roy munday, artist

2011-12-01T09:22:00.000-08:00

We are holding our Christmas exhibition and sale of paintings this coming weekend - December 3rd and 4th - at Maghull Town Hall, Northway, Maghull. A great opportunity to come and view paintings by local artists. You might have considered taking up art yourself! If so, please pop along and meet the artists and talk about joining. It's also a great social occasions with visits to art galleries and big exhibitions.

Opening times are 10am till 4pm. Entrance is free, and refreshments are available.

NEW ART CLASS STARTING SOON!

2011-10-29T12:21:00.001-07:00

Starting soon, a new art class, designed for beginners or those with little experience at drawing and painting. It will take place at Lydiate L31 4HL. It will be the second Saturday of each month and will be for the whole day, from 10am till 4.30. The course is for people who don't want to venture out on a winter's evening, or who have other commitments. In effect, you will do the equivalent of 3 weeks one Saturday per month. For more information, please contact me. www.artclasses-merseyside.co.uk

display of paintings

2011-06-28T11:20:00.000-07:00

If you're near Crosby over the next couple of weeks, pop into Gallery one, located in Bridge rd, where I've several paintings on display.

New Art Classes

2011-01-01T13:39:00.000-08:00

With the festive season now behind us, time to get back into painting! All classes start as from next week, Monday 3rd of January. Also, any new artists, wether beginners or more advanced, are welcome to contact me regarding places - Including life-drawing directly from the model.
Regards, Roy

Maghull class start date - 10th September

2010-08-19T13:15:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,
we will be starting back at Maghull town hall on Friday the 10th of September. (we were meant to start on the 3rd, but due to a holiday, am pushing it back to the 10th)
Roy

Painting at the Hay Loft

2010-06-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone.
Yes, the weather is looking good for Friday. We'll go up to the Hay Loft. Arrive anytime between 10am and 3pm. Park behind the barn, not where visitors park, as this area is needed for customers. I suggest you bring sketching equipment, plus a stool - if you have one. Ideally, gather information in the form of sketches, photos, then produce a painting from that either at home or in class. You can contact me on 07737982513

We visit the Van Gogh exhibition in London

2010-04-13T10:29:00.000-07:00

A group of us from the art classes that I run, made the trip down to the Royal Academy recently to view the Van Gogh exhibition. The day proved a huge success and everyone enjoyed the experience - Most of the paintings I hadn't seen before and it was worth the visit. All of us were agreed that the exhibition exceeded our expectations. Even the weather was kind to us, despite the gloomy forecast. No major upsets on the day - except Irene got locked into the National gallery just as it was closing! Oh, and Michael also became lost for a few minutes! Be we eventually all grouped up again! We are planning another trip down to London to visit the John Singer Sergeant exhibition this summer.

My latest painting

2010-03-09T11:57:00.001-08:00

Yes, we've had one of the coldest winters for 30 years! Just after the New Year I took a walk up from my studio to the Leeds & Liverpool canal and found this very grey and cold afternoon, with the canal boats moored. The day was very cold and grey, hence this painting. Size 24 x 36 inches. Price £360, unframed.

Great start to the new life-drawing class

2010-02-08T12:48:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday saw the first of our monthly life-drawing class, for those artists more advanced. It went really well and everyone is keen to do it again next month. The class was an all day event with members producing a good body of work. This Saturday, the 13th, will see the beginners class. Anyone living on Merseyside, please contact me if interested. The class will run one Saturday per month. Cost £28 for the whole day.
contact me email: roymun@cybase.co.uk mobile 07737982513

...start of New Year art classes

2010-01-06T11:36:00.000-08:00

....Yes, the weather is bad, with icy roads. Though I've had to cancel some classes this week, the Maghull Friday classes should be going ahead. I will update this page Thursday evening, 7th. If you're still in doubt, ring me either on 01704 564122 or mobile: 07737982513

New Life-drawing class

2009-11-22T11:51:00.000-08:00

I will be soon starting an all day life-drawing class on Merseyside, one Saturday per month. The class will be held in Lydiate, near Maghull. Times: 10 am till 4.30 pm, with a lunch break. The course is for both beginners and the more advanced. Life-drawing is the key to both good drawing and painting, and one needs to spend several hours to complete a competent piece of work. The class will be run on flexible lines so that artists can work independently and according to their own needs. Cost: £27.50 per day. You will need to bring your own materials. For further details please contact me. Email: roymun@cybase.co.uk. Telephone 07737982513

one of my latest paintings

2009-10-19T13:35:00.000-07:00

This recently completed painting is another version of the iconic Liverpool waterfront, as the sun rises. This has proved a very popular image and I am often asked to complete a commission, especially after all the new development that has taken place in recent years, with the new Liverpool museum nearing completion.

