Second Edition Copyright Š 2012 Mark McGough
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INTRODUCTION What is Skillism?
Life is a journey through the ocean. The clearer your destination, the easier it is to reach. The better your timing, the calmer the seas. The better your planning, the less time is needed. The faster your ship, the quicker the execution. The ocean is your freedom. The land is your opportunity. You are the captain of your ship.
“Within your specialism, there is a brand you were born to sell”
I started drawing from a very young age but gave up my passion for a degree in graphic design. After having studied design for 10 years I now see the art world from a new perspective. It is my belief that within your specialism, there is a brand you were born to sell. Skillism is a brand that has been founded with the aim to promote the highest form of Skill, which is produced when TKS (talent, knowledge and strategy) is combined with DSP (desire, self-belief and persistence). This book is a showcase of today’s artistic talent. MARK MCGOUGH Founder of Skillism www.skillism.com
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ANDREW TIFT www.andrewtift.co.uk
“The portrait of Kitty won first prize in the BP Portrait Awards at the National Portrait Gallery in 2006”
My triptych portrait features Mrs Kitty Godley who was the first wife of the artist Lucian Freud. They married in 1948 and he painted her on many occasions, perhaps most memorably in “Girl with white dog” (Tate Britain) Kitty used to live in the small town of Wednesbury , just outside of my home town, Walsall. She was the daughter of the sculptor Jacob Epstein and Kathleen Garman who along with their friend, Sally Ryan, were avid art 4
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collectors. The family donated their art collection to the borough of Walsall in 1972. The Garman Ryan collection is today housed in The New Art Gallery, Walsall and this triptych is part of a series of paintings and drawings which I am making of Kitty nearly 60 years later for an exhibition at the gallery next year. I wanted the portraits to be very natural, as if in conversation with thoughts being visibly absorbed and
formulated. During a conversation our expressions and physiognomy are constantly changing and I thought that a triptych would be the perfect format to explore this idea. The feel of the portrait was inspired by John Freeman’s “Face to Face” television interview series from the 1960’s. It was filmed in black and white and the camera scrutinised the interviewee in intense, microscopic detail from different angles which I have tried to echo in this painting.
KALOIAN TOSHEV www.kaloiantoshev.com
“The artwork was part of "Help for Evgeni" Exhibition in The Fridge, Sofia”
RZP Girl - Personal illustration I made just for satisfaction. The artwork was part of "Help for Evgeni" Exhibition in The Fridge, Sofia. Also featured in some illustration books. www.skillism.com
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RAY LEANING www.musefineart.co.uk
“My speciality is pencil drawing I am happiest with the simplicity and honesty of graphite on paper”
It was during time spent life drawing that my focus became that of human form and gender signals. The simple question of what makes a figure appear masculine or feminine? What makes a figure ‘attractive’? This led me to explore beauty, sensuality, sexuality and attraction and this has continued to be my obsession ever since. The world of sexual signalling and symbolism - dance, performance, erotica, fashion, fetishism, BDSM & power-play are fuel for my quest for the elusive image of the ‘super feminine’. I tend to avoid direct narrative, refining and often isolating the figure in an attempt to capture pure eroticism & sensuality Looking at symbols, proportions, pose, poise, posture, textures & expression searching for that deep-seated emotional trigger in the viewer that provokes a yearning, a memory? A desire? My speciality is pencil drawing. I also paint in oils and draw with conté and charcoal, but I am happiest with the 6
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simplicity and honesty of graphite on paper. I used to work exclusively from life, but with the advent of digital photography I can now use the camera to back up initial sketches with the possibility to work on poses that
would be very difficult for a model to hold for any length of time. These reference snaps have a level of detail that is so seductive, that my drawings in turn have become ever more ‘photo-realistic’.
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KATERINA LEVINA www.katerinalevina.com
“A line of exclusive couture pieces with the high standards of quality and high pricing�
Katerina Levina is a conceptual fashion label of menswear, womenswear, footwear and accessories, offering new and unusual, high-quality functional solutions for modern life. She uses the playmatic approach to the objects we use in our daily life as an antidote to increasingly massproduced articles on offer. Today, the fashion label is presented by two lines: Katerina Levina, a line of exclusive couture pieces with the high standards of quality and high pricing; KL by Katerina Levina, a line of menswear, womenswear and unisex clothing, made mainly in jersey and featuring designer graphics each season made in differenttechnique.
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MICHELANGELO SPINELLI www.mikospinelli.com
Miko Spinelli is a London based Fashion and Music artist. His unique approach to design makes each piece a strong fashion statement and an eye-catching product.
jacket. A timeless blend of cultures and traditions, world cities and far remote tropical places, an imaginary world, a place of magic and wonder are all sources of inspiration for Miko.
Miko’s combination of beautifully decorated fabrics juxtaposed with a casual fit makes every garment unique in its own right, becoming more of an art piece rather than an everyday
He believes in One Consciousness encompassing the existence of diverse beliefs and traditions. He strongly feels the arts as a mean to inspire and better our world.
