Shoe portraits - I want to be a painter when I grow up!

STAGE 3 Ballet Shoes

2012-02-09T06:28:00.000-08:00

I believe this is stage 3 ... bit more depth and detail.

STAGE 2 .... AGAIN! Ballet Shoe Commission

2012-02-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

OK - think we're on the right track now!

My initial bash at the ballet shoes just wasn't working for me: overworked, overloaded and too tight ... so in my great wisdom on Tuesday, I washed if off and started again ...

It's looking a bit better now, good brushstrokes on the shoes, and happy with the rich red with hints of orange and pink in there.

Lot more work to do but am much happier with this stage now!

Ballet Shoes commission begins

2012-02-01T08:58:00.000-08:00

Here is the first stage of the ballet shoe commissioned painting.

It's a bit of a ropey phone photo but its' just to gauge the size and composition at this stage.

Fitting nicely within the 20" x 10" brief

SUMMER FUN - SOLD

2012-01-31T03:50:00.000-08:00

First original painting of 2012 has just sold in Edinburgh.

The painting of my daughter's old canvas summer shoes (aged 5.5!) was done in October 2011 - a nice loose wee painting and a bit of light relief in this loathesome January weather!

Need to get painting again!

NEW PRODUCTS - SNEAK PREVIEW

2012-01-17T02:49:00.000-08:00

New magnet

Matching Card

New Card

Here are a couple of the new products launching at Scotlands Trade Fair at SECC 22-24th January.

There are 6 new card designs + 4 new FRAMEABLE cards and frames + 4 new magnets

Pop along to stand K68 if you're visiting!

I CAN'T EVEN SEE MY COMFORT ZONE FROM HERE!!!

2012-01-16T11:10:00.000-08:00

I have been asked umpteen times if I have a print or card of ballet shoes ... and finally I have cracked and rattled one up for the Spring Fair on Sunday ... here's a taster of the new card.

A bit pink ... a bit shapeless compared to the usual suspects but hopefully will hit the mark with the ballet fans!

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME

2012-01-13T05:23:00.000-08:00

Here's a better pic of the watercolour version of There's No Place Like Home ... no ... still not touched the oil version!!!

This one will become part of the new Red Shoe Collection of cards & prints launching at the Scotland's Trade Fair at SECC next weekend ... and I might just wear the shoes one of the days!

Big challenge this weekend though: the pink ballet shoes ... ballet shoes have been requested so often, I have to paint them. Borrowed for only a short time so need to get my finger out.

Watch out for a website update next weekend: www.gillianpark.co.uk

WATERCOLOUR COMPARISON ... got carried away

2012-01-11T06:21:00.000-08:00

On Monday I started the oil painting of my red shoes with big red ribbons ... and in my wisdom, I decided to paint a watercolour version alongside to see how that works.

I started the watercolour version yesterday ... but got carried away! My watercolour comfort zone (plus the urgent need for some new card designs!) took hold of me and I haven't managed back to the oil version - I have LOOKED at it a few times .. but that's not quite the same!

Here are the progress pics (rough as they are!) of the watercolour version of There's no place like home ....

1. Initial sketch

2. bit of loose colour

3. a bit of depth added

4. A bit more detail .... and I thoroughly enjoyed painting the pattern on inside!

5. and now for my favourite pen .... There's No Place Like Home ... or there's no medium like watercolour!!!

PROGRESS OF AN OIL PAINTING

2012-01-10T05:24:00.000-08:00

Taking a leap of faith here and decided that I would take progress pics of how a painting progresses .... however, an oil painter I am not!

So this is a big step for me (pun intended!) however, am hoping it will help and make me less likely to chicken out, ditch the painting and go back to the safety of my watercolours ... here's hoping anyway.

Have had this canvas lying around for years in the hope that I might actually use it and become marvellous oil painter ... but it scares the living daylights out of me so yesterday I took some brave pills and nervously started painting 'There's no place like home'

... great idea today: gonna start a watercolour version of same painting and see how they progress ... not started that yet but will post when I have.

Step 1 (9th Jan) - initial painting to get shape right:

Which I didn't manage when I came back to look at it last night, I can see the one on left is for gigantor and the one on right is for normal sized person!

A quick revision while I run the bath for child no. 2:

I will say: the canvas is 50cm x 50cm so it's much bigger than am used to - I normally paint in actual size (any excuse)!!

LACEE'S WEDDING FLOWERS - COMMISSION

2012-01-09T01:00:00.000-08:00

I have received an interim pic of the commission I painted before Christmas.

The painting was sent to the US rolled in a tube, unmounted and unframed - so it's great to see how it looks now!

Painted from a few supplied wedding pics and commissioned by Zak (of The Fiddleheads fame - http://thefiddleheads.net) for his new bride, Lacee, as a surprise Christmas present.

She was delighted ... as was I! (More pics coming soon)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2012-01-06T09:09:00.000-08:00

It seems like such a long time since I last blogged but now the festivities and reality resumes once again, I will get back into the swing of it!

No painting has been done since November - eek - and now worried that I will have forgotten how! But this weekend, I may find time to dabble in a sketchbook or indeed attempt my sparkly red shoes.

SPRING FAIR - 22-24TH JANUARY, SECC- STAND K68
Only 2 weeks until the Spring Fair in Glasgow SECC so time is pressing on and I would like to add a couple of red shoe paintings to my ranges so ... watch this space.

