Tag: studio

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Painting Uncategorized

Ovum Nymphs in progress

In recent months I have been working on a large painting, Ovum Nymphs, which proved to be a challenge. It had been hung a prominent spot in my studio where it was easily viewed but ultimately was over contemplated. Yesterday I realised that its presence had started to sicken me, so I placed it in storage with the hope that it will give me the head space that I need to focus on my other pieces.

Dottie may Aston
180 x 90cm, oil on canvas.

The studio feels refreshed without the painting’s door-sized presence. My struggles with this canvas were partly due to not being comfortable working on this large scale. The sheer amount of paint used makes it discouraging to rework once applied — the background alone is made up of two large tubes of white. After using up all that paint before thinking that maybe it would be better a different shade, my relationship with this painting soured. Giving myself distance from this painting will allow me time to lay aside any negative feelings I have for it. In due course I will be able to rework this painting with a fresh mind. Although I do not dislike this painting in its current state, I have not brought it to a satisfactory conclusion and, I am unable to understand how I can improve it at the moment.

All images are protected under UK copyright law

Categories
Exhibitions Painting Uncategorized

The Banquet

I am happy to share that The Banquet has been accepted into the Vacant Museum‘s virtual exhibition, Cravings.

Dottie may Aston
oil on canvas, 100 x 100 cm.

Curb your cravings! Feast your eyes on the delectable female figure laid out for your sole enjoyment. On-the-bone sumptuously plump idea of emaciated perfection. Starve yourself no more!

That was my response to the exhibition brief What do we want, now? What fuels the viscous cycle of wanting and wasting that defines our modern world?

All images are protected under UK copyright law

Categories
Drawing Uncategorized

Dissections

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© 2020 Dottie-May Aston. Nasal Cavity.

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At the start of this term me and Jonathan sat in on a horse dissection. To begin with it was horrid! After the initial shock of the situation and the overpowering smell, I was put at ease to be told that the animals had been ethically sourced. That is, they died from natural causes and their bodies used for educating future vets for them to better care for the animals. This information helped me get over the fact I was watching students cut open an animal. I was then able to focus on my sketches. The environment was no different from that of a painting workshop, people chatting about mundane subjects, giving the class a fairly normal vibe.

© 2020 Dottie-May Aston. Insides on the Outsides.

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Attending these dissections over several weeks had improved both my paintings and drawing ability. Drawing something that I have never seen before in person was an exciting challenge and it has changed my perception completely. After the first class my eyes had started to see differently, making me more conscious of what’s under the skin, and how movements are made in mammals.As the dissection is a continual process, the whole composition could change in an instant. This has forced me to look even harder than I would normally. I’ve found that it has made my abilities with mark making as well as my drawing skills from life and imagination have both noticeably improved.

© 2020 Dottie-May Aston. A Horse Kicking In the Bucket.

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The studies are all from my A5 sketchbook. To see all of them visit my sketchbook gallery. Most were done standing up which was somewhat intense, although I am used to standing up for art workshops. It is difficult to drawing without an easel, not to mention arriving at the dissection tiers due to it being a long steep walk to the campus. Like the smell, I slowly got used to this. I hope you found this interesting! Your welcome to share your thoughts in the comments, thank you.

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Categories
Painting

Studio Space Old and New

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© 2020 by Dottie-May Aston. Previous studio (window view).

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I still remember my first real studio, it was in the same building as my mother’s studio gallery/shop. I contributed a bit of the rent every week to have the little room above the kitchen. It was very cosy as it was an attic. The building was a historical property located in cardigan. Originally a stable for the cardigan castle, my room would of been where they stored things. It had to be painted with yellow ochre because it was made of limestone.

© 2020 by Dottie-May Aston. Previous studio (outside).

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This little room suited me, it was such a happy time for me to have somewhere that wasn’t my bedroom, to make and create. I came to love the studio so much more than my room, to the point that the only time I spent in my bedroom was sleeping or getting ready to head to the studio. The times that I wasn’t doing any of these things I was working to pay for my studio with my little jobs.

© 2017 by Dottie-May Aston, Previous studio (my messy desk).

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Because of those jobs I rarely had a full day in the studio, that’s why I’m so happy to have a studio space in my second year of uni. I’m trying to make the most of the time that I have as a student and focus on my main goal which is to develop my artistic talents and skills, without worrying about other commitments. Plus having my studio in the old college is so inspiring for me!

© 2020 by Dottie-May Aston, Current studio space.

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I would of never dreamt that my studio would be in this stunning Gothic building! It’s charming character inspires my work and its sea view calms my mind from the midst of my chaotic thoughts. I have been very lucky to have such a big space! I will miss this building very much so when we get kick out in June. I am also happy it will finally get the attention and love it’s been waiting so long for! I hope my third studio will be as charming as the last two.

Categories
Painting Uncategorized

Me and My Blue Devils

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I don’t say everything, but I paint everything.

Pablo Picasso
© 2020 by Dottie-May Aston, Blue studio.

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My blue period is a series of paintings where I have used the human body to express personal traumatic experiences featuring things that are otherwise sensitive for me to describe…

© 2020 by Dottie-May Aston, Blue.

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But because I decided to use the human figure and not random shapes, my tutor’s disregarded these paintings as “college art” and not “real art”. I found these comments difficult but I know there is truth to these words, so after their feedback, I have decided to let go and lose all care of if the future viewers understand my work. I will be posting these blue paintings regardless, explaining the concepts.