‘Southwold Washing Line’
Welcome to the commissions page for Southwold Washing Line. Here I tell the story of the art as it happened and show the work in progress through photos and video. Every commission I undertake will have a page like this, I hope you enjoy it.
A commissioned piece created for a client to capture the essence of Southwold in the form of a washing line to fit on a specific wall.
The inspiration…
The two artworkss below are pieces I created inspired by Cornwall and these were a starting point in part.
SWIMMING COSTUMES (ROW)
WASHING LINE
The piece will use an ordnance survey map of the local area, local history books and dictionary definitions to provide a narrative that relates to family days on the beach in this beautiful town.
STAGE ONE: COLLAGE AND LAYOUT
Stage one is always selecting parts of the map to create the items on the washing line. (It’s good to know that the town of Southwold is actually shaped like a pair of pants!)
The designs below are a loose collage sketch to show to the client, define the main garments and check I am on the right track.
It’s also an opportunity for them to read the text, and check that the content so far is what they had in mind. They can then suggest particular ‘words’ or dictionary definitions they may like to add and also suggest place names or patterns that may fill the towels and the clothing.
STAGE 2: PATTERNS AND COLOUR
Collecting patterns and laying them out on the collage, plotting the details and colour plan for the piece.
The colour will be bright, fresh and fun with just a touch of retro.
Some of the patterns will have a reference to a particular story relating to a day spent in Southwold.
I will collect vintage patterns over the next few weeks to add and layer over the map
STAGE 3: THE ARTWORK BEGINS
The sketch and ideas were approved, so the work begins!
adding the background.. view along Southwold beach
STAGE 4: PAINTING THE BACKGROUND
So the background was added.. a view along the beautiful beach at Southwold, with some of the landmarks along the way.
The beach huts are an important memory for the family and I decided to add the whole view as its the only way to really capture their charm!
The sketch on cello ( the black pen lines) is a useful way to work out where the painting would best fit in the composition
STAGE 5: PATTERNS AND COLOUR SKETCHES
Working out the colour palette and how the patterns will work with the existing colours of the collaged text and fragments of maps.
Bright fun and lively with just a touch of retro..
The line is a collection of quirky objects, some real washing.. quite eclectic!
The towel with the spirals is a pattern inspired by the view of the lighthouse staircase seen from below, also a reference to fossil collection. The Swan is a fabulous hotel in centre of town. The socks are all odd as a nod to a busy house with love and activity valued over order!
So, I had to keep the piece for a few weeks after this as I do like to let the ideas settle. I added a couple of special touches based on the initial brief, including a map and Union Jack sticker on the swan suitcase, a crabbing bucket by the spade and a part of the Southwold crest on the stripey t shirt. There is also a hidden space invader somewhere in the piece.. a reference to the games that can still be played on the pier. I am delighted with the work and feel it is now ready for framing.
I have enjoyed every moment creating this artwork and it will be very hard to see it go! However, it has a gorgeous home in Southwold with a perfect wall just waiting to be filled and I can’t wait to see a photo of it on the wall.
Thanks to the lovely family that made the commission happen!
Postcards.. A series of 4 postcards are available to buy from selected shops
…WATCH THIS SPACE FOR A VIDEO WHERE I TALK THROUGH THE STORY PLUS NEWS ON WHERE TO BUY THE PRINTS IN SOUTHWOLD.. SUPPORTING LOCAL GALLERIES!