The Mr Chris Halls Blogg

The Middle-East...

2011-10-17T04:18:00.000-07:00

There're probably not going to be (m)any more posts until around Christmas time and even then it's just a possibility, because I've just started a full-time job in Doha, Qatar teaching primary English...

There's little in the way of Internet connectivity at all for me, let alone uploading drawings and editing them in photoshop. So I thought, seeing as I have the opportunity now to let anyone know this, I'd let anyone know this.

I may find time to do some sketching, but it's unlikely considering the ridiculous heat out here and the demand of teaching everyday.....to crazy, small, kids.

Anyway, I'll try my best to get something done, but don't hold yer breath.

Exhibition Work...

2011-09-13T15:17:00.000-07:00

A new post is currently underway, but may take a bit longer because I'm trying to finish some work for this show:

Walking Through The Veil

I'd encourage anyone who can make it to Bristol to come and check it out. It's a Nordic-themed compilation of work from various artists and should create an interesting almost installation exhibition.

Moving Forwards...

2011-08-16T15:13:00.000-07:00

Another update of observational sketches, moving away from the pen and towards a loose pencil style.

Not sure where these experiments are heading, but hopefully to a fuller understanding of the face, I guess...

Sketch-Madness...

2011-08-05T04:49:00.000-07:00

Well, it's taken longer than 2 weeks, but I've now got a house to live in and have been able to update my cafe sketches. Been drawing practically every day and it's another monster post that's been added to 'observational drawing.'

I'll be sure to post again in a fortnight with some more additions, but I'm starting to question the point of these sketches now.

Maybe I've just been over-doing it...

Back in the Dark Corners of Cafe's...

2011-07-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

I've now moved to Bristol, with no job and I'll be homeless in three days, but I have gotten back into the cafe sketching and there's a decent-sized addition to 'observational drawings' I'm happy to say.

I'll try to carry on with it and post every fortnight or so.

Back to the Blogg Life...

2011-06-09T16:02:00.001-07:00

So I'm pretty much done with the course now and will be moving back to Bristol next week. Hopefully I'll get back into cafe sketching and maybe some more painting, get this blogg thing back up and running again!

In the meantime, I've added a couple more landscapes in the 'paintings' section. They are originally in charcoal on scrap printing paper (to get some texture), but the photos were too shocking to put up without some magic digital adjustment...

Once I get my scanner back, I'll make amends to all sub-standard images.

Slight return...

2011-03-30T06:20:00.000-07:00

Just added a couple of sketches/digitally coloured paintings that I've done and quite like. 3 more months until I'm done at uni......again. Then into the real world (again).

Old Observations...

2011-01-18T11:08:00.000-08:00

Found a few more observational sketches from days gone by that I thought would be worth posting. I still doubt that there'll be many more additions until I'm done with this teacher training stuff in the summer, though.

Anyway, apologies for the poor quality, I don't have my scanner with me.

Low Fuel...

2010-12-01T06:29:00.000-08:00

Finished updating the 'paintings' section, unfortunately I've no idea when I'll have anything new to post in the future. Training to be a teacher is using up my energy...

New Tunes...

2010-11-14T15:33:00.000-08:00

No drawings or anything, but I've done a few new songs...

Blogg Make-Over...

2010-11-07T10:01:00.000-08:00

I've decided to put back up my 'paintings' section, but at the moment it is only filled with the work I did for my exhibition, although some of it is old so you may remember it. Unfortunately, because I had deleted the old 'paintings' blogg and blogger has updated its templates etc.., I've had to give the whole damned thing a make-over. I may see if i can make it look better in the future, but for now, it will suffice.

I'll also see if there are any other paintings worth your viewing...

Wales...

2010-10-27T13:44:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, I'm still looking for somewhere to sketch. Pretty lame excuse, but I've only just moved to Caerleon (near Newport in Wales) and haven't seen much yet. I'll put some proper effort in soon, but I'm doing a teacher training course, which is taking up time too.

Moving on...

2010-09-27T14:28:00.001-07:00

My exhibition's all done now and I even managed to sell a couple of pieces. Thanks to all my friends for their support. I'm going to set about posting some of the paintings and drawings once I've got a computer to do it with and hopefully get back into this blogg thing again.

I'm starting a post-graduate course in teaching in a couple of weeks, but I will try to keep up the sketching.

Open Exhibition

2010-09-08T05:13:00.001-07:00

My exhibition is showing all this week until Friday, so if there are folk who can visit, it will be much appreciated. There are originals and high-quality prints available for sale as well as just for your viewing pleasure.