“A timeless blend of cultures and traditions, world cities and far remote tropical places" www.skillism.com
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MARK BENNETT www.markbennettart.com
“The visible brush strokes anticipate movement�
This is the first painting in Mark's latest 'Ballerina' series. The dancer lies in the foetal position, her pale body, naturally curved, is waiting. The visible brush strokes anticipate movement. A tangle of jet black hair betrays the vivacity of her recent performance, but now she lies, pensive. This is a painting that captures the beauty of fleeting contemplation. 10
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IAN MITCHELL www.ianmitchellart.com
“My interest lies in deciding which elements to focus on, exaggerate, crop or omit�
My eye has been trained by more than 20 years of design to present pleasing harmonious images that are unexpected. My interest lies in deciding which elements to focus on, exaggerate, crop or omit. I refine and reduce source material down to minimalist forms and shapes. www.skillism.com
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VERONIQUE LEPERCQ www.vlepercq.jimdo.com
“I wanted the viewer to focuse on this tree, just standing there untouched�
In this painting I've tried to catch the winter felling on pine. I wanted the viewer to focuse on this tree, just standing there untouched, so I painted the background very soft, with just a few sparkles of light. 12
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MICHAEL SOLE www.michaelsole.co.uk
This painting is painted using a mixture of oils and acrylics so that an organic effect is realised. It was painted on the floor and many of the techniques used were in response to the notion of allowing the paint to 'have its own way' - involuntary painting. It measures 240 x 100cm and is from Cap d'Antibes, a part of the Cote d'Azur.
“Many of the techniques used were in response to the notion of allowing the paint to 'have its own way' - involuntary painting� www.skillism.com
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TARYN LEE www.tarynlee.ca
This painting was my first painting of 2012 and the idea is to create a series of paintings focusing on women's faces and the masks they wear through the use of makeup. I've always been interested in painting women, and I want to focus this series on how women present their selves 'made up' to the world. We all put on our faces when we enter the public and something so simple as changing lipsticks can alter how women feel or even how others feel about us. Our faces are so transformative and full of expression that emotions can be read so easily sometimes without saying a word. 14
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ADAM QUEST www.adamquest.eu
My name is Adam Quest I'm illustrator designer from Poznan Poland. I do commercial illustrations since 2005. I make vintage and vector illustration and design. I love to make things simple that is why I use 4 or 5 colors most of the time. My inspirations come from cartoons, illustrations, design made between 1920 - 1960 the most.
“I love to make things simple� www.skillism.com
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COLIN THOMAS HALLIDAY www.colinhallidayart.co.uk
This is an oil on canvas and is typical of my looser style. I work with fluid paint to help enable dribbles and blending of paint. There are areas of calm which help the busier areas stand out in contrast. I work outdoors and in the studio, this piece comes from imagination but is very much inspired by studys and observation. 16
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KRYSIA D. MICHNA-NOWAK www.krysianowak.co.uk
“If the line is elegant - then I shall follow it in with colour�
The shape of the 'line is very important. If the line is elegant - then I shall follow it in with colour. My work is pensive expressive and hopefully 'poetic' - usually of people. There is an intrinsic melancholy in my work, a throw back to my Polish background. www.skillism.com
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RINAT SHINGAREEV www.shingareev.blogspot.com
“For every one of my pieces, I start with the idea that my art should bring only positive emotions”
For every one of my pieces, I start with the idea that my art should bring only positive emotions. I’m an observer who comments on everything that surrounds him, turning this mix of saturated colors, unusual situations and familiar personalities into pop-art iconography. This brings about the success of my work. Every day these faces appear before us in newspapers, TV screens, their voices are on the radio and their ideas are in the news we read online. I invite you to look at these unapproachable personalities from a different point of view, one which reveals their human qualities. I’d like to underscore that I have nothing but respect to the personalities in my paintings, and that I do not render political beliefs through my work.
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DEBORAH PEACOCK willndeb@bigpond.net.au
A modern contemporary painting of Venice, commissioned by Scarcella family of Michigan USA and personalised with their family name on the door of one of the old buildings.
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MATT CHINN www.mattchinn.co.uk
“I decided to sketch up this personal piece based on everyone’s favourite spherical headed explorer”
The Ricky Gervais Podcasts have kept me company on many a long project over the years, so I decided to sketch up this personal piece based on everyone’s favourite spherical-headed explorer - Karl Dilkington… sorry, Pilkington! 20
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SHIERLEY OXBOROUGH louisa-marie@xtra.co.nz
“Romantic realism best describes these pieces”
This painting is one out of the ‘Women & Water’ series and creating atmosphere, ethereal beauty my aim. Working with movement and light play allows for endless
creativity which is so inspiring. Romantic realism best describes these pieces and capturing that magical quality which moves the viewer in some way. www.skillism.com
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RICHARD YOUNG www.ryoung-art.com
“The style of my artwork is towards contemporary realism, inspired by the romanticism of my favourite post renaissance Masters�
America's quintessential American ballerina and Principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre, Susan Jaffe exhibits such exquisitely Refined Grace in her performance of 'Other Dances'... The style of my artwork is towards contemporary realism, inspired by the romanticism of my favourite post renaissance Masters. My compositions are towards carefully composed anonymity of the subject, rather than characteristic individual representation, capturing passion and emotion of the subjects. I simply adore light and emphasise dramatic lighting to add depth and create an atmosphere. I paint with a knife and limited colour palette, mixing only on the canvas! 22
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NINA MASKIELL www.ninamaskiell.com
“I used a bunch of photos I had taken at San Diego Zoo to help with the technical side of things�
The idea for Menagerie came about while I was travelling through California in 2010. I remember wandering the streets of LA and feeling like I was in one, big, crazy zoo. A few weeks later I ended up in New Mexico and started the drawing in a little library in Sante Fe. I used a bunch of photos I had taken at San Diego Zoo to help with the technical side of things; the rest was up to my imagination. www.skillism.com
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ANTHONY GARRATT www.agarratt.com
“The piece was filmed from start to finish which provided it with a pressured spontaneity” 24
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A 2m x 1.5m painting in mixed media, ‘Sand Bay 12pm-3pm’ was created en plein air on a cold winters day. The piece was filmed from start to finish which provided it with a pressured spontaneity and mean that the piece was an impulsive and energetic reaction to the bleak but beautiful
location. The film and painting were exhibited together in a show at the Royal West of England Academy. Anthony is a renowned painter whose current work communicates human vulnerability and the impact of weather on the landscape.
