Helen painted the background in acrylics and ink and then sent the canvas to me. I then added the foreground layer in acrylics. This is a unique way of working with no communication between the artists, each adding their own character and inspiration to the painting. The end result is a truly distinctive piece of art.

I really enjoyed the challenge of this piece as the colours Helen chose for the background are unlike anything I would normally use. It made me think a little differently and I am really pleased with the result.

Here’s a picture of my stand at the November market.

In May I’ll be showing some of my newer works with a range of small and large paintings all for sale. Come along and see me!

Prepared background for Amanda

I painted this using a plastic palette knife. I deliberately left a small area either side of the crimson red strip strip down the middle of the painting as bare canvas. I painted lamp black at the top and bottom edges of the canvas, then used a “shimmering red” interference acrylic medium, which gives different effects depending on how you use it. It has created a pinkish hue on the black areas, but I have a feeling it will change even more as Amanda creates the foreground layer. I am really looking forward to how she treats this one and wonder if she is wishing I’d done a more traditional landscape instead!

No doubt Amanda will report back when she has finished it. I am hoping Kos gets her background painting soon, too – I posted it yesterday so it shouldn’t take too long to get to her.

I love the freedom you get when working on a collaboration – not sure if I prefer painting the background or the foreground, but either way, it’s a really exciting way of creating something. You can see the rest of the Rogue Gene Collective’s Collaborative Artworks here and by browsing through the individual members’ galleries.

I was originally thinking about giving Amanda something that would tie in with her usual style, but decided to give her a bit of a challenge instead – it will more than likely end up being an abstract piece of art as far as I can tell.  Photo to follow next week!

Next collaboration back-ground is for Kos.

I will be writing about the weekend in more detail on my personal blog soon, once this nice weather has gone!

Mike's Work

The Rogue Gene Collective is a small group of artists who are committed to helping each other attain a higher level of visibility for their work. We do this by networking; pooling resources, information, knowledge and contacts. There are currently seven members, and four guest artists

As a group we hold exhibitions all over the country acting as agents, couriers and publicists for each other. Our aim is to offer a wide variety of quality original artwork to the collector, occasional buyer or corporate buyer.

This exhibition is a rare opportunity for the group to come together in person to exhibit a comprehensive collection of original quality work, representing some of the best competitively priced contemporary artwork available. There will also be a special stand showing a selection of collaborations between the group members. This is a new and unique idea where two artists have worked together to create an original artwork.

The exhibition will be on Sunday 16th May at Pinder Hall, Lower Road, Cookham, SL6 9EH. Amanda Hunt, Andrea Farmer, Helen Davison, Kos Marton and Rob Kirbyson will all be available throughout the day to answer any questions or just for a chat.

Cookham is a small village on the banks of the Thames just off Junction 4 on the M40, and Junction 8/9 of the M4. Why not come for the day – a visit to the exhibition can easily be combined with a stroll along the river and maybe a pub lunch in one of the many small local country pubs. Entrance is free and the event is suitable for all the family.