Journal


I think the colours on this image above are fabulous and mirror colours I have been working with recently. My 'TURKU' painting for instance. Click on above image to go to painting series.
This image was taken on New Bartholomew Street at the top end of Digbeth. Its a through way but not one you would usually take. The painted signage has been washed off over the years and all that remains are W R Park...est 1921. Not a hundred years old yet unless it belonged to someone else before hand. I could google it I suppose?

November 2019

A blog about out and about inspirations and paintings progress.
W R Park...est 1921, Derelict factory on New Bartholomew Street.
Digbeth at the moment is in a state of flux and very soon all these old buildings will disappear. Unless they can be saved. Does this look architecturally interesting from a heritage point of view?
I dont know. I am not as knowledgeable in architecture as I might want to be. Although I will probably learn a few things as Digbeth moves onwards and upwards and becomes 'gentrified'.
Images below are of the interior of the building. The smell of damp floorboards was quite strong through the window. Reminded me of school. Says something maybe.

Download Current Paintings Brochure HERE

W R Park... est 1921 interior 1
W R Park... est 1921 interior 2
W R Park... est 1921 interior 3
'Pink Windows' Fazeley Street, Digbeth
Something slightly more colourful and palatable even, are the colourful windows on one of the buildings on Fazeley Steet, Digbeth.I would say that this was popped up by one of the arty bunch around Digbeth maybe for the 'Weekender'.
'Orange Window' Fazeley Street, Digbeth
I am loving the colours on this great image above. Digbeth I would sat is a bit grim and apart maybe from the Custard area, a bit industrial, which is nice in a muted colour, dismal way but not colourful unless you look for it.

Painting Sketches

So I am getting in the studio and painting. I am at this point just sketching with the paint and thinking about my next project. These turned out with quite a but of green on them so I titled them 'green'. Are they finished? I used expressive brush strokes over a few layers and then I have used a process of revealing the underneath which I quite like. Bit like printmaking where you are not quite sure what you'll get, so its a fun way of creating work.
Abstract paintings you would think are an easy thing to paint. Just slop it on and see where the paint lands, etc, but funnily it's a lot harder to achieve what you want. Human interaction is still required as well as fate.
'Green 1, oil on rag paper, A6
'Green 1, oil on rag paper, A6
'Green 1, oil on rag paper, A6
'Green 1, oil on rag paper, A6

Abstract Art Show - RBSA

I had a spare Sunday, so went over to the RBSA to have a look at the Abstract Art show and meet a friend there. The show was put together by 8 abstract artists, led by David Walton. I have a special place for David in my heart, as when I decided to be a 'proper' artist in 2010, I entered the RBSA open competition, where two of my paintings were selected and displayed alongside Davids work.
Later I had a chance to meet him and chat about his work and mine which was very encouraging and inspiring. This is the great thing about the RBSA, an artists co-operative. The members and 'friends' of which I am one, are always ready to help out and chat about your work and theirs.
I was very chuffed at the time as you can imagine and David's work is still great.Link HERE to the show.
Artists talk by David Walton
Artists talk by David Walton

Check back for more! I aim to go out for a tour in the next week or so. Could be elsewhere as well as Digbeth. Although the HS2 rail building looks interesting and I am keen on getting some images of that. Plus more painting process and possibly a project to share!

Journal - Dec 2019

Coming Soon!


All Images and text copyright Zarina Keyani unless specified.