Looking back - and forward

Well it's been a funny sort of year - certainly art-wise I've not done as much as I'd have liked and yet when I look back I have actually achieved an awful  lot - I've continued with the Fantasy Fannies abstracts, painting more of the brightly coloured and highly popular Queyntes and Tarses in acrylics. That in turn led on to the innovative "Living flame" style of painting - translucent colours glazed over each other creating pretty colours to dramatic effect. As well as that I explored  making other abstracts, playing with colour and shape and creating fabulously exciting  paintings like "Interplay", "Wishful thinking", "Camouflage" and "Black jacket".

The "Fantasy Fannies" were also featured very favourably  in Jade magazine which helped to raise their profile as did the radio interview I did at Erotica.

I've also done the "S & M" watercolour painting - hiding the initials within the landscape, so only the people in the know know its there - I really enjoy hiding jokes and secret messages within my paintings and the people who commission them love the joke of it too - the ultimate conversation piece on your wall!

I've been told that I have a reassuringly friendly and professional way of drawing people that puts them at their ease, so that first time nude sitters feel relaxed and comfortable in my company - and the experience is not at *all* as scary as they expected!!!! That's good to hear, then!!!! LOL

I've sold paintings to USA and Canada, and exhibited at Erotica at Olympia, London, for the second year running and feel more established there as an exhibitor. It's hard work, but good fun, and I want to do more art fairs next year as I haven't yet found a gallery that I like the look of to sell my work, and who, equally, likes the look of me. Perhaps I need to go to London to seek my fortune in that direction.................like Dick Whittington ........and his cat! :)

I'm still busy with the local art group that I'm connected with, as well as the Guild of Erotic Artists, and get a lot of help, advice, networking, support and satisfaction from being connected with them. Through them I meet lots of artists and photographers and people generally interested in art and the creative spirit, and that helps in turn to feed mine. Plus, I get some intriging conversations, usually of a very non vanilla subject matter!! :)

I've met some interesting people - quite a few men have offered themselves to pose for me, including one from San Francisco who occasionally comes to England on business and is very keen to be part of my creative output. And  a few others who I may be able to use at some point but the most important one was at the end of the year when  my new male model came into my life and after chatting to him for a while I felt that we could do some work together, and I'm delighted that the drawings of him I've done so far are of a high standard and I hope that it continues in that manner. The fact that he likes the same rock music as me, helps considerably!!! (if he's been a Westlife fan, I'm not so sure we could have worked together! LOL).

Stuart with his outgoing personality and desire to help was a good friend to me throughout the year, and through him I did the talk to his local writers group which in turn led to me being offered a solo exhibition at the library next summer.

And added to the interesting people, is the publicist who has recently contacted me. He doesn't live in England but did for a while, and has a lot of contacts. We've had a few preliminary conversations and I like what we've discussed so far but its very early days yet and may not be exactly what I'm lookiong for. But, if it goes the right way, and its too soon to say yet, I may be painting some very interesting and exciting erotic art next year...............watch this space! :)

So, into the new year, and I've already got a very interesting commission to do - for a male witch - a "Goddess" painting - seven heads of the same goddess, in whatever style I like, in whatever medium I like. But.......each goddess has to be recognisable. This one has got me thinking, and now Christmas is out of the way I can spend more time concentrating on it, because this is a big one and needs a lot of deep thought and focus. Also, I want to put some "magic" into the painting, somehow. As this isn't an ordinary painting. It's a special one, for a special person, for an extra-special reason, and that unique specialness should show within it. So, that makes me think that I may end up painting it twice - firstly as a practice painting to get the creative juices moving, and then as the proper one, the one when I dig into my spirit and pour it into the painting, that's when the magic appears........... and that's what I want to build on next year, making magical paintings for people. The sort that talks to your spirit, your soul, the sort that you want on your walls because its an extension of who you are.

That's what I paint.

Joking apart

I was recently reminded of an erotic art joke and thought I'd share it with you..........


