Dan Stirling

[danstirling]

Whats your favourite drawing? (1 - 9) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ All hand-drawn in fine-liner pen ✍🏻 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Running out of words to express my gratitude! The energy you guys bring towards my work is always so positive and I only hope I can return the favour by sharing more with you. Thank you all so much, the world is greater with you in it! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #danstirlingart #danstirling #draw #drawings #handdrawn #art #artist #30k #artistsoninstagram #ink #pendrawing #pendrawings #sketch #space #scifi #scifiart #blackandwhite https://www.instagram.com/p/BurbG0EngDR/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=19tgksuln1jx9

[danstirling]

‘Red Racing Car’ - Hand drawn in fine-liner pen on 600GSM ‘Arches’ watercolour paper. (Sold). ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Having ideas manifest in your dreams & nightmares is a cliched principle for an artist. I’m no different. In the transitional state of consciousness is often where the more curious imagery stems from, and it’s limitless! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ There are no words to describe how it feels externalising these symbolic scenes & imagery onto paper, if you can get it right. This was a very affecting drawing for me. I’d love to hear your thoughts looking at it. https://www.instagram.com/p/BtwPJAoHG7C/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=snq5nihpunb9

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WIP 👨🏼‍🎨 WAT U SAYIN? 🇬🇧 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #oilpainting #danstirlingart #oils #artistsoninstagram #art #artist #stilllife #contemporaryart #painting #paint https://www.instagram.com/p/BtjTR7DF3z6/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=icwvbbcp9yv3

[danstirling]

Stick it in the freezer! 🎨❄️ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ For my latest oil painting I’ve developed my own kind of “Alla Prima” / colour-by-numbers way of working. I’m essentially reproducing a photograph I’ve taken myself from still life, we can’t all finish a still life painting with fruit or flowers before they rot! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ If you’re sort of working along these lines, this could be for you. I use the same mixed colours for weeks on end sometimes, I found my colours were drying or getting skins after a few days on the pallet (most likely due to the warm weather or heating in my studio). I kept having to remix the same colours (not cool if you work slow), A few head butts on the wall later I gave in to Google & found that putting a glass palette of paint in the freezer slows the drying process, I tried it, it works! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I’ve gone up to 5 weeks so far with a few pea sized drops of paint and sure enough they’re still wet. It’ll go for much longer I’m sure. I’m also going to try it under water (I’ll let you know how that goes). Oil is water resistant, the condensation evaporates in about 2 minutes in my studio. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Hope this helps somebody out there. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ P.S Did I need to make this video though? 🤷🏼‍♂️ https://www.instagram.com/p/BrnsyF8l5O1/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=f3m07e5mdqu2

[danstirling]

Arty Notes: 📝 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • Take consistent breaks, I personally work from 9am - 6pm. I take a fifteen minute tea break at 11:30am, then an hour’s lunch at 2pm, then another fifteen at 5pm (green tea & banana to refuel is a safe bet). I aim to start cleaning my brushes & workstation by 5:45pm. Be honest when creating your own regime! keep tweaking it for maximum efficiency. Being freelance, sticking to your own structure/regime is a fundamental priority. There aren’t enough hours in the day for an artist but if we don’t stop, we chop off our ears! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • Whist achieving particularly minute detail your breathing naturally falls shallow to keep a steadier hand, in fact I tend to hold my breath for those tiny strokes. This irregular breathing isn’t ideal, If symptoms arise I’ll set alarms every hour for that day. I’ll lay on my back, close my eyes & take a few deep breaths for no more than five minutes, or even better, practise Wim Hof “the Iceman” breath exercises, that does the trick ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • Mix up your chairs/easels & adjust painting positions throughout the day to avoid aches & pains ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • Try to paint/draw upside down if working from a photo reference (when you can). Your brain puts things where it wants, not where they are. For example, notice how your eyes appear level in a photo, now flip it upside down and see how one is above the other ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • Flip the canvas/paper etc (when you can) to achieve straighter lines and avoid wrist/body strain ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • Leave your painting in box to avoid dust settling on wet paint (whenever you’re not working on it) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • Leave mixed paint on a separate glass pallet in the freezer (or underwater) so it doesn’t dry ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • Breathe ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • Paint ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • Go and get it! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I can share plenty more of these in time, if they’re of any use. These work for ME! Don’t assume I’m an expert, this is my second proper oil painting so I’m not experienced as such, some of these points are good for other disciplines too. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Hope this helps in some way. Do you have any tips or tricks about oil painting for me? https://www.instagram.com/p/BrgLvYVFqUY/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=8odg3oa038l2