COLIN WOOLF www.wildart.co.uk
As one of the UK’s leading wildlife artists, Colin Woolf has a unique talent for bringing his subjects to life. He is also known for evocative portrayals of land, sky and sea, rich in colour and detail, with a great sense of depth and atmosphere. For inspiration, Colin draws on his experiences of watching wildlife in some of the remotest places in Britain, and for reference he relies on his extensive knowledge of animal behaviour and anatomy. This watercolour painting of a golden eagle soaring above the Cairngorms illustrates the vibrancy and delicacy in Colin’s work, and reflects his admiration for this superb bird of prey.
“Colin draws on his experiences of watching wildlife in some of the remotest places in Britain” www.skillism.com
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JANE E PORTER www.janeeporter.co.uk
“Does personal torment and tragedy produce great art?�
Does personal torment and tragedy produce great art? The research is inconclusive, however the vast number of tortured artists raises the possibility of a dark creativity; for many the outcome was an early death. Solitude is a homage to Billie Holiday from the series, The Tortured Soul Creates Art. 26
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KRASSIMIR KOLEV www.kolev.se
“By mirroring in the past I reflect on my present existence�
In this painting I go back to my roots in Bulgaria and the Balkans. By setting my naked model in history's and society's mirror I paint
a kind of stripped image of myself and my own history. By mirroring in the past I reflect on my present existence. www.skillism.com
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ROBBIE GRAHAM www.robbiegrahamart.co.uk
“With a total population of only around 30-35 individuals, the Amur leopard, or Far Eastern leopard, is possibly the most endangered large cats on earth� The piece is called 'Argun’. Male Amur leopard aged 4 years. Painted in gouache on mount board. Size (17 x22 Inches). This original framed painting includes the actual paw print of Argun, fully incorporated in the frame itself. My intention is to bring the viewer / owner closer to the actual subject painted and add additional context to the painting. I also wanted to capture the almost helpless gaze of this beautiful animal as it continues to fight for survival! With a total population of only around 30-35 individuals, the Amur leopard, or Far Eastern leopard, is possibly the most endangered large cats on earth. The population and distribution of the Amur leopard has been reduced to a fraction of its former size. It is estimated that 80% of its range was lost between 1970 and 1983. The most significant threats facing the Amur leopard is loss of its forest habitat through logging and human encroachment and of course, hunting! Despite their critically endangered status, Amur leopards are still poached for their skins and for use in traditional Asian medicines. They continued to be threatened as each day passes. My painting is intended to highlight the plight of the Amur leopards and try to ensure we that do everything we can to raise awareness of this magnifcent creature before they disappear from our view forever! 28
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SHIRLET ANNE HAYES www.greybeastart.co.uk
“The medium of goauche allows me, as an artist, to create a soft, furry image� This study in goauche depicts "Oz and Mo", two loved tabby brothers, who in turn adored each other. The medium of goauche allows me, as an artist, to create a soft, furry image by re-wetting the paint and thereby softening the lines. Ideal when painting cats or animal studies generally. www.skillism.com
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ANETA ANNA SAKS www.saks.wolomin.pl
“I used kitchen foil to create a unique texture�
When I painted the water color icy nature, I wanted to face with the difficulty theme of painting - an ice on lake. The subject is very interesting but to paint it I needed a lot of patience. I used kitchen foil to create a unique texture on the watercolor work. I love winter with all of its shades, grayness and frost ... with the sun reflecting off the snow flakes and crystal clear air. I wanted to show the beauty of the winter, a place full of peace and wilderness. 30
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BORJA URIONA URIARTE www.onuriweb.com
“I use watercolours but also inks, acrylics and peaces of paper” These watercolours are illustrations for Fashion & Textiles but also can be considered as watercolour paintings. As I am a textile designer and also a painter, before producing the motifs in textiles, I like to illustrate them in paper. Normally I use watercolours but also inks, acrylics and peaces of paper.
Refearing to the motifs I have chosen, they´ve been mostly "Casinomotifs", such as the signs are used in casino-machines. The figures which appear are surrounded by an empty environment full of casino motifs with grey, beige, blue and green colours which look like a bit surreal. After, I use these motifs in T-Shirts and Jumpers. www.skillism.com
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ANETA ANNA SAKS www.saks.wolomin.pl
“In my watercolors I want to show the beauty of the world and nature�
In my watercolors I want to show the beauty of the world and nature. The magic of the forest, light and time of day. I want to show what is closest to me - full of mystery and foggy forests, meadows with flowers and herbs, wildness of nature, places undisturbed by humans. In my paintings I try to come back to my childhood memories of my summer holidays spent in the countryside where time has stopped... where everything is still alive and so natural, where you can feel smell of the earth.
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MICHAEL RICHARDSON www.michaelrichardsonfineart.com
This 11" x 14" Oil on panel piece was painted "en plein air" and depicts the Pendeen Watch Light House near Botallack Cornwall from a precarious dewsoaked pitch on the opposite cliff. The wheeling gulls were the only visible company and their cries and the roar of the surf below made for a strong connection with nature. It was untouched after leaving the site.
