Life Studies of Ruben

Here are a couple of life studies of one of my favourite life models, a young Spaniard named Ruben.
Ruben is very interested in the whole artistic process and takes great pains in finding and holding good poses. By necessity our longer poses tend to be a bit more static than dynamic though.

Bisto Children’s Book of The Year Shortlist Announced

The 10 book shortlist for the 20th Bisto Children’s Book of the Year Awards has been announced, and I am delighted to have been included once again. This time for my work on "Lincoln and his Boys" by Rosemary Wells.
The winners of the Awards will be announced on the 24 May.

THE FULL SHORTLIST:
An Gréasaí Bróg agus na Sióga – Catríona Hastings and Andrew Whitson
Chalkline – Jane Mitchell
Colm and the Lazarus Key – Kieran Mark Crowley
Gluaiseacht – Alan Titley
Lincoln and his Boys – PJ Lynch
Solace of the Road – Siobhan Dowd
The Eyeball Collector – F.E. Higgins
The Gates – John Connolly
The Third Pig Detective Agency – Bob Burke
There – Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick
Maire Uí Mhaicín, Chair of the 2009-10 Judging Panel, said: “This year’s shortlist provides challenging and entertaining reading material: the works included span across the ranges of fantasy, mystery, folklore and the gritty realities being endured by young people as they cope with life changes. The variety of books shortlisted will ensure satisfying reading material for readers of different ages, interests and reading levels.”

A Busy Week

Last week was a busy one for events of one kind and another.
Wednesday saw IBby Ireland's announcement that Eoin Colfer and I would be the Irish nominees for this year's Hans Christian Andersen Award. (There are some photos in iBby Ireland's gallery section. That's me and Eoin pictured with Mary Finn and Andrew whitson above).
It's the second time that I have been nominated by iBby Ireland, and I really do consider it a huge honour.
The event itself was well organized and relaxed, and it was my first chance to really meet with Eoin. I'm a big admirer of his work and we discussed the possibility of working on a book together. I would love it if we could make it happen. He's a very funny guy: you can check out his website here.

Then on Thursday there were a couple of very buzzy art openings in Dublin.
Mick O'Dea had a great show at the Kevin Kavanagh Gallery, and later there was the launch of the Life Drawing Exhibition at The United Arts Club.
I've been delighted to have been involved with the life drawing shows at the Arts Club since they began about ten years ago.
Tom Byrne started the drawing sessions, and since he moved to France, the class has been in the capable hands of Brian Gallagher. Look out for Brian's new show opening this week at the Signal Arts Centre in Bray.

Keshet

Here's another life painting.
This was a pretty quick one I did of Keshet, our Israeli model.
I have found it tricky to capture a likeness of Keshet, but I was very pleased with the way this rear view worked out.

Life Painting of Martin

I haven't posted any life paintings for a while, so here's a recent one of Martin, who is one of Dublin's best-known life models and a very sweet guy.
I don't like to mess about with life paintings after the session, but even while I was working on this painting, I knew I would have to bring the skin tones together with a few warm glazes. I also tidied up the background.