Ashley Stuart
  • Shop
  • Sketchbook
  • About
    • Artist
    • Art Commissions
    • Design Services
  • Contact
    • Art Services
    • Design Services

The Final 2020 Commission Reveal

28/12/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Initial quick sketch of the building
Picture
Final Painting
I'm pleased to reveal the final 2020 commission piece. It was the sole project for the last two months and I'm so incredibly pleased and proud of how it has come to life.

​I have to be honest – it was incredibly difficult to keep this commission a secret for so long. The piece was a Christmas gift and it had to be kept a secret as its for one of my amazing friends. During our last catch-up he mentioned wanting something for his house and I had to steer him into not buying something until "after Christmas". I'm not one to be devious so this was terribly difficult!
Picture
Detail of the doorway
Picture
Sketches for the building sign lettering
Picture
Building sign lettering
I created some quick sketches of the building and some components as all photos of the building were seen at an angle, but I wanted the painting to be straight on. ​Starting with a light architectural sketch using vanishing points, the watercolors were applied in washes that became more and more detailed.
Many parts of the initial sketch were blocked out to retain vibrancy. The entire piece was finished with detailed watercolor and graphite to help create dimension and depth.

Picture
Block out applied to the windows and door
Picture
Final layers being applied
​My biggest struggle was the trees. I was afraid they would overtake the building. Keeping the foliage washes of primary colors without detail helps them become part of the building in a constructive way. This also allowed for the windows behind the foliage to peek through.

​The absolute best part of the process was working with the client. She was amazing, understanding, and supportive. We were in touch with progress every two weeks. And the recipient's message made the entire process complete. 
We love the painting so much! I can't wait to get it framed. I was totally surprised!!! It's gorgeous... It's literally so beautiful – your talent is amazing. 

2021 Commission are Open

Enquire Now
0 Comments

View from Belvoir Castle, a Landscape

22/10/2020

0 Comments

 
We visited Belvoir Castle this past weekend. It is a family favorite. The home is so lovely and who doesn't love visiting a film set? (The Crown was filmed here!) We always end up with an arm load of future presents for the girls, goodies for a delicious meal, and one-of-a-kind loose leaf tea from the Engine Yard. As we drove into the car park, there is a rolling view of the fields below the castle that are magnificent. In an artist daze, I left my family and wandered towards the view snapping photos as I traveled. Don't worry, my husband is used to this by now :) Below is the first painting created the day afterwards.
Process picture of Original Watercolor by Ashley Stuart
The first ultramarine layer applied to create the basic shadows and skeleton of the painting.
A light sketch was drawn as a guide. Using ultramarine blue, I layered the first shapes and washes to create the basic shadows. Then I applied to lemon yellow to achieve the greens and highlights of the landscape. A small bit of cadmium red was last and only served as a highlight to the fields.
Details from an Original Watercolor by Ashley Stuart
The last of the washes applied before a final layer of ultramarine was painted.
Original Watercolor of the View from Belvoir Castle by Ashley Stuart
The final watercolor painting. I added the water in the foreground though it is not in the landscape at Belvoir Castle.
Paints:
Windsor & Newton Cotman 
Cadmium Red Pale Hue 103
Windsor & Newton Cotman Lemon Yellow Hue
Windsor & Newton Professional Ultramarine (Green Shade)
0 Comments

Two Landscapes, Different Times

21/10/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
A sunrise and sunset landscape duo will be entered into the Peterborough City Gallery exhibition. I love watching the watercolor washes interact. New colors emerge and shapes are defined by saturation and transparency. One more painting to make for the exhibition and then will be submitting the last week of October. Exciting!!
0 Comments

Fabrics, Decor + Wallpaper on Spoonflower.com

15/9/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
In addition to my paintings and collections, my watercolors can be found on fabrics, where you can make what you'd like, or homewares, decor, and wallpaper. I'll be updating this shop frequently and will release new patterns within The Collector community.
Visit Spoonflower Shop
0 Comments

Studio: Wash Exploration

14/9/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

#SeasaltArtClub - Vintage Sardine Tin

24/6/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
View Tutorial
0 Comments

Amidst the chaos: A background & update on the beach women collection

18/6/2020

1 Comment

 
The inspiration for this collection surfaced during an introspective journey following the death of George Floyd. The educational materials gratefully thrust into view regarding systemic racism made me feel empowered to help and support with my entire being. I was reading late into the night, watching documentaries, attached to the stream of social media posts all within a matter of days. This passion then became anger and I felt an intense mother's desire to take away the bad and replace with good, but could not. My need for instant gratification stunned me.