My Latest Painting

2009-10-03T13:08:00.000-07:00

This is my latest painting. Completed within the last few days. To those of you familiar with my paintings, this will be recognisable: it's The Albert Dock, Liverpool. Dimensions are approx: 90x60 cm (36x32 inches) Anyone interested in purchasing this oil painting, price £550, unframed. Please contact me: roymun@cybase.co.uk. Or visit my website:

www.roymunday.com

New Art class starts this Thursday evening

2009-09-13T12:10:00.000-07:00

To those enrolling for my new Thursday evening art class. The course is designed for both beginners and those with previous experience. As well as being a social evening, where fellow like minded people can meet, discuss and practice art, the course is structured so that you learn at your own pace. Initially the course will run for 10 weeks, then continue for further weeks. Anyone interested can email me: roymun@cybase.co.uk, or ring on 07737982513

I shall be away throughout August

2009-07-27T11:15:00.000-07:00

Hi to everyone who logs onto my blogspot. I shall be away from my studio for the whole month of August. Will be over in Russia with sketch book and paints! Upon my return, I will be using September to get back into my studio to commence some serious painting again. In the meantime, best regards to everyone - Oh, and those wanting to join a Thursday evening class that commences September 17th, please email me early September.

ART CLASS STARTING SEPTEMBER!

2009-07-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

Recently I've had numerous enquiries from people about wanting me to do an evening class, as they cannot attend my usual ones in the day time. The good news is I'm putting together a Thursday evening, at the Millennium Centre, St. Thomas' church, near Lydiat, starting mid-September. It will cater for both beginners and the more advanced. I'm trying to keep the 10 week fee to no more than £75. Anyone wanting more information, please email me at roymun@cybase.co.uk, or ring on 07737982513

New Projects on the Go!

2009-05-28T12:24:00.000-07:00

For those of you wondering why I haven't updated this blog last month or so, I'm in the middle of a new project and this is taking a lot of my time.... Also, I went recently on a family holiday to Tunisia to escape our long winter. Thoroughly enjoyed it, and, as you can see, even took a camel ride into the Sahara desert!

No class on Good Friday

2009-04-04T14:34:00.000-07:00

Just a brief reminder to students at Maghull art group. No class on Good Friday, back to normal the following Friday 17th April - Though I'll be away on holiday. However, the groups will still meet.

Moving up the river mersey

2009-03-26T12:39:00.000-07:00

One of the tall-ships moving up the river Mersey, Liverpool, on the morning of the parade of sail. I was on the ferry when they started to move up river, quite early in the day. At this point in time the weather was a bit undecided, with rain bearing clouds scudding across Liverpool. By the afternoon the weather had turned quite pleasant. I've tried to capture the grayness of the moment in this painting, when the sun was obscured by the odd passing dark cloud. To find out more about this painting, please visit www.roymunday.com/liverpool.html

Last ferry of the day

2009-03-15T01:12:00.000-07:00

My latest painting. An iconic scene: the Mersey ferry-boat Royal Daffodil leaving Birkenhead on the final trip of the day and set against a darkening evening sky.
This painting measures 20x24 inches (60x50 cm). To find out more, please visit www.roymunday.com or email me at roymun@cybase.co.uk

My latest painting. Cunard's QE 2

2009-03-03T09:33:00.000-08:00

I've finally finished this painting of the QE 2 steaming towards the river Mersey, entering the port of Liverpool on what was her final visit towards the end of 2008. Soon after that she was sold to Dubi to start a new life as a floating hotel. I had great pleasure in painting this subject, together with a big sky!
Over all dimensions: 36 x32 inches approx. Oil on canvas. To find out more, please visit my website: www.roymunday.com

painting of the queen elizabeth 2

2009-03-02T08:54:00.000-08:00

In the last week I have returned to painting the QE 2 (Queen Elizabeth the second). Have made better progress on it than my first attempt several months ago. Am putting finishing touches to quite a big oil painting and hope to have it on my website within the next couple of days. Am pleased with this effort, as the first effort I had to abandon.

