no way connected to the subject that is being painted. The latter paintings are based on the people I have worked with on an acute psychiatric ward....they are a representation of what those clients "experience"....the models were used to protect confidentiality but it in no way represents the models mental health state. Similarily...."Judas" is a bloke called Paul and not a misunderstood apostle.....etc etc...I hope that this is now understandable. Thank you.

The Romanesque painting continues...far too slowly for my liking but, hey ho, it is half way to being presentable....the model concerned it kept posted with regular up dates and is probably sick to death of me bugging them...however, they do not let on and have been very patient. Thanks Greg, you're a star!
This series of paintings are developing into a "Roman God meets the 21st Century" type thing....mmmmm...we'll see...

Thanks for taking the time to read all this....off to care for the needy....

Ivor x

2008-01-27T06:43:00.000-08:00

I have no idea what the hell I'm doing so please bare with me...Hello, what to say???

I have decided to start a new batch of paintings based on a recent visit to Rome....I found the city to be a complete sensory "high". Blimey, every thing is so beautiful...the food...the sites and the people!
Was gripped by the Colleseum...oooer, sounds painful!

Am working on a portrait that will be based on ancient Romanesque wall paintings. The bloke that I'm painting is a man that I met last year...knew I wanted to paint him but couldn't work out how, after visiting Rome I immeadiately knew.

Hope he approves!
Cheers for reading this....