[danstirling]

Arty Notes: * Take consistent breaks, I personally work from 9am - 6pm. I take a fifteen minute tea break at 11:30am, then an hour’s lunch at 2pm, then another fifteen at 5pm (green tea & banana to refuel is a safe bet). I aim to start cleaning my brushes & workstation by 5:45pm. Be honest when creating your own regime! keep tweaking it for maximum efficiency. Being freelance, sticking to your own structure/regime is a fundamental priority. There aren’t enough hours in the day for an artist but if we don’t stop, we chop off our ears! * Whist achieving particularly minute detail your breathing naturally falls shallow to keep a steadier hand, in fact I tend to hold my breath for those tiny strokes. This irregular breathing isn’t ideal, If symptoms arise I’ll set alarms every hour for that day. I’ll lay on my back, close my eyes & take a few deep breaths for no more than five minutes, or even better, practise Wim Hof “the Iceman” breath exercises, that does the trick * Mix up your chairs/easels & adjust painting positions throughout the day to avoid aches & pains. * Try to paint/draw upside down if working from a photo reference (when you can). Your brain puts things where it wants, not where they are. For example, notice how your eyes appear level in a photo, now flip it upside down and see how one is above the other * Flip the canvas/paper etc (when you can) to achieve straighter lines and avoid wrist/body strain. * Leave your painting in box to avoid dust settling on wet paint (whenever you’re not working on it) * Leave mixed paint on a separate glass pallet in the freezer (or underwater) so it doesn’t dry. * Breathe * Paint * Go and get it! I can share plenty more of these in time, if they’re of any use. These work for ME! Don’t assume I’m an expert, this is my second proper oil painting so I’m not experienced as such, some of these points are good for other disciplines too. Hope this helps in some way. Do you have any tips or tricks about oil painting for me? https://www.instagram.com/p/BrgBDq5lscF/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1v5tns8vxmx05

[danstirling]

Arty Notes: * Take consistent breaks, I personally work from 9am - 6pm. I take a fifteen minute tea break at 11:30am, then an hour’s lunch at 2pm, then another fifteen at 5pm (green tea & banana to refuel is a safe bet). I aim to start cleaning my brushes & workstation by 5:45pm. Be honest when creating your own regime! keep tweaking it for maximum efficiency. Being freelance, sticking to your own structure/regime is a fundamental priority. There aren’t enough hours in the day for an artist but if we don’t stop, we chop off our ears! * Whist achieving particularly minute detail your breathing naturally falls shallow to keep a steadier hand, in fact I tend to hold my breath for those tiny strokes. This irregular breathing isn’t ideal, If symptoms arise I’ll set alarms every hour for that day. I’ll lay on my back, close my eyes & take a few deep breaths for no more than five minutes, or even better, practise Wim Hof “the Iceman” breath exercises, that does the trick * Mix up your chairs/easels & adjust painting positions throughout the day to avoid aches & pains. * Try to paint/draw upside down if working from a photo reference (when you can). Your brain puts things where it wants, not where they are. For example, notice how your eyes appear level in a photo, now flip it upside down and see how one is above the other * Flip the canvas/paper etc (when you can) to achieve straighter lines and avoid wrist/body strain. * Wear cheap 4x strength reading glasses when painting tiny things * Use a scalpel to shave off bristles for a finer detail brush * Mix a dash of linseed oil to thin the paint when painting tiny things, or tiny words in the case of the Bounty bar * Leave your painting in box to avoid dust settling on wet paint (whenever you’re not working on it) * ‘Fat over lean’ meaning every new layer needs more oil paint than the last, or it will crack. I paint in a kind of “Alla Prima” style meaning all one layer or ‘first attempt’ however I sometimes correct areas where I’ve used linseed oil ensuring I use pure oil paint on that new layer * Spend more time mixing the colour than the painting itself (sometimes) * Leave mixed paint on a separate glass https://www.instagram.com/p/Brf81BplpMa/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=tl8epttgvp1o