“The wheeling gulls were the only visible company�
To rise before dawn to hike out to paint a scene like this in front of the subject is reward enough and for the Royal Society of British Artists to accept the painting for their annual show was an additional delight.
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NIGEL ARTINGSTALL www.nigelartingstall.com
“The inspiration for this work came from scenery I had photographed�
Capturing the atmospheric light was an important aspect of this painting, which is painted in Gouache watercolour on Waterford board. Like most of my larger wildlife and landscape work I had the concept of this piece in mind several weeks prior 34
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to starting the basic sketches. The inspiration for this work came from scenery I had photographed I am often out with my camera early enough to get good shots of wildlife or scenery, whether it be Roe Deer or the early morning rays of sunlight though the trees in a woodland glade.
RICHARD BAVIN www.richardbavin.com
“Richard exhibits regionally and is represented by the Apple Store Gallery in Hereford�
A landscape painter with a passion for trees, Richard works in the woodland and cider orchards around his north Herefordshire home. He spends part of his time outdoors all year round, drawing and painting directly from the subject, and uses these investigations in his studio as a starting point for
more expressive images. This image is a large studio watercolour which forms part of a series of paintings in both watercolour and oil which explore the frothy and ephemeral nature of apple blossom. Richard exhibits regionally and is represented by the Apple Store Gallery in Hereford.
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NATHAN SPOOR www.nathanspoor.com
The Emissary is an image featuring a character that has grown within The Intimate Parade series and now is taking an active part in the further growth of the landscape that has developed therein. Once the area around it has become overly populated, the wise tree has taken it upon itself to gather up the most important or fascinating bits of what if finds around it. The tree and its inhabitants then take to the sea on a great moving stone to find unknown shores to start a new culture from these seeds.
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W GEOFF ROLLINSON www.wgeoffrollinson.com
“I always put some form of wildlife or farm stock in my paintings as I think it gives a bit of life to the scene�
The painting is of a local view with Pendle Hill in the background, well known for the Pendle Witches. It looks soft and warm with the evening sun and constantly changes colour with the seasons and times of day, and is always a pleasure to paint as a backdrop from various local locations. I always put some form of wildlife or farm stock in my paintings as I think it gives a bit of life to the scene. I put a hare in this one. www.skillism.com
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ALAN BAKER www.alanbakeronline.com
This is an illustration, partly done for a children's cancer charity and partly done for a children's book.
detail and I like montage as a method of working. In this piece, I have combined the two.
I put together the best elements of both pieces. Both images were set in the same part of the globe, so naturally worked together. I love
The work was painted traditionally using pen and ink and watercolour, then put together in photoshop and the colours balanced.
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“I love detail and I like montage as a method of working�
PAUL G EMMERSON paulgemmerson@tiscali.co.uk
The vogue of modern wallpapers in the 1950s ousted plain distempered colour and textiles designers could produce colourful creations without fear of rejection. Their task became more difficult when they had to start thinking of designs that would hang comfortably against backgrounds that already contained pattern. My work using today unfashionable materials such as Fablon and Venilia on gesso painted board with acrylic is an attempt to combine these unbalanced designs into one more balanced and symbiotic. Britains most revered and accomplished designers in the postwar era were pioneering and contempary. Many of these influences can be seen today.
“Britains most revered and accomplished designers in the postwar era were pioneering and contempary� www.skillism.com
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ANGELA BRITTAIN www.angelabrittain.co.uk
“The first in a series of six paintings�
"Going for Gold 1" is the first in a series of six paintings depicting not only an activity from the Olympic Games 2012 but also the interaction between the contestants and the highly competitive nature of sport today. Painted in acrylic on paper, it is 32 x 38mm in size. 40
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GARY WILLIAM MUSGRAVE www.garymusgrave.com
“This image was a personal piece about saying good bye to a girl I was dating�
This image was a personal piece about saying good bye to a girl I was dating. Although seemingly simple in narrative, the relationship was marked by fears of my own worth as she chose to leave to Seattle to be with another man. Prior to knowing this about this other relationship, I offered to go with her. She declined. I am proud of my hands and I had thought about all of the things I had made for her, realizing that her only contribution to our relationship was a six pack of beer. So in this image, my family portrait, we sit uninvited outside of the airport perimeter, with her beer raised in toast to a woman easily forgotten. www.skillism.com
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FRODE NYBOE www.nybs.no
“I seek to portray "positivism" in my art�
I try to subtract colors and lights from my surroundings and then enhance these colors and the combinations of them. Thus attempting to create an almost magical feeling in my paintings. The use of colors is the most important to me. The process from starting with a blank canvas, never knowing exactly how it will turn out by trial and error, to finishing with a painting that portray a good and positive feeling is the absolutely most satisfactory for me as an artist. 42
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JAMIE MAGUIRE www.jamiemaguireartist.co.uk
“The painting is my depiction of nature but painted in my own slightly exaggerated way”
This is my favourite work and takes pride of place above my sofa and one which I would be almost sad to sell. The painting is my depiction of nature but painted in my own slightly exaggerated way. I wanted the piece to show freedom and equality between humans and animals which also showed colour, vibrancy and movement. I wanted the woman in the painting to show a perfect partnership between her and the animals surrounding her despite her obviously enhanced physique. This was to display a sense of simple nature with the beauty obsessed image of the modern woman. I have tried to paint this piece using nearly all the different coloured paints I had to hand to show an increased depth and to bring life to its surroundings and the viewer’s imagination www.skillism.com
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RICHARD GREEN dickg14@comcast.net
Richard Green was born in Duluth Minnesota (USA) in 1945. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Theory and Art History from the University of Minnesota and worked as an Art Director in Advertising for about 35 years. He is essentially self-taught as a painter and considers himself a multidisciplinary artist, using photography and computers to achieve the results he's looking for. He has resided in Eden Prairie, Minnesota for half his life, is semi-retired and works part time as a school bus driver in the same city.
