A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned I was involved in a group gallery show – called “NZ Goes Pop”, which is actually still on (until the 28th) at the Wootini Gallery in Carrboro, North Carolina. The show is a couple of weeks in now, so i figure I had better show the work that I sent on over to exhibit.

I did not have a lot of time to put the pieces together, because we had to get them shipped over there on time. That was my biggest concern. Getting it all done, and to the destination on time. Fortunately for me I was asked to contribute to the show just before December, and knowing I would have some time over the Christmas / New Years period, I knew I could allocate some of my holidays to the work.

Knowing I had to get two pieces done. I started on the concepts for my first piece early. Trying to get a feel for what I wanted to do. Eventually I got it sketched out, and then began working on the final piece.

Interestingly enough, while I used to work exclusively in traditional media, over the last year I had not. It was fun to go back to it and try and refresh myself on the tactile feel of pen and paper and ink again.

The first piece I did is called “Shake Girl”. It was penciled and inked, and then I coloured it with Gouache paints.

Here is the colour rough I did digitally, to get a feel for the colours I wanted to use:

I ended up going with a similar, though more pulled back palate, here is the final physical painting:

I put it in a frame, and the piece was done!

I’ll do another blog about the second piece soon. Meanwhile, “Shake Girl” is still currently available for sale, as far as I am aware. If you’re are interested, get in touch will Wootini and they will be able to answer any enquiries you have about it!

<EDIT – “Shake Girl is now for sale in the Wootini online store at a very affordable price!>

Thanks for reading,
Marc