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I was born in 1974 with a pencil in my hand, much to the discomfort of my mum!
I spent my early life in the Black Country, after training in graphic design I entered the world of the games industry, it was fun and an ideal job, my days were spent creating characters and new worlds, then one day it stopped being fun and I decided to branch out and pursue other things, I realised that having some bloke behind me asking to make something “a bit more blue” was not for me, it was time for new challenges, a fresh start.
So I picked up a paintbrush.
I decided to combine my two loves comedy and painting. I'd always been fascinated by comedy especially Stand Up, the art of getting up on stage and making people laugh is the ultimate in performance to me. One person standing alone sharing their thoughts with an audience who may or may not go with them. So I thought I'd give it a try, and realised it was for me!
In comedy it's not all about the jokes, there is more to it. There is formula, timing, expression, a comedy icon is someone who can understand all these things and still make it look effortless and that is why I pay homage to my comedy heroes of the past and present.
Comedians have such great faces, lots of character; it’s a joy, as every brush stroke brings them to life and makes me smile.
How do I approach my canvas? I usually walk. Once I’m there I prepare my tools, pencil, check, brushes clean, check. Coffee at my side, check.
Then I get to work pencilling I make sure I’ve got plenty of reference around me full shots, close ups. I break down my subjects into three to four shades, and then as soon as that’s done I set to work on my canvas. I prepare all my shades before hand and fill up sauce bottles, the kind you get at hot dog stands as I find that this saves time.
Once I’ve filled my palette I place brush to canvas, I like to keep it loose, I don’t like to work too neatly, I love the idea that if you go close it looks a mess, but as you step back the eye fills everything in revealing a form. To quote my mum “If you go up close they look rubbish, if you step back they look good!” Bless her.
The satisfaction I get when completing a painting is a lovely buzz, and to know that someone will get a reaction and of them is great, hopefully a smilie one.
I get out of bed, get in my car and head to the studio, I then drive back home and get dressed!
The day is started at 9:00 am with a coffee from my favourite coffee machine, it tells me to “enjoy my drink” I like him, he’s very polite.
I browse through my CD collection and choose a comedy CD. When I paint comedians I like to listen to them as I work, it inspires me as an artist and also helps my material evolve, I always keep a note pad handy just in case I think of a funny.
As I work I sometimes lose myself and the time flies by. I always make sure I take regular breaks, I think it’s very important as looking at art work constantly can tarnish it, coming back after a break makes the piece look fresh.
Once the day is over I go back home and check my emails to see if there are any gigs about and if there is I’ll travel and perform.
To paint then perform on the night makes the perfect day, to me life is about making yourself happy and those around you. My paintings and performing do that.
Life couldn’t be better.
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Chris Oxenbury's Work
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