Me and my Art
Hi. I am Stuart Lake. I live in Cheshire, U.K, not far from the River Mersey. The tidal river here has an ever-changing, raw natural beauty and an enduring inevitability that I find inspirational. Reflections dance and shimmer with surreal distortions from the tide and wind rippled surface. When the sun shines it is as though uncountable shining jewls are constantly appearing and dissapearing all over the surface in a cosmic dance of energy and life. I feel at ease and spiritually at home by the river. For as long as I can remember I have all ways had a love for being near water deep within me. It is even in my name!
The scale of the river here is surprising. It can be a kilometre wide or more at high tide. The tidal range is large. In the UK only the Severn estury has a larger and more powerful tide. The strength of the water flow can be both exhilarating and intimidating. There are tidal bores and unimaginable shifts in sand bars and river channels on bigger tides. I am in awe of the grace and power that the river exudes.
Gallery 1 is made up of River Mersey and Manchester Ship Canal paintings. The river and ship canal mostly run adjacent to each other here. Gallery 2 has some varios artwork including some Cheshire landscapes, but it is less related to the river.
I am self taught as an artist. It has been a passion of mine, and one of my escapes from the material world throughout my adult life. Recently I have had some mobility issues after having diabetes for many years. This has thankfully given me more time to focus and concentrate on my painting.
I mostly paint with soft pastels and pastel pencils. I use UNISON COLOUR Handmade soft pastels. These are UK made and beautiful to use. I have STABILO CarbOthello and CARAN D'ACHE pastel pencils for the more detailed work. I also sometimes use CARAN D'ACHE Luminance pencils, or add Daler Rowney acrylic paints. Whatever I feel will capture what I wish to show with the most clarity.
I like to use CANSON Mi-Teintes Touch pastel and mixed media paper. The paper is made from crushed pumice and velvet. It takes the powdered pigments of the soft pastels very well indeed. It also can somewhat painfully remove fingerprints if you do not take care!
Original art works and commissions are available to purchase, usually supplied framed and mounted. Frames around A2 size, Most pictures A3 size, although there is some variation to this. Prices are in the range of £200 to £300. Paintings can be collected from Widnes, Cheshire or shipping can be arranged.
If you have any comments or enquiries, or if you have any issues with the functionality of this website please email myself at stu@stuartlake.co.uk