I will be launching a new series of Frameable Cards and another few Magnet designs which have been hugely popular since their debut in September! Plus a few new card designs .... please pop by Stand K68 and say hello if you're visiting.

MY FIRST OVERSEAS COMMISSION HAS LANDED:
A bridal bouquet commission I painted in November has arrived safely in Georgia, USA and hoping to receive a pic of the final framed & hung painting this weekend. I have been unable to blog about it before as it was a surprise Christmas gift. I have heard that it has been a huge success and was very well received, here's a wee bit of the message I received on boxing day: "she absolutely loved it! Thank you again for making her Christmas so special!" ... ahhhh ... my first overseas commission

LAST ORDERING DATES FOR CHRISTMAS DELIVERY!

2011-11-28T04:49:00.000-08:00

How time flies!!! Can't believe I'm posting a final order date already!

I will be jetting off to sunny climes for a week in December so final dates are below:

FRAMED PRINTS: 5pm Monday 5th December
CARDS & MAGNETS: 5pm Friday 16th December

I will be away from Friday 9th December - Friday 16th December - any online purchases of cards & magnets in that week will be posted on Monday 19th December by 1st class mail.

NO print orders will be taken from 5th December - sorry.

A WEE CHANGE

2011-11-25T04:51:00.000-08:00

This is a bit of a hush hush job but here is a very rough pic of the finished painting.

The white should really be white but the inclement weather today is wreaking havoc with my lighting!

Top pic is a detail and lower is the overall painting ... although it's nicer cropped in ... and maybe a bit of a sage green second mount ....

PAIR OF ANIMALS - SOLD!!!

2011-11-23T01:46:00.001-08:00

Another 2 original paintings sold this morning to a collector in Edinburgh!

The Pair of Animals have gone to join the Anniversary Shoes and the Wedding Shoes in their new home.

DEVIL'S DESIRE - SOLD

2011-11-21T01:22:00.000-08:00

Gone to a lovely new home in Aberdeenshire - Devil's Desire sold yesterday at the Country Living Fair in SECC.

New owner kindly sent a pic of the painting in it's new home.

Many thanks Anika!

COUNTRY LIVING STAND - B17 SECC

2011-11-16T14:02:00.000-08:00

Well, today was the big set up for Country Living Fair and I painted my (3m high!!!) stand in classic red - worth the pain as the Pair of Animals paintings look fabby against the red walls.

I am however, similar in colour and looking like an extra from Carrie!

Pics are a bit out of focus but you get the drift!

Pop along & visit stand B17, SECC from Thursday (tomorrow) till Sunday 10-5pm

LIVING NORTH STAND

2011-11-07T06:38:00.000-08:00

Here's a wee pic of my stand at Living North Christmas Fair last weekend.

It's good for me to look at it and see what will change for the Country Living Christmas Fair in SECC, Glasgow on 17th-20th November. One key change is the missing The Holly & the Ivy.

However ... I have plans to squeeze in another new painting or two before the show ... grand plans indeed!! Although for me, The Holly & the Ivy is one difficult painting to replace!

Having had requests at Newcastle for ballet shoes, boots, clogs .... and lacy bras(?!) ... who knows what I might start!!

Mistletoes or Dancing Queen will probably take centre stage at next one ... and have learned that people want framed prints and not unframed! It's a learning curve.

See online for more paintings - perfect for Christmas pressies! www.gillianpark.co.uk/shop

THE HOLLY & THE IVY .... SOLD!!!

2011-11-05T09:47:00.003-07:00

Well, my baby has gone to a new home in Tyne & Wear.

ahhhhhhh

DANCING QUEEN ... ready for Living North Fair

2011-11-02T03:19:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how quickly this has come round: Christmas Living North Fair in Newcastle Racecourse starts tomorrow!

Final blog before packing up and heading down to set up - stand A35 in the First floor of Gosforth Park Suite ... come say hello!

This is the finally framed Dancing Queen hanging on my wall, matching the sideboard and candlesticks perfectly!! I couldn't have planned it better myself!

Dancing Queen, Devil's Desire, Mistletoes and THE painting of the year (for me anyway!) The Holly & the Ivy will all be for sale for the first time at the show. Hopefully find some good homes for them.

RED SHOE COLLECTION

2011-10-14T03:06:00.000-07:00

Well, it's done ... and it's been a long hard slog!

My first painting of 3 pairs of (grown up) shoes - red shoes and leopard print have always been big favourites ... in fact are the biggest selling cards I have, so hopefully this will go down well.

No name yet for this one ... or a frame ... but will keep you posted.

Click HERE to visit the website for more Red Shoes

THE HOLLY & THE IVY - PROGRESS OF A PAINTING

2011-10-04T10:18:00.000-07:00

Well, we did it for Mistletoes ... here's how The Holly & the Ivy came to be ....

Initial drawing ... note lack of leafs ... felt I had to get the shoes right before draping & taping the greenery.

... and now some holly & ivy ....

Now some red and a bit of ochrey gold for the inner.

Bit of depth and drama.

Better get a hint of leafs in here before I get carried away with yet more red!

Get the pen out! Looking a bit bare so went back into painting a bit more here.

And finally ... sit staring at it on the easel for a few days before deciding 'yep, that's it'

This painting is now framed and on sale (and also been made into cards, tags & prints!) - CLICK HERE

DEVIL'S DESIRE - NEW IRREGULAR CHOICE PAINTING

2011-10-03T03:42:00.000-07:00

Have gone back to painting my some of my IC shoe collection - these are called Devil's Desire and are just screaming to be painted!