My latest painting

2009-02-19T12:21:00.001-08:00

Weather hasn't really encouraged me to spend much time in my studio past couple of weeks. Grey, cold and damp weather seems to have robbed me of most of my inspiration. However, I did complete this portrait of Michael, a fellow artist. I'm always meaning to do more portraits of friends of mine.... But never seem to quite manage it! If there's anyone out there who can offer me a few days in the warm sun, please let me know. Can always paint a portrait for you in return for some hospitality?

portrait of President Barack Obama

2009-01-31T12:02:00.000-08:00

Given the momentous event of seeing Barack Obama being sworn in as America's next President, I couldn't resist doing this portrait. And it is as simple as that. Any collector interested in purchasing this painting, please email me roymun@cybase.co.uk

New Year classes begin this week!

2009-01-06T02:12:00.000-08:00

Yes, the holiday period is over and it's time to get back to work! Art classes begin this week - Hightown Wednesday 7th, Maghull Friday 9th. We've several things to prepare for, mostly couple of exhibitions. No doubt everyone will be coming back, refreshed, with new ideas and full of enthusiasm.

My latest nude painting

2008-12-21T01:51:00.001-08:00

Despite the run-up to Christmas, have still managed to spend time in my studio, around my teaching committments, and have produced several new nudes, including the one exhibited here. This painting measures 20x24, oils on board, and is for sale at £120 unframed. I will ship to most countries in the world. Anyone interested, please either visit my website at: www.nudepaintingsnude.co.uk or email me at roymun@cybase.co.uk

My faulty Baumatic cooker hood

2008-12-14T11:41:00.001-08:00

My moan of the week. Here it goes. I'm a great believer in giving first class service - If any of my clients is unhappy about anything, refund their money. The client is always right. However, with big corporations they are often arogant and offer bad service. Here is a typical example. In the summer of 2007 we had our house refurbished, yes, the total house. We were down to one solitary light, microwave and no toilet. And what of the furniture? It was outside, under tarpaulin. But I don't want to go into all that - too painful. As part of the kitchen refurbishment, we had a new cooker hood installed - a Baumatic. No, I'd never heard of them either. And just after the guarantee had run out, yes, it decided to pack up. It began to emit a terrible sound. I rang up the service department, explained the situation, but they were of little use. They would send out an engineer, but at a cost of £88! Could have bought a new one for virtually the same price. Okay, send him out. He duly came, checked it and said not a problem, only the plastic fan had broken. 20 minutes later he was gone, together with my £88. I felt disappointed by this and contacted the service department and told them so. But they didn't want to know and refused to refund my money. I even wrote to the managing director of the company, he didn't even have the courtesy to write back! Personally, given that the guarantee was just out of date, that I was a new customer, they ought to have done the work free of charge. That way I wouldn't hesitate to buy another product from them. But I've learned my lesson from buying from the Baumatic company. So, if you're thinking of buying a similar product, just think twice if you come across the name of Baumatic. And if they're thinking of suing over this post, think again. I'm a poor artist. Which reminds me, the telly licence isn't yet paid for. For that matter, nor is my council tax!

Life-drawing class

2008-12-08T07:35:00.000-08:00

Anyone living local to the Southport area, Merseyside, and wanting to take up life-drawing. I shall be running another course in January, at King George the V college, Southport. It caters for both beginners and the more advanced student. You can ring the college direct on 01704 500065, or contact me, email by visiting my website: www.roymunday.com

Maghull's celebration of Art - This coming weekend!

2008-11-30T10:04:00.001-08:00

We are now heading towards next weekend, December Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th, when several art groups are coming together to put on one of the biggest art exhibitions of the year outside of Liverpool. Maghull's Town Hall and Deyes Lane High School, Maghull are the two venues. Around 150 local artists will be exhibiting their paintings, most for sale. This will also be an opportunity for anyone thinking of taking up art as a leisure pursuit to come along, talk to the artists - and myself - and find out if it's for them. You don't need to have any previous art experience, just a willingness. Also, entrance is free and refreshments will be available - with plenty of mince pies! This will be our fourth exhibition and we've gone from successes to successes with most of the artists now selling work on a regular basis. So come along and have a look! If you want further information, please email me.