An artist had been working on a nude portrait for a long time. Every day, he was up early and worked late - bringing perfection with every stroke of his paint brush. As each day passed, he gained a better understanding of the female body and was able to really make his paintings shine.


After a month, the artist had become very weary from this non-stop effort and decided to take it easy for the day. Since his model had already shown up, he suggested they merely have a glass of wine and talk - since normally he preferred to do his painting in silence.

They talked for a few hours, getting to know each other better. Then as they were sipping their claret, the artist heard a car arriving outside. He jumped up and said, "Oh no! It's my wife! Quick, take off your clothes!"


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And whilst I'm in the mood for joke telling........


How many artists does it take to change a light bulb?

Ten. One to change it, and nine to reassure him about how good it looks.

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How many modern artists does it take to change a light bulb?

Four. One to throw bulbs against the wall, one to pile hundreds of them in a heap and spray-paint it orange, one to glue light bulbs to a cocker spaniel, and one to put a bulb in the socket and fill the room with light while all the critics and buyers are watching the fellow smashing the bulbs against the wall, the fellow with the spray-gun, and the cocker spaniel.

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How many visitors to an art gallery does it take to change a light bulb?

Two. One to do it and one to say "Huh! My four-year old could've done that!"
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How many surrealists does it take to change a light bulb?



Fish.



 :)

Remembering good friends

This is the time of the year when we think of good friends, old and new, and want to wish them a happy time of good cheer...............

And it's always nice to be remembered by those we hold dear........

Today I spoke to Stuart who I drew just over a year ago and who became a good friend through the experience of it - he wished me a Happy Christmas and commented on how "perky" I sounded. He knows I've had a lot of personal problems recently, and expected me to be down, but I'd had a couple of lovely communications sent to me earlier that I couldn't be low in spirits........

The first was a beautiful poem from my new male model, he'd signed it and framed it for me and given it to me for Christmas. Such beautiful words that touch the heart in the way that poems do - the last verse being:

"The power of the artist is to create;
Images for the mind to see.
There is no greater compliment,
The image? That, is me."

How lovely is that? Gorgeous words and much treasured. I thanked him from the heart and said that the framed poem would be proudly displayed in my studio and is greatly appreciated.

The second communication was a long email from someone who really loved the two new drawings I've done of my male model - and was full of praise of the work I've done on them - he says -

"........These drawings show much more than any of your others. There is a warmth and sensitivity that to me represents a genuine friendship, a bond between model and artist. This model is a natural in your company (hard to believe this is his first drawings) and brings out the very best in your work. He trusts you implicitly and you take great pleasure in drawing him. Please do not interpret my next comment as anything other than professional, but the warmth and detail in these drawings, more than the men in your others, suggest that for a woman, this model is sexually very attractive (As a gay man he certainly is!).

......I must agree with one of your bloggers, (Blazing Scarlet) and the description is "stunning". For me, you have captured the beauty and grace of the male form, yet retained the masculinity and the physical strength of the model............"

Aw, I'm really touched that he liked them so much! But I know I put a lot of hard work and effort into them, so I'm pleased that that shows in the work itself.

And it seems that my artwork has inspired others to pick up a pencil and try their hand at art - someone who likes my abstracts wants to see what they can do in turn....so the art flows on into others, a wonderful gift!

And added to that I've received a very welcome present today from across the seas from someone who has bought art from me in the past, and who I know values greatly the artwork I do, and that makes it all the more special too.


So, thankyou to the people who value my art and the work I do. And who take the time to tell me about it. I always appreciate it.

And thankyou to you for reading my words and the comments you make - some to my face, some by private email, and some here on the blog.

So I'll take this opportunity to wish a Happy Christmas to you and yours and may the spirit of the season gladden your hearts as you celebrate with those closest to you and think of friends near and far...................

Feeling the need

The second time he took his clothes off for me he was far more relaxed. He'd enjoyed the first experience so much that he told me he'd found a new hobby! He found the experience of sitting naked in my company to be liberating, and thoroughly enjoyable he said, but I wasn't to think that he would do it for just ANYBODY - it was something he was happy to keep for me alone. And I was very touched by that sentiment. Because I know its not easy. And he's not done it before for anyone else.

