A personal celebration of ordinariness
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Artist, social historian and raconteur
Here is a treatment pitch to develop further for broadcast television for a series of video shorts which examine the ordinary that is all around us. It focuses on detailed aspects of English cities, towns, villages, seasides and the diversity of the ordinary people who occupy them; all captured through the paintings of the artist Liam O’Farrell.
It examines the beauty, ugliness, simplicity, complexity, incongruity and eccentricity that surrounds us in every ordinary day and shows us how simplicity can bring joy. While focused on the visual the series also takes in aspects of ordinary life through the thoughts memories and anecdotes of local people.
Journeys with my sketchbook
Format
Each episode focuses on a lesser know region of the UK or an area within a town or city, locations that maybe dismissed or derided – the sort of locations that Liam O’Farrell choses as subjects for his art. A setting which might be overlooked were you not to stop and take time to examine the detail.
The structure of each episode is simple: we see the artist arriving in the setting, selecting his subject and completing his picture. This is interspersed with interesting information about the area and its history, conversations with the locals and their thoughts on why they have chosen to call this place home. Liam recounts anecdotes about local life with a touch of humour and an interesting often left field thought about the human experience. This is a warts and all approach not gushing nostalgia.
Audience
The subject matter and style of presentation would appeal to many people – anyone with an interest in art, history, architecture or community. It is however, firmly rooted in the contemporary and does not dwell on a golden by gone age. It is intended as a focus on modern life in the context of the history that surrounds us.
Its a light hearted feel good watch with gentle humour and insight into modern life and how focusing on the ordinary can bring us all a little happiness everyday.
About Liam O’Farrell
Liam has exhibited at The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition on several occasions. Also, annual open exhibitions at The Mall Galleries for The Lynn Painter-Stainers Prize, The New English Art Club, The Royal Institute of Oil Painters, The Royal Society of British Artist, and The Royal Society of Marine Artists.
Featured videos
Here are several videos that Liam has already produced. The first one, titled ‘Painting: What Is It all about for me?’ features Liam delivering a larger introduction to himself and sharing his thoughts on art.
Painting, what is it all about for me?
I have produced several videos over the years though it occurred to me recently that I have never shot one about myself. So, I thought for this video I would talk about my motivations for painting and why I do what I do.
A small video painting tour on a bicycle around Somerset
Although I do go on location to paint, much of my time is spent inside the studio so it’s extremely easy to become unfit, not to mention to pile-on the pounds. Consequently, to keep fit and mobile, I like to get out and cycle a few times a week.
A walking and painting video tour of Maida Vale in London
Maida Vale has been a bit of a favourite spot of mine, so I’ve decided to also write about a few other paintings completed over the years.
Initially I am going to talk about a large oil painting which is a scene along the Regent’s Canal in Little Venice and then I will be visiting a number of places that I have painted over the years.
A video of a London walk to The Royal Academy of Arts
I often visit London often and to get across the city, in general, I would use the tube, although since the pandemic, I have been more inclined to walk. And really, if you have the time, it’s a far better way to travel, especially in an ancient city like London.
A walking and painting video tour of Maida Vale in London
Maida Vale has been a bit of a favourite spot of mine, so I’ve decided to also write about a few other paintings completed over the years.
Initially I am going to talk about a large oil painting which is a scene along the Regent’s Canal in Little Venice and then I will be visiting a number of places that I have painted over the years.
A painting trip and video in Dittisham in South Devon
Dittisham (locally pronounced Dit’sum) is in South Devon and near the mouth of the River Dart it is a fine ancient fishing port and real treat for painter and tourist alike.
A painting of a steam train on The East Somerset Railway
In this video I’m going to talk about steam train of the East Somerset Railway in Cranmore.
The East Somerset Railway was set up in the early seventies and is run largely by volunteers, who are passionate about preserving the region’s railway heritage and sharing it with the public. Their dedication and hard work have turned the railway into a thriving tourist attraction, attracting visitors from far and wide.
Paintings of The Glastonbury Festival
