About me
Hello and thank you for dropping by. I'm Mark and I'd like to welcome you to this, my simple online gallery. My interest in watercolour and the ongoing creation of this body of work started (in earnest) with an act of serendipity after retiring from 43 years "compliance" to the computer software industry in 2024. In an attempt at rediscovering who I really am, I came across my father's extensive collection of artist's paraphernalia that he left behind when he sadly departed in the early 2000's. Prompted by my wife to check out the Maidenhead Painting Club, I discovered a passion I never knew I had which quickly turned into an obsession, leading me to develop this, online gallery to showcase my paintings. and sketches.
Full disclosure - I am very much an amateur and I have no intension of turning this into a "business" but if you see something that you particularly like or there's something you have that you'd like me to see if i can turn into water colour, I'd love to hear from you.
Mark Hodgson
Influences and credits
"Be yourself" that's what people says isn't it? good advice - after all everyone else is taken. Whilst I believe and have been told, that my style is definitely developing I'm not going to take all the credit because there are several people I feel bound to thank for their guidance. First, to the genius of the great JMW Turner, for inspiration, and Scott Swinson, someone who I've learned so much from from his wonderful online courses and then of course to the lovely people of Maidenhead Painting Club and last but by no means least, my dad. A truly humble genius with his hands and and wonder - and someone, who if I ever get to be half as good as, I'll just stop whilst I'm ahead and go back to growing potatoes. In the meantime, this gallery hopefully demonstrates my individuality, showcasing work that reflects my inspiration, experience and perspective. I hope that you will appreciate what I do and always welcome feedback.
Why "bluepowder531"?
The name "bluepowder531" holds special significance for me. Being a life long supporter of Chelsea Football Club, I bleed Blue; as a guitar player of some 50 years (!) "bluepowder" is the name of a song by one of my musical heroes - Steve Vai. The number 531 in numerology represents the angel number for change, a constant force in all our lives. So this name encapsulates the essence of my transition from 9 to 5 through retirement, infinity and .... the transformative power of art.
Constructive observations always welcome
I value your opinions. I sincerely hope that visitors will enjoy my art. I would very much welcome constructive observations. (and if you like what i do enough that you'd like me to do something unique for you - please send me an email!
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