I did actually buy them to wear but haven't had the opportunity as yet ... but here they are, preserved in watercolour and ink for eternity ... am liking it but possibly a bit off course for the mainstream customer.

Visit the website for more shoe paintings: www.gillianpark.co.uk and buy originals, prints, cards and gift vouchers online at: www.gillianpark.co.uk/shop

SOLD! ORIGINAL PEEPSHOW PAINTING

2011-09-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

Well, am pleased but sad to see it go ... I loved Peepshow, it's one of my favourite paintings to date ... although the Christmas paintings done last month only just topped it for me!

Very pleased to hear it sold yesterday to a lovely family in Edinburgh for their new home.

PARTY SHOES FOR MINI IMELDA

2011-09-14T09:03:00.000-07:00

This is a new format for me ... and thoroughly enjoyed it! I feel a whole series of these coming on .... starting with red shoes!

Lovely wee baby shoes all lined up for Mini Imelda to choose which suit best for her party!

Visit website for many more shoe paintings, prints & cards: www.gillianpark.co.uk

MISTLETOES - PROGRESS OF A PAINTING

2011-09-13T09:25:00.000-07:00

Thought you might like to see how the Christmas paintings took shape. Here's the first: Mistletoes .... and some nice shots of my thumb!

STAGE 1: this obviously is NOT stage 1 as there's already paint on it! It was later in the process that I remembered I should record a few stages of progress ...

STAGE 2: barely touching the board with paint here ... I liked it at this stage ... and left it for the night here as am nervous about painting in greens and blues for some reason!

STAGE 3:A bit more turquoise paint on there - was going ok ... and then ....

STAGE 4: Hated what I'd done at this stage and washed a bit off!

STAGE 5: actually there were a few stages missed out here - with some washing off and repainting to get something that I liked. But this was the last stage - which I like - the pen ... and some nice mistletoe berry highlights which really jump out.

I will blog the final painting in frame and the new Christmas cards, prints & tags later in week ... think this is enough Christmas for now!

This painting is now framed and on sale (cards, tags & prints also available): CLICK HERE

SOLD! ORIGINAL STARGAZERS PAINTING

2011-09-06T04:44:00.000-07:00

I have been neglecting the blog recently but good news to start off again ... the original watercolour painting 'Stargazers' has just been sold in Edinburgh!

Great news - it's the first sale of the autumn season and has hung in Clifton Hall coffee lodge for a whopping 3 days before being sold!!

More original paintings, prints & cards available in the web shop: www.gillianpark.co.uk/shop

MATCHING PAINTINGS!

2011-08-19T09:52:00.000-07:00

I think I should call these 'A pair of animals' ...
Its come to this: making matching paintings! Although I have to say, they do look quite quirky sitting together ... a couple of nice black frames: sorted!

FIRST POST-HAZEL NON-SHOE SKIDDLE

2011-08-18T05:22:00.000-07:00

That's an odd title for a blog I know!

I went off on a bit of a watercolour workshop with the fabulous Hazel Campbell in the hope that I can attempt to paint something OTHER than shoes ... it was a fabulous few days but as always, you need to put into practice what you've learned .... so this is my first non-shoe attempt post Hazel's workshop (hence the name!)
Bought some lillies, settled down with watercolours and no fine line pen for change and had a bash. It's certainly a bit looser than normal but could be doing with a bit more white paper in there ... will keep trying ... in between shoes!

THE HOLLY & THE IVY

2011-08-11T08:35:00.000-07:00

Well, have been too nervous to start the planned Christmas paintings, especially after my dodgy zebra shoe effort yesterday!

But the ivy and holly were going to die if I didn't tackle it now.

It's very vintage and not so full on as Deck the Heels but hopefully be a good Christmas card!

Only one more to go .... Mistletoes .... eeeeeek

POTENTIAL EMERGENCY CARD!

2011-08-01T06:05:00.000-07:00

I need help - but I need it kinda now!

If I were to print some emergency Ailsa Craig cards for an event this weekend - which style do people prefer?

A - with white border
or

B - all over image

Please do email or comment with your preferred - huge thanks: gillian@gillianpark.co.uk

STORY OF A BABY SHOE COMMISSION

2011-07-29T07:42:00.000-07:00

Here's a recent baby shoe commission from conception (ahem) to completion ... although I've missed out the halfway painting bits, I thought it might be nice to see where a painting comes from.

Pic 1 - is the photo taken by my customer and emailed to me.

Pic 2 - I've taken the supplied pic into photoshop, brightened the image and removed the background so I can see the shape of the shoes better. Also have moved the right hand shoe a wee bit closer to the other one to create a better composition as the customer wanted it within a loose box.

Pic 3 - This is the scan of the painting sent to customer to make sure it's ok - asking if she'd like anything changed or added. A tiny hint of a butterfly was added to the left shoe strap at this stage.

Pic 4 - Final painting framed - with matching gift tag made from painting and personalised with name ... and a girly bit of pink ribbon!

Pic 5 - An arty-farty squint shot ... just because!

Pic 6 - Certificate of Authentication - which will be signed and dated ... just in case I go mad, slice my ear off and become famous in years to come ... then it can be sold for squillions of pounds!

ha ha ... for Baby Shoe Commissions, visit the webshop: http://bit.ly/oqUW7J

NEW PERSONALISED FRAMED PRINTS & MATCHING TAGS

2011-07-27T07:15:00.000-07:00

I know, I know - it's been an eternity since my last blog but you know ... holidays, work, weans ... they eat up my blogging time! Anyway excuses out of the way ...

