Revenge! At least…

Too many girls!
Photo Eszter Szicso and Basil

After all those less than flattering images, in various embarrassing situations set up by Estelle, in what I can only assume is a deliberate attempt to bring ridicule to my honourable name (yes, yes) I have finally managed, with the help of fellow artist and friend Eszter Szicso, to steal a photo of her in the studio! Ah!

Oh by the way, to celebrate the 5 year anniversary of Studio 231 west, in April, we are preaparing a fun competition for you, with original artworks to win!!

Stay tuned...

Sketch of the Day

The Groupie
Graphite sketch by Estelle Rocca-Serra

Estelle told me this little one materialised in her sketch book at a concert of some friends, an Americana band. They were sound-checking at the time, hence the name The Groupie.

I suspect we might see more of this little groupie in the future!

Stay tuned…

Sketch of the Day

For Basil with love
Graphite sketch by Estelle Rocca-Serra

Ok, so as I gently, and ever so subtly, suggested it to Estelle a few days ago, she actually drew me a monster truck, I give you that! But somehow I would have hoped for a more... how could I put it... masculine approach! 

There really was no need to go and cover it with girly daisies now, was there?! You hippy! Sigh...

Breaking News: The girls are back!

"Resistance is futile"
Oil on canvas by Estelle Rocca-Serra

Well technically they’re not quite there yet, but they’re on their way.

Estelle gave me an exclusive that she is working on some new Shueya paintings as well some new tips on How to Handle a Wedgie.

I fear that soon the studio will be filled with more frivolous attitude and oestrogen that I might be able to handle!

Oh how I wish that someday Estelle would start painting Monster Trucks…

Stay tuned...

Hot from the Easel: Mini Bar

Mini Bar, Mini Cocktails
Oil paintings

From the top left corner of the photo and going clockwise: Berry Collins, Red Rum, Sea Breeze and Black Russian.

The Mini Bar series is a variation from the larger Usual Suspects series of paintings, a fun and bright collection of decadently high heel shoes inspired by cocktails, in a mini format.

They are oil on linen textured paper paintings, mounted on board, and framed in a 25x25cm black deep edge box frame.

For pricing and availability please contact Estelle by email.

When Mess Gets Arty: Case No. 2

Abstract Oriental Ceramic Cat?

When Mess Gets Arty: the strange, wonderful, funny or just plain inappropriate things found in “mess”, in all its glory and completely unaltered.

Case n.2 The Abstract Oriental Cat

What it really is: a close up on the left leg of some “Studio Jeans” i.e. used to be a decent piece of clothing to walk down the street and now so covered in paint that is barely decent enough to walk down the corridor at the studios!

Now cropped and viewed from a different angle: Estelle tells me I should have more control over my phobia, but it looks to me like a stylised, almost abstract, oriental representation of a… cat! A bit like one of those ceramic cats, don't you think?

We’d love to hear what YOU see, let us know in the comment box below.

Did you know... Breadcrumbs?

Breaded Pigeon
Sketch by Estelle Rocca-Serra

As surprising as it sounds, fresh breadcrumbs are widely used in the arts!

The kneaded soft white of the bread can be used as an eraser, its light stickiness will gently pick up particles of charcoal, graphite and even dust on drawings. It is gentle enough not to roughen the surface of soft and delicate paper.

Even more surprisingly, it is well known to be used for art conservation, in particular it is one of the safest ways to clean watercolour and gouache paintings, but less well known is its use to clean varnish tempera and oil paintings.

Our friend the pigeon holds quite a strong stance against this specific use of his staple food, but to be perfectly honest his position would be more credible if he wasn't already covered in crumbs and he is not really our friend anyway! Go have a wash mate!

Source: The materials and Techniques of Painting - Kurt Wehlte

Breaking News: "Addiction" feature

Hesa Inprint "Addiction" feature
contribution by Estelle Rocca-Serra

The Daily Mouse is delighted to let you know that Hesa inprint has published Estelle’s contribution to their “Addiction” feature; you can read all about it here.

Hesa inprint is a bilingual (Finnish & English) blog, web magazine and printed art magazine. Based in Finland’s Helsinki, they aim to provide a platform for artists, writers, photographers, film makers and anyone who has a vision and voice to share their opinions, work and stories.

Feel free to explore it, there is so much to discover and enjoy!

Stay tuned…

A Shueya a day keeps the doctor at bay

How to handle a wedgie: The not so subtle
Oil on linen by Estelle Rocca-Serra

How to handle a wedgie: "The not so subtle"
(Oil on linen, 90x90cm)

More guidance on "How to handle a wedgie", Shueya style, here.

Just between you and me, I heard Estelle is working on some new “Wedgies”!

Stay tuned…

When Mess Gets Arty: Case No.1

The Farting Witch

A new feature of the Daily Mouse: the strange, wonderful, funny and just plain inappropriate things found in “mess”, in all its glory and completely unaltered: "When Mess Gets Arty".

Case No.1 The Farting Witch Basking in Sunshine.

What it really is: a sheet of tracing paper, used as a palette with blue paint, mixed with some yellow to find and select the right shade of green.

Now cropped and viewed from a different angle: at the Daily Mouse we are a bit silly and very childish… we see a witch, ice skating under the glorious sunshine, and who seems to have found a rather biological mean of propulsion, and quite a large fly finding herself in the wrong place at the wrong time!

We’d love to hear what YOU see, let us know in the comment box below.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Oh dear! Oh dear! Oh dear!
Graphite Sketch by Estelle Rocca-Serra

Happy Chinese New Year to all our Chinese friends!

Did you know…Le Blog?

From Basil with love

Not our usual “Did you know…?” feature but it seems Estelle has been swallowed into her computer, implementing new features on her website. So in the meantime I'll take the opportunity to tell you about a few features of the blog.

You can have each post delivered to you directly in your mail box (check the little box just there on the right above “Painting of the day”).

You can also share the blog or individual posts, where I look particularly handsome, using the “Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Mail” buttons. It has to be said I haven’t been looking my best lately, must have a word with Estelle. Maybe if I get her some chocolates it would help...I find bribery usually helps!

Stay tuned….