| 04 May, 2013 07:40
It's been a hectic few months so far....but I am as inspired by my surroundings as ever. There is always something old or disappearing in London to capture or present in a new way...I've attached one of my most recent views which is down the road from here. Disappearing public houses are a big issue in the East End and I am on a mission to document as many as possible that are still in existence...hope you enjoy
| 13 March, 2013 06:12
I've been going 'back to the drawing board' for the last month or so to give the paints a rest. Creating some interesting textures and effects using just pen, pencil and watercolour pencils. I had forgotten how interesting and freeing it can be. Not much room for error though, so getting to grips with that but enjoying the change of medium. More to follow so hope you find the unfinished attachment of interest. Once the weather is warmer, more oils will be in production but can't open windows in this weather!
| 12 January, 2013 13:29
Time to get get a grip on the New Year. There seems no better time to start stripping back to where it all began. When this art lark began, I used to love nothing more sketching and doodling. I would just look around where I was at the time for inspiration, be it in a pub, street or work. Not aiming for anything too complex, I would while away hours enjoying the feel of the pencil or pen flowing over the paper and not caring about the marks being made. Occasionally, something inspirational would happen, at other times nothing special. But going back every so often is so freeing and relaxing, it can be like doing stretches before the main workout. I've attached one of the better efforts..used a watercolour pen to jazz things up a little...
| 30 December, 2012 09:10
I just wanted to thank everyone who visited my Art Stall this month. I had some lovely comments and met some lovely people. Makes it all worthwhile. Good to know that my work is pleasing to people. I understand in these strained financial times that original works can be a stretch. To this end, I am getting more prints of my work made available. Please send me a mail if you wish to discuss the options...in the meantime, I attach my latest work, Whitechapel, Midnight 1889. I am planning to depict a series of East End pubs to be included in future works. They will be larger than my most recent works as I feel this is when they can be appreciated to full effect. Updates to follow soon...
| 28 November, 2012 06:42
Appears I am nearly there! I am sure the recent appalling weather conditions have helped me enormously. I am addicted to Yellow Ochre at the moment and finding it works really well for this period along with cobalt in variable amounts seems to tap into an emotion that I feel matches the area. It's not nostalgia, more an acrid atmosphere which it must truly have been for these poor souls being worked to the bone on meagre rations with none of todays home comforts. Makes me appreciate my circumstances every time I pick up the brush
| 31 October, 2012 12:40
Well, this title has taken some time to materialise into an actual painting, but I am gradually seeing the nightwatchman at the end of the blah blah. It's one of the smallest pictures I have done but no less trouble for all that! End of the week is the deadline so will update again, on Twitter also. Always feels easier to paint this subject matter when the weather is miserable and having put my back out this week, it has probably added to the general atmosphere. Tears have definitely gone with this one this week!
| 21 October, 2012 15:08
Well, this is certainly MY time of year! Nothing better than dark nights and drizzle to help get the imagination firing on all cylinders with regards to the streets and pathways of my favourite part of London...here is my latest which I would say is almost there, but have said this many times before! Tune in for more updates...
| 16 October, 2012 08:49
Had an amazing time and met some lovely and genuine people. The weather was fine and the rain held off. I learned my favoured pictures were Jack II and Brick Lane. They are still for sale, so will be coming with me to Spitalfields in December if they are still with me. I am in the process of entering them into some competitions at present so do bear with me if you wish to purchase. Prints will be available at Spitalfields, possibly some textiles as well...watch this space....back in the studio to reel off some more masterpieces (one hopes). Thanks again for all the positive comments to the people who took the trouble to come to the fair. Hope to see you in December. Take care.
| 27 September, 2012 11:08
| 17 September, 2012 17:37
Trying some new techniques at the moment. Particularly drawn to the autumnal colours as you can see if you check out the new gallery. Mixing with the minimum amount of medium is making for some interesting results. Watch this space, who knows where it will lead!
| 07 September, 2012 06:06
I am exploring more abstract themes based on skies and our atmosphere.
Using paper as a ground rather than board or canvas/linen as I can ensure prices are kept lower, (given our times) and hopefully they are still as pleasing. I am enjoying the spontaniety and colour themes I am now exploring. Expect more surrealism and fantasy! I have also returned back to watercolours for more experimentation. I would like to encourage people to make their own story from what they are seeing....I will be interested to see what people think and what stories they evoke for people. I will be uploading more creations 
over the coming weeks....please comment. I look forward to hearing from you ;0)
| 27 August, 2012 15:56
| 26 July, 2012 16:46
There we have it! Not quite finished but very pleased so far. Took some time to evolve, but you can never always quite tell where each picture will lead. 
| 26 June, 2012 16:50
Jack seems to be working his way back onto the streets in my pictures again.....and there was me trying to change the subject! I am looking forward to viewing the LS Lowry exhibition at Tate Britain next week. Will report back on how it goes....oh and to let you know how this picture progresses!
| 22 June, 2012 17:06
Mmmm, not sure if I should have left well alone, but this is developed on from East End View I.....now there is Tower Bridge in the distance, if you can spot it? Excuse the TV in the background, wanted to upload quickly!
