Hi to all from Paul

[Paul Foxton]

Hi All,

I was kindly pointed to this forum a little while ago by an existing member, and have been deeply impressed with the quantity and depth of the information I've found here. I'm very happy to be joining up properly today.

I'm an ex-painter recently returned to the fold, and am currently working to improve my skills with a view to turning professional again when I can. Despite having had some art education in the UK some years ago, I have much to learn. It certainly looks like I've found the right place to learn it.

Most of my work at present is focused on training myself to see properly. I keep an online diary of my (lack of) progress at http://www.learning-to-see.co.uk, where I ramble on aimlessly when I should be drawing and painting.

Below is my most recent portrait drawing. I'm trying to stay away from producing finished portraits at present, at least until I think I might have picked up enough not to make a complete hash of it. I've already learned so much from browsing here, I hope I can contribute something too - if nothing else I can provide a good example of how not to do it.

Thanks,

Paul

[Garth Herrick]

Hi Paul,

Welcome, I'm glad you are joining us! Your portrait drawing is lovely, and rock solid, as are your cafe sketches on your blog. You're good. I look forward to your thoughts and contributions here.

Garth

[Paul Foxton]

Thanks very much for your kind comments, Garth.

You may have noticed I borrowed your photoshop hex code for the studio wall colour for the background for the images on my site. It works very well I think, so thanks for that too.

I'm convinced the cafe sketches are the most productive practice I'm doing at the moment. Trying to catch someone in a couple of minutes is quite a challenge, but what's surprised me the most is how much fun it is!

[Alexandra Tyng]

Welcome, Paul! I checked out your website, too. I'm particularly fond of the still life of squash and carrots, and I also like the drawings. Those continuing education exercises you are doing look like a great idea--I may try some, especially the upside-down drawings.

Hope you enjoy being on the Forum.

Alex

[Richard Monro]

Welcome Paul,
We learn as much as we teach on the forum. It is a great place for artists to meet and help each other. Looking forward to your contributions.

[Claudemir Bonfim]

Hi Paul,
I vistited your website and I liked your work too. I specially liked the way you treat your edges in your latest painting.

Welcome to the Forum.

[Paul Foxton]

Alexandra:

Thank you.

I do think the exercises are helping. I got the idea for the upside down drawings from 'Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain' by Betty Edwards, which has some great exercises aimed at switching off the internal jabber and seeing shapes and tones, not things. Its a hard thing to quantify, but I'm pretty sure its helping me to see more accurately.

Richard:

Thanks for the welcome, I'm looking forward to participating in the discussion.

[Paul Foxton]

Thanks Claudemir, you've just reminded me that I should get my brushes out again soon!

[Mary Sparrow]

Thank you for joining us Paul! I look forward to seeing more of your work. Welcome.

[Joy Thomas]

Welcome Paul,

I have been a member of this site just under two weeks...I think it is amazing! I visited your website and I can't tell you how much I enjoy your journal format. (I may steal that concept for my own site!) Going to the cafe to sketch from life is "the real deal" and a sure way to live a true artist's life.

I see that you are in the United Kingdom...
Where are you in relationship to Newark on Trent, Lincoln or Long Bennington? I spent the first half of December working in Long Bennington and Newark for "Teaching Art, Inc" are you familiar with them? They distribute books, publish "Paint" magazine, produce DVDs and sponsor the SAA (Society for All Artists). ..perhaps you are a member?

You see, I