Visit my website at www.jeangdayton.com

Monday 24 December 2007

Colour in Art

Art Design and Colour Meaning

People are becoming more aware about the power of colour to heal every aspect of their lives. We are surrounded by colour within natures flowers, trees, rocks, minerals and animals and we mimic these colours in our homes with soft furnishings, upholstery and ART. Here you will find a brief introduction about colour, it’s positive benefits and how it can enhance your environment.

RED This colour has exciting & stimulating qualities, which is why it tends to be used in restaurants to stimulate the appetite and conversation; so a good colour to have in a dining room. Red is vibrant and gives us energy, it brings strength, warmth & energy and is associated with love. It is a yang colour and a person would wear this colour if they wanted to create an impression or feel confident and powerful in their surroundings, hence the term ‘power dressing’.

PINK When white is added to red it transforms it to Rose Pink, a softer more delicate colour than red it’s associated with the feminine energies and with unconditional love. It’s a colour associated with good health and well-being. A Good colour to have in a bedroom. It is associated with healing of the heart centre, the crystal stone Rose Quartz is a soft baby pink and is very often used for this healing purpose.

ORANGE The colour of joy, it has the power to encourage freedom and movement on all levels of our being. Its warm invigorating nature makes it a real mood lifter. It is also the colour of creativity so this colour would be a good colour to have in a study, work place or kitchen. Orange promotes confidence and a feeling of well being and that ‘everything is ok in my world’ so it is a good colour for encouraging and cultivating self worth.

YELLOW It is the colour nearest to sunlight. Its sunny disposition radiates warmth and inspiration. Yellow works with the intellect and mental inspiration, making it a beneficial colour to use in a study or place of learning. It is a happy colour and is often associated with summer, sun and jovial times. Children are very often drawn to this colour. It is a colour that calms our emotions and is associated with the solar plexus energy centre.

BLUE This colour promotes a sense of peace and relaxation, making it a good colour to have in a bedroom, meditation room or in a room set aside for relaxation. It is also the colour of communication so would be good to use in any communal areas of the home such as the dining room or lounge/sitting room. Depending of the shade of blue, it can have varying effects on ones being - turquoise blue is a powerful colour used in spiritual practices and is the colour of the stone ‘Turquoise’ which is revered by the Native American Indians. A deep electric blue is used as a powerful healing and protective colour and is used in many spiritualism churches. Baby blue can be a calming colour for children and would be a very good colour to use in a baby’s bedroom.

GREEN The colour of balance. In nature it is the colour of life. As the colour of balance it is able to bring stability to both mind and emotions. An unassuming colour that has a soothing tranquil quality so again this would be a good choice of colour for a living room or family room, encouraging harmony within the home.

VIOLET This colour is a combination of the masculine energies of red and the feminine energies of blue, which gives this colour the ability to balance and calm these two energies within the home or within an individual. Bringing both physical and spiritual strength and calming to those experiencing sleep difficulties this colour would be most beneficial in a bedroom setting.

Wednesday 19 December 2007

Latest Seascape | Abstract Yacht Seascape Paintings

Here is my latest yacht seascape commission I have been working on, this is it completed, a rather large 2m x 1.2m oil on canvas............ very dramatic, lots of sea & splash!


closeups


House & Home Ideas Jan Issue - Feature


My artwork 'Touch of Green' features in the Jan issue of House & Home Ideas in The Essentials feature 'Art in Green' - here's the feature


Sunday 16 December 2007

AND magazine feature

My art has been featured in a Hampshire magazine called AND magazine - it's a great mag that supports local people and local businesses, lists all gigs and entertainment that is happening in our area, a really good read, here is the article....




Sunday 9 December 2007

House and Home Ideas Website Offer

I am offering to visitors to House & Home Ideas website a 20% discount until Jan 2008 on all original art, to get the special promotional code please visit the House & Home Ideas website at

http://www.houseandhomeideas.co.uk/content/view/185/89/

Dramatic Yacht Seascapes | Abstract Yacht Racing Paintings

The remainder of the trio that I have been working on.......2 large canvases 30x24"



If you would like to commission similar pieces please visit my website at: www.jeangdayton.com/commissions.html

Friday 7 December 2007

Latest Seascape | Abstract Yacht Racing Paintings

A series of 3 yacht seascapes I am working on at the moment, this one completed today....36"x24" - lots of movement, sea and splash!