“He is essentially self-taught as a painter and considers himself a multi-disciplinary artist� 44
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MARILYN ALLIS www.marilynallis.com
“The absence of any drawing for guidance allowed me the freedom to block in colours”
On a recent trip to New Orleans for Christmas I had an overwhelming desire to capture the magic and atmosphere of this great city. My chosen medium was acrylic, as this would allow me to recreate the ambiance. Using a range of warm colours and various textures to create that enchanting feel. The absence of any drawing for guidance allowed me the freedom to block in colours, enabling the chance to balance the colours and tones as I proceeded with the work. I first painted this scene small but soon decided it would work really well as a much larger piece for this painting is sized at 4’ x 5’. www.skillism.com
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CYRIL GARANT www.monsieurbuzz.fr
“This is pure vector and the piece is part of the exhibition "Mr Buzz Adversities"
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I had already diverted "Faster Pussycat Kill, Kill!" But I was not satisfied, you really had to bring something to it because the visuals of the original movie are already very effective. It is only recently that I had the click of the mix with "Kill Bill" through the word play that inspired me the way ... especially aesthetically, despite the decades that separate these two movies will look like a lot, even on the bottom ... This is pure vector and this piece is part of the exhibition “Mr Buzz Adversities”.
TESSA MO www.tessamo.co.uk
SHAFT I (100 x 140cm, Oil on canvas) is part of a series that explores the notion of transitional space and suspension of time within architecture. The imposing structure is derived from macro photographs of a small paper model, creating a visual ambiguity that exists between the abstract and the real. The recurring appearance of doorways and openings in the painting series signifies an invitation into a constructed reality.
“The imposing structure is derived from macro photographs of a small paper model� www.skillism.com
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ROBERT PALMER www.palmergd.com
Bestiary is a collection of little monster thingys that I have put in a strange world, each kind of have their own country and they coexist through weirdness. With this piece I wanted to get away from my traditional work which usally consists of a big monolithical blob of objects that make a shape or person, animal etc . 48
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“Bestiary is a collection of little monster thingys that I have put in a strange world�
ERIC VAN DEN BOOM www.boomartwork.com
This illustration was made for the Edits exhibition, which is a temporary exhibition at Amsterdam Central Station where designers take inspiration from the museums of Amsterdam. I was inspired to design this piece after a visit to Edward and Nancy Kienholz's 'The Hoerengracht' at the Amsterdam Historical Museum, which
is an installation about the red light district in Amsterdam. As my illustration was going to be printed on a board about 2mx4m I really wanted to create something that would attract the attention of the commuting people that walk pass the exhibition wall everyday. I wanted the illustration to sort of seduce people to look at it, just like the prostitutes at the red light district try to seduce people that walk by.
“I wanted the illustration to sort of seduce people to look at it, just like the prostitutes at the red light district� www.skillism.com
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CYRIL GARANT www.monsieurbuzz.fr
“The medium used is vector drawing with a hint of Photoshop�
The piece is a cover of the sci-fi classic movie poster "the Forbidden Planet" in witch one we could see the first mini skirt of the world, it was in 1956. It's also a cover of Toy Story, Robby the robot from the original poster is here 50
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replaced by Buzz Lightyear for fun and because my character has the same name : Mister Buzz... The medium used is vector drawing with a hint of Photoshop only for the worn look of the background...
ALAN BAKER www.alanbakeronline.com
The main part of this work was produced for a science fiction novel called 'The further adventures or Halley's comet', highlighting events that happened each time Halley's comet appeared throughout history. It was also very rock and roll. My task as illustrator was to depict this. www.skillism.com
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JEFF MCMILLAN www.jeffmcmillan.com
“Every portrait is linked up to an animal, where someone is always being hunted”
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I wanted to combine a tribalistic/ nomadic hunter gatherer being, paired up with nature and it’s makings. Every portrait is linked up to an animal, where someone is always being hunted, depending on who you ask. It’s nature’s misunderstandings on dominance maybe?
PENNY G www.pennyg.com
The Fool IS ‘Ether’, the spark of God, the soul, he floats with closed eyes, ‘experiencing’ his position intuitively!! He is balanced on ‘The Earth’?? only just, and is juggling his choice of cards. Each card depicts a planet symbol, the ‘old way’ teaches we have only 7 planets, now we have 9
taking our understanding to a higher level. Surrounding The Fool are also the symbols representing the levels of esoteric knowledge as he begins his epic journey. He has to integrate and apply knowledge, with imagination and use intuition to prepare the way for total enlightenment!!!
“Surrounding The Fool are also the symbols representing the levels of esoteric knowledge” www.skillism.com
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ROBERT PALMER www.palmergd.com
“I will always admire fighters and thinkers�
This portait of Christopher Hitchens is without a doubt the image from my portfolio that carries the most meaning to me, it was finished just a few weeks before his passing. It was not a commcercial work, it's only purpose was to give hommage to Christopher Hitchens' work and was only motivated by the great influence he had on me as a person and a free thinker. I will always admire fighters and thinkers, he was both, fighting with his words against tyranny however it presented itself. RIP 54
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ROSIE MCCLELLAND www.rosiemcclelland.co.uk
In portraiture it’s the connection to the subject that’s important for me. I’ve tried to depict a sense of contemplation in the sitter, my daughter-in-law, at this late stage of pregnancy. The painting was selected for exhibition at both the Royal Ulster Academy and the Royal Hibernian Academy.