I don't think I could do it, and sit still for that time, and I'd  be sure to get an itch or feel a draught. So because of that I'm aware of my models needs, of making sure they feel happy and relaxed and enjoy the experience as much as possible. It's in my interests to do so - because a happy model will sit still for as long as I need them to. But its more than that too - its having a rapport with the model. Since you're sitting in the same room together, albeit one of you naked and the other one drawing the nakedness. It helps if you actually like each other. It doesn't have to be a stony silence. It doesn't have to be clinical and detached. Its better for me if I feel relaxed, and at ease too. A happy artist makes happy art. So, if there's a bit of chit-chat that's nice as well.  If there's some music to help me draw that helps too. If its got a good beat to it, that helps  enormously for me. If the model likes the same music, then that improves the whole thing. And when the model announces after listening to Bryan Adams that it was ok but what he really likes is Paul Rogers then that makes me a VERY happy bunny!!!!!! YAY!!!! We like the same music! And added to all that, it helps if you have a similar sense of humour. Something to smile about, and share the smile together. And having an ease of personalites helps too .............So when you're hesitating over the pose and you're not quite sure how to voice your concerns and the model says "Do you want me to move my cock, Jackie?" that helps a lot too!!!!! :)

The pose this time was a nice relaxed diagonal one, with the model semi lying on a sofa. His weight resting on his left arm, one leg slightly curled under him, his right hand lying on his upper thigh, his face turned to the viewer but the expression enigmatic. He is certainly aware of the viewer. But then you find that the title of the drawing is "Feel the need" and you think "What need would that be then?" and you look a little closer and realise that its that right hand that's about to do something. But what? What need is rising within him? MMmmmm....?

Partying, Erotic style!

There can't be many Christmas parties that involve conversations about swinging.

Or maybe there are.

Perhaps its just the world I live in. It seems perfectly normal to me to be at a Christmas party where there is a gorgeous naked woman in the corner of the room being adorned in a very festive way by a male artist and his palette of paints. As the party wore on, she gained more clothes. Well, technically, they weren't ACTUALLY clothes, but they LOOKED like they were. The pretty red bra, complete with lace. The red knickers to match. The red stockings, and the red suspenders. She CERTAINLY LOOKED dressed at the end of it, even though she was as naked as she'd started the afternoon. It was fun though, as her outfit progressed, and the men stood around watching..... there's something about stockings and suspenders that brings out the men, everytime!!!! LOL

And then there was the singing. Very festive again, with the snow and Christmas presents themes. All very jolly, and a good start to the proceedings, it warmed us all up, and made us think of loved ones, and what we'd like to give them for Christmas.......... and yes, you can be as rude as you like with THAT thought!!!!

There was the swopping of actual presents, and cards, kisses, and hugs, new friends made, and old ones valued. Smiling faces, and laughter. The Christmas tree lights glowed red and pretty and everyone was in a good mood.

The wine flowed.

The conversation flowed.

But the most interesting conversation for me was the one that involved parties that other people had attended. More......intimate parties. With like minded people. People who like to watch. People who like to see. People who like to participate. And maybe..................play a little..................with others.......................And then of course there were the other stories that went with it. The amusing anecdotes. Especially the one that involved a guy.........who had been purchased..................for a whole weekend...........to.................er...............pleasure the lady.......................who had bought him....................whilst her husband..............................watched. The husband had purchased a massive bag of viagra. The guy who had been bought was worried.............................very worried.........................and that can't be good for his.................er.......................morale!!!!! I wonder how it all went............................. Tee Hee!!!!!

Looking for the ideal gift?

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Go on, spoil yourself!

