The Art of Alan Reed

The Art of Alan Reed website brings together some of the best art of Alan Reed in different mediums. Here you will find exquisitely painted works by the artist, using the tried and tested techniques of the Old Masters and some modern methods. At ease with both contemporary art and classical, this site is dedicated to the unique talent of Alan Reed. Many of his works are now available to buy as canvas and giclee prints.

Recent work from Alan Reed

The Cairn, Isle of Whithorn - oil on canvas

(last up-dated 8th July 2008)

The Isle of Whithorn is of historic significance particularly relating to early Christianity in Scotland. The port was used in the Middle Ages by pilgrims arriving by boat to visit Whithorn Priory nearby, as part of the Machars Pilgrimage. The Cairn dates before that time, though the building at present sighted there is early 20th century. The 270 degree panoramic sea view from the point did over the years have particular importance for marine communication and military use.

This wind-swept rocky promontory shows Mother Nature in contrast. At times, the clouds chasing across the sky, the crashing waves below and the screaming sea birds make for a very dynamic scene. At others, when the weather is quiet, and the waves are lapping, it is a place of solitude, spirituality and reflection.

New! - My Oil Painting Blog

Watch my latest work 'The Lady of the Wood' being painted in oils. Progress images and my comments will be recorded every couple of days or so, with the summary put on the 'my painting blog' page.

Day 11 (10th July 2008)

Some details first; the painting is 18 x 14 inches on canvas. Following the 'Old Masters', the canvas was prepared with a number of layers of gesso, sanded between coats. This gives an excellent surface for oil painting, allowing a high degree of detail.

The canvas was divided up into 1" squares to transfer the original pencil sketch. A layer of thin, well diluted oil paint was then applied to give a pale brown neutral background. You can see traces of this, especially to the left of the tree. It is important that the layer is not too thick so that the underlying pencil sketch is obscured. On top of this a thin layer of green was applied in specific areas. Some colour blocking(opague paint)was done next.

Since she is the focus of the whole painting, I felt it important to paint the lady's face fine detail first.

Moderate detail was started in the foreground. This will work its way up the left side of the painting in coming days.

Welcome to 'The Art of Alan Reed'. Aswell as being a show-case for my work, I hope this website will entertain and inform you. Here you will find You-Tube presentation videos of my paintings, with poetry and music. There are also RSS feeds to keep you bang up to date with happenings in the art world.

For an insight into my beliefs and thoughts you may wish to read my essays. This is a growing collection of writings by me on philosophical questions relating to art and related subjects.

Alan Reed



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