“The painting was selected for exhibition at both the Royal Ulster Academy and the Royal Hibernian Academy” www.skillism.com
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EDUARDO BERTONE www.bertoneeduardo.com
“Illustration, painting and graphic design get fused in a spontaneous, chaotic and strident way�
Illustration, painting and graphic design get fused in a spontaneous, chaotic and strident way to wake up us from a sedative and superficial world. Textures and colors wrap us in the visual saturation commonly used to dazzle, creating dreams, desires and insecurity. 56
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FRODE NYBOE www.nybs.no
“The goal was to create a positive and “live” feeling with the sense of movement in the tumultuous waves”
I started this painting with no sketches, just an idea. I wanted to portray a fisherman in his typical conditions with all the positive connotations that surround the profession. The goal was to create a positive and “live” feeling with the sense of movement in the tumultuous waves. www.skillism.com
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CHARLENE GRANDISON www.cgrandlondon.com
“Our signature piece named ‘Simply Grand’ is the label’s mascot”
C Grand London is an up and coming independent designer label, specializing in unique leather accessories. Our signature piece 58
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named ‘Simply Grand’ is the label’s mascot, it travels with us everywhere and to every show. Recognized for its Classical look of grandeur, this was
created with our company ethos in mind & represents who we are and what we do, which is quite simply beautifully made leather goods…
FABRYAN www.fabryan.com
“Every women needs a red dress in her wardrobe�
The Naomi Dress (SS12) Luxurious long line red silk crepe evening dress with a sophisticated front chiffon neck detail. Every women needs a red dress in her wardrobe and the Naomi dress will definitely turn heads. Elegant and stylish this dress will transcend from season to season. www.skillism.com
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RICHARD YOUNG www.ryoung-art.com
“American ballerina Drew Jacoby is a perfect example of modern, contemporary ballet�
American ballerina Drew Jacoby is a perfect example of modern, contemporary ballet in The Passion of Dance, exhibiting such power and grace, with an aloof sensuality. This original artwork was painted in oil on canvas, using a knife, with a very limited colour palette and mixing only on the canvas! 60
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MEGAN DAVIDSON www.candyreef.com
“I wanted to create a dramatic image that reflects youth fashion and culture�
'Rock Chic' is a self promotional illustration. I wanted to create a dramatic image that reflects youth fashion and culture. The Monocrome and red palette works well with the perspective. This piece is published in The Directory of Illustration 28. www.skillism.com
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ANNA TUOMAALA annatuomaala@yahoo.co.uk
On my illustrations, I like to use traditional techniques like pencil drawing. I also like to work with collages, combining imaginary from different kind of sources. I like to pay attention on styling and details such as hair and make-up.
“I like to use traditional techniques like pencil drawing� 62
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ALENA LAVDOVSKAYA www.lavdovskaya.com
“I specialise in fashion illustration for glossy mags & department stores�
I specialise in fashion illustration for glossy magazines and department stores. I love to draw by hand and from the real model, which is very rare nowdays, but gives amazing emotions. www.skillism.com
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KERRIE HESS www.kerriehess.com
“Done using pen, ink and water colour paint to a sound track of Pink Martini�
This piece was illustrated purely for myself. I am generally working on commercial work for clients such as Vogue, net-a-porter, Tatler, and Neiman Marcus who are some of my favourite clients, but it was so lovely to find the time to illustrate something just for myself... This was done using pen, ink and water colour paint to a sound track of Pink Martini. 64
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LAURA HUTCHINSON www.lahutchinson.co.uk
“The work was influenced by recent media reports on the increase in violent crime amongst young people� This painting is one of a series of works that explore the more aggressive and violent side to humanity. The work was influenced by recent media reports on the increase in violent crime amongst young people. Within this painting I have used various recognisably aggressive dog breeds,
to replace the human face. This is intended to give character to the figures, whilst refraining from giving them their humanity. With many gangs now using aggressive dogs as a weapon to show street status I felt the combination of man and dog was quite apt.
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SARAH SCOTCHMAN www.sarahscotchman.co.uk
“I wanted to portray the flow & movement of the fabric while expressing the sensuality of the dance�
Rio is an original Conte piece on box canvas. I wanted to portray the flow & movement of the fabric while expressing the sensuality of the dance. I love this salsa dress (although it hardly gets worn!) as it clings and drapes in a manner that accentuates the female form, that is best captured while kinetic. 66
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My pastel technique for this piece were first honed at Central Saint Martins where I gained a distinction. My artwork has also evolved from pencil, acrylic and oil over to charcoal and pastel as I love the texture. The piece is striking and provocative showing the flair and spirit of salsa.
TERESA DAVIS www.teresadavis.co.uk
Countryman’s Kitchen is a oil painting. It depicts a kitchen scene that would be a feast for a game keeper or poacher alike. A brace of pheasants, a hare, woodcock and red legged partridge arranged with country vegetables it is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. Teresa’s unique style lends itself
perfectly to the intricate details of the bird’s feathers, delicate textures in the leaves of the cabbage and the spectacular bold colours in the scene. It‘s Teresa’s knowledge of natural history and that allows her to see and reproduce the beauty in this compilation.
