The Beginning is also the End

Inspired by the Scaffolding covering a local school and the work of Brion Gysin ,this is a sort of 'growing' collage . The aim is to add to it as the mood takes me .Above is the original collage that I posted to my Paintingsilove  page, below is the current version .This is how it looks today ,October 26th 2014 .I will be trying to post on a more regular basis, the next post  will be an image from my 'Foul Content ' folder based on The Mike Bennett story 'Trolls' .
If you have  any questions regarding my art I can be contacted here or email me at paulwarrenart@tiscali.co.uk .

'Lets spend the night together.......'

New post entitled Deity .Now casual observers may note a likeness to a certain Mick Jagger .Although unintended it's an interesting point ,although  the starting point for this one was a photo of Syd Barret and an idea of creating another 'Red Room' picture .

I went for an expressive approach  ,letting the colour dictate .A different technique entirely from the one used for Underwood returns. This has been posted to my paintingsilove page where you can find other Mike Bennett inspired artwork as well as my other 'Stuff'. As ever feel free to share ,print or comment .

The Unsearchable way

A big thank you goes to Mike and Will from A Podcast to the Curious ,the podcast dedicated to The stories of M.R.James,for using the image below on their site for their coverage of 'An Evenings Entertainment'.
Thanks also for the mention on the podcast and the link to this site .

The Unsearchable Way (A Warning to the curious)

The podcast is a wonderful source of information for anybody interested in James ,and the readings are very well done .I have been a big fan of this podcast since the 'Lost Hearts' episode 2 (if memory serves).
The background information on each story is always very informative,and Mike and Will manage to dissect the stories without 'Over doing it '. So if you haven't yet discovered the podcast or aren't familiar with M.R James ,why not pop over to their site to see what you've been missing at http://www.mrjamespodcast.com/.
I am currently in the process of making some small changes to this site,because i have noticed that this is the one that people seem to find .This site started off as a showcase for Artwork influenced by Mike Bennett's excellent stories ,and although the vast majority of the Work on the site is still influenced by Mike ,this work  accounts for a fraction of my output ,so it may be time to use the site to show some of my other stuff .So slight changes to the header  ,little tweaks here and there and some different images showing up in the Future .There, that wasn't so bad was it ............

UY1-01 Underwood Returns !

Well,well,well here we go again !
A new season of U&F and after just one episode , Mike has already left us wanting more ! Our only consolation is the promise of Monthly episodes !. The new format for season 3 of the U&F chronicles is the story told through a series of recorded interviews with The 'Late' lord Underwood  ,recordings made by David's Father, Arthur Flinch ,recorded on Tape and later converted to MP3 by John Flinch .
This provided the  inspiration for the image below ,an illustration created using Tinted charcoal and pastels on a dark paper ,the same technique i used for 'The Guardians' .

The recent U&F artwork uses an Automatic technique ,where no sketches or roughs are used .I tend to have an idea for the image ,which i let fester in my mind for a while and then let it 'grow' on the paper ,faces tend to appear from out of the dark background .Not a perfect system but one that tends to throw up interesting results .I've also posted this to my paintingsilove page so if you'd like to find more of my art go to http://www.paintingsilove.com/artist/paulwarren
As always any questions regarding my artwork ....you know where i am ....

The innsmouth look

After months of internet problems ,the Mike Bennett influenced blog is back !!!!
Word to the wise never,i repeat NEVER !! use an ISP that rhymes with WALK WALK !!....i mention no names .
Output since my last post has been of an Abstract nature but i did produce an Image based on Mike's reading of H.P.Lovecraft's Shadow over Innsmouth .
And this is what we have today.

Mike's treatment of the Lovecraft tale was wonderful and full of atmosphere ,you could virtually smell the fish !
Inspired ,in part by the Work of  Hieronymus Bosch,this tries to capture the Dark humour contained in the story,which Mike's reading captured so brilliantly.The image was produced using pastels on dark grey paper.
The approach was very 'Automatic' in nature with no sketches allowing the faces to emerge from the Dark Background .
Any questions or comments regarding my Artwork or who my favourite member of The Saturdays is ....you know where i am .!
Congratulations to Mike for his recent Parsec Awards  ,richly deserved for both the  U&F and Innsmouth   podcast.
And now off to prepare for the next installment of U&F !

A disjointed phase

In an attempt to keep the blog active while i wait for more MBP based inspiration ,i've decided to post some of my more recent artwork .It seems that i'm experiencing another disjointed /experimental phase.It happens every now and then ,usually when i start to consider  more commercial avenues for more my work .
I have spent the previous six months or so experimenting with different ideas and mediums .I find it's best just to work through these ideas and see what is produced at the end.

Transmission /Crosses

Towards  Flight

Cardiograph Horizon

Truth Revealed (The Charlatans Touch)

Germinate

The recent stuff is more abstract with text creeping in to the artwork.i have also been working with Artbars which can be used with water and scratched and scraped to create stunning visual effects.
So sadly no Vampires this time but another example of What i do .As always any comments etc

Mike Bennett Award Winner

Congratulations to Mike ,for he has won a Parsec Award ! Finally getting the recognition his brilliant U&F deserves.Underwood and Flinch has always been gripping well written stuff ,but i also feel that the Acting and the production of this podcast has been of a higher standard than many of Mike's contemporary's .