Thursday 6 December 2007

Completed Seascape commission | Abstract Yacht Paintings

Here is a karge canvas commission I have been working on that is 1m x 1.2m - it is based on my painting Fastnet4




closeup images

Sunday 2 December 2007

Christmas Time


Taken from my Christmas newsletter

Our thoughts are turning to Christmas and the winter months ahead. I love this time of year as it has something truly magical to offer... The leaves on the trees have nearly all fallen now leaving a beautiful soft golden carpet for us to tread. There is an excited expectancy of what is around the corner and a gathering of our thoughts as we venture into the winter realms of nature.

This time of year always makes me think of snow and I think that is what inspired me to paint a series of winter scenes. ‘Timeless’ which depicts a tree lined country road covered in snow, you can almost feel the chill in the air and the snow crunching underfoot - I have painted ‘Timeless’ in an abstract style and have chosen cool colours of blue, soft purple, silver and white - it is quite an ethereal piece. ‘Drifting’ represents the true nature of snow and how it covers the landscape changing its shape & feel and that is what I have tried to capture in this piece - I have added more interest with a majestical sky of pinks and yellows.

I loved painting these pieces so much that I did a series of them, see below for the remainder of this series. They form the basis for my christmas greeting cards. Just click on the image to view more details about each painting.

Timeless Drifting

Saturday 1 December 2007

Floral Commission

I love flowers and painting my floral paintings, so I was thrilled when asked to paint a floral commission for a previous customer - painted in duck-egg blues the painting is a 36x24" boxed canvas design painted in oils with silver detail - based on my Tranquillity painting. With the customers approval this painting is called Serenity.



some closeup images of this commission

Signature - J G Dayton

How an artist signs his/her work is hugely important as it is the artist's identity - The Signature I use on my work is J G Dayton, "J G Dayton" on smaller artworks and sketches I sign just JGD, "JGD" - some artists just use their surname and some use their full name.........I prefer a more simple signature..........

J G Dayton

Friday 30 November 2007

In the Beginning........

In the beginning ..............There was a rather large 1 metre x 1.2 metre canvas.....


Tuesday 27 November 2007

Christmas Newsletter

Here it is!! My Christmas newsletter - just click on the link below to be taken to the webpage:-

www.jeangdayton.com/christmasnewsletter.html

Tuesday 20 November 2007

Christmas is just around the corner

I can't believe that the Christmas season is nearly upon us. Fast approaching the end of November it really puts things into perspective! I've been walking a lot in the Forest lately and have really noticed the change in the colours - I took some photos last week of a local walk to where I live which I've posted on my blog - and even since then the leaves are changing to even deeper shades of amber, reds and rusty browns. I'm really enjoying the change in the season and am looking forward to some snowy walks in the not too distant future, however it's not something we generally get in the South of England, not until Feb March time (if we are lucky!)

I just wanted to check in as I haven't posted for over a week. Next week is going to be extremely busy for me as I am starting 2 very large commissions - all will be revealed very very soon as to the nature of these paintings - I have been busy today sorting out my studio in preparation for them........

I am busy with a flower commission this week so will post as soon as I have some pics to show.

Monday 12 November 2007

Scenes of the New Forest

I take my inspiration from walks in the countryside, the New Forest and by the sea, here are some images that I have recently taken of the New Forest in Autumn.




copyright of all images remains with the artist Jean G Dayton 2007

Sunday 11 November 2007

New Landscape Paintings

I have been a lil busy doing some snow winter scenes - I have this need to be near snow, and unfortunately living in the South of England doesn't bring me snow, soooo I will paint snow instead, so here are a collection of 5 snow covered landscapes, they are all 10x14" oil on canvas paintings and can be found and purchased on my website at: www.jeangdayton.com/landscapes.html


Winter Haze


copyright of all images remains with the artist Jean G Dayton 2007

Friday 9 November 2007

How Art can enhance the Office Environment

How Art can Enhance the Office

In an increasingly competitive business environment, abstract art is playing a key role in enhancing and communicating the image, ethos and values of a growing number of companies and organisations. You only have to look around in the business world and you will increasingly find sleek offices carefully furnished by Interior Designers with contemporary furnishings including large abstract contemporary paintings.

