Letting Go......

I know why I have named this painting Letting Go but it is personal to me. The name stuck in my head while I was painting it and I feel it suits the work. The viewer can be part of the process by applying the title to his or her own state of mind. I love it when a painting resonates in that way!

Follow @EleanorRahim

Watercolor and Sanguine Lead Sketch

I really enjoyed drawing this model at Spring Studio last week. He's got a good body to draw and he comes up with inspiring short poses. He also makes me smile as it seems he looks at us artists with wry amusement! I'm sure he thinks we are a strange bunch and he might be right!

Follow @EleanorRahim

Favorite Picks at Art Southampton

There are many art shows during the summer months in the Hamptons. Last year I visited artMRKT Hamptons in Bridgehampton. This year I looked in at Art Southampton. Located in a rather large and impressive pavilion, the show hosted more than 90 galleries showcasing modern and contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries. The following images are a small selection of my favorite picks from the show.

Eric Fischl at Hexton Modern and Contemporary

Eric Fischl at Hexton Modern and Contemporary

Eric Fischl at Hexton Modern and Contemporary

Eric Fischl at Hexton Modern and Contemporary

Edward Burtynsky at Nicholas Metivier Gallery

Edward Burtynsky at Nicholas Metivier Gallery (detail)

William Kentridge at Osborne Samuel

Margaret Garrett at Birnam Wood Galleries

Margaret Garrett at Birnam Wood Galleries (detail)

Earnest Briggs at Abby M Taylor Fine Art

Annemarie Busschers at Witzenhausen Gallery

George Sherwood at Cynthia Reeves

Norman Bluhm at Abby M Taylor Fine Art

Follow @EleanorRahim

Special Event at the Society

Regular sketchers to the Society of Illustrators were shaken but not stirred by a special event last Thursday. Hosted by guest illustrator Ted Michalowski, the model was instructed to move very slowly rather than standing still. He gradually moved from pose to pose as we tried to capture action and movement. This was a little different to the usual Thursday sketch night that usually involves drawing a clothed model. It was great fun though and I think most people enjoyed the challenge. Here are a few of my sketches. To view more please visit my pinterest page.

Follow @EleanorRahim

Sketches Around Town

It may be 'Gotham' but we are blessed here in NYC with fabulous parks. I love the long, hot sunny days of summer. I don't care about the humidity either which I often hear fellow New Yorkers or visitors complain of. All I know is that summer here is far better than London where I grew up. I adore London but the weather is a bit depressing a lot of the time. My mum calls it suicide weather. Not so here in NYC! Here are two pieces from my sketchbook, one in Central Park on a very hot Sunday afternoon looking towards Central Park South, the other on a warm evening in Bryant Park.

Follow @EleanorRahim

Abstract Figuaration

I am beginning to merge my two worlds together. No easy task! I love the adventure, excitement and drama of abstract painting. That is to say, not quite knowing where the painting will end up. I may have an idea initially but then the painting takes on a life of it's own and it's a push and pull sort of feeling as I am led in a direction and then seize back control and so on. Obviously it's not quite the same when drawing the figure but my instinct is to bring together my two passions.

Free Spirit, 2013, oil on canvas, 68 x 40in, 172.8 x 101.6cm

Follow @EleanorRahim

Mixed Media

I am always bothered when I come across paintings that say 'mixed media' and then I have to try and figure out what medium has been used. I confess I am guilty of making the same statement! So from now on I am going to indicate what exactly has been used.

Eminent #2, 2013, watercolor, ink, brown chalk on Arches paper, 22 x 15in, 55.9 x 38.1cm

Follow @EleanorRahim