So 'All Hail!' Mike ....Parsec winner !

Underwood ,Lifeblood

Underwood,Lifeblood

Inspired by the events in Episode 44 ,This is an illustration that uses Tinted charcoal ,a medium i've been using a lot of late.The image of Underwood is loosely based on a photo of Herbert Huncke  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbert_Huncke an image that has fascinated me since i first saw it many years ago .(See Below )

Herbert Huncke

In Underwood lifeblood i have tried to recreate the moment that Miguel's blood starts to take effect ,the touch of red around the eyes and mouth allude to something stirring ,a life force if you like, something Fragile yet all powerful ,stirring from within the near corpse like Underwood .Driven by Mike's  Remarkable writing he creates a real sense of tension in this episode as we are driven along to the fast approaching climax to Underwood and Flinch. Underwood,lifeblood is available as a free High res. Download from my DeviantArt Page .Just click on the link at the top of the page .

Underwood/Flinch/Flinch/Underwood.

Underwood/Flinch/Flinch/Underwood

You know how it is,you wait (?) months for something new to appear At The Darkest Edge then 3 appear at once .....These pictures are collage's created  from my collection of U&F Based sketches /unfinished paintings .Cut up,rearranged,added to stuck down etc .In short, recycled to create new work .I like the idea of discovering an abandoned piece of artwork cutting it up adding it to another forgotten bit and a brand new idea being formed .Never throw anything away !!!

Underwood

Also a big thanks to Jon Cape for posting another collage 'Journey to the centre of the inkster's Hitlerian Parody 'on his wonderful Inksters Imaginarium site.You can find the Fantastic U&F inspired Hitler Parody video there, as well as a wonderfully Dark selection of Jon's work .Just pop over to http://inksters-imaginarium.blogspot.com/ .But take a torch ,it's Dark in there !!

Underwood/Flinch/Flinch/Underwood

art inspired by Episode 34

Ah...Episode 34, a seminal episode ? I think so .Full of rich imagery and a fantastic narrative ,gripping stuff !
The recent episode have taken the U&F story in a different direction ,Mike reveals the story of Underwood's past .There is as always great depth in Mike's writing ,but this ,i think, takes that depth to an even greater level .The image below is titled ,From which corner of Hell 'and is inspired by a line in episode 34 .

The next image is 'John William Brook's is Dying ' completely different in terms of technique this one deals with the last moments of John's life ,handled so beautifully by Mike in the podcast .
Both these images and others can be downloaded Free from my DeviantArt page .Just click on the link at the top of this page .

David Flinch ,Cursed or Blessed

Another David Flinch pic? Yep! carrying on the idea i had for ' David reveals his true identity' .This one is a little Darker but deals with the same theme, David's fears and concerns as he tries to fulfill his role as Guardian .The image is a many sides of David Flinch thing, an attempt to delve into his troubled mind .
The recent episodes of U&F have been fascinating as Lord Underwood reveals more about his past ,Mike's eye for Detail is as always breathtaking .I'm currently playing about with several new U&F inspired ideas so we'll see what emerges .....

Elegantly Twisted (Homage to The Sect)

Elegantly Twisted (Homage to the sect)

The Sect ,gathered from  different social backgrounds and professions ,united through a common goal .Worshipping and serving The Lord Underwood !
Elegantly twisted pays Homage to them. The Largely unknown members responsible ,together with The Guardian for the safety of Underwood .There is a sense of  mystery  surrounding  'the Sect' ,they have over the years infiltrated ,the key areas of 'The Establishment' . Police even MPs may be counted amongst the 'Sect's' members !!.There could even be one LIVING NEAR YOU!!!!!.
Worrying stuff ......still you could calm yourself by wizzing over to www.mikebennettpodcast.com to find out more about 'The Sect',and listen to the great U&F Podcast .
As always any questions or comments are gratefully received and i've made this image free to download from my deviant art page ,just click on the linkhttp://paulthewatchman.deviantart.com/#/d34zq7t

The Guardians

                   The Guardians ( Tinted charcoal on dark grey Paper )
   The Guardians for centuries trusted with looking after The Lord Underwood ,now the task falls to David .This picture shows three of the Guardians Arthur,David and Methias .David is the central figure  .Arthur and Methias appear next to him ,emerging from out of the mist .I produced this using tinted charcoal , a medium new to me ,but which produces beautiful effects . Once again i've made this available as a free download from DeviantArt ,just click on the link to find it .
Also i've updated my website and now have an 'Evil River' Page for the 'Darker' stuff .Have a look and as always any comments or questions about my art YOU KNOW WHERE I AM !
                     http://paulthewatchman.deviantart.com/

