LIVE ART IN LONDON

A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to paint live at 'The Light' venue, London. This was part of the Relational Mission Courage conference with around 800 attending and a live-stream video to other nations via YouTube.

Being held at the largest event space in Euston I decided to upgrade to using 1 metre square canvases for this occasion. I'd been invited to paint in four of the sessions over the 3 days I was there and would be given 30-45 minutes to work on each picture, so my next decision was to arrive with my first layer of colour already complete for each piece.

Did I have a plan?

Although I am an abstract painter and my style is very loose and free I always think through in advance of an event like this, what the theme of each painting will be and how I will symbolise this with colours, shapes and marks. I decide on a title and print out a brief synopsis to attach to my easel for people to read. I often have some idea of composition (where the points of interest might sit within the whole) but am not clear on what the picture will look like when finished. I like to work expressively and freely, layering various techniques that include a good dose of spontaneity and 'happy accidents'. I like to respond to the emotion and heart of the moment as well, ready to add elements that I hadn't anticipated if it seems right at the time and if it expresses the life that is growing from within the painting.

Images by Relational Mission/Chris Johnson Photography

Here is a little movie I've put together of me painting at the conference

My Paintings

Did I finish my pictures?

I aimed to bring the pictures to some sort of conclusion by the end of each session but once in the venue I decided that finishing touches (which usually involve splatting paint) would need to wait until I got them home. My 6 year old daughter enjoyed observing my paint splatting in the sunshine, the following day.

When working in this spontaneous manner and on this scale I have found that once they are complete I discover many 'paintings within the painting', sections of the picture that have a personality of their own – the treasure within the details. Here are some that I have captured.

What's it like painting live?

I've had many conversations recently with people intrigued by what it feels like painting live. There are practical concerns – a desire to be true to my style and technique whilst honouring the venue and not leaving any evidence of what I've been doing. Getting my equipment to the right place at the right time – on this occasion I had a go at driving into London for the first time, as there was no way I would have managed on the train, and then finding willing helpers to carry big canvases and resources from the car park.
Once all this is overcome and I'm set up ready, I look over my sketch book notes, pray and choose not to worry about what people will think of me or the work I produce! I make a decision to have fun and to give myself to the process.
As painting at this type of event becomes more familiar to me I am finding I am increasingly relaxed (especially once I'm started) and can just get on with enjoying and expressing myself – it feels like I'm doing what I was made to do! I get such positive feedback and interest, and it seems to always inspire other creatives to be brave and take risks themselves.

Relational Mission/Chris Johnson Photography

What happens to the paintings next?

Another question I get asked a lot is what happens to the paintings once I've finished. Well first I take them home, add any finishing touches and take photographs to share on social media, my website and for making prints. I paint the edges of the canvas, sign the picture and varnish it. Unless I have it agreed in the contract for the event that the payment for my booking includes keeping the painting (for example at a Wedding, or a school residency) then the pictures are available for anyone to purchase (I offer a 10 month payment plan which makes it more affordable for many). The paintings not sold immediately will be included in my next exhibition and offered for sale in a gallery. As many people are not in a position to buy one of my original pieces I also offer poster prints of pictures created at such events, for a limited period.
In the case of these particular paintings, I have sold 2 (one will be sent to London, the other to Holland – both of these people were at the conference), I have someone coming to view the third picture in a week's time (who has only seen it as a photograph so far) and the fourth will be displayed in my Open Studio exhibition in July.
The prints are available on my Etsy shop - click on these images for a link

Interview

At this event I had the privilege of being interviewed by the conference organisers about how my art and faith connect in this sort of setting – to read about this and hear more about the meaning of my pictures click their blog image on the right.

If you would like me to create live art at your event, do get in touch. My paintings are unique and personalized to the theme of your occasion. I am available for weddings, concerts, conferences, charity fundraisers, cocktail parties, festivals and indeed any event where you would like me to add a splash of colour!

I also offer a tailor made artist in residence package for schools, churches and community spaces - from single workshops to a 5 day event.

Email for further enquires