The Tooth And Nothing But

12 Wednesday Sep 2018

Posted by in Art, Drawing, Sketchtember, workshops, writing

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Here’s some bloke with a toothy smile.

This is pencil on cartridge paper. I wonder what his name is?

I’ve been focusing on people recently because I want some interesting characters to use with my young writers group this Saturday. We’re going to look at advice columns/blogs. I’ll ask them to choose a character and to come up with a problem they need advice on. When they’ve written the problem, I’ll get them to swap with other members of the group and they can then write replies. I think it should be a good exercise for developing characters and stories.

Writing Writing Writing

11 Tuesday Sep 2018

Posted by in Mantle Lane Press, Short Stories, writing

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Remember that? The writing thing? Well, I’ve some good news with regards to published work and public performances.

First up, Mantle Lane Press have taken my short story, Electricity, to be included in a wonderful anthology that focuses on outsiders. The collection is entitled Songs for the Elephant Man. They’re also going to publish a long short story of mine called, Submerged. More news on this soon.

On the performance front, I’ll be reading a short story as part of a Room 204 sharing session at the Birmingham Literature Festival, and reading at Country Voices at a cosy pub in Ironbridge.

I’ll add full details soon.

Gee, Ren.

10 Monday Sep 2018

Posted by in Art, Drawing, Sketchtember, writing

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Tonight’s speed sketch is once again in pencil on paper. This is a real quickie as I’m short on time. This is a drawing of a 3D bath toy that a friend brought back from the States in the 90’s.

Hopefully, I’ll have more time tomorrow.

Also, tomorrow I’ll post some writing news regarding publications and readings – after all this is a writing blog.

Taking a line for a walk

08 Saturday Sep 2018

Posted by in Art, Drawing, Sketchtember

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I have a bit of a hangover today after seeing the incredible The The in Birmingham last night. I’m blaming this for my lack of ideas for today’s sketch – yes, it’s another self-portrait!

My old art college buddy, Clive Russell, pointed out a few areas for development with the last self-portrait and suggested that I draw in pen with no rubbing out. That’s what I’ve done!

The result is okay. It looks a bit like me although the mouth is a bit small and the glasses aren’t quite right.

Drawing with pen means you have to focus on what you’re looking at and be confident in your mark making – something best left for hangover free days.

Libraries are awesome.

07 Friday Sep 2018

Posted by in Art, Drawing, Education, fiction, Sketchtember, writing

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I’m re-blogging this essential piece on The Guardian website from Neil Gaiman and Chris Riddell because it’s vitally important. Books give us access to vast amounts of knowledge and the essential world of fiction. Read on to find out why that is so important.

To read the rest of this click on the link here.

Self Portrait

06 Thursday Sep 2018

Posted by in Art, Drawing, Sketchtember, writing

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Well, this is awkward. Staring at me for just under an hour was a bit weird, but very rewarding. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not floating on a narcissistic high. No. I’m pleased, very pleased because this looks a bit like me.

Self Portrairt finished

There’s not a lot of shadow in this because I sat in the conservatory to do it and it was reasonably bright. This is pencil on paper. I used my ‘trusty’ H pencil again. I need to go through the art stuff that we have here and see what else we have. If I can get into town this weekend, I may treat myself to some charcoal!

I thought I’d show you some work in progress shots too this time.

Let me know what you think.