The Red Room

                                                      The Red Room (Pastel on paper)
Inspired by scenes from episode 24 of Underwood & Flinch ,www.mikebennettpodcast.com .
 Miguel remembers his first meeting with Lydia ,who was enjoying the delights?, of The Red Room .
The painting is a pastel that tries to capture the mystery that surrounds the Red Room ,when Miguel discovers it  .I've used deep reds and cool light blues to create a mysterious /oppressive atmosphere in the room ,there are numerous sketches ,some x-rated ,and i believe Mike abandoned a graphic x-rated scene in episode 24 .
So if i've got my facts right, you never know Mike, you show me yours............
You can Download 'The Red Room' by clicking on the link below .As always any comments......
http://paulthewatchman.deviantart.com/#/d2snity

Underwood smiles.& Underwood ,the grown up's vampire

"Vampires ,you mean like Twilight "! Oh Dear ,Dear,Dear ......No my teenage friend ,i mean VAMPIRES!
Nasty,Violent ,Homicidal creatures that you certainly wouldn't let a teenage girl go near .Phew ! there you go i've got it out of my system .

Two illustrations this time, one a sort of rough for a Graphic Novel (Stan Lee,if you surf this particular corner of the web ,I'm looking at you!).And the second a nasty pen illustration grabbing the Vampire Genre back from teenage girls.Oh yes! Get the hot's for this if you will!! No ? i didn't think so .......
After reading this you'll probably be Hot for a 'Vamp 'so why not pop over to www.mikebennettpodcast.com
Because let's face it we all have needs............
Special thanks to Jon Cape for answering the 'is Stan Lee still alive 'Question .

I am the Reality

                                                         I am the Reality (pastel on paper)
This one is inspired by a line in episode 21 of Underwood &Flinch ,by Mike Bennett, listen to the episode at  http://www.mikebennettpodcast.com/  .After a failed attempt to kill Underwood with a steak to the heart (fashioned from a cricket stump!),David learns from his Lordship that the steak through the heart routine is merely the stuff of novels ,therefore throwing all we know of vampires into doubt .
This is the starting point for the painting .I've shown the face of Underwood surrounded by a kind of turbelent aura ,as if there are forces at work that we cannot understand .
The painting is pastel on paper ,which i find a really versatile medium ,although all to often pastels seem to be used only for landscapes and still life's.Which is a shame .
Anyway i'm off to check the supplies of red paint and sharpen those pencil in anticipation of part 2 of Underwood and Flinch .

UNDERWOOD,Vampire (acrylic on canvas)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/artofthewatchman/ UNDERWOOD,vampire

A sort of homage to Lord Underwood with a nod towards El Greco and my recent discovery of Voodoo art .The Lord Underwood stands before a kneeling hooded figure ,who holds aloft a goblet into which runs blood . Demons /followers? stare out from behind him ,all are engulfed in the flames that seem to rise out of Underwood .In his hand he clasps a Gold chain ,a reference to the Black Circle ?.
 I spent a while on this ,building the image up from a loose underpainting ,and although i'm not 100% happy with this i've probably gone as far as i can with this one .There is another version of this where Underwood has a black 'censor' mark covering his fangs .I'll no doubt post this version at some stage .
As always any questions etc. you know where to find me !!!!!Oh and you can print or Download some of the Artwork by following the Flickr link to the U&F file .

Nothing but the breeze is left .

Inspired by 'The Exterminators' from Hall of Mirrors .The style of this illustration owes a lot to graphic novels and those great horror novel covers of the 70's and early 80's .As a child i was drawn to those covers ,despite them scaring the hell out of me .

The title is taken from mike's brilliant piece of writing near the end of the story and i've tried to capture something of the sense of unease that is apparent in the story .An eye cautiously peers through the hole in the wall ,after it's owner thought he heard a rustling noise ...hmm...

Well you know the rest ,and if you don't then visit http://www.mikebennettpodcast.com/ to hear the story .

I'm currently working on another Underwood picture .a sort of Homage thing which i'll no doubt post here at some point ,so as always any questions etc....

The One

Something a bit different this time .

This is the first of the 'Graffiti' pictures ,inspired by 'One among the sleepless'.I've had rough sketches and ideas for months but haven't been able to pull anything together that did this great story justice .I felt the illustrations had to be contemporary and taking my inspiration (in part)from the underpasses near my home i settled on the Graffiti idea .This one shows the 'Petrol'

scene (if you're not familiar with the story go to http://www.mikebennettpodcast.com/ to find out more).

I've used ink ,pencils ,spray cans ,sandpaper and bits of text from old magazines to create a stressed and worn surface to paint the images onto .The trick with these pics was to work very quickly and not worry too much about how accurate the drawings were .this i hope has acheived something that has the spontaneous feel of Graffiti .

As always listen to the story and please feel free to comment .

As the moon rises...(pastel on paper )

The more i see this the more it looks like a companion picture for ALL HAIL!

A kind of before and after thing ,this one shows a calm Underwood caught at the moment of change .Colours and patterns swirl around him as the moon rises ,settling as he is transformed in the vampire Underwood!.As always check out the story at http://www.mikebennettpodcast.com/ and any comments are always well recieved.