Fresh Off the Easel

Fresh Off the Easel… But Will They Make the Final Exhibition?

The studio has been buzzing over the past month, with another exciting collection of paintings now complete as I continue preparing for my upcoming “From Lens to Line” exhibition this October.

There’s always a special moment when a painting leaves the easel for the first time. After hours of planning, experimenting, layering paint, and making those final finishing touches, it’s time to step back and see the finished piece for what it truly is.

Every artwork begins with a spark of inspiration — sometimes from a photograph I’ve captured, sometimes from a place I’ve visited, and sometimes from a memory or feeling that I want to bring to life through colour and texture. From the first sketch to the final brush or palette knife mark, each painting develops its own personality and story.

But there’s one big question…

Will they make the final exhibition?

Creating a collection for a gallery show is always a difficult process. Not every painting can take its place on the walls, and choosing which pieces will be included is one of the hardest parts of preparing an exhibition. Some paintings immediately feel like they belong, while others need more time before their place is decided.

The “From Lens to Line” exhibition is all about the journey from capturing an image through photography to transforming that inspiration into a finished artwork. It celebrates the connection between the camera, the artist’s eye, and the creative process that happens in the studio.

So now I’d love to hear from you…

Which of these new paintings are your favourites? Which ones deserve a place on the gallery walls?

Leave a comment and let me know which pieces catch your eye — your feedback could help decide which artworks make the final selection!

In the meantime, why not take a look through my latest collection of original paintings, artwork and prints on my website.

Thank you for following my artistic journey and supporting the work created here at the Arttoon Studio.

The countdown to October has begun!