Find details at www.roymunday.com

A visit to the John Moore's Biennial exhibition

2008-11-18T01:59:00.000-08:00

Yes... I took a large group of artists to a guided tour of the John Moore's 25th Biennial painting exhibition at Liverpool's Walker art gallery last Friday, 14th November. As with any visit to an exhibition there was certainly some trenchant views expressed that went from the extreme of "...it's fascinating to get an insight into an artist's mind..." To "...my five-year-old could do better." Isn't that what art is supposed to do? Spark off debate and get people engaged in talking about Art?The problem with much one finds in the John Moore's - indeed in all similar exhibitions that purports to show cutting edge art - is that when one walks through the gallery, many of the paintings leave us unmoved. The reasons for this is that often the content is difficult, or impossible, to understand without something or someone telling is what the painting is about and the ideas behind it. Often the ideas behind the painting is more interesting than the visual impact the piece offers. So it was with the half-dozen paintings that the guide, Paul O'keef, showed us. Without his in depth explanation much of what is on the walls would have left us disengaged and bemused. I later looked up the winner and prize winners on the internet and found virtually all of them were from London! So, too, were probably the judges! Aren't Jake and Dinos Chapman based there? And a quick look at several more of the judges (5 in total) gives it all a very London bias. Of over 3.000 submissions (at £15 a submission - or that's what it was two years ago when I submitted) only about forty made it to the final show. How several of the paintings made it that far left me confused, when I consider the finished product, and a feeling that it was "knocked out" in a matter of minutes! Okay, it may have taken the artist a whole year of preliminary thought processes to reach that point of final burst of energy and creative output. But I'd put money on that many better submissions were rejected.

2008-11-09T07:30:00.000-08:00

Weather grey and damp! However, I'm keeping busy. This year the art groups that I run for Sefton council are linking with the Maghull art group and together we are staging the biggest art event outside of Liverpool in this year's Capital of Culture! On December 6th and 7th over 150 local artists will be exhibiting their work, and hopefully selling a few. It never fails to amaze me to see so much talent, and all done in a local area. What a nation of painters we must be! And we are just the painters, not even considering all the other crafts that come under the term "Art". I also run life-drawing classes at Southport's King George V college. This takes place each Wednesday - Now anyone seriously into art - Or even anyone thinking of taking up art - should seriously consider life-drawing. Believe me, it's the best way to learn how to draw - And remember, you cannot produce a painting unless you can draw! Why life-drawing? Because it forces you to observe your subject. Anything not quite right and it's noticeable, even to a non-artist. Anyone interested, please get in touch. Or if watercolours are more your taste, I teach that too. Here is a recent example of my work, an oil painting. If you want to see more of my nude work, then visit: www.nudepaintingsnude.co.uk

Maghull's Celebration of Art '08

2008-10-12T04:46:00.000-07:00

Our exhibition this year - December 6th & 7th - will be a joint venture with the Maghull art group. This should prove to be a bigger and hopefully better event as there will be more on offer for art buyers and it should generate more media interest. To the best of my knowledge this is probably the biggest art event that Maghull has staged, with well over a hundred artists' work on show.

Next Friday at the Town Hall

2008-10-12T04:44:00.000-07:00

Just to remind members that we are meeting as usual at Maghull town hall on Friday, but we'll be upstairs.

My part in this year's Liverpool Biennial

2008-09-22T07:05:00.000-07:00

Though I was given short notice, only four weeks, I was given space at this year's Independant Biennial in Liverpool. The location, the warehouse on Sparling st. It's located near the Albert Dock on Wapping. Behind the Baltic Fleet pub. Not everyone was happy to have my paintings, nor the art of others, at this local venue. It's also hosting part of the official Biennial - and these artists believe that they are better than the rest of us and feel that no other work should appear with there's! Sharing space with me is an artist who has constructed a carousel, which is divided up into the rooms of a house. Great idea and I've no objection to the work being housed near mine. But why kick up a fuss when fellow artists, who work differently yet with the same integrity, want to express their ideas? The next objection was that I had prices on my work. This was also frowned upon, and I was asked to cover up my prices! No doubt someone from the official Biennial found the fact that even though I' m a practising artists, with a family to support and bills to pay, to sully the ambiance of the exhibition space with paintings for sale is to throw away artistic integrity. No doubt if they read this I will be asked to remove my paintings from the exhibition for having dared to make a negative comment!