[danstirling]

Painting feels like an unraveling of my (sometimes dysfunctional) being. Every bad / good brush stroke, wrong / right value, colour, shape or line feels like a symbolic metaphor for who I am. Wonky line - wonky Dan! The truth is, the more meticulous, precise or ‘perfect’ my work looks, the more anxious, insecure & self conscious I probably felt the day I did it. I have unattainably high standards and yet my own work rarely meets them. I’ll spend a month on a cm patch & lose total self belief, the next day, I’ll paint a single dot in the right place & I’m overcome by an inflated sense of pride, it’s funny man! Oil painting seems to be about making a series of mistakes on the canvas, THEN… correcting all those mistakes over a long period of time. I’ve never experienced discipline like this, a constant back & forth with taking & losing control. With no formal art education I feel an unbounded sense of freedom yet sometimes an irritating lack of knowledge, I realise this makes my art pure (ish) as it’s my own recipe but sometimes it’d be nice being told how to do it, haha, the internet helps of course! I’m defo going loopy, but also feeling a new sense of stability in other emotional aspects, could be the work? Or coincidence? Who knows? At the risk of sounding self indulgent and exploitative of my platform, this work symbolises new ways I can take active responsibility for my own suffering, no matter how trivial it may seem. My work is now giving me a sense of purpose & genuine self worth. Feeling important is part of human nature, and a healthy pursuit (done with integrity). I’m learning to make sure that what I’m making is important to me, before spending precious time on it. Working in solitude is essential but for long periods of time (unless it’s meditative) isn’t healthy for me, can you tell? So, it needs to count! Art isn’t my therapy, it’s my duty, at least for now! I’d love to hear your thoughts. Thank you so much you lush people, your ongoing support is beyond appreciated! I’ll have a very special print release coming for you soon. https://www.instagram.com/p/BqvE8kSlcwQ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1lfv5u7ehuw9x

[danstirling]

This was my day 👨🏼‍🎨 Questions? Looks fun & relaxing you might think, Well...You’d be wrong 😂 #danstirlingart #art #painting #paint #stress #worthit #details #details #oil #oilpainting #oils #painting #paintingtutorial #skull #sunflower #durex (at Cirencester, Gloucestershire) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqNgWUTl7gb/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=n7m4c8ldbzqu

[danstirling]

NEW WORK🚨IN PROGRESS...🌻💀🎳Thoughts? #danstirlingart #art #artist #draw #drawing #paint #painting #oils #oilpainting #canvas #skull #skullpainting #sunflower #bowling #stilllifepainting #colours #allaprima #paintbrush #artoftheday #artofinstagram #paintings #artistsoninstagram #artsy #art_spotlight (at The Cotswolds) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo9zVtdl6eq/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=wga7018fsg0n

[danstirling]

So, here we go! What a year, thank you guys so much! You’ve all been so patient. I haven’t posted much work this last year, I can’t say why exactly as I’ve been sworn to secrecy but I can say last week marked the end of a one year contract, working full time as a specialist painter for the most successful living british artist, it’s been a game changer! Forever thankful for the knowledge, people and friends I’ve met at Science Ltd. NOW! It’s time to get back to my own work! Expect to see brand new artworks very soon. Paintings, drawings etc. Regular IG stories for you to follow me through all the revitalised processes and projects and maybe some how too videos? I hope you’re excited as I am. Your ongoing loyalty, support & patience this last year has only reinforced my faith in being an artist. #danstirlingart #art #artist #paint #painter #newart #excited #freelanceartist #inspired #lesgo (at Cirencester, Gloucestershire) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnjhjZxgPP0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=jtcu01kqt93l

