My experience at the London Fine Art studios

I had forgotten to blog about my period of study at the London Fine Art Studios on Lavender Road, London this past summer. Stumbling upon this 'atelier' set up in the tradition of the classical masters' studios online, I decided to kill two birds with one stone and spend part of my post retirement holiday/visit to family holiday (3 weeks) to improve on my painting skills and in the process, meet artists from all over the world. I found accommodation in nearby Beckenham, travelled from family in Milton Keynes and prepared for my daily commute (two trains and a bus! each way) and some serious learning.


After picking up our art kits on day one, we had to set up easels and learn to draw with charcoal on paper, delineating light and darks (two values) after drawing forms to correct measurements.

Later, we discovered that in the course of the programme, all weeks I registered for (Foundation, Figure and Portraiture) started with this basic introduction. From two values to three values (lights, darks and a mid tone), then application of paint in monochrome then full colour - we were restricted to the Zorn palette which forces you to mix paint to the correct values without the distraction of plenty of colour choices.

There was absolutely no time to waste on any of the days. Standing for hours was what we signed up for. At every point in time, sharp directed lighting and the subject would be set up and the day's tutor would be always asking us to step back, review and correct values, measurements until we got it right. I doff my hat to Joni, Archie, Anne,  Michael, Nneka & Chris. I still hear Joni's voice telling me to step back from my easel while I'm painting.




Luckily, there were breaks in between where we could stretch our legs, have a coffee, go for lunch and socialise.

Lots of learning and fun that I will be applying to my painting going forward. Made new friends that I have kept in touch with.

I also had at the end a small haul of oil quick paintings on board and sketches of figures done during Monday live figure drawing /painting sessions that I won't post. Lol.

My juried paintings on exhibition

I have four paintings at the New Frames 2018 exhibition, two of which are hanging in the main foyer, Hotel Presidential.

Nyarinya 36 x 36" 2018 Oil on unframed canvas

My Redeemer liveth 36 x 24" 2015 Oil on unframed canvas

Others not on display

Hustling and Dozing
Nigerian Woman
paintings that I have described in previous posts.

New Frames 2018

It was an evening to remember at the Opening Night of New Frames 2018 in Port Harcourt on 20th October, an annual juried exhibition of the Society for Nigerian Artists, Rivers State.

Highlights of the evening.

An alla prima demonstration depicting the degradation of Rivers State environment and the need for constructive reparation in terms of development and rebuilding.

Eager and attentive audience:

In summary we had a great evening.

2018 New Frames - 4 days to go

We are 4 days to the Society of Nigerian Artists annual juried exhibition New Frames. I will be exhibiting with about 30 other artists, largely based in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. You are cordially invited to this exhibition which runs from 20th to 27th October 2018 at the Hotel Presidential Foyer, Port Harcourt.

You'll be amazed at the sheer volume and diversity of works available for viewing and purchase.