Mary Swan Art
City, Land and Skyscapes
Mary Swan's Artspan Blog
Back in London
| 04 May, 2013 07:40
It's been a hectic few months so far....but I am as inspired by my surroundings as ever. There is always something old or disappearing in London to capture or present in a new way...I've attached one of my most recent views which is down the road from here. Disappearing public houses are a big issue in the East End and I am on a mission to document as many as possible that are still in existence...hope you enjoy
Pen and Ink
| 13 March, 2013 06:12
I've been going 'back to the drawing board' for the last month or so to give the paints a rest. Creating some interesting textures and effects using just pen, pencil and watercolour pencils. I had forgotten how interesting and freeing it can be. Not much room for error though, so getting to grips with that but enjoying the change of medium. More to follow so hope you find the unfinished attachment of interest. Once the weather is warmer, more oils will be in production but can't open windows in this weather!
Back to Basics
| 12 January, 2013 13:29
Time to get get a grip on the New Year. There seems no better time to start stripping back to where it all began. When this art lark began, I used to love nothing more sketching and doodling. I would just look around where I was at the time for inspiration, be it in a pub, street or work. Not aiming for anything too complex, I would while away hours enjoying the feel of the pencil or pen flowing over the paper and not caring about the marks being made. Occasionally, something inspirational would happen, at other times nothing special. But going back every so often is so freeing and relaxing, it can be like doing stretches before the main workout. I've attached one of the better efforts..used a watercolour pen to jazz things up a little...
Thank You
| 30 December, 2012 09:10
I just wanted to thank everyone who visited my Art Stall this month. I had some lovely comments and met some lovely people. Makes it all worthwhile. Good to know that my work is pleasing to people. I understand in these strained financial times that original works can be a stretch. To this end, I am getting more prints of my work made available. Please send me a mail if you wish to discuss the options...in the meantime, I attach my latest work, Whitechapel, Midnight 1889. I am planning to depict a series of East End pubs to be included in future works. They will be larger than my most recent works as I feel this is when they can be appreciated to full effect. Updates to follow soon...
East End Doss House
| 28 November, 2012 06:42
Doss House Latest
| 31 October, 2012 12:40
Autumn Descends
| 21 October, 2012 15:08
Well, this is certainly MY time of year! Nothing better than dark nights and drizzle to help get the imagination firing on all cylinders with regards to the streets and pathways of my favourite part of London...here is my latest which I would say is almost there, but have said this many times before! Tune in for more updates...
Parallax - Chelsea
| 16 October, 2012 08:49
Had an amazing time and met some lovely and genuine people. The weather was fine and the rain held off. I learned my favoured pictures were Jack II and Brick Lane. They are still for sale, so will be coming with me to Spitalfields in December if they are still with me. I am in the process of entering them into some competitions at present so do bear with me if you wish to purchase. Prints will be available at Spitalfields, possibly some textiles as well...watch this space....back in the studio to reel off some more masterpieces (one hopes). Thanks again for all the positive comments to the people who took the trouble to come to the fair. Hope to see you in December. Take care.
Parallax Art Fair 13-14th October - Chelsea Town Hall - Almost There!
| 27 September, 2012 11:08
Turmoil
| 17 September, 2012 17:37
Trying some new techniques at the moment. Particularly drawn to the autumnal colours as you can see if you check out the new gallery. Mixing with the minimum amount of medium is making for some interesting results. Watch this space, who knows where it will lead!
Skyward!
| 07 September, 2012 06:06
I am exploring more abstract themes based on skies and our atmosphere.
Using paper as a ground rather than board or canvas/linen as I can ensure prices are kept lower, (given our times) and hopefully they are still as pleasing. I am enjoying the spontaniety and colour themes I am now exploring. Expect more surrealism and fantasy! I have also returned back to watercolours for more experimentation. I would like to encourage people to make their own story from what they are seeing....I will be interested to see what people think and what stories they evoke for people. I will be uploading more creations
over the coming weeks....please comment. I look forward to hearing from you ;0)
New Work
| 27 August, 2012 15:56
From Doss House to Jack
| 26 July, 2012 16:46
There we have it! Not quite finished but very pleased so far. Took some time to evolve, but you can never always quite tell where each picture will lead.
Further Developments
| 26 June, 2012 16:50
Jack seems to be working his way back onto the streets in my pictures again.....and there was me trying to change the subject! I am looking forward to viewing the LS Lowry exhibition at Tate Britain next week. Will report back on how it goes....oh and to let you know how this picture progresses!
Developments
| 22 June, 2012 17:06
Mmmm, not sure if I should have left well alone, but this is developed on from East End View I.....now there is Tower Bridge in the distance, if you can spot it? Excuse the TV in the background, wanted to upload quickly!
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