Postings from the UK

Well everyone, I have been here just a few days and have done a lot of driving to and from the hospital. Today we experienced the most amazing sight, a double rainbow outside my Dad's hospital window.... a good omen I hope! Luckily we haven't had the deluge that Cumbria has been experiencing. I probably couldn't get to the place that inspired 'Skiddaw in the Mist' at the moment.

Hopefully I will get to paint soon!

Another lovely little bird...

The Nuthatch and the Bumblebee

10 x 12 Oil/Panel

I just so enjoyed painting this lovely little white breasted nuthatch. We have many in our garden, but I used a photo taken by Neil (Portlvr) on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/27728208@N06/

Thank you Neil.

The Day before...

Las Lagunas Autumn

30 x 40 Oil/Linen

Well, this is it, as my Mum used to say! I am off tomorrow... I have done all I can and now it's time to sit on that plane and relax! Sleep if possible, but not much chance of that... I am so looking forward to being home with my family, totally bereft at the thought of leaving Barry though. Still he has been doing so much running around for me, he will be glad to get back to his own work!

This painting is of a scene that I have visited before. A good old New Mexican autumn scene, of a pond and cottonwoods, not far from where we live.

Getting there...

Morning Meadow
20 x 20 Oil/Linen

This painting is inspired by a photo that I took on a gorgeous winter morning walk near my good friends', (Tom, lovely ex-husband and Charlie Dore, lovely partner and great singer/songwriter), house near Henley Upon Thames.

It's getting close...

The Wren, the Nest and the Eggs
Oil/Panel 10 x 10


It's been a little quiet around here lately, hasn't it? I have been spending a lot of time trying to finish up paintings as I am leaving again for the UK in just over a week, for 5 months! I am so excited to be spending so much time over there, worried about leaving my lovely man behind, but I need to spend more time with my family and my Dad has not been well, and I just want to be back there.

I have the opportunity to exhibit some work whilst I am there at the Edinburgh Art Fair 20th November and at Woodbine Gallery's Christmas show. Being there for five months will be such joy as I won't have that constant nagging feeling that time is running out. I will get to paint and scout out new painting spots. I have been thinking that I should start some kind of painting tour guide business, since I spend so much time driving around the UK, finding nice little Bed and Breakfasts and great places to paint. I would be the driver, since everyone I know in the US hates driving in the UK!!

I think my blog will be more interesting too, since I will get out more... I hope... instead of spending all my time in the studio...

Little House in the Woods

Little House in the Woods
12 x 12 Oil/Linen Panel

I think I have been somewhat influenced by all the glorious colour that we have had around us here in New Mexico!! However, I think it may have all gone now, as we had a sprinkling of snow this morning.

I am happy to say that on the Saturday opening of the Albuquerque Museum Miniature show, one of my paintings sold. I am hoping in the coming weeks the other two will also sell.

Art Journey New Mexico

104 artists who live throughout the state of New Mexico have been included in this book 'Art Journey, 104 Painter's Perspectives', which has just been published. Barry and I are honoured to have been included.

It really is a beautiful book, we are thrilled with it.

Autumn

Season of Mists
9 x 15 Oil/Linen panel

I just love this time of the year. Both here and in the UK. All the beautiful horse chestnut trees and the conkers on the ground in the UK and here, the cottonwoods are just a perfect gold. There is a wonderful bosque near where I play tennis at lunchtime with my friend Sue, and we often stop to marvel at the beauty of the yellow and the blue of the New Mexico sky. How lucky we are.

Getting There....!

The Wren, The Nest and The Bumblebee
9 x 15 Oil/linen panel

I am gradually getting all my deadline pieces finished. I will be so glad. Then I can get on with lots of other new pieces. The colours here in New Mexico are glorious and I have started painting the cottonwoods again. Just love them.

Looking East

Looking East - Sold
10 x 12 Oil/Panel

This is one of the paintings I am submitting to the Albuquerque Museum Miniature invitational exhibition. I am still struggling with the other one. Better get back the studio!