Artbymarion - Joy of Colour

Small Works Art Drop

2024-11-21T14:27:00.000+01:00

I’ve always found sketchbooks intimidating—those pristine pages just don’t inspire me. Instead, I prefer working on loose watercolor paper, to explore ideas and using these small explorations to spark ideas for larger paintings or to develop into small stand-alone pieces with carefully considered composition, marks, and color.

I’m excited to share a curated collection of 13 of these small unique paintings. These one-of-a-kind, affordable artworks are acrylic and mixed-media plus I've included two watercolor pieces. All are approx 17x22 cm (5x7inches). They are designed to bring joy and personality to your space.

Why not choose one - or two? - for yourself or use them as a unique personal gift this holiday season. Afraid of gifting art? A piece of art thoughtfully chosen is more than just an object. It is special and brings joy, reminding you both of what you share.

I will be releasing them at 8:00 GMT time tomorrow Friday 22 November.

Click the link below to be notified

YES PLEASE, NOTIFY ME

Painting Inspirations from my garden

2024-10-29T17:34:00.004+01:00

Where do you get your inspiration from? My work has always been inspired by nature and the world around me. And, even though my paintings are abstract artworks, this is still the case,

Many of the colours I use in my abstract art are inspired by colours in my garden particularly in spring.

At the moment there is not much colour around as the garden waits for winter. I am already looking forward to spring. Living in a warm and arid climate (southern France) my garden springs to life in spring - literally. After the rains of winter, March, April and June sees a passing parade of colours from the daffodils, tulips and dutch irises through to the blues of the agapanthus, scattered around the garden, from mid June. and we mustn't forget about the the purples, pinks and whites of the aliums, the whites of the flag irises that stand proud and tall, and the red poppies which have seeded themselves everywhere.

Every morning I open the door of my studio and step out into the garden do my daily inspection, dead heading and pulling weeds and just stopping and drinking it in. This ritual connects me to nature and lifts my soul. I find it a perfectly relaxing way to start the day before picking up the paint brushes.

How do you to get ready to start the day? Please share in the comments below.

Shown above is Things Unseen and Transfixed by the Light

________________

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2024-03-08T16:24:00.007+01:00


The Essence of Wandering Oil and Cold Wax on canvas

I switch between working with acrylic and oil and cold wax (OCW) to stop me getting bored with one medium. My work looks different depending on the medium. My acrylics are smoother and have more luminosity, while my OCW paintings have more texture which I love.

The painting above is an example of one of my oil and cold wax paintings and you can see the texture.

Currently I’m working on two new works using oil and cold wax with a limited palette of yellow, red (in the form of magenta and alazarin crimson) and purple plus black and white. For the first time, I’m using Arches oil paper as the substrate because the paper is easier to store.

I am not a fan. The paint doesn't move nicely for me and I’m finding it hard to to get into the flow and 'zone'. I miss the grip of the canvas and I can’t get much texture going. apart from where I carve into the paint for some of the line work. I’ve used a lot of paint so far but I’m hoping if I keep going, maybe it will get to the sweet spot. Share your experiences using OCW on paper in the comments below.

Works in Progress OCW on paper

FREE WORKSHOP

2022-01-30T11:09:00.002+01:00

The Essence of Wandering

40cmx40cm (16x16inch) oil and cold wax on box canvas

Need to re-invigorate your art? Want to start your art journey? I highly recommend this free workshop by Nicholas Wilton.

Nicholas Wilton is the founder of the Creative Visionary Path (CVP) which launched me in a different direction when my art was stagnating and I needed to try something new and aim to improving my art. Coming across Nick and his CVP program coincided at a time I wanted to investigate and dig deep into abstracts.

But, it's not all about abstracts it also applies to all genres of art.

Yes, he introduces you to the CVP program, but he gives out a lot of information in this workshop.

He gives this free 3 day workshop once a year and I participate every year and always find something that spurs me on or helps me improve. So whether or not you are a complete novice, or more a more experienced artist, you will find this workshop invaluable. I highly recommend it.

Click on the link below to join up.

FREE WORKSHOP

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Inspirational Walks during Lockdown

2021-04-08T11:19:00.000+02:00

ROAD TO UNSEEN DESTINATIONS and HINTERLAND SPIRIT

These two paintings make a great duo and really shine against this unusual dark background.

