Pintar Rapido - Create A Painting In A Day
I had a fun day of painting as a contestant in 'Pintar Rapido 2017 - create a painting in a day!' The day began sunny but I knew the forecast was for rain later. Once I had registered at Chelsea Old Town Hall and had my canvas stamped with the Pintar marque I headed off to South Kensington. I knew exactly where I would go and what sort of image I wanted to capture, having created a similar view two years ago for this event.
My aim was to capture people walking, sitting outside cafes, reflections and a red London bus. All these things would be guaranteed at this spot.
I seemed to have far too much 'stuff' for such a small painting but at least I would be comfortable and most of it was in a trolley so it was easy to transport. An easel, a chair, my lunch and flask of tea in the rucksack, my paints and brushes and water and artist's pass for the entry.
I began with a sketch using the goody bag goods provided by CASS ART (pencils and sketch pad) but soon realised I needed to use my time wisely as the grey rainclouds were beginning to gather. So I abandoned the sketch and got on with the painting.
After an hour or so it was time for a sit down and lunch and a chance to observe my progress. I was glad I decided to work smaller this time although it was still a challenge to make good progress. During my sit down, I was approached by a man pushing a bike who spoke in broken English. He made a comment on my painting although I can't remember the conversation exactly. I asked if he was an artist. He pulled out a sketch book and tore a page out and gave to me a drawing he had made of me!!
I have a looong arm in it! I laughed and thanked him for not making me look too fat in it and tucked it into the trolley. I gave him a ticket to the exhibition. Maybe he'd go along to it.
Other people asked me directions, even though I was standing almost next to a signpost. I guess as a static artist they thought I was a permanent fixture. One lady asked if I did this for a living (I replied, with Not Yet) and said she thought I would win the contest! I gave her some tickets to the exhibition in the hope they'd come along and purchase my little gem.
Packing up in the rain and I returned to Chelsea Old Town Hall to freshen up and frame my artwork with other artists who had returned from a day's painting. A distinct smell of oil paint greeted me (it reminded me of college days). My painting was acrylic. so no messing around with trying to frame a wet oil painting.
Sometimes you don't realise how tired you are until you stop. I went home and had a long soak in a warm bath to ease my aching shoulders, legs, feet, refreshed for a relatively early start on Sunday to be there for the Artist's Preview, judging and prize giving.
Nothing for me this time.
The judges, Sally Hales editor of Aritsts & Illustrators magazine and two inspiring artists whose work I follow, Hashim Akib and Adebanji Alade.
I wonder if it caught the judges' eyes though? 