So I began to think, "Well, what can I change? Where do I start? What do I know? I know women. I know motherhood. I have felt the struggles. I'll start there." So by combining my fervor for the BIPOC community with that of women's struggles, the Beach Women collection was born. 
Upon further reflection of the initial collection, I realized that I did not include any variations of skin tones for the women. Amidst the chaos of life, I became wrapped up in using the knowledge of my self that I neglected to really embrace all women. So I am rectifying this and will have updates to the collection soon.
1 Comment

Beach Women, my Premier Collection

13/6/2020

0 Comments

 

Beach Women observes insightful women at a shoreline. ​

Picture
Picture
The veiled woman in uniform performs natural acts while considering her placement. She sits and learns; she ambles; she nourishes, she contemplates and evaluates; she holds steady against the elements. The protective shelter she has brought is sometimes necessary, sometimes unnecessary, and sometimes forgotten. So deep in thought, she eventually carries her baggage into the water, but she must go back to her place before moving deeper. 

These women yearn for their depth to be understood by the forceful waves that create the stalls surrounding their life.
The monochromatic design of these pieces allow for feelings of happiness, hope, and honor to surface. The color progresses to blue as she progresses away from the shoreline. Only original watercolors will be released in this collection. ​
View Collection
0 Comments

Beach Women

9/6/2020

0 Comments

 
A mini collection of original watercolors will be listed this weekend. I'm seriously in love with each of these ladies and am excited to see where this mini collection takes us.
Picture
​If you are a Collector, you will receive 10% off.
0 Comments

Travel Sketch: Lilford Hall [SOLD]

24/5/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
On our way to Titchmarsh Nature Reserve, we drove through Lilford and found the gates to Lilford Hall estate open. Unsure what to expect, we were graced with a beautiful drive. Set upon a rolling green backdrop is Lilford Hall, initially built in Tudor style in 1495 with a Jacobean extension built in the 1740s. It is majestic even though empty since the 1950s. The drive goes around the entirety of the house and past a few working houses. It is currently being renovated.
Buy in Shop
0 Comments

Hand Lettering with Watercolors

16/5/2020

0 Comments

 
Trying something a bit new. Combining my love for typography and my love of watercolor. Et voilá, see below. Thoughts? Explore more? Add to the shop? Throw 'em in the bin?
0 Comments

Mother's Day

11/5/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Happy Mother’s Day to my Mama and all the mamas, mamas-to-be and carers in the world 🧡You may not always feel it but you are loved, appreciated, strong, beautiful, and overall awesome.

This 
illustration is from the viewpoint of my kids. They have been seeing a lot of this view lately, from behind the green tape, as I work on the 2020 collection, a commission piece, developing the shop, creating doodles and so forth. I have that heavy mother’s guilt some days when I explain I need to work instead of play, a new concept for them. I’ve been with them nearly everyday of their lives.

But also from this view, they see their Mommy creating her dream, fulfilling the “When I grow up I want to be...” question (answer: artist), struggling and persevering, learning, figuring, succeeding....
​ 
It eases the worry I have just a bit 😊
0 Comments

Sneaking Out for a Run

22/4/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
I'm not crazy about sneaking out, but it's the only way I'm able to get a run in these days. Otherwise, it's "I want to go! I want to go!" followed by tantrums unimaginable prior to COVID 19. 
Picture
I completed the Run for Heroes 5k challenge and donated £5 to NHS. If it is something you are interested in challenging yourself with, you can donate securely through Virgin Money Giving. Take a pic of yourself during your run, post it to Instagram stories, tag five of your friends, explain the 5k challenge and £5 donation, and watch the fun unfold.
0 Comments

Meditation, covid-style

17/4/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Getting my yoga and meditation practice in during COVID-19 armageddon has been interesting. My eldest is home from school and is a constant noise maker. She can actually hum loudly while she eats, it's fascinating. My youngest is a copy-catter (word?) in the cutest sense of the word but I often find her crawling under my down dogs. And the dog is so enamored by my use of his kind's positions that he sits nearby wagging his tail, waiting for the opportune moment to lick my feet or sniff my bum. Any guru would probably say this is the perfect way to practice but I'm not so sure.... Maybe it'll be quieter tomorrow.

How is your practice coming along at this time? Any issues to relate?
0 Comments

untitled

31/3/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Categories

    All
    Art For Sale
    Crafts
    Daily Sketch
    Design
    Drawing
    Free Downloads
    Home Decor
    Illustration
    In The Studio
    Process
    Travel Sketch
    Watercolor

    Images are ©Ashley Stuart. All reproduction or use of images is prohibited without written consent. If you see an artwork that you would like to own, but it's not in the shop, get in touch and I'll try to make it happen!
    Get in Touch

    Archives

    January 2021
    December 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    August 2019
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    July 2016
    April 2016
    February 2016
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    April 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    July 2014
    January 2014
    June 2013
    April 2013
    October 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    December 2011
    July 2010

    RSS Feed

COMMISSIONS
FAQs
CONTACT
TERMS OF SERVICE
PRIVACY POLICY
© ASHLEY STUART 2020. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Shop
  • Sketchbook
  • About
    • Artist
    • Art Commissions
    • Design Services
  • Contact
    • Art Services
    • Design Services