Art invigorates working environments, conveying a potent message to clients and investors, and inspiring creativity and reducing stress among employees.

For employees to work in a relaxed environment is so important in the busy corporate business environment. To work in an environment adorned with quality contemporary abstract art can refresh and motivate an individual. In my opinion when an employee performs a very academic working role, working mainly in a logical and analytical manner (or left brain, linear) it is good practice on the part of the employer to balance this with artistic surroundings (whether it be furnishings, ceramics, photography or original art) thus stimulating the right brain. The right brain functions in a non-verbal manner excelling in visual, spatial, perceptual and intuitive information, qualities equally important in the business environment.

Environment is equally important to the client but for different reasons. Although the feel of a place is important to a client, more so are the appearance and aesthetics of his surroundings. Clients arriving at a building will see certain key areas such as the reception, meeting rooms, dining areas and lift lobbies. This provides a company an ideal opportunity to present abstract contemporary art that reflects and underpins the organisations style and philosophy.

Interior Designers are employed by corporate businesses to choose art and furnishings to suit the environment that best represents the values of the organisation, part of his job is to find art that reflects the company ethos at a competitive price. Interior Designers sometimes choose commissioned original artwork from artists, as this is a cost effective alternative than mass produced printed paintings. Most artists will offer a service whereby Interior Designers or companies can commission art direct from the artist.

In the modern business environment Abstract art is not a luxury but an essential part of a business identity. Abstract contemporary art can completely develop the branding of a company and using the psychology of colour make every space aesthetically pleasing.
copyright Jean G Dayton 2007

Articles I have written taken from my website - http://www.jeangdayton.com/

Thursday 8 November 2007

Feature in Interiors Magazine

Yey, I am so Pleased about this..................... My painting 'Alpine Sanctuary' appears in the December issue of House & Home Ideas interiors magazine in an art feature about Winter Scenes- it's issue 32 and is in the shops to buy now for £2.99..... Here is the article......

Thursday 1 November 2007

Interior Design and Decorating

Interior Design and Decorating

From the first contact from a prospective client to the completion of a design project, I will be discussing the different stages of preparing a design for a client. The initial meeting establishes the limits and scope of the project to be undertaken, and from this first stage a specific plan can be built up by the designer. There are many details to discuss with the client, such as the function, look and feel of the room in question, the client’s budget parameters and expected timescales. Emphasis on aesthetics, practicality, durability and overall cost will be discussed.

It is important to discuss with the client how he/she envisages the design of the room. The client may have a particular style in mind and the designer would use this as a foundation to work from and build upon. If the client is unsure about the particular style he/she would like, the designer can show his portfolio of previous designs of a similar room as suggestions. The designer can also show articles from magazines that depict similar room placements.

Budget is a very important factor that needs to be determined at this early stage as this can shape the whole design; so it is vital that the designer establishes exactly the kind of budget the client is working with. For example, if the budget is limited the designer would need to take into consideration whether items in the room would need a makeover. This could be applied to old sofas and chairs that can be brightened up by choosing throws and cushions to compliment the overall look. If the budget is more flexible, recovering of sofas and chairs or even purchasing new ones would be more appropriate. Again time scales would need to be discussed. A designer would need to know the clients time scale and work to this accordingly. Time-scales are a two-way issue; if skilled craftsmen are required the designer would need to book their services in advance. The designer will liaise with all parties involved in the project and ensure that all recognize their responsibilities and commitments to the project.