For those who still look at this blogg (inspite of the extreme delay of work (soon to be amended)) and are able to visit the wonderful city of Bristol, I invite you to join me on the 17th at 7-9 Baldwin Street, Bristol, BS1 1RU where there will be free drinks and good company.

I will be displaying a lot of work that isn't on show here, which include landscapes in watercolour and oil and various digital/pencil works.

To Post Once More...

2010-08-14T04:46:00.000-07:00

Just felt I should say that I don't have a computer at the moment (just my iPod), which is why I haven't posted anything for a long time. I'm looking into it, but I don't expect to be up and running again for a month or two.

Mini Update...

2010-03-07T13:05:00.000-08:00

Been busy re-evaluating my life, but have managed to do a bit of life drawing in the meantime. Only had a 2-hour session, so it's a mini post, better than nothing, though. Hopefully I can get back into the cafe sketching scene again soon.

What I do...

2010-01-19T07:14:00.000-08:00

I've deleted the 'paintings' and 'sketches' sections because they weren't working for me. I'm being ruthless in what this blogg means and what it says about my ability as an artist. I've left the art I want people to think of when they think of what I do.

Watercolour...

2009-11-29T10:15:00.000-08:00

Added a couple of watercolours that I did for friends into 'paintings.' The girl is from a photo.

From Italy...

2009-11-23T02:10:00.000-08:00

Just come back from my trip to Italy. I spent 9 nights in a little town called Cetona and every day I had to get a train from the station at Chiusi (a bus ride away). It was a painting trip and I've posted the paintings I did there, mainly at Lake Trasimeno, from Castiglione del Lago and Tuoro sul Trasimeno, but others from around Cetona and places in between. I haven't done much oil painting recently, but it was good fun wandering around Italy with my Pochade box and foldable stool. It's quite an experience painting 'plein air,' I had to contend with bugs, cramps and although it was actually pretty warm there, once the sun set it got very cold quickly. I plan to continue my exploration into oils, but it means that my updates will probably slow down a bit. Still trying to find a job too.

Another Session, Another Month to Wait...

2009-11-07T09:14:00.000-08:00

First Saturday of the month and I've done a bit of Life Drawing again. It's a shame to get into it and then have to wait another month.

Up and Running again...

2009-11-01T05:43:00.000-08:00

MySpace has fixed the problem, so I've put my music link back.

Back to the Life Drawing...

2009-10-07T07:48:00.000-07:00

After a serious absence of any real work, I've come across life drawing sessions held once a month (better than nothing) and I've updated this months' attempts. I've also added a painting I did for a friend.

Delays...

2009-09-20T08:43:00.000-07:00

Added a few images into 'Paintings' and 'Sketches' that I did a while ago, but only now posting because I've moved and had to unpack. Also, I know the music link doesn't work and I've contacted myspace whose hands it's in to fix.

If you're Interested...

2009-08-18T13:38:00.000-07:00

I've managed to figure out Myspace and have uploaded some music that I do in my spare time (when completely fed up with drawing) onto it. It's mainly improvised and I layer different guitar parts together and add effects in a program.

Show Reel '09...

2009-07-27T15:08:00.000-07:00

Finally managed to update my show reel with some animation that I've been doing during lunch at work.

Back to Sunday Sketching...

2009-06-14T09:18:00.000-07:00

Just a few additions to 'observational drawing.' I've finally been getting outside and drawing again. There's also a little addition to 'photo-graphy.'

Refining...

2009-06-04T12:01:00.000-07:00

Nothing new for the moment, I'm busy at work and am just too tired to attempt any painting afterwards. Will try to get something done over the weekend. In the mean time I've done a few more changes to the composition of some work here and there, still trying to sieve through the weak stuff.

A Little Update...

2009-05-10T06:26:00.000-07:00

I finally managed to get some work done, it's been a while since I got the creative juices flowing. A couple of new things in 'paintings' and 'sketches.'

A New Look...

2009-02-23T05:08:00.000-08:00

I have finally finished all of the corrections to my blogg, which will now be more of an online portfolio. I've tried to select the stronger pieces from those that were originally posted and I hope the new layout looks alright. I'll be adding new art once it's ready, instead of just adding any random image, to keep the quality as decent as I can.

Changes...

2009-02-02T13:57:00.000-08:00

Just in the process of re-organising the blogg, should be together by the end of the week.

Into the Wild...

2009-01-25T10:29:00.000-08:00

Just a few added into 'observational drawing,' but instead of the usual cafe drawings, I wandered through some dirt paths and forestry for far too long in search of some nice scenery to sketch. I only managed to get three done, but am happy with them as something to build upon if I ever get to figure out how to use watercolours, pastels or draw in the freezing cold.