“Teresa’s unique style lends itself perfectly to the intricate details of the bird’s feathers” www.skillism.com
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LAURA MAY WESSON www.laurawesson.co.uk
“Burlesque is all about the tease, temptation and sex appeal�
My work is always inspired by fashion, I love it, in this piece I was inspired by Burlesque. Burlesque is all about the tease, temptation and sex appeal. This is what I aimed to express in this illustration through the curves of the figure, the sexy corset costume, the big hair and make up, she is confident, sexy and full of attitude. 68
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LORRAINE PLATT www.lorraineplatt.co.uk
I place great emphasis on colour and the mood it can evoke in each spectator. In some of my paintings glowing oranges and hot pinks are often placed alongside cool turquoises and slate greys. This painting titled ‘Guitar And Listhanthus' depicts a more gentle subtle portrayal of colour.
“I place great emphasis on colour and the mood it can evoke in each spectator” www.skillism.com
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PAUL BENNETT www.paul-bennett.co.uk
“It’s an eclectic synthesis of place, weather and season”
Inspired by memory and experience and developed using artistic intuition. it’s not tied into any specific region or time, it’s an eclectic synthesis of place, weather and season. I choose to capture and communicate my experience this way as it reflects life with its unceasing process of observing, experiencing, interpreting, storing – and ultimately – reflecting. The result I strive for is a unique and original visual experience that has captured not only the sense of somewhere/sometime, but also the more subtle notion of recollection. 70
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ORLANDO CUELLAR www.ocuellar.com
“I really enjoyed trying to convey in paint the atmosphere of loneliness, melancholy and desire”
This piece was created to illustrate the ballad ”La noche”, recorded about the middle of the 60s and performed by the legendary voice of Salvatore Adamo. I really enjoyed trying to convey in paint the atmosphere of loneliness, melancholy and desire of a man who has lost the love of a woman; feelings accurately reflected in this beautiful song. www.skillism.com
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PATRICIO OLIVER www.patriciooliver.com.ar
“The Tenebra Shinrei, masters of Kailand, are silent, solemn, beautiful and wise”
These are two of the races of the world I’ve created called The Tenebrae from Tartatis. The Tenebra Daemon are small, unreliable with restless minds. The Tenebra Shinrei, masters of Kailand, are silent, solemn, beautiful and wise. 72
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ORLANDO CUELLAR www.ocuellar.com
“I started doing this piece with the idea of participating in a contest”
I started doing this piece with the idea of participating in a contest about the subject “travel & tourism”. I began to like doing it, so after the deadline I was still painting… www.skillism.com
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SARAH ELDER www.sarahelderart.com
“I created this painting hoping to communicate the agility, grace and atheleticism of this wonderful creature� A dreamlike vision of a cheetah leaping through the golden African savannah took my breath away. Watching and sketching in the Kenyan bush, from memories and my sketches I then worked in my 74
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studio with charcoal from the fires and earth collected from the area and my oil paints. I created this painting hoping to communicate the agility, grace and atheleticism of this wonderful creature.
ANDY LLOYD www.cheltenham-art.com/andylloyd.htm
“The background light and reflections in the varnished wood created an interesting painterly challenge�
A portrait of a model from Tennessee called Cali Love. I particularly wanted to create this painting because not only is she remarkably beautiful but the background light and reflections in the varnished wood created an interesting painterly challenge. www.skillism.com
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SANNA NAER suga_x@live.com
“Recovery at its simplest and indeed in its essence is about nothing more or less than the recovery of life itself�
Recovery... A lot of things comes to mind when the word Recovery appear. This piece is the process of, recovery of life and freedoms which, represent me and the circumstance I was faced to. Recovery at its simplest and indeed in its essence is about nothing more or less than the recovery of life itself. It is the duration of getting back something of value (life), not merely giving up something that is strongly desired (addiction). 76
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RICHARD GREEN dickg14@comcast.net
“Each of my landscapes contain a subtle lie�
The End of Winter's Tale (part of a series) is influenced and inspired by the works of Andrew Wyeth who steadfastly painted where he lived. Each of my landscapes contain a subtle lie however, in this case the welcome burial of a horrendously difficult Minnesota Winter ~ 2011. www.skillism.com
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WALTER HOLMES www.walterholmes.co.uk
Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland is one of Britain's favourite views and is a popular backdrop for numerous film and television programmes. I wanted to make a painting of Bamburgh silhouetted against the 78
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setting sun. This meant looking at the castle from the South. The castle, like any other feature of the landscape, is simply a useful element of composition in an otherwise flat landscape - the light on the wet beach is the important part to me.
“The light on the wet beach is the important part to me�
LAURA MORETON-GRIFFITHS www.lauramoretongriffiths.com
“The characters, taken from preindustrial painting and ceramics, exist out of time”
Laura Moreton-Griffiths’ paintings are a quirky convergence of social and magical realism. On the surface, the scenes appear bucolic, yet disguised within the whimsical, her themes are about the underbelly of Englishness and are quietly subversive. Cultural and art-historical references are painted into familiar urban settings, causing new narratives to emerge about the influence of the past on the present and contemporary anxiety. The characters, taken from preindustrial painting and ceramics, exist out of time, in a dysfunctional melancholy world, and talk of urban decay, class struggle, gender politics and suggested violence. www.skillism.com
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BO CARTER www.bocarter.co.uk
“Inspired by Victorian style with punky edge to it�
This is the first garment Bo made it and its gone a long way. The jacket has been showcased in UK and in USA and open the door into India and Europe. Inspired by Victorian style with punky edge to it, this is what Bo represent as a person and what she creates in all collection. 80
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DANIE CRONJE daancronje@gmail.com
I usually work with dry pastels. I just love it, to draw beautiful girls. In most cases I am attracted by the model's mouth. This girl was originally photographed by South African photographer Paul Jordaan at a Grand Prix event and he kindly sent me a couple of photos of her to use as inspiration.