Today I have added a BRAND NEW product range to the webshop. PERSONALISED FRAMED PRINTS ... so far I have added only the baby/childs framed prints but there will be more to come ... soon ... I promise!

Very easy to order:
STEP 1 - choose your favourite image/painting the website - I can personalise ANY of the paintings.
STEP 2 - email me with your choice of image & with the name or short message you'd like added
STEP 3 - I will email you a pdf for you to approve (& to check my spelling!)
STEP 4 - Your print will be framed & posted to you with matching gift tag on ribbon
STEP 5 - Bask in glory of giving personalised, original gift ....

Click here to order http://bit.ly/oq1e8Y
ONLY £30 with FREE p&p to UK (can be posted directly with message)

HOLIDAYS

2011-06-28T02:48:00.000-07:00

Well, we're off to sunny ... France!

From Thursday 30th June until Sunday 17th July, the online shop will be closed ... you can still order online but any purchases made in that time will be dispatched by 1st class post on Monday 18th July.

Au revoir!

PEEPSHOW!

2011-06-16T05:29:00.001-07:00

Bit different in style for me but I love these shoes and I love this painting ... currently hanging in my bedroom but now on sale in the shop: http://bit.ly/iWr5q1 .... £110

Cards and prints in production as I type!

BRIDAL SHOES - on wall

2011-06-16T02:30:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd post a pic of the actual framed original painting of Bridal Shoes hanging on the wall - gives a better idea of the colours and how it looks in situ.

Painting is hanging on a magnolia wall ... unfortunately living in a new house I haven't yet had my wicked way with some Dulux!

Painting would make a lovely wedding gift if you're struggling to find something unusual - for sale at £135 in online shop:http://bit.ly/kCtUZj

Prints also available from only £10 (until Monday!) and currently in the process of printing cards just in nick of time for wedding season ... so watch this space.

BRIDAL SHOES - new print

2011-06-13T03:46:00.000-07:00

The new bridal shoe painting is looking pretty nice surrounded by a white mount and a cream keyline and using sepia ink and text - a wee bit softer than the usual.

Lovely wedding, engagement or anniversary gift.

Fits standard 10" x 12" frames - other sizes available.

Special offer this week, £5 off: http://bit.ly/jgedn6

www.gillianpark.co.uk

SOLD!

2011-06-08T03:17:00.000-07:00

I had a fabulous start to the day when I heard 2 original paintings sold in Edinburgh yesterday!

Kingfisher Waltz and the French Fancies (one of my particular faves!) have gone to new homes - I hope they'll be very happy, and bring lots of joy to their new families.

If you have bought an original, please let me know - email me a photo of the painting in situ - I'd love to hear from you! gillian@gillianpark.co.uk

RED SPOTTY PEEP TOES ... 1

2011-06-07T08:25:00.000-07:00

These are the babies I've been wanting to get my teeth into!

Did this over an hour and a half this afternoon - got a bit carried away as I just love them!

Bit looser than my usual shoe portraits but was just enjoying myself and seeing what happened - this will be the central pair in the middle of 3 pairs I think - same shoes in 3 different poses - all sitting in one long row ... we'll see how it goes!

Here's the first anyway and the initial line drawing on board before I hit it with every shade of red! I had planned on taking pics of each stage along the way from beginning to end but am afraid I did get carried away and didn't stop for photos!

WEDDING SHOES 2

2011-06-07T04:04:00.000-07:00

What an original title!

Well, I have a pair of gorgeous 50s style polka dot heels which am itching to paint but I promised myself I would get another Wedding Shoe portrait done before I indulged myself!

Here's pair number 2 - with a hint of a messy floral in background to give it a bit of interest.

I seem to have chosen a pair very similar in shape and style to last ones! Anyone got anything a bit different, please email a pic!

To commission a Wedding Shoe portrait or buy a gift voucher click HERE - special summer offer price £150 framed!

PRETTY IN PINK in ornate frame

2011-06-06T05:18:00.000-07:00

I found this frame and thought it would be perfect for a wee Pretty in Pink print ... methinks I was right!

Am loving the ornate frame with the girliest of paintings and thought I'd style it up a wee bit to illustrate it better ... that work experience at Good Housekeeping Magazine certainly paid off ... Move over David Bailey (maybe not)!

Prints available in shop: CLICK HERE

This framed print available to order only (10" x 8") - £30 + £5 p&p or free pick up.

A FACEBOOK MENTION BY IRREGULAR CHOICE!!!!

2011-05-24T09:57:00.000-07:00

This has made my absolute day ... week ... month!

A lovely recommendation from my fave shoe designers, Irregular Choice!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.190318861015262.51390.170418986338583

QUICK SKETCHBOOK SCRIBBLE: RED SPOTTY PLATFORMS

2011-05-23T10:14:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd try to loosen up a wee bitty so ditched the fine line pen and skinny brushes and had a wee bit of fun in the sketchbook.

Lovely 50s style spotty peeptoe platforms - great shape with cutaway inside instep. Big painting potential but as I say, this is a bit of fun.

Scrubbed the page with raw watercolour, then worked into it with the (wrong) end of the brush - then got a hold of a black sharpie marker pen ... and well, suppose you can see what I did with that!