Busy, busy...

2009-01-15T15:58:00.000-08:00

I've been really busy at work lately, with the end of the project in sight now, so my personal work is at a bit of a low. Just been changing some things around the blogg, getting rid of images here and there. I hope to add some new stuff on the weekend, if I'm not too knackered.

2009...

2009-01-02T14:06:00.000-08:00

Added a few paintings in 'finished work' that I did over Christmas and a few new additions in 'observational drawing.' Back to trying to paint, trying to draw and work. Have a good New Year.

Hope Everyone has a Good One

2008-12-19T10:32:00.000-08:00

Tiny Update...

2008-12-03T12:32:00.000-08:00

Just one, little, digital painting in 'finished work.'

Slow Day...

2008-11-23T09:08:00.000-08:00

Only a couple of drawings worth adding this week to 'observational drawing.'

Back to the Cafes Again...

2008-11-16T10:37:00.001-08:00

My little holiday is now over and I'm back to work as usual. Got some new stuff in 'sketches,' todays cafe attempts in 'observational drawing' and one in 'finished work.'

Two Ladies and The Wild West...

2008-11-05T15:08:00.001-08:00

A few new things in 'sketches.'

Just a Little Fun...

2008-10-29T13:32:00.000-07:00

Check out 'sketches,' 'photo-graphy' and 'finished work' for a small update. Unfortunately there wasn't really anything worth posting from last weeks' cafe sketches and I'm on a bit of a holiday from now until Monday, so there may not be more sketches for a bit.

A Beast of a Week...

2008-10-19T10:18:00.000-07:00

A lovely bunch of drawing from this week. Check out 'sketches,' 'photo-graphy' and the latest from todays cafe attempts in 'observational drawing.'

Little Bundle o' Doodles 'n' Photos...

2008-10-17T00:54:00.000-07:00

A few coloured doodles added to 'sketches' and a few new photos in 'photo-graphy.'

Sketching Again...

2008-10-05T10:30:00.001-07:00

Some new sketches from from today in 'observational drawing' and a self-portrait in 'finished work.'

Self-Portrait

2008-10-04T07:35:00.000-07:00

Added a self-portrait into 'Finished Work,' done using Painter.

The Lone Sunday Sketcher...

2008-09-28T09:36:00.000-07:00

Another Sunday of sketching gone by, our so called 'sketch group' now down to a pathetic single member. Me. At least it gets me out and about a bit and gives my weekends a sense of productivity. A little update in 'observational drawings' for your pleasure.

Happy Days...

2008-09-21T11:01:00.000-07:00

Finally finished my old observational sketchbook, filled only with cafe sketches and the like. So todays observational efforts have been added from my shiny new sketchbook and I have also posted some new sketches. Also changed my profile photo to something more up-to-date.

Word of the Week...

2008-09-19T12:33:00.000-07:00

We're continuing this 'word of the week' thing at work and this week's theme was my co-worker Wes. I've put my attempt into 'sketches,' along with a random other sketch.

More Changes...

2008-09-11T14:10:00.000-07:00

I've re-named and moved some things around, hopefully to clear a few things up. Now the 'sketches' section contains everything that was just idley done (in colour and not), so the 'finished work' area doesn't get too cluttered, which is what I felt was beginning to happen. Also taken off what I felt were the weaker images from other places. I really need to get some decent work up, so I can replace the current stuff.

Various changes...

2008-09-06T07:21:00.000-07:00

Made some changes to the blogg here and there, taken off some things and added a few new ones. There are updates in 'colour works,' 'photo-graphy' and 'sketchbook.' The new one in 'sketchbook' is part of a themed drawing thing we've just started at work. This week was: Disgust. So you don't think I draw this kind of stuff all the time.

Little Update...

2008-09-01T14:15:00.001-07:00

Did some sketching on Sunday and posted a few in 'observational sketches.' Also added a couple of drawings for 'colour works.'

News

2008-08-23T08:13:00.000-07:00

I've just found out that the art exhibition I was going to show some work at has now been cancelled, which is annoying because I had put in a lot of effort to get my work presentable. I've added a photo of all the pieces I was going to use in 'colour works' and added some other things there as well. Also added a couple extra in 'sketchbook.' Hopefully I will be able to use the pieces for something else in the future.

New Additions...

2008-08-18T13:46:00.001-07:00

I've finally got around to adding links to my workmates' blogs and put up a few new things to 'colour works:' colour sketches I did for two oil paintings I'm working on and something else less important.

Delays...

2008-08-03T09:57:00.001-07:00

Apologies for having not posted in a very long time. I've been busy getting some work done for an exhibition I'm going to be a part of in Edinburgh. Been making and buying frames, on top of painting some new pieces. I should be adding some more work closer to the end of the month.