watercolour class

2008-09-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

....I also run a watercolour class at King George college, Southport. We meet on Thursday evenings, commencing last week of September, for ten weeks. Times: 7 till 9.30 pm. Again, we cater for both beginners and the more advanced. To find out more, contact me or contact the college directly on 01704 500065.

life drawing class

2008-09-05T10:45:00.000-07:00

Anyone wishing to take up life-drawing, then consider joining my class at King George V college, Southport. We meet every Wednesday evening, starting end of September, 7pm to 9.30. We are a very friendly group and cater for all levels, from absolute beginners to the more advanced. To find out more, either contact me or ring the college direct on 01704 500065.

Start of the new term at the town hall

2008-08-27T00:17:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that we start back at Maghull town hall on Friday, September 5th - Only a matter of days away. Hopefully you'll return refreshed and full of new creative ideas! And our winter exhibition won't be that far away, so we need to start planning soon. Any new ideas on the exhibition, please bring them along.

Liverpool waterfront at night

2008-08-11T23:52:00.000-07:00

Have been working on a large commission last two weeks - The Liverpool waterfront at night. An exciting work as it allowed me to use my creativity to construct all the lighting. Also, it must be a first painting that incorporates two new buildings that aren't yet completed: the new ferry terminal (in front of the Cunard building) and the New Museum of Liverpool, virtually next to it.

hay loft this Friday!

2008-08-06T12:13:00.000-07:00

Weather forecast is good this Friday - 8th August. I will be going up to the Hay Loft at Lydiat from around 10am till 2pm. Anyone wanting to come along, please do - At least we can enjoy a coffee and cake in the cafe! I will be painting, so bring along your usual equipment. Forecast is very good and will be reasonably warm.

latest news from the bandstand

2008-07-22T09:30:00.000-07:00

Despite the reasonable weather, sales weren't good last weekend. This was probably due to two unique reasons. Firstly, the tall ships were in Liverpool and this attracted huge crowds. Secondly, Southport hosted the British Open golf! No doubt visitors were put off by the prospect of busy roads leading to the town. Everyone commented on just how quiet the town was. Several of the ladies on the bandstand were keeping an eye out for George Clooney, reportedly staying in the Vincent's hotel next to us on his way to the golf. But I rather think the Man' united footballer was back in training for the next football season.

bandstand exhibitions to continue

2008-07-06T02:04:00.000-07:00

Good news... Southport Tourism department has given us the go-ahead to continue with the Sunday exhibitions through to September. All we need now is good weather! All those waiting to be included, please be patient and I will contact you as spaces become available. In the meantime, please come along and meet us - Also any other artists who might be interested in exhibiting and selling with us. It's good to chat and exchange ideas and experiences.

2008-06-19T09:46:00.001-07:00

The Ark Royal visited Liverpool two weeks' ago and was a massive attraction, tied up near to the Liver Buildings. I managed to get onto the ferry and took a series of photo's. Over the next week I worked on this oil painting, early light over Liverpool. It measures approx. 36x40 inches. Price: £750

Fourth week on Lord Street

2008-06-17T14:40:00.001-07:00

Better luck with the weather last Sunday, though visitor numbers seemed lower - Due, we think, to the petrol situation. People weren't taking the chance of travelling far. However, the strike is now over and the dispute has been settled. Personally, I wouldn't mind earning the kind of money the tanker drivers are on. We are back next Sunday, with several new artists. Come along for a look and a chat.

our third week!

2008-06-08T11:30:00.001-07:00

We are still continuing with our out-door exhibitions. Unfortunately last Sunday we'd no sooner got set up on the Lord Street bandstand than it started to rain! Just after lunch, with the rain worsening, we decided to go home!
However, today was a glorious day with wall-to-wall sunshine and temperatures to match. It was probably our busiest day for people coming to look and several of us enjoyed a sale. We have been given another few weeks to make the venue viable, so we are trying to come up with interesting ideas to increase sales. Any suggestion, please let me know.

our second week

2008-05-26T00:43:00.001-07:00

We were back at the bandstand yesterday, Sunday, for the second of our four week trial period. Once again we were lucky with the weather and it remained fine, though on the breezy side.

bandstand exhibition

2008-05-26T00:36:00.001-07:00

A closer look at the quality of work we're exhibiting. These are mostly Graham's work....