Great fun ... for me anyway!

OFFER OF THE WEEK

2011-05-23T05:36:00.000-07:00

Buy £25 Gift Voucher for only £20!!!

Save £5 on a gift for a shoe lover ... can be redeemed against anything in online shop: www.gillianpark.co.uk/shop

Valid for one year from date of purchase.

Grab it while you can, offer lasts till Monday 30th May! http://www.gillianpark.co.uk/shop/category.php?id_category=19

BOY'S SHOES??!

2011-05-19T03:08:00.000-07:00

It's a first for me ... boys shoes!

I won't say I enjoyed it, it was very odd to use a completely different colour palette compared to my usual paintings but here it is.

I might try another and see if it feels (and looks) better!

NEW: OFFER OF THE WEEK!!

2011-05-16T06:22:00.001-07:00

A new section on my web shop - Offer of the Week - changing ... well, weekly!

For very special discounts and offers.

Check it out: http://www.gillianpark.co.uk/shop/category.php?id_category=19

LITTLE BIRDIE - POTENTIAL BABY CARD?

2011-05-12T05:26:00.000-07:00

Another pair of weeny shoes for a potential baby card range - this time a wee bit more funky ... and much preferred over the previous painting done using these a few weeks back!

MORE FLOWERGIRL SHOES

2011-05-10T02:40:00.000-07:00

This is an updated pic - scanned it this morning (11/5) instead of a dodgy photo!

Am enjoying these dinky wee shoes ... and my new masking fluid!

This is a wee fiddle on 'proper' watercolour paper which I never use but am liking it for now.

www.gillianpark.co.uk

SKETCHBOOK SKIDDLING

2011-05-09T11:55:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd just skiddle in my sketchbook this week to get back to trying out different techniques and being less focused on producing a finished painting ... still on the shoes right enough: these are wee baby flower girl shoes, white soft shoes, embroidered with pink and green.

I didn't have much time today but enough time to try out a wee bottle of masking fluid that I bought recently.

Doesn't quite work on my sketchbook as I ripped half the page off as I peeled it back but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Have started another more polished version on rough watercolour paper pad which I found in a box in the garage ... pressure off and playing away ... happy days.

PRETTY IN PINK

2011-05-03T10:49:00.000-07:00

I struggled with this one today - ended up washing the whole load off and working on top of the ghost of what remained.

These are pink satin wedding shoes with large pink rose corsage ... was getting into the spirit of Friday's past events!

Painted on an ivory board, the pinks & oranges make a lovely warm painting. I really enjoyed painting the rose ... surprisingly ... although its not REALLY painted, it's more of an impression I suppose!

What should the title be? Pretty in Pink? Spring Wedding?

BABY SHOES FRAMED

2011-05-03T03:06:00.000-07:00

Hopefully this is a better pic of the baby shoe portrait - popped it in a frame to get a better idea of how it would look ... nice, quite like it ... apart from the reflection of me taking photo!

The 7 year old critic will be the final judge when she gets home from school!

BABY SHOES!

2011-05-02T11:37:00.000-07:00

Here's my first short crack at baby shoes for budding mini Imelda's!

Thoroughly enjoyed painting and drawing these today, they're such fun as Patricia Hodge would say. Beats the life out of bland shoes!

These shoes are courtesy of Lily Scarisbrick - who will one day hopefully become a bit of a mini Imelda herself!

Please excuse the image - am having real trouble with the colours and getting white to look white! Will try a scan tomorow ... I don't often say this, but the original looks far better!!!

SEA HOLLY - ERYNGIUM - SKETCH

2011-04-27T13:38:00.000-07:00

Well, I haven't blogged, tweeted or fb'd much in the past 10 days so thought I'd better get my finger out and get something up here before I forgot how!

This is a watercolour sketch of sea holly (or eryngium as Catherine will tell me!) - it's potentially for a new range of packaging ... combining my designer day-job role and painter alter ego for the first time! There will be nothing but bitching in the office when these 2 come face to face!

WEDDING BOUQUET PAINTING with a bit more fiddling

2011-04-15T02:37:00.000-07:00

Have fiddled with this a wee bit more to get a bit more depth ...

7 year old daughter wants to buy for her room ... she likes it better than the shoes ... and the french fancies! From the mouths of babes!

WEDDING BOUQUET PAINTING

2011-04-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

My pal is a florist ... who creates many gorgeous wedding creations ... and it has been mentioned about my painting wedding flowers but I'll be honest - IT SCARES THE BLOODY BEJEEBERS out of me!

Yesterday I must have taken a brave pill and I thought I'd give it a bash ... but only in tiny little chunks so I didn't get overwhelmed! So I have dabbled on and off with this - probably spent in total just over an hour and really not sure when to leave it alone and whether indeed to hit it with the pen ... like the shoes ... I always feel more comfortable when I get the pen out, it's the designer in me!

So here it is so far ... I will dabble further and hopefully either kill it or cure it!

Hmmmm - am just not sure: answers on a postcard please ...

ps. Florist is Red Red Rose: http://www.facebook.com/#!/RedRedRoseDesignerFlorist

FREE COLOURING IN SHEETS FOR YOUR MINI SHOE LOVERS!

2011-04-12T10:33:00.000-07:00

There are 3 colouring in sheets available now in the online shop - FREE.

Great for your budding Rembrandts to try their hand at creating their own shoe painting masterpiece! http://www.gillianpark.co.uk/shop/category.php?id_category=18

Taken from my original sketchbook shoe drawings.