More stuff

2008-07-16T11:40:00.000-07:00

Added to 'colour works' with some new watercolour stuff and a couple of random doodles in 'sketchbook.'

Been a while...

2008-07-13T08:24:00.000-07:00

Added a few more sketches to 'observational drawing.'

A couple more...

2008-07-05T13:17:00.000-07:00

Just a couple of quickies; one in 'sketchbook' and the other in 'colour works.'

Some Doodles

2008-07-01T11:52:00.000-07:00

Added some doodles into 'sketchbook' and one in 'colour works.' Not a big update, unfortunately, but there should be some more to add on the weekend.

Busy, busy...

2008-06-23T11:04:00.000-07:00

Added a few more observational drawings and also managed to contribute a couple more photos to my collective 'photo-graphy.' Been busy this week and will be next week, so there won't be another update for a bit.

More drawings

2008-06-02T11:31:00.000-07:00

Added last weekends' observational drawing attempts and a few extra colour pieces too.

A Quickie...

2008-05-23T10:21:00.000-07:00

Just added a Little Mermaid painting to 'colour works,' First time doing a person properly, might try out a longer attempt with something more complex.

Delayed Drawings

2008-05-20T12:59:00.001-07:00

Put up my drawings from the last couple of weeks' sketching, in 'observational drawing.' Also changed me profile image. Very silly.

Small Update

2008-05-04T14:12:00.001-07:00

Only did a few sketches today; the sketch group ain't what it used to be, but it always dwindles at some point. So it was just me this afternoon and it seemed everyone in the cafe was looking at my sketch attempts, which needless to say didn't help much. Consequently I've only posted a little update in 'observational drawing.'

Sunday Sketching

2008-04-27T10:25:00.001-07:00

Added todays observational drawing efforts.

Late Update

2008-04-21T11:24:00.000-07:00

Added quite a few today. There's some extra doodles for Sketchbook and a few more for Observational Drawing as well as in Colour Works. Enjoy.

Midnight Colouring...

2008-04-10T16:22:00.000-07:00

It's been ages since I last did something in colour, so around half past midnight tonight I felt the urge. It's in 'Colour Works.' Also I'm still persisting with my quest to do a sculpture and there were no drawings worthy from last weeks' observational effort. See what happens this Sunday.

Some Photos...

2008-04-01T14:40:00.000-07:00

Added a few more photos, but there probably won't be many more as I'm concentrating my efforts towards a sculpture. I don't know how it will turn out, but there may be yet another addition to my already confusing (apparently) blogg at the end of the week.

Another Sunday...

2008-03-30T11:48:00.000-07:00

Another sketch update in 'observational drawing.'

Last Life Drawings, Sadly

2008-03-27T06:13:00.000-07:00

Afraid to say that there are no more life classes, probably for the rest of the year, so the new ones posted are the last. Hope you like them.

More Sketches and Editing...

2008-03-23T14:37:00.000-07:00

Added some more skecthes in 'observational drawing,' also another life drawing. Now with a scanner, I've also re-posted most of the other observational pieces and arranged them better. Added another colour piece too.

Back with a Scanner

2008-03-11T15:51:00.001-07:00

Back from holiday already, but now I have a scanner. This means that I have now been able to add a new link showing my photos. I like them, maybe you'll like a few. Later I'll scan in the life drawing posts that are at the moment just photos, to upgrade the quality. Also I managed not to do any drawing last week, so another update will have to wait a bit longer.

The last additions for a bit.

2008-02-28T11:09:00.000-08:00

Forgot I had life drawing today, so have posted a few efforts. Also did a watercolour that I have added in 'colour works.' Won't be posting for a week or so, as I'm having a holiday. Might do some sketches, might not.

Break from drawing. Maybe.

2008-02-25T15:06:00.000-08:00

I've added last Sunday's sketches to 'observational drawing,' worked with my brush pen this time. Makes me draw differently, which is good. Also put up another piece in 'colour works,' simple yet effective in my view. I'm off on holiday for a week on Friday, so won't have any updates for a couple of weekends, unless I do some drawing. I'm planning on taking a break from that though, but I'm bringing my sketchbook with me anyway. Just in case.

Digital Art is Addictive...

2008-02-18T16:35:00.001-08:00

Started going drawing on Sundays again, so I've added some new stuff to my 'observational drawing' page. Apologies for the quality; still don't have a scanner yet. Also done some more colour pieces, experimenting in Painter and Photoshop and having some fun. Have promised myself to do some more work traditionally, but it's so much cleaner, quicker and easier on the computer. Will have a think about something to draw during the week.

