Stephen Firth Artist | Artist
Stephen Firth Artist
Reviews
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25.01.2022 It has been awhile since I have shared any new paintings. I have, during this period, been busy sketching and experimenting with watercolour, especially emphasising focal points, and muting and blurring other areas. The first is based on my photos of Vernazza (Cinque Terre) and includes both watercolour and ink, the second is of Franklin (Tasmania) and includes both watercolour and gouache.
24.01.2022 And so a wonderful trip draws to a close. Two weeks of intensive watercolour (plus gauche, gesso, ink, pastel, charcoal, etc) painting with John Lovett in the Top End. From Kakadu to Kununarra and all places in between. An inspiring period with enthusiastic and talented people. This final painting of the Durack Homestead on Argyle Downs Station, near Kununarra.
23.01.2022 The current level of imposed isolation has at least provided the time and motivation to further develop my watercolour skills. I attended a 2 day painting workshop with John Lovett, arranged by the Art Society of Tasmania, and fortunately held in February just before the shut downs and closures really came into force. The following paintings are from that workshop, and the experience has inspired me to spend some of isolation in further developing my skills.
21.01.2022 About a week in the making of this watercolour. It is set in the streets of Riva del Garda, on the northern shore of Lake Garda, Italy. And based on photos from my visit in 2016 (that long ago!). It is the first time in awhile I have painted this large -A2 size- and I prepared by painting the same scene in increasing scale. The dark paths between buildings, opening into bright sunshine is typical of many towns in this region.
20.01.2022 Watercolour of Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Italy. From my visit in 2017. Such a long time ago it seems.
20.01.2022 Yesterday's painting session. The old Bakery, Pine Creek NT.
20.01.2022 I have just completed another oil painting of Aurora Australis. This iconic ship is serving its final year assisting Antarcic Research for Australia. I chose to paint it in its location here in Hobart, to record and reinforce its connection to this community. A wonderful asset and imposing element in the urban landscape.
18.01.2022 Finally have something new to post. I have been spending my time recently developing watercolour skills, including attending a workshop in Canberra run by Barry and Lucy McCann. Great experience, but subject matter not my choice, so I have not posted any paintings from there. However, for the last few weeks I have been working on this oil painting (just less than A1 size) of the northern end of Redbill Beach, Bicheno, Tasmania. This is based on photos taken on an early morning walk, after a stormy night. The water and sky were really that turbulent.
16.01.2022 Latest watercolour. Still of Italy - seems just as far away. This is in Spello, in Perugia, Umbria. For those interested, the car is a Bianchi from around 1960. Similar scale to the Fiat 500.
15.01.2022 Yesterday's bit of a fun painting at El Questro Station, Kununarra, WA. Today now our last full day of painting , before returning home. Wonderful time this last 2 weeks.
14.01.2022 Kakadu National Park, Anabangbang. No crocs sighted, but we painted next to a series of rather intimidating drag marks of hefty crocodile size, leading to and from the water.
14.01.2022 Coronavirus Cafe It seemed that it was time to acknowledge how much we have changed
10.01.2022 I have been delving into my photos from 2017 for painting subjects. These two watercolours are of Monterosso on the Cinque Terre, northern Italy. A brilliant location with dramatic cliffs and villages in carved out river valleys. I have been working on strength of colour and looseness of line.
10.01.2022 Final day in Litchfield National Park. Two paintings today, the first at Tolmer Falls;the second of the bush landscape near Wangi Falls. Tomorrow to Kakadu for three days.
10.01.2022 Enjoying a movie last night in the outdoor deck-chair cinema, Darwin. A pleasant 31c is a real alternative to Hobart at present. Today meeting a group of artists for a two week workshop with John Lovett exploring and painting all the "K"s - Kakadu, Kimberlies and Kununarra - over the next week.
08.01.2022 First painting day, at Litchfield National Park, this of Greenant Creek.
07.01.2022 The following watercolour paintings all follow on from the John Lovett workshop, and are based on photos taken recently, with one exception - that of Venice. Unfortunately that part of the world is really having a terrible time with the virus. So I chose to paint this one really to remind myself that this city has survived since 421 AD, and shall continue to survive - virus, rising sea levels, over crowding from tourists not withstanding.
04.01.2022 Lake Como, Italy From a photo taken in 2017. Watercolour on Arches 300gsm watercolour paper A wonderful part of the world. Hoping that it shall be possible to revisit in the near future.
03.01.2022 Yesterday's painting session in Mirima National Park, Kununarra, WA. This part of Australia seems to be characterised by blue skies, aged and weathered sculptural hills, wind, and water
03.01.2022 Two new watercolours. The first is located around Bicheno and based on a photo provided by Michelle Lyn Warren. The second is of the Hobart waterfront based on a photo I took during last year's Wooden Boat Festival. Unfortunately there will be no Festival next year - another casualty of Covid 19. In both paintings I have been working to strengthen my colour and form.
03.01.2022 Two recent water colours of the Jetty at Sandy Bay. I produced these as part of a small group "remote workshop". Thanks to Ian Johnson for suggesting the subject and providing reference photos.
02.01.2022 Just completed a watercolour of Fisherman's Dock inspired by some beautiful photographs posted recently by Louisa Patmore....
02.01.2022 So back in Hobart and just completed an oil painting commenced prior to my travels to the Top End. This is a familiar sight at the Hobart wharf, of Aurora Australis at PW1 pier.
01.01.2022 Three watercolour impressions of the "Duomo" in Vicenza, Italy. Based on my photos from 2016 (seems a long time ago now!). I have been busy playing around with composition and light, and exploring to what extent I can reinterpret the same scene.