Colouring pages will be emailed for you to print off and colour in.

NEW RED SHOES

2011-04-11T09:04:00.000-07:00

There has been great demand for the red shoes I painted at the end of last year ... and then I went and sold them on ebay!

Soooooo .... I bought a new pair which are just lovely with deep front, inner platform sole and ribbons running right down the back of the heel. This has been painted on a lovely rich cream board which suits the red colouring better than stark white.

This is the first painting of them but I suspect there will be more - I haven't exhausted these yet!

ORIGINAL PAINTING ONLY!

2011-04-04T09:28:00.000-07:00

I have tried, tested, colour adjusted and fiddled with the scan of the Kingfisher Waltz, turquoise shoes BUT ... it's not happening, the colours aren't close enough to the original to merit prints ... I am nothing if not fastidious!

Sooooo ... if you like this .... the original watercolour is the ONLY way to go!

£135 in the online shop http://www.gillianpark.co.uk/shop/category.php?id_category=5

... go on treat yourself! There will never be a reproduction!

NEW IRREGULAR CHOICE BABIES!

2011-04-04T08:31:00.000-07:00

I feel I must blog about my new babies!

They were a wee treat to myself and have arrived today ... they are beyond stunning and right now: I think they are my very favourite Irregular Choice in my shoe collection ....

Away to sit and look at them for a very long time!

KINGFISHER WALTZ - NEW ORIGINAL + PRINTS

2011-04-04T01:45:00.000-07:00

Having been away to be scanned, the original of the new painting: Kingfisher Waltz is back with me.

About to start producing test prints for these lovely glamorous peep toes which were a big pull at the Newcastle show last week. Once I've got the prints just exactly how I want them (call me controlling!!) then I'll get them onto the online shop www.gillianpark.co.uk/shop

On holiday this week so will take some time (finally) to update the website with new paintings so keep an eye out: www.gillianpark.co.uk ... might even get some Holly & Scarlett accessories in the shop too!! ... maybe I'm being a bit over-optimistic!

WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU PAY - NO EXTRA P&P

2011-03-29T13:51:00.000-07:00

This is a bit of a dull blog but necessary methinks!

Have just spent the last couple of hours updating the web shop p&p costs, now ALL prices include P&P - What you see is what you pay! NO extras ...

Check it out: www.gillianpark.co.uk/shop

OVERSEAS shipping - now available but please email me for accurate postal costs and delivery times - gillian@gillianpark.co.uk

NEWCASTLE LIVING NORTH FAIR

2011-03-29T01:48:00.000-07:00

Am back and in recovery from the Newcastle Living North Fair!

First show I've done and it was a steep learning curve but have survived and thoroughly enjoyed it!

I stressed over squinty pictures and actually having to speak to people but got there in the end.

These are a couple of really dodgy, out of focus pictures of my teeny stand ... forgot to take a camera .... or a steady hand!

LAST ONE BEFORE LIVING NORTH!

2011-03-22T10:39:00.000-07:00

Got this finished in the nick of time - the last original coming to the Living North fair with me this weekend.

Unfortunately I just can't get the colour right on the pic - these are too bluey/turquoise! The shoes are actually a lovely rich kingfisher/teal colour and are on a moss background - bah - fed up trying to colour adjust it and getting nowhere!

... so if you want to see it properly - come along to the Living North fair in Newcastle Racecourse: this Friday-Sunday - The original will be hanging in it's true colours!

NEW CARD: HOT OFF THE PRESS!

2011-03-21T05:28:00.000-07:00

Hot off the press - the new greeting card addition is now available on the web shop!
http://www.gillianpark.co.uk/shop/product.php?id_product=47

Sure to be a big fave - a few prints have already sold!

The original watercolour painting is all framed and ready for the Living North Spring Fair in Newcastle this weekend - pop along and visit us at stand A58 (upstairs) http://spring.livingnorthfair.co.uk/

HEIDI IRREGULAR CHOICE SHOE ILLUSTRATION

2011-03-16T04:33:00.000-07:00

This is more of a shoe illustration than a painting - bit looser, bit smaller - but its a very cheery little skiddle.

Paloma Faith just tweeted that she had bought new Irregular Choice shoes for summer .... methinks she'd like Heidi!

FREE DELIVERY!

2011-03-15T03:06:00.001-07:00

The wonders of technology: sign up for our newsletter and get FREE DELIVERY ON ALL ORDERS.

Great for ordering your Mothers Day cards & Gifts!

www.gillianpark.co.uk/shop

PINK PLATFORM PROM SHOES

2011-03-13T04:43:00.000-07:00

A real pair of girly shoes! Gorgeously glam pink platform prom shoes with peep toe and cute bow.

A bit of a rough pic but you get the idea.

I think these could be the next addition to the shoe greeting card range .... people seem to like pink.

And a definite for the Living North Fair in less than 2 weeks - eeeeeek!!!

FIRST FRAMED PRINT AVAILABLE ONLINE NOW!

2011-03-11T05:25:00.000-08:00

The first of a new range of framed prints has just literally been added to our wee online shop!