The designer must record all existing features in the room in question. Accurate measurements of the room will include all walls, alcoves, window recesses, window openings, floor to ceiling height, door recesses, door openings, furniture to remain in the room, skirting depths, diagonals of the room, features in the room i.e. a fireplace or built in wardrobes.

Noting the quality of the existing electrical sockets and their positioning is also important as they made need updating or more sockets may be required. In many houses there aren’t enough sockets, which can result in dangerously overloading plugs. If this is so then an electrician would need to be employed to carry out this work. With permission from the client, It is a good idea to take photos of the interior to use as reference when later designing the room. A digital camera is an invaluable asset for the modern interior designer as information can be stored onto a computer for later reference. Paint colour charts could also be useful to take to the initial consultation as matches can be made with specific items that are to remain in the room that is being re-designed. Also the designer can get a feel for the colours that are the client’s preference.

An understanding of the function of the room is required before choosing and arranging furniture. For example, a lounge might have to double up as a study, children may need to do their homework or music practice in the room, so areas for these activities would need to be taken into consideration. Shape and size also play a part in this decision. Any furniture items that the client wants to keep need to be considered to later integrate into the design as a whole. Any specific features in the room need to be considered whether they are to be enhanced or hidden.

The designer will also assess the quality of the light entering the room. It will be useful to ask the client whether the room will be used mainly in daylight hours as this can determine the lighting required in the room. For example, if designing an office the space would need good lighting at all times of the day (natural and artificial). Another example would be an artist’s studio where the room would need enough natural light entering the room during the daytime.
Once all the initial studies and measurements have been taken a fee for this consultation and designing the room needs to be agreed between the client and the designer. This is purely for carrying out the design of the room and a further contract would be drawn up once the designs have been accepted by the client from the quotation produced. The quotation would detail all fees and materials and also a description outlining the work to be undertaken.

On returning to his studio, the designer will draw up a working plan to scale of the room. Working with the brief from the client the designer will start creating designs in the form of perspective drawings, elevations, floor plans and sample boards. The designer will need to research into possible retail sources for items of furniture and soft furnishings to compliment his designs; price lists of these items will need to be produced to show to the client. Sourcing chosen fabric samples to take to show as examples to the client is also a good idea.

The next stage for the designer will be to present the designs to the client. This meeting gives the designer the opportunity for feed back from the client in the way of minor changes that may have to be made, slight alterations and hopefully acceptance of the design. Further adjustments can be made at this stage. The designer may need to meet with the client a third time to finalise the design, whereby a date can be set to implement the design. It is important that the final design be aesthetically pleasing whilst meeting the cost constraints of the client. By now the designer will have set a program of events in place and will be working very closely with the client and sub-contractors, (if required), to produce the design. The designer will already have a team of craftsmen to use.

In conclusion the process of producing a design for a client is a simple and logical one with easy steps taken towards ensuring client satisfaction. By working closely with the client and gaining as much information as possible the designer can transform his clients initial dream into a reality.

Tuesday 30 October 2007

Seascape Yachting Extravaganza!

My latest abstract Seascapes:








copyright of all images remains with the artist Jean G Dayton 2007

Thursday 25 October 2007

Scenes of Winter

Thoughts of winter approaching are making me think of snow and colder days, so I decided to paint an abstract winter scene of Snowy Alps and have called the painting 'Alpine Ravine':



copyright of all images remains with the artist Jean G Dayton 2007

Tuesday 23 October 2007

Seascapes as they happen !

Abstract Seascape Yacht Painting - I love doing these, they are amazing to do - painted in oils, very fluid, very quick, lots of pallet knife strokes, I almost feel I am there on the sea when I am painting these seascapes, truly exhilerating. 16x12" oil on canvas - cool!

closeup:
copyright of all images remains with the artist Jean G Dayton 2007

Monday 22 October 2007

Latest Seascape

My latest seascape



copyright of all images remains with the artist Jean G Dayton 2007

ArtBizCoach.com

Hey, I got a mention in the Artbizcoach.com newsletter, my painting 'Harvest' features - the article can be viewed on their site at:-

http://www.artbizcoach.com/articles/index.html

ArtBiz Coach is a really cool site for artists, with helpful tips and business advice, a very motivational site run by Alyson Stanfield - a little bit about her work:-