Friday at the Hay loft

2008-05-22T02:31:00.000-07:00

Maghull town hall's students. Unfortunately the town hall is not available this Friday - 23rd. We are going to the Hay loft, at Lydiate. Weather forecast is good with sunny spells. Bring whatever materials you want, especially sketching pads. Also a chair to sit on. Turn up anytime between 10am and 3pm. See you there.

We finally made it!

2008-05-20T10:04:00.001-07:00

After many weeks of preperation, we began the first of four outdoor exhibitions on Southport's Lord Street bandstand! The weather was fine, dry and sunny and we had a great response from the passing public, and four of us enjoyed sales. This is Ray Scobie's work... with Pete relaxing at the right of the picture with a coffee...

Yvonne's work

2008-05-20T09:58:00.001-07:00

Yvonne also enjoyed a sale, so we got off to a promising start.

Sue's work

2008-05-20T09:56:00.001-07:00

Sue also enjoyed a sale

Graham Mcquade's work

2008-05-20T09:54:00.001-07:00

This is Graham's work, mostly watercolours. A lot of interest was shown in Graham's work

Sylvia Jones' work

2008-05-20T09:49:00.000-07:00

Sylvia proudly standing next to her work....

we've made a start!

2008-05-18T23:19:00.001-07:00

We finally made a start with displaying and selling art on the Lord Street bandstand on Sunday. This is the first of a 4 week trial period and, thankfully, the weather was dry. We certainly had a lot of passing interest and out of the seven exhibiting, four artists sold work, so an encouraging start. Hopefully we will learn and develop week by week. Those of you who have contacted me; you're on the waiting list, but do come along and visit us and have a chat. Will be putting up photos of the day as soon as I get them, so keep checking.

we start this weekend, 18th May!

2008-05-13T23:24:00.000-07:00

Our application to hold a series of art exhibitions on the Lord Street bandstand, Southport, has finally been accepted and we start this weekend, Sunday the 18th, between 11 am and late afternoon. This is a trial period, for the next four weeks, and if successful we'll continue each Sunday through the summer, weather permitting.

2008-05-06T23:55:00.000-07:00

A new venture! I'm in the process of organising a group of fellow artists who want to exhibit in a public space - a bandstand - and sell work directly to the passing public. The location: The Lord Street bandstand, Southport, Merseyside. This area can be very busy on a fine sunny day through the summer months. And it's directly in front of a new hotel - Vincents - that is opening at the same time. To those who have signed up, and on the waiting list, we hope to start next weekend 18th of May. Let's hope the weather is good. Feel free to come along during the following weeks and meet us. Keep checking this blog for updates.

latest painting

2008-04-22T09:53:00.000-07:00

This painting is from Wick Court farm, Arlingham, Gloucestershire. I grew up on this farm, only yards from the scene of this painting. The farm is now a charity which provides inner-city children with a real experience of living in the countryside. This farm is also famous for the fact that it was the home of the herd of cattle which provided the milk for the famous Double Gloucester cheese. It's also home for another popular breed - Old Gloucester Black Spot pig.
The painting is approx. 18 x 12 inches, oil on oil paper. Price £80 unframed. Please contact me for further details.

a study in red

2008-04-12T11:38:00.001-07:00

A simple subject, yet one that has appeal to me. Worked on this in my studio recently and wondered if I should do several more - same subject, but using different colours. Image size approx. 44x34 cm. Oils on oil paper. Price £80 plus shipping. PayPale accepted. Contact me at www.roymunday.com if you require more information.

Marigolds

2008-04-01T12:07:00.001-07:00

A painting I completed in the last few days. Marigolds. It's based on a painting done by one of the Scottish colourist. It just seems to celebrate sunshine, shadow and colour.

a drunk, in a Liverpool pub

2008-03-29T13:47:00.000-07:00

I came across this character, drunk, in a Liverpool pub and couldn't resist making a quick sketch of him. How many pints of beer he'd consumed I don't know, but he was slumped over this table, a full ashtray before him, smouldering cigarette dangling from his lips, empty glass next to him. This image was captured about a year before the "no smoking" ban became law in England. I resurrected the sketch a few weeks ago and decided to work up the painting. Quite how he got home I don't know. But no one seemed to be taking much notice of him.
Image size 44x34 cm, oil on oil paper. Price £80 plus S & H from United Kingdom. PayPal accepted. Please visit: www.roymunday.com for more paintings and details.

