Robert Egby's Art 2020

 

WELCOME TO MY PAINTING WORLD...

I took up painting in 1974 when I quit heavy smoking after a life of journalism and news photography. I really needed to do something with my hands. In my early years -- 16 -- when I left school in England, I worked as a messenger in David Hand's animation studios at Cookham, Berkshire and hey, being around a flotilla of great artists I learned to draw. It's a gift, a skill that has stayed with me.

Since those early years in the 1970s  when I created over 50 canvasses and canvas boards in just two years, painting has been an intermittent function. I dropped slow drying oils and migrated to acryllics, and so I would paint for a year, then stop for a few years. I have no idea what the experts would call that mode of life.

In this year -- 2020 -- the Year of the Covid and with Betty Lou in self-seclusion in Delaware, we got a 12 fooot wooden shed converted into a studio and I started painting. First, I paint all my new canvases with a wash of burnt umber and maybe a touch of dark red. Apparently, according to the Veneitians it gives a sense of depth when a picture is created over the top.  

                            "Bowers Beach: In the Early Days of the Virus"       

                            Created from a photograph. A bitter day for all. Canvas 16 x 20.

                        "The Old Boat: RIP"  I used to love painting boats. There's a mystery

                 story, a life lurking behind every one.  Canvas 16 x 20

"Window to Another Time"  I love painting old windows and

working with the vanishing point to get that sense of depth. Canvas. 8 x 12.

"La Choza de Chico"  This came about after writing my historical novel

"The Urkiola Boy" and  "El Chico de Urkiola" in Spanish. It is a 

Basque shepherd's hut.       Canvas 16 x 20

"A Snowman in the Mountains."  Most artists like to paint wild and beatiful

mountain scenes, particularly in the winter. My quirky senses decided

to add a Snowman -- Why not!      Canvas 16 x 20 

"Christmas Card 2020" -- It was a  challenge. Betty Lou and I emailed it to

all our friends and received some interesting feedback. 

"Eguberri On: that's Basque."     Canvas 16 x 20

And so, we have a new year and new opportunties.

Have Brush, Will Paint! 

Robert

robertegbyauthor@gmail.com