The Paint Machines

Designed and custom-made, the three painting machines are the works of Art in the Park artist Bill Hudson. Each machine has been specifically designed to offer a unique and interactive approach to the creation of art. The result is that each participant goes away with a painted piece of artwork. Each painting uses an 8 inch square mdf board.

The mechanisms of the three machines are as follows:

Squirt and Spin

This machine uses up to 4-5 colours and each participant squirts their choice of colours onto a board. The board is then placed into the machine where it is spun for any given duration of time. Other techniques include different speeds of which it is spun and placing a paintbrush on the board as it spins, creating a different effect each time.

Spray and Swivel

This machine uses two colours which the participant sprays onto a swivelling platform where the board is placed. As it is being sprayed, the platform is swivelled by either the participant or artist in charge. The rocking motion is combined with the spray results to create a distinct and personalised piece of artwork.

Dip and Paint

The participant controls an extended arm, the end of which holds a paintbrush. The extended arm works on an axis which can be swung to and fro as well as up and down. The paintbrush is manoeuvred up and down by pulling on a rope. The participant must combine both of these motions in order to paint on their board. There is a choice of four colours and one pot of water (to clean the brush) which they use to dip their paintbrush in. The board is placed on a platform which can also move on contact.

All machines incorporate the element of chance and while all require some degree of control, the participants are in fact not entirely in control. This means each finished piece of artwork will always be unique and personalised.

Previous Work

The Danson Festival

The paint machines were commissioned by London Borough of Bexley for its annual arts festival.

“You were obviously popular and I think you really added a lot to what we were offering this year.”

Gareth Thomas, Library and Arts Development Officer, London Borough of Bexley

The Elephant and Nun Festival

Southwark Council have regularly commissioned Art in the Park to run participatory events at various outdoor festivals around the borough. The most recent was the Elephant and Nun Festival 2011 at Brunswick Park.

“The Art in the Park team were great to work with before and during the event, accommodating and easy-going yet professional...what better combination could one ask for!

The Paint-Yourself-A-Masterpiece machines were really popular and whopping fun for kids of all ages, and we will definitely be asking for them again next year.”

Marlene Collins, Co-ordinator for Elephant and Nun Festival, Brunswick Park

For Hire

If you would like to use our painting machines for any of your events, workshops, etc, please do not hesitate to call us on 020 7277 4297 or email us at studio@artinthepark.co.uk