2008-03-17T06:54:00.001-07:00

I spent part of this last weekend helping out at a local art exhibition here on Merseyside. I visit the group once a month to offer tuition and other artistic advice. When I first started visiting the group, it was really in decline, down to only 9 members. In truth, it needed reinvigorating! They also realized this, and they followed my advice which meant that within a couple of months they had moved to a better venue; attracted more members (now around 25) and had organised their first real exhibition. The event also meant the group working together as a team which in turn has brought about a more cohesive group. Plus the weekend proved a social event as well, allowing members time to get to know each other better. They can really be proud of themselves for their achievement. My reward? Firstly, real pleasure in witnessing their achievement and secondly, I sold a painting! Their next exhibition is this August. In the meantime, anyone interested in buying the above painting, titled: "last light, Ainsdale beach," measuring approx 24x24 inches, oils on boxed canvas, price £160, please contact me at: www.roymunday.com

2008-03-12T09:50:00.001-07:00

Always fascinated by light and dark, this subject will be familiar to British people. A red telephone box, once a common sight in Britian. Slowly they are disappearing, due to the mobile. However, you find them in the most unlikely of spots. This one is very isolated, yet offers an oasis of light in an otherwise dark and bleak landscape. This painting, measuring 20x24 inches is for sale at £160 pounds, plus P&P. Or visit www.roymunday.com

lightship planet up for sale!

2008-03-06T07:57:00.000-08:00

Heard today that the actual lightship, Planet, no. 23, moored in Liverpool, is actually up for sale. I only started work on a painting of the lightship last week, and you can view it on this blog. Apparently it's current owner has run into difficulties and as now put the ship up for sale - I believe the asking price is £139.000. To find out more, visit: www.lv23.com

River Mersey former lightship, Planet

2008-02-28T04:08:00.000-08:00

Have been working in my studio on another Liverpool subject: the former lightship, Planet, number 23. Built back in 1960 in Dartmouth it was formerly A Liverpool lightship from 1961 to 1982. Planet is currently moored at the Albert Dock, Liverpool. This painting measures 20x24 inches, oil on oil board. I have a little more work to do on this painting, the fore mast needs completing. The painting is for sale at £180 sterling plus P&P. If interested, click here and please contact me.

I'm back at the easel!

2008-02-23T10:47:00.001-08:00

Yes, back at the easel. Saturday, I returned to the studio, put the following day's disappointing news to the back of my mind and commenced another painting. I returned to a theme I first explored several years ago: young smokers gathered around an old English telephone box. These boxes are fast disappearing from Britain, yet I've always been fascinated by them, especially those in isolated spots, and particularly so when lit at night. Often they provide an oasis of light, creating a little world. In this composition a couple of youngsters, aged around 10 and 14 (the younger one is based on my son - No, he doesn't smoke). The inspiration for this theme came from my own memories of when growing up in Gloucestershire, we - as with most youngsters - had a favourite meeting place, somewhere to congregate, usually to the annoyance of adults. I have a more completed version on my website, but have returned to it because I felt the earlier version wasn't successful. As promised, have republished the image.

not a good experience!

2008-02-23T03:00:00.000-08:00

Hello, just a quick update. Feeling a bit let down this past 24 hours. An agent I work through led me to believe a client was about to buy four of my paintings - 99% certain - said the agent that the client would buy and just a question of signing on the dotted line. 24 hours later and I received the message, yes, you guessed it, that the sale had fallen through! Back to square one! I've been an artist for a number of years, and take this sort of thing on the chin. One just takes the disappointment, shake it off after a day or so, and return to the easel. But I'm not going to hide my disappointment. In truth, I needed the sales to pay everyday bills - Such as the television licence, which I'm being kept reminded is "overdue"! It gets dropped through the letter box with the "licence now overdue" message on the evelope seemingly increasing in size and alarm! And as for keeping petrol in the car - another financial juggling act. Why do we artists continue? Can anyone out there please tell me?