Both are 30x30cm acrylic and mixed media on deep canvas.

Inspired by my favourite walks up on the plateau of our nearest mountain Col de Vence which is just on the right side of our 10km limit for exercise during the current lockdown here in France.

Turquoise and orange is one of my favourite combinations of colour and a combo I keep returning to. There is something uplifting about these two together that evokes a happy and 'satisfied' feeling in me.

The colours, although bright, have been harmonised with a hint of the other colours in each which stops the colours being overwhelming.

Tell me what your favourite colour combinations are in the comments below.

Both are available on my Artbymarion website

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What Better Way to end 2020 than with an Award

2020-12-29T17:53:00.000+01:00

After such an awful year, I'm ending 2020 on a high.

I received this email yesterday evening:

Dear Marion,

Congratulations! Your painting, "Breathe in the Silence", was an award winner in the November 2020 BoldBrush Painting competition.

"Breathe in the Silence" was awarded the honor The BoldBrush Award for Abstract by Damian Lechoszest.

Here is a link to the competition site

As you can imagine I have been on cloud nine since receiving this.

With thanks and gratitude to everyone who has supported me on my art journey.

My website

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Sunday Photofunia Fun...

2020-10-04T21:54:00.001+02:00

I like to use photofunia to play and enlarge my paintings, just to imagine how they would look large.

I have never painted this large, but a commission would be interesting ...

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Edges of Illusion Special Merit Award

2020-09-24T08:30:00.000+02:00

EDGES OF ILLUSION
40X40cm (approx 16"X16") x 4cm deep.
Oil on canvas
Framed in a simple black tray frame
£600 plus shipping
View Here

Awarded a Special Merit award in the Patterns and Forms competition by Light, Space & Time

This was a complete cover-up of what went previously. I was struggling and going around in circles and getting frustrated. Eventually I got out the oils and cold wax. From there on, the painting just flowed.

Thank you to Light, Space and Time for the honour.

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Balance of Power - Subscriber Preview and Charity Donation

2020-09-22T19:07:00.000+02:00

These three paintings are now finished. They have been released to my newsletter subscribers who can enjoy the preview and be the first to secure them

I am offering them as part of my #artistsupportpledge collection at £200 each.

Those of you that know me, will know how much I enjoyed my trips to Namibia. I immediately fell in love with Namibia and have a special fondness for the black rhinos in the Kunene region. We were planning on going again this year, but, of course, that wasn't possible.

As these paintings started coming together, they reminded me of my time in Namibia. Dawn was always special (even if I did have to get up before 5am), with the mountains gradually emerging out of the mists as the sun rose, and before it started baking the land. A very special time of day.

The Rangers who protect the rhinos do a wonderful job and need a shout-out. They still remain vigilant, while everyone is in lock down. See @savetherhinonamibia and read some of their stories.

Part of their funding is reliant on the tourist trade which is non-existent at the moment. To help support them I will also donate £50 from each painting to Save the Rhino Trust, Namibia.

To snag an early bargain, subscribe to my newsletter and I will send you a link to them.

NEWSFLASH! Today is International Rhino Day. Help make a ranger's day.

Intrigue in Red and Blue

2020-06-17T08:00:00.000+02:00

Abstract art by Marion Hedger
Oil on canvas
Pallet knife painting
40c50cm, unframed

CLOSE UP OF TEXTURE

SIGNATURE

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New Works in Progress

2020-06-15T17:14:00.002+02:00

New Works in Progress

All 24x30cm on canvas panel

Acrylic and mixed media

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Sunday, Funday

2020-06-07T07:42:00.000+02:00

A bit of fun on a wet, grey Sunday.

Edges of Illusion

Original size 40x40cm

Oil on canvas.

Available

Commissions welcome

New Additions to Artist Support Pledge #artistsupportpledge

2020-05-14T07:00:00.000+02:00

IN THE PINK

20X20CMcm

Acrylic on Khadi paper

Varnished

DID I IMAGINE HARMONY

20X20CMcm

Acrylic on watercolour paper

Varnished

85€/£75 normal retail price 120€

Worldwide shipping included

These two new paintings are painted with a Zorn palette. See here for a previous Zorn pallete post.