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This bottle contains my own tears collected over the 6 months I’ve waited for this painting to dry, applied in one thin coat to enable the reincarnation of my soul back into this still life. Seriously though, my first time varnishing was an orgasmic experience and well worth the wait. Got some great news & updates coming your way soon ! #varnishporn #varnish #danstirlingartist #danstirlingart #art #artist #oils #oilpainting #painting #oldmasters #brush #varnishing #allaprima #contemporaryart #artoftheday #oiloncanvas #fineart (at Cirencester, Gloucestershire) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnWkQe-Ara8/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=9ijqcc88ab0j

[danstirling]

- Cracked iPhone 5s with charger - Dads Ralph Lauren aftershave - Bottle of Krink - Plum tomato - Figs - Buddhist Singing bowl - Fake rose - Turpentine tin - Lemsip Max pills Some random shit I had lying around the house? Or a handful of sacred objects that could symbolise a much deeper/sentimental value to me, both are true. Anything is meaningful with enough belief, to contemplate a few seconds longer is to hopefully escape my conditioned opinion. I tend to deal in extremes so considering life is both incomprehensibly astonishing and yet arguably meaningless, It can feel like a daunting responsibility having to choose which makes more sense for me -knowing full well that both are arguably true. Choosing to believe myself in any case can feel a bit” make believe” at times, and a tad adrift as a man. As an artist, widening my perspective past purely positive/negative association with all things is important. For me the truth and beauty seems to lie in the grey areas between and more so in what I don’t understand. The countless hours spent painting this still life have symbolised what I’m trying to get at and have been especially good practice in deciding to honour and immortalise these otherwise meaningless objects. This piece will be available for purchase soon, for any enquiries you can either email [email protected] #danstirlingart #oilpainting #oil #stilllife #oldmaster #painting #art #artist #ralphlauren #krink #apple #iphone #allaprima #artwork #studioart #artgram #paintingart #artcollector #instagramartist #artiscool #artforsalebyartist #iloveart (at The Cotswolds)

[danstirling]

Hi I’m Dan 🙋🏼‍♂️ What’s your Superpower ?❔ (at The Cotswolds)

[danstirling]

My hand fabricated, mixed media, five foot, fibreglass hare! Using cut textiles, Posca paint pens for his fur, found objects including jewels, braiding, leather etc. Held together with industrial grade fabric adhesives and silicone glue etc. Fully varnished and quadruple Scotch guarded to protect from spills (not meant for outdoors). Around 3 months work. All proceeds were donated to the National Star College in Cheltenham Uk who provides specialist education for people with disabilities and brain injuries Thanks for your comments and support! #danstirlingart #art #artist #scultpure #hare #rabbit #haresculpture #handmade #frabrication #handpainted #textiles #poscapens #jewels #royalty #detail (at Cirencester, Gloucestershire)

[danstirling]

‘Jack of all trades, master of none’ is a phrase that’s always bemused me in terms of my own art. The creative process needn’t be limited to one particular medium. In a way, I’m inclined to at least attempt to be the ‘jack of all trades’ (in this context) in order to envision what I think I’d like to master or have mastered. I think a true artist should be able to do it all. Failure is essential to learning and I’ve found a foolproof way to fail is to try something new, often! Ultimately it doesn’t matter, however, It’s this continual learning of new ways to work which feels to me to be in unison with presence and constant growth, bringing a sense of purpose to my day to day. As the Greek winged goddess of victory once said: ‘Just do it’… Incidentally, here’s some more samey commission work from a few years ago... #danstirlingart #art #artist #drawing #draw #pen #pendrawing #hammer #shoemaker #shoemakerstool #detail #details #lines #stippling #crosshatching (at Cirencester, Gloucestershire)

[danstirling]

Thoughts? 🤔 I’m Perpetually gathering bounteously variant techniques when I’m drawing with this dinky piece of ink filled plastic ✍🏻 Sometimes all you need is a piece of paper and a pen. I could be mediating the conflict between disorientation and mathematics in the line work, or at least aiming to harmonise the two occasionally. Correspondence between the lines helps aesthetically, however, natural patterns start to emerge when certain angles mesh frequently which seems unruly but it’s always a happy accident! Here are two alternate impressions of a shoe, requested as part of a commissioned series a few years back. Happy Easter and love to all 🐣 Thank you for your continued support! #danstirlingart #art #artistsoninstagram #artist #artwork #shoeart #show #handrawn #sketch #lines #stippling