A recent visit to Liverpool football club

2008-02-21T06:49:00.000-08:00

Tuesday evening my son, Andrew - pictured - had the opportunity to visit Liverpool football club and watch Liverpool win another round of the European Cup, beating AC Milan 2 nil. Despite the bitterly cold evening, with a full moon arching over the stadium, the atmospher was electric, and the Liverpool fans supported the players - and manager - throughout the game. It has been years since I last attended a professinal game, and to hear the Liverpool fans celebrate the two goals was something unique. The event, plus the visual display, with all the colour, lighting and the atmospher, got me thinking about possible paintings - especially the fans arriving at the stadium, with the mobile caterers and takaways doing a brisk job, but the lighting of the streets, full of fans, with the mobile caterers I think is fertile ground for several paintings.

Vincent Van Gogh, and his stay in Arles

2008-02-17T13:33:00.001-08:00

Anyone interested in art will be acquainted with Vincent Van Gogh, and his tragic life. To many, he is the epitome of the "true artist". In other words, he sacrificed everything for his art. I have just begun reading another book on Vincent, by the author Martin Gayford, titled: The Yellow House. It deals with the period that Vincent and Paul Gauguin spent together in the town of Arles, southern France in the last months of 1888. I believe that Gayford describes well the essence of being an artist, and this book reads as though it's been thouroughly researched. As a struggling artist myself, I immediately connected to the daily struggle of both Van Gogh and Gauguin. Yet the first thing that strikes me about this collaborative effort by the two artists was their situation: I mean, here they were, away from the obvious distractions of family and friends, a roof over their heads, food to eat and, the most important thing, the time in which to paint - also in their case to argue and debate about "modern art". When reading the opening pages of this story, I felt a desire to have been in their shoes... living at a time when art was changing, that they were engaged in discovering some new way forward - It appears to me that there will never again be quite the same revolutions in art in the future as there was during this period - Certainly not in painting. I will be continuing this subject over the next week and sharing my thoughts with you. If you have an opinion, then please post it here. Please click to see more of the discussion

Cottage on the Leeds, Liverpool canal

2008-02-16T10:25:00.000-08:00

This painting I completed in the last few days. The location is about a mile from my studio at Haskayne. It's a view of the cottage, which sits on the Leeds and Liverpool canal. In the far distance, on the hill, a glimps of Christ church, Aughton, nr. Ormskirk. The church is a local landmark and can be seen from most areas. In the days of sailing ships it served as a landmark for ships approaching the port of Liverpool. I passed this cottage last Autumn and was struck by the changing colours. The painting is for sale at £180. It measures 20x16 inches, oils on oil board. If interested, please contact me at www.roymunday.com

recent visit to annual art fair in London

2008-02-08T10:44:00.000-08:00

Hello, again. Want to share a visit I made in last couple of weeks to the London Art Fair, held each year in London. It's an opportunity to see a lot of work - hundreds of mostly contempory artists, and over a hundred galleries. Needless to say one sees a broad range of work, including artists whoes work now fetches many millions of pounds - and even more dollars! L.S. Lowry, Walter Sickert and the Scottish Colourist. I find that visiting an art fair of this quality recharges the creative batteries and one cannot fail to discover new ways of working. One artist has recently caught my eye. The work of Ken Howard, represented by the Richard Green gallery. Look up Ken at www.richard-green.com and use the zoom function to get close to the image, so that one can study closely his method of working. Excellent work! A selection of Ken's work can be seen in the image of the fair, his work is lining the wall.

The Liver Buildings & pump house at night, Liverpool

2008-02-07T03:59:00.001-08:00

I'm often fascinated by cityscapes at night, the clash of artificial lighting with its surrounding envirionment . Here is another example, an iconic view of Liverpool's famous Liver Buildings, looking east.
Picture size: 16x20 inches. Will deliver world-wide. For price, please visit my site: www.roymunday.com

Queen Elizabeth 2, anchored off Liverpool's waterfront

2008-02-05T05:54:00.001-08:00

I'd been working on this large painting, some 36x32 inches, of the QE2 anchored off the Liverpool waterfront for several days, but I became frustrated with it and have put it to one side. Hopefully I'll return to it in the near future. I just felt that somehow it wasn't working, that the painting wasn't coming together as I'd planned.

Another sunset at the Albert Dock, Liverpool

2008-02-05T02:03:00.000-08:00

Another painting of a sunset at Liverpool's Albert Dock. As an artist, the way light and colour interact is one of my prime preoccupations when painting. This painting is approx. 36x32 inches, oils on canvas, and is for sale. I deliver world-wide. For more information about this painting, please visit www.roymunday.com
and visit the Liverpool paintings page.