I've added them to the artist support pledge paintings. See the original post which explains all about the ethos behind it. They are not on my website at the moment so, if you are interested in either, or both, please email me at marion.hedger@artbymarion.co.uk

Take a look at some of the other paintings included in the #artistsupportpledge on my website.

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#ArtistSupportPledge

2020-04-13T12:01:00.000+02:00

Artist Support Pledge

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic many artists have found themselves without work teaching, technical support, gallery work, exhibitions and sales have disappeared. In an attempt to help alleviate some of this stress I have joined the ARTIST SUPPORT PLEDGE #artistsupportpledge on Instagram started by Matthew Burrows - @matthewburrowsstudio and pay it forward.

I reduced the price of some artwork and included them in the #artistsupportpledge on my website. Those shown here have not yet been uploaded but are selling for 85€ (£75 each) normal retail 120€ so leave a comment or email me if interested. 20x20cm mixed media on paper.

The concept is a simple one. I will post images of my work I am willing to sell for no more than 200 euro each (not including shipping.) Every time I reach 1 000€ of sales I pledge to buy another artists work for up to 200€. I am also including my other artworks as well i.e. 20% of sales will go to purchasing another artist's work.

Expanding From Three to Four

2020-03-05T07:00:00.000+01:00

A very bad photo of 'Freedom has no Boundaries' Triptych taken at the Toulouse Art3f artfair last weekend. Next week it will be traveling to the Surrey Contemporary Art Fair, but it may have grown to four paintings, see image below. It is definitely a statement piece (pieces?) so it will have a wall all to itself.

The fourth panel in progress.

I ordered 4 of these canvasses and although there is only one week between arriving back and leaving again, I couldn't resist using the spare canvas. This is how it is progressing. Just covered in heavy gel medium which is milky but will clear when dry and provide a basw for the next layers.

Does anyone know what a set of 4 paintings is called? quadtych doesn't sound quite right!

Each panel is 40x120cm.

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The Great Thing About Abstract Art...

2020-02-20T11:17:00.001+01:00

"The great thing about abstract art is that

it doesn't need to mean something to

everyone. You can appreciate it simply

for its beauty, or you can find a hidden

meaning that's special and unique to

your life."

Emily. Artfinder's Senior Content Manager

I loved this quote in an email from Artfinder this morning.

It is so true. I can't count the number of times I have heard
'I don't understand abstract art, but I like this'.
We all need to be bolder and go with out instincts.

Click on the image to see my Artfinder store.

Art Auction - Growing Wild

2020-02-01T11:14:00.000+01:00

GROWING WILD

by Marion Hedger

30x40cm on watercolour paper

AUCTION LINK

This painting is from my 'Loose and Free' series of acrylic paintings on paper. I don't often use pink as it is out of my comfort zone but it works well in Growing Wild and hints at daring.

The paper has been gessoed and varnished, so can be frame without glass.

Starting price US$110 with a buy it now option of US$200 a saving of $50 on the normal price. Ends 6pm CST

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ORANGE is...

2020-01-24T18:16:00.000+01:00

I always new there was an orange person inside me waiting to get out! Perhaps this explains why there is usually some orange in every painting and this makes me feel good about using it.

IMPROBABLE JOURNEY

by Marion Hedger

SOLD

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Current Motifs...

2020-01-23T07:00:00.000+01:00

Current works in progress

One of the prompts in #21daysinmyartworld by Tara Leaver on Instagram, was 'Current Motifs'.

Leading the viewers eye around and artwork is one of the most important things to rememer when painting. It can be done by using line, contrast or colour, or a combination of all of them.

My immediate reaction to this prompt, was that I didn't really have any 'motifs' as such, but on looking at my current works in progress I can see small blocks of colour are emerging.

I am using them to add interest and take you on a journey through and around the painting. Perhaps they are stepping stones in my explorations, perhaps just visual interest. I particularly like this motif when they themselves have lines around that don't quite match the outline of the block as in this painting:

ABSTRACT NOTIONS 1

by Marion Hedger

20x20cm acrylic on paper

AVAILABLE

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Auction of Golden Days

2020-01-22T10:41:00.000+01:00

GOLDEN DAYS

by Marion Hedger

Acrylic on Paper

Currently in Auction

I've recently put my Etsy shop on hold. I haven't been doing much with it just lately so instead of just letting it die a natural death as items came up for a renewal. I will reassess this sometime in March.