Signed, framed and ready to hang.

http://gillianpark.co.uk/shop/category.php?id_category=15

GIFT VOUCHERS

2011-03-11T04:06:00.000-08:00

Am being über efficient this weather and have just taken delivery of some very lovely gift vouchers ... just in time for Mother's Day!
From now until the big day - Sunday 3rd April - every purchase of a gift voucher will come with FREE greeting card of your choice - just let me know which one you'd like!
http://www.gillianpark.co.uk/shop/category.php?id_category=13

ANOTHER SOLD: ANNIVERSARY SHOES

2011-03-09T13:20:00.000-08:00

Good news - the original Anniversary Shoes painting sold today in Edinburgh.

Loved the colours on this one - nice vibrant spring colours to brighten up a miserable day like today!

If you are the new owner of the Anniversary Shoes - many thanks and do get in touch - gillian@gillianpark.co.uk

OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

2011-03-02T01:14:00.000-08:00

www.gillianpark.co.uk/shop

Now open for business and to celebrate my excitement, here's an opening offer: 20% OFF any purchases - just type YEEHA into the voucher code box at checkout.

Happy shopping!

WEDDING SHOES - FIRST ATTEMPT!

2011-02-23T09:05:00.000-08:00

I have put off trying to paint wedding shoes for a very long time - however, due to the amount of people who ask if I could do a painting of bridal shoes, I thought I'd better give it a bash.

Almost chickened out today with the bad weather but have given it a try and although not totally convinced by it - am suspicious of colourless shoes - it's not as bad as I thought it would be!

These shoes are a pale mushroom satin, gathered at a deep curved V shape with 2 wee glittery gem balls. I've tried to lighten and change the colour slightly to look more bridal ... and felt it needed yet more colour so threw in my wedding headdress, now almost 17 years old!

Jury is out ... what say you?

NEW SHOP FRONT

2011-02-21T08:12:00.000-08:00

I know having an online shop is a modern, virtual experience but I wanted my impending emporium to have a touch of lovely old fashioned fuzzy feeling .... heavily influenced by Shop Around the Corner I thought I'd try my hand at drawing my quirky old virtual shop front ...

All I want now is an old bell ring as you click to enter ... and Jimmy Stewart to wander over and offer to show you some shoe prints!

POTENTIAL NEW CARD??

2011-02-18T03:51:00.001-08:00

Sent my french fancy painting away for scanning the other day and now wondering if it would make a nice wee addition to the card range ...... I would buy a card with cakes on but then I would buy a shoe painting!

Thoughts anyone?

ONLINE SHOP COMING SOON!

2011-02-18T03:49:00.000-08:00

It is just tooooooo exciting - this morning I got a tiny sneaky peek at my new online shop and how it's progressing!

Hopefully be open for business soon - watch this space!

FASTEST SELLING SHOE PORTRAIT IN THE WEST ...

2011-02-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

Actually ... I suppose it's the fastest selling shoe portrait in the East!

Last week I was invited by the kindly Jane Dalmau at Clifton Hall School in Edinburgh to hang a few of my paintings in their coffee lodge .... and am delighted to say that the first painting sold within 2 hours!!!

The Birthday Shoes is officially my fastest selling painting to date! They have gone to a new home somewhere in the east coast .... please keep in touch if you're reading this!

and thankyou

FANCY A CHANGE!

2011-02-09T05:06:00.000-08:00

That title is just too good! ha ha

A wee bit of a change from shoes. I enjoyed painting this lovely wee plate of french fancies ... and surprisingly have managed to resist eating them. The plate is a bit dodgy - I haven't attempted painting an elliptical object in ... ohhhhh ... maybe 23 years!!!

My favourite one is is the yellow (painting wise) but brown is my fave to eat!

ANNIVERSARY SHOES - A BIT OF BLING

2011-02-02T12:32:00.000-08:00

Well, these sound like another pair of tasteless shoes ... but they are truly gorgeous and glam!

Gold metallic stilettos by Faith - classic beauties - and I love the gold ochre colour against turquoise.

Bought for our anniversary weekend away last year .... but then had an outfit malfunction and wore something else ... so these babies have been unworn and tucked away in their box ever since. It's only right that they're painted and put on show!

NEW SHOES

2011-02-02T01:35:00.000-08:00

I have 2 new members to my shoe collection arriving any day now - one pair (see pic above) are just screaming 'paint me'!!!! Aren't they just to die for?! The perfect antidote to a miserable February.

HOW DO I PAINT GOLD SHOES??

2011-02-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

A wee sketchbook trial for me - I have gorgeous gold Faith Solo shoes - never worn but very comfortable, just no occasion!

They have a lovely retro 1950s shape - wouldn't be out of place in Madmen - but have been too nervy about trying to paint them as have no idea where to start painting gold shoes ... don't think they look good but lovely the turquoise with the ochre.

HEAD OVER HEELS

2011-01-31T09:11:00.000-08:00

This is the completed painting of the leopard print shoes ... I've called it 'Head over Heels' as these were the first pair of Irregular Choice shoes I bought ... and ... well ... the title says it all! True showstoppers, these will NEVER be flogged on ebay!

Added a wee bit of gold in this one - not too much bling but just a hint. My fave part is the inside of the heel ... it's white with blue stripes and tiny flowers!

LEOPARD SHOES - SKETCHBOOK

2011-01-30T08:11:00.000-08:00

Haven't had much time on the painting this year so far - day job has been all-consuming!

Managed to get back into it at the end of last week with a few quick sketchbook sessions. This one is a wee test doodle for a 'proper' watercolour painting I had planned - a wee test run if you like. The leopard print + gold shoes (by Irregular Choice of course!) are a bit intimidating with the all-over pattern ... but I quite like it - although a bit cartoony.