“I just love it, to draw beautiful girls� www.skillism.com
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AUGUSTO COSTHANZO www.costhanzo.com
“The version here presented was adapted for a personal exhibition�
This drawing was originally done for an article in the Argentinean Rolling Stone magazine. The article was about the vinyl collectors and the materials’ advantages, with which I agree. The version here presented was adapted for a personal exhibition and was part of an illustration series dedicated to the relationship between music and illustration. I especially like this work because besides having a general idea, it also contains several different concepts in it. In my career I try to work in themes related to cinema and music, issues that inspire me and that are my personal passions. 82
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ALIX ARDUINNA www.alix-arts.com
Petals of organdie opened to the infinity, spangle and plumetis, the life...
Velvet chalice, receptacle of love, muslin and silk, the desire...
In full bloom, fragrance of ambroisy, dreams and fancy, the forgetting...
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ALESSANDRA SCANDELLA www.alessandrascandella.com
Illustration for Corriere della Sera, RCS, 2011, an article about mediterranean diet, watercolour and digital tecnique. 84
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SHIRLEY ANNE HAYES www.greybeastart.co.uk
“The soft pink of the flowers, and the beautiful shiny bee collecting the nectar, reminds us of the ever changing cycle of nature”
This painting entitled “Hydrangea with Bee” depicts summer in all its glory. The soft pink of the flowers, and the beautiful shiny bee collecting the nectar, reminds us of the ever changing cycle of nature. The natural world has always fascinated me, and driven me to recreate the light, colour and form of flora and fauna, therefore this acrylic painting is an example of my “photographic” style. I have attempted to capture the stripes of the bee with a glint of light playing on its body, and the buds of the flower head waiting in anticipation to burst open. www.skillism.com
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FAWN FRUITS www.fawnfruits.com
This piece is about my love for all things vintage in a technological world.
“All things vintage in a technological world� 86
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GIULIO IURISSEVICH www.giulio-iurissevich.com
“When we forget the box that we have built we are liberated�
the name of this piece is "Jung" and did it while contemplating the difficulty in understanding exactly who we really are. Often we believe we are what we are not really. When we forget the box that we have built we are liberated and we really understand who we are. www.skillism.com
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ALISON HANSEN www.alihansen.co.uk
“A successful glamorous woman holding the keys to a fabulous London property� This piece of art was commissioned by a law firm to advertise their property services. It featured in Blake's Hotel magazine. The artwork was done using Adobe Photoshop.
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The concept of this illustration was to show a successful glamorous woman holding the keys to a fabulous London property she has just purchased.
LLUIS BARBA www.lluisbarba.blogspot.com
“Realizo una revisión subjetiva del arte del pasado”
Mi proyecto parte de un sentido crítico y social, que contrasta con ellenguaje empleado por el autor de la obra maestra. Realizo una revisión subjetiva del arte del pasado. Abordo el porqué de los conflictos de nuestra sociedad, la alineación,el aislamiento, la globalización, el mestizaje, el consumo masivo y la pérdidade identidad, definida entre
otras formas, a través del código de barras en formade tatuaje. Tambien contrasto conceptos como frivolidad, glamour y banalidad conarte, pensamiento y cultura, mediante personajes mediáticos, pensadores, turistase indigentes, para evidenciar mensajes implícitos en los mismos como,desmitificación, manipulación, intoleracia, hambre... www.skillism.com
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SARAH BEETSON www.sarahbeetson.com
“I kept a dream sketchbook, visually recording the contents of each night’s dreamings”
My 4th solo exhibition exploredthe link between an obsession with film and how this can affect my dreams andmemories. For 6 months, I kept a dream sketchbook, visually recording the contents of each night’s dreamings and the title of the movie I watched prior to falling asleep. In this particular dream, cocktails, served by Kate Middleton (soon to be Princess) with variesfemale friends and relatives at a hometown pub lead to a visit and proposal from Prince (the pop star). One of the ladies in my dream said to another “she’ll end up just like Lady Di” whilst another replied “Oh I do hope not!” 90
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TINA LOBONDI www.tinalobondi.com
“The new collection is dark with an ultimate elegant touch, inspired by the asian and western culture�
The new collection is dark with an ultimate elegant touch, inspired by the asian and western culture. For this amazing dress, the designer used crepe material and printed african wax. Attention to details and feminine cut, to perfectly fit women at their best advantage. www.skillism.com
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CAROL BARRETT www.carolbarrett.co.uk
I feel drawn like a magnet to Africa. The wildlife never ceases to stir my imagination, its light, colour and sounds flood my senses. The vast wilderness, and huge skies will never let me forget why I have chosen this path. Carol is an artist who wants to use her ability to give something back to the wildlife that has been so important in her life and make the viewer empathise with the wonder of the natural world. She is a keen conservationist and is one of The Cheetah Conservation Fund's artists helping wild cheetah.
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“The vast wilderness, and huge skies will never let me forget why I have chosen this path�
DEREK BACON www.derekbacon.com
The Beetroot Incident at Feltham Library illustrates one of my earliest memories involving colour. It felt like we had walked in on some terrible crime scene: this poor woman with a smashed jar of pickled beetroots, beetroot juice spreading out over the floor in a great pool of purple. She was clearly embarrassed, and we guessed she'd been told to "wait there" while someone hurried off to get sawdust. This was pieced together in Photoshop. With the composition itself I thought it would be interesting to try having all the action pushed to the picture’s edge, with the middle area deliberately void of action. www.skillism.com
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