In the meantime I have rejoined Daily Paintworks as it is a site just dedicated to art so more relevant to an artist than Etsy. There is a fee of US$12.95 a month which will hopefully be covered by sales.
Take a look and if you think Daily Paintworks might suit you, the first month is free.

To kick-start my new involvement I have put one of my paintings up for auction starting at $110 or with a Buy it Now option of $200 a saving of $50 off the normal price of $250.

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Website: www.artbymarion.co.uk

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Naming Paintings ...

2020-01-21T12:00:00.000+01:00

One of the painting 'wisdoms' is that you should have interesting, descriptive titles for your paintings. For example, 'Red Flowers in a Green Vase' just doesn't cut it. Even if you are painting a landscape your shouldn't name the painting after the location but think up a more intriguing title (I have to admit, I don't quite understand this one). I am very guilty of this because I could never think up better titles than 'Red Flowers in a Green Vase' or 'Lavender Fields in Provence'.

Since painting abstracts I don't have this easy option available and as I think labelling abstracts 'Untittled' is opting out, I had to come up with a better solution.

I use a note book to jot down ideas as and when I come across them. The ideas can come from something I've read, thoughts that pop into my mind, poems, music and even other painting titles which lead to something suitable. When it's time to name a painting, I look through my list and I am always surprised at often a suitable a title pops out.

What are your thoughts on interesting titles? Tell me how you name your paintings in the comments below.

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The Art of Gifting Art

2019-12-02T07:00:00.000+01:00

You may be a lot like me.

I love searching for, and giving, the right gift to the right person, but I hate the act of giving something just for the sake of it.

Would you love to give someone a gift of art but feel you do cannot choose which would be perfect?
Art is a considered gift and sometimes it's difficult to find that special piece for that special person.

By giving the lucky recipient a gift voucher, they can then choose their own precious piece in their own time after the rush of the holidays, when they have the time to consider.

It is the perfect solution for your significant other, Mum and/or Dad, sibling or special friend. Why not join together with friends and family to purchase as a group.

Gift cards are:

Designed by me and you can specify the artwork image
Postcard size, 15x10cm/6x4inch ready to slip inside a card
Perfect as a group gift, all members of a group can contribute their share individually
Any amount in GBP, euros or US dollars
Printed by me and mailed to you or directly to the receiver, or sent as a PDF file for you to print onto card.
Electronic File sent to you ready for printing. A physical card can be posted if ordered before 8th December.

Contact me HERE to order

BLUE IS A CALMING COLOUR

2019-11-15T07:00:00.000+01:00

"Blue is the colour of the mind and is essentially soothing; it affects us mentally, rather than the physical reaction we have to red. Strong blues will stimulate clear thought and lighter, soft blues will calm the mind and aid concentration. Consequently it is serene and mentally calming"

from Colour Effects

Layers of Silence

by Marion Hedger

30x30cm (12"x12")

Acrylic on Panel

AVAILABLE

A second calm painting in blues and turquoises, with orange highlights to draw you in and take you around the painting. A sister painting to Wandering in Space and Time

Close-up

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CALM WITH A TOUCH OF DRAMA

2019-11-14T07:00:00.000+01:00

Blue is a calming colour. I wonder if this is the same for turquoise?

Wandering in Space and Time

by Marion Hedger

30cmx30cm (12x12")

Acylic on Panel

Available

I must have been in a calm mood when painting this painting. the different tints of turquoise set off by that pale lilac adds depth and mood, while the orange provides a touch of contrasting heat which leads the eye around.

Close-ups

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3 new totem pieces making a debut

2019-11-13T07:30:00.000+01:00

3 New pieces making their debut at the Windsor Contemporary Art Fair last weekend. Here they are on the stand (Not a great photo but gives you an idea of their size, 120x40cm). I have yet to take proper individual photos and they are not up on my website yet.

It was interesting working in this long format. Your brain has to think different to get a good composition on a narrow long canvas. I found it very challenging (if you put the three together this would be my largest painting to date) but I loved painting this. When I thought I had finshed them, I hung them in the lounge so I could look at them before deciding if there was anything more needed. There was. The turquoise oil pastel did the trick and finished them off nicely.

Keep upto date with the latest artwork by Marion

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Website: www.artbymarion.co.uk

Keep up with my latest paintings and works in progress

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