Bit by bit I'll get to you

A big fan of mine appeared in my life yesterday for another reason other than art and mentioned in passing that he'd recently been working in Ethiopia. I know he works abroad a lot in many countries, and I know he tells all of his many male work colleagues to look at my website whilst they're out there for the duration. Lots of lonely men looking at erotic art - its as good a reason as any to look at my website! But the guy made me laugh out loud when he said that he was recently in a local hobby craft shop and saw one of those "paint by numbers" pictures hanging up. He was across the shop from it, so was looking at it from some feet away. His immediate thought was that it was one of my "fantasy fannies" images. And he smiled to himself and thought "Go girl!!!!" On closer inspection................................ he realised ......it was ........a ......woodland scene. That made me laff!!!! A woodland scene!!!! Tee hee!!!! But REALLY wonderful that he *thought* he'd seen one of my fantasy fannies! That he was reminded of my art because of it, was great. You see....bit by bit........my art gets into your sub-conscious. You'll start seeing what I see ............images hidden in other images. Faces in clouds. Unicorns in woodlands. Dragons in patterns in the sand. Fantasy fannies in paint by numbers................secret messages in my paintings..............

Bearing flowers

He arrived bearing flowers. Beautiful white roses. As he walked through the door he kissed me, a peck on the cheek. There was an understanding between us.....

An easiness pervaded  the room as we chatted and I made him tea. But we both knew he wasn't here for the chat or the tea. There was a more pressing reason. One that couln't be denied or delayed any longer.

It was time.

I lead him into the other room. He looked around and knew what was expected of him. I described my desires and he nodded in agreement.

I turned away and by the time I had turned back, he was naked. And ready. And waiting for me.

But I knew it was his first time, and I wanted to make it as easy as I could for him.

I looked at him for a while before I made a move, then I raised my right hand and gently caressed the paper infront of me with the pencil. The first mark was the start, and I carried on, my hand moving over the paper, my eyes moving between the real him and the one I was creating on the paper infront of me. We still chatted, and the easiness was still there between us. And at the end, he stood and looked at what I had created and he was greatly moved by it and told me so. Because his perceived view of himself was not the one I had drawn. But I had only drawn what I had seen. And told him so. He said he had wanted to be drawn for some time, and wanted to see how the world views him. I've heard this said before. And I know he had searched for a while before he found me. But he said he knew he had made the right decision in choosing me. And I'm glad he did, because I think we will work together again. We both enjoyed each others company and I liked the ease between us.

The fact he likes rock and particularly AC/DC helps though! LOL

This drawing is my first of him, but hopefully not my last. He thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and thanked me for making it so pleasant for him. And is certainly keen to try it again. So I obviously didn't scare him too much on his first experience of life drawing.

And here it is, the drawing. I love doing these white on black images and find them far more sensual because of the effect they create. Its called "Opening gambit" because I feel there is more on offer that may appear at first glance. A naked man. A relaxed pose. But on closer inspection there is a glint of something ......................... a piercing.

With loads of zeros

I had a chat with someone I've known for years earlier on. But he doesn't know me in the guise of an Erotic Artist and was surprised to hear that's what I am. Taken aback, but also intrigued and interested. Intrigued wiht my art, and interested to hear about my website. He said he'd take a look at it later on.

And he talked abit about art, and his interest in it. He's a painter. A painter and decorator actuallly, but he likes art too. He mentioned that he sometimes does work for an interior designer, who had recently been asked to deorate the place he was doing up with some artwork. He was given an amount of £10,000 to spend, and went to London to find the art he wanted. He came back with a painting for £7,000 and four or five lesser pieces to fill the walls.

This little story interested me.

The subject of the art wasn't mentioned.

And probably wasn't of interest.

What was of interest, was the price tag. The £7,000. And the fact he had to go to London to get it.

That was the importance of the tale.

That the person in question could AFFORD a painting for £7,000. It was making a STATEMENT.

And the statement was "I've got money, I can afford to spend ALL of this on art, I have taste, I am refined, I am elegant, and I'm going to tell you about it, so that you KNOW!!!!"

I understand that statement. I understand that a buyer wants to do it. I know I have the standard of work. But maybe my paintings are too cheap................maybe I should put a zero at the end of all my artwork. Or...........maybe two!!! :)