"This is the greatest job ever! I completely enjoyed my ten years working in art museums, but this is way cooler.
I began consulting with artists informally fifteen years ago as part of my position as a museum curator. When I left museums, my old artist-friends continued coming to me for help and advice. Everyone wanted an agent! A little research into that field led me to conclude that I wouldn't be doing artists any favors by doing all of the work for them. Instead, I decided to teach them how. You know the Chinese proverb: Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.
I guess that's what I enjoy doing most—Teaching artists to fish!
The neat thing is that almost everything I teach artists to do, I'm doing myself for my business. See? The art business isn't so different from the rest of the world. We all need to know how to promote ourselves and our businesses—online and off. To that end, I keep up with marketing, business, and artworld goings-on."

To read more please visit Alyson's site:
http://www.artbizcoach.com/about.html

Friday 19 October 2007

Autumn Falls

I am very busy with painting Abstract Seascapes at the moment, however, I had a sudden inspiration to paint an Abstract painting of autumnal leaves as they fall to the ground with a hint of frost in the air. Inspired by the colder mornings and the colours the falling leaves are already presenting to us on the ground, I painted this abstract in rich warm browns, golds and smatterings of white and have called it thus..... Autumn Falls.

It is a 32x12" oil on 4cm boxed canvas and is £175.00 and will be available to purchase on my website http://www.jeangdayton.com/ in about a week. If you would like to reserve this painting please email me jean@jeangdayton.com




copyright of all images remains with the artist Jean G Dayton 2007

Tuesday 16 October 2007

Autumn

Now the nights are drawing in, the leaves are falling from the trees, the temperatures are dipping and summer is just a distant memory, our thoughts can turn to autumn. This is a particularly colourful time of year, as the leaves turn from green to yellow & red, and then to brown - it must be a childhood thing, but there is nothing quite like kicking your way through a pile of fallen leaves.

Autumn is a time of harvest, a time of gathering together. Nature really does excel in its majestical displays of glorious colours; with vibrant reds and golds of autumnal foliage starting to surround us as Winter draws nearer. It’s a time of year when the landscape treats us to one of nature’s most spectacular displays, noble tree-lined avenues and walks forming the framework of our beautiful English landscape.


Inspired by Autumn, ‘Autumnal Flow’ represents the colours of the leaves as they fall and the array of exquisite colours that Autumn produces; golds, reds, vibrant oranges and rusty browns.

Autumnal Flow
20x50cm £120.00
copyright of all images remains with the artist Jean G Dayton 2007

Monday 15 October 2007

If you see this Car !

So.........if you see this car, you know its me!! My website http://www.ukabstractart.co.uk/ has gone live on the back of my lil 'ol VW Polo............... :o).............. gotta advertise where you can!


Sunday 14 October 2007

Flower Commission

Starting a commission for a flower painting, I firstly decided on the flower that I was going to use for the project.. I have some lovely Hydrangeas in my garden and am always fascinated by their beauty, i particulary love the uniform of flowers that go to make up a seemingly larger flower creating a wonderful display of colour with different hues.



Firstly I draw a rough sketch of the flower, this will form the basis for my painting.




Then I decided on the layout as i wanted to use the same image in different posititions on the canvas, to create a relatively uniform image. I have been colour charts and samples of colour by my client so I have a very good idea of what i want the finished painting to look like.





So I draw out on my canvas the position of the flowers and start the first flower. I am painting in a loose abstract style using a palette knife and flat end brush and using a blending brush to soften certain areas. I like to do each flower individually as it helps me with the flow of the painting.




All the flowers finished now, I have blended the oils and spent time on building depth and with the darker 'rose' colour:







Finally, I add the background, an ivory cream and also add blushes of rose within the background to soften. I also use smatterings of grey/silver and the darker rose colour around the painting to add more interest. This is the finished result:








closeup


copyright of all images remains with the artist Jean G Dayton 2007