The Return of The Life Drawing...

2008-02-07T11:28:00.000-08:00

The 'once-every-three-weeks' life drawing we are allowed to do during work hours is back on. I've updated a few from todays' effort.

Wacom = Fun.

2008-02-04T12:57:00.001-08:00

Added a couple more balloon pieces to the colour stuff. Done in Painter and Photoshop together. I've now done my first completely digital art....and it's good, clean, fun. Though there are upsides to the traditional method, the final piece to my balloon theme is on its way too.

What's the point of weekends if you can't prove to yourself that you're actually not that good at all and there's is still a lot to learn?

2008-01-27T12:59:00.000-08:00

Added a couple of more sketches and also a couple to 'Colour Works.' I will be able to use a Wacom come the end of the week, so, with any luck, I'll have a bit more dexterity at my disposal for colouring in. On another note; I'm quite liking my 'Balloon' theme and might try to spend longer than an hour on something special to finish the idea off soon.

Sketches + Photoshop = Art?

2008-01-14T14:19:00.000-08:00

Added a couple of simple, yet effective newbies to my colour stuff. I'm going to go for another painting next weekend, though. Thinking cap's on until then.

New Year is starting off odd...

2008-01-08T14:08:00.000-08:00

Managed to come up with a new oil piece and still working on my pastel technique, which is always an interesting experience. I'm more compfortable with oils, but for the next one I'll take more consideration on my subject. Not really sure what to make of this latest one, but painting is more fun than pencil work.

New Year, New Effort........Hopefully.

2008-01-04T18:42:00.000-08:00

Added a couple more to 'Colour Works' and am in the process of starting a new one to add to it soon.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-21T22:34:00.000-08:00

Added a couple of things to me Sketchbook...

2007-11-23T20:34:00.000-08:00

Added and taken away from 'Colour Works,' as I'm still trying to get to grips with working with pastels. I'm getting a new (clean and larger) set for Christmas, which might help. Maybe.

2007-11-15T11:21:00.000-08:00

I get a chance to do a bit of life drawing every third Thursday at work, but it's at a college and taught. This installment: Hands.

2007-11-12T14:46:00.000-08:00

Still looking for a scanner, but have managed to add some more work for my Sketchbook and Colour Works. Trying to keep busy, but it's difficult to get the motivation after a hard day's work. I plan on posting something each week. Hopefully...

Living In Dundee...

2007-11-05T13:10:00.000-08:00

Well I have the Internet now, but still no scanner. I'm trying to get one. Maybe Xmas. I'm interested in pastels at the moment and have taken some pictures, which are in my new blog called 'Colour Works.' This will hopefully fill up more, as I'm trying to do some oils and carry on working with pastels, which I'm enjoying. I hope to get a Wacom too, so some digital art could be on its way. Managed to put a couple of new life drawings in, but no new stuff elsewhere. My camera couldn't handle the contrast with my sketchbook for some reason.

2007-08-18T16:52:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I won't be able to put up any more work until I get a working computer. I'm also moving out in a couple of weeks, so am pretty busy with finding a flat, moving etc... Rest assured that I will be drawing and stuff, so there will be some new work in the near future.

2007-07-22T08:30:00.000-07:00

Going to be busy for the next couple of weeks, so I won't have much until August sometime. Any more paintings I do will be below with the other one.

2007-07-16T06:14:00.000-07:00

Added some more to me sketchbook and also done an oil painting. I'm going to try to do one a week and I'll post them below when I can.

2007-07-10T04:49:00.000-07:00

Added some new drawings into the sketchbook and a couple more for oberservational drawing. I try to update every fortnight or so.

Grad Film's Back

2007-07-06T02:55:00.000-07:00

Apparently there was no point in taking the film off. It's back.

2007-06-29T01:25:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately I've had to take my film off the internet for the moment, because it's being entered into festivals and some don't allow films to be shown anywhere else beforehand. Sorry, but it will be off until it has done the festival circuit.

Added to Sketchbook

2007-06-08T03:20:00.001-07:00

I've managed to get some drawings for my sketchbook blog. This is basically what I do when I'm bored and let myself go a bit, I try not to let 'good drawing' get into my mind. I save that for the other stuff.

MY GRADUATION FILM! DONE!

2007-06-07T04:22:00.001-07:00

Just uploaded my Graduation film. Been waiting for this moment for a long time.

Welcome...

2007-05-23T02:57:00.000-07:00

Production Still of the short I've been working on this year. Taken up all of my time and most of my sanity, but it is almost done now. I'll put it up when it's complete.