I was trying out my new wide nibbed dip pen - which I found difficult to master!

FRAMED - BIRTHDAY SHOES

2011-01-04T03:20:00.000-08:00

BIRTHDAY SHOES - finished

2011-01-04T03:17:00.000-08:00

Finished Birthday Shoes painting - just needed a hint of pattern on the heel + toe.

I do love these colours!!!

Am now on the lookout for a nice pair of red heels - no sandals - which I can attach a heart to for a Valentines painting/card .... anyone?

SKETCHBOOK - erm - SHOES

2011-01-03T07:11:00.001-08:00

OK - I said yesterday there would be a respite from shoes, but it was only a day's respite!

Here's a charcoal drawing found in the sketchbook from last year - these are the first pair of Irregular Choice shoes I bought ... and kicked off (yeah yeah, pun intended) my IC habit!

I am going to attempt a painting of these very soon - they are gorgeous leopard print shoes with victorian dolly heels, a giant 3D bow on front and finished off with a bit of gold ... over-the-top ... NOOOOOOO ... well perhaps just a tiny wee bit.

SKETCHBOOK - FLOWERS

2011-01-02T04:57:00.000-08:00

Today am down at our caravan in Lendalfoot and dug out a sketchbook from last year - so thought I'd post a couple of pages from that - a wee respite from shoes!

It's a bit out of focus, have taken this with my phone but will update with a camera shot when I get back home - *Pic now updated with less shaky version*

This one is a watercolour sketch with pen and ink of some irises I had down here last spring ... I do like this one, it reminds me of better weather and bare feet!

A NEW YEAR - playing

2011-01-01T06:33:00.000-08:00

A new year and a new approach! Thought I'd try dabbling this morning with the purple Mini Magics again ... I do like the impact of the purple with the orange velvet lining!

Here's the shoes with the drawing board.

This is more of a shoe sketch - painting is a bit lighter, a bit looser and have used both fineline pen and a calligraphy pen to make it more of an illustration.

Thoroughly enjoyed it!

HOGMANAY - BIRTHDAY SHOES

2010-12-31T06:56:00.000-08:00

Well, it's the end of a good year and looking forward to a bit more of the same in 2011!

These shoes are the previously mentioned birthday gift: Irregular Choice Mini Magics. Similar to the Red Shoes with the fabric flower corsage detail up the sides but with no strap (obviously) and a lower (easier!) heel.

Here's the first crack at the Birthday Shoes but I think it needs a wee tiny bit more work - the shoes have an all-over purple metallic pattern which you can only really see when the light hits it ... I'd like to attempt a hint at that perhaps over the foreground toe area ... will be next year before I try that one out though!

Happy 2011!

2010-12-20T12:37:00.001-08:00

It's my 40th birthday today! Eeeek - I have no idea how that happened!

Earlier this year I gave myself the deadline of getting back into painting before this very day and am delighted that I have done just that. A scary toe-dipping has resulted in what I hope will become a bigger part of my life.

Am I still allowed to say I want to be a painter when I grow up ... or must I change that to 'I want to be a painter when I grow old?!

My next planned painting is going to be called 'The Birthday Shoes' - and will feature the shoes my big bruv bought (see above) for my birthday .... original name, eh?! Lovely Mini Magics - a low rise, easy walk version of the courtesan heels in 'Deck the Heels' and 'The Red Shoes'.

Hoping to crack into the painting over the festive period, ready for early January release - watch this space!

Thanks for your support this year!

THE RED SHOES ... sold

2010-12-03T04:40:00.000-08:00

Another painting bites the dust ... the original red shoe painting has been sold am delighted to say and will be winging it's way to it's new home in South Lanarkshire where am sure they'll be very happy.

Finally gotten around to taking pics of paintings in frames .... Gallery page on website will be updated with popups very soon - please keep watching.

... Now I need to get started on more shoe paintings!

POSSIBLE NEW PRINT ADDITION

2010-11-24T05:12:00.000-08:00

Am not sure whether to add this print to the current set or not ... have sold the shoes and wasn't overly convinced by this painting when I was sorting out the Country Living prints but now I see it, it may not be as bad as I first thought .... hmmmmmmmmm

It's called 'Froggy went a courting' cos the shoes had a wee gemstone froggy on the front ... but hopefully you can see that from the painting, else it IS particularly bad!!!

COUNTRY LIVING UPDATE

2010-11-22T04:15:00.001-08:00

After a hectic weekend at the Country Living Christmas Fair - am exhausted ... but happy!

Having sold TWO original paintings, loads of prints and cards, am delighted that there is a market out there for shoe portraits ... and am not just a complete shoe freak! (no comment please!)

Deck the Heels sold on Saturday, which seems to be everyone's favourite - so am delighted that it's gone to a good home. Allison ... can't wait for the unveiling once it's on that 'khaki mist' wall! Got the champers chilling!

Oh .... and did I mention that the new website is up and running www.gillianpark.co.uk - thanks Paul!

SOLD!!!

2010-11-19T00:39:00.000-08:00

It's all very exciting this week - I have pinched a wee space on my chum's stand at the Country Living Christmas Fair to hang my paintings .... it opened yesterday and at 4pm I got the phonecall from Red Red Rose ... they had SOLD A PAINTING!!!

Can you tell how excited I am?!

Heidi & the Butterfly now has a new home - I hope she'll be happy there.

Catherine: I hope your eardrums are better after my squealing down the phone!