Thursday, February 24, 2011

A wren and two and a half eggs



A wren and two and a half eggs
12 x 12 Oil/Linen

I painted this very quickly and freely with Charles Warren Eaton's Sunset Trees in mind. His amazing colours made me want to paint something with really strong colours. My tendency is to over-paint.. to get everything perfect and I think I end up losing some of the really lovely qualities of paint.



A wonderful Wednesday morning!

Monday, February 21, 2011

On the Road to Peebles





I dashed out this morning because after a few rather dull days, the sun was out... sadly all too briefly, but I did get a very quick sketch done before my fingers almost dropped off with the cold! Plus I got a few rather nice photos.. everywhere I look in this area of Scotland I find wonderful views to paint.

Don't forget I am organising a workshop here in September - 19th - 23rd... see my website for details.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

To Aviemore










I drove up to Aviemore yesterday to spend a couple of days with my son, Ralph. It was a pretty horrible day, weatherwise, but as I got closer to the Highlands, it started to clear.... and then started snowing!! I find that in Scotland, the weather seems to change a lot in one day. At the moment... this being February, we have been waking up to a miserable grey wet day, with lots of mist on hills! Then as the day wears on it clears and really lovely dramatic skies develop. Anyway, by the time I got to my hotel, it was pretty gloomy again. My hotel The Rowan Tree Hotel is very nice and would make a great location for a workshop! You just have to walk out the door and there is Loch Alvie.
Today however, it's glorious and here are some photos.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

In the Borders






Looking back across the valley towards Tinto.

Haven't had much time the last two days to get out and paint, but finally I managed to grab an hour and a half before sundown to do a quick pastel. The sheep were very interested in me! I think they thought I had food!

Friday, February 11, 2011

On the way to Scotland

I drove up to Scotland yesterday and stopped at Brough Castle in Cumbria. I have passed this place, plus all the other castles on the A66 for years and finally decided to stop as it was a lovely afternoon and I wasn't in a hurry. Here are a few photos that I would like to share with you. I hope you enjoy them.

http://www.visitcumbria.com/pen/brough-castle.htm








Back to Scotland



Here is my studio all packed up and ready to go! Nothing like travelling light!!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

The Commission



Romney Marsh with clouds
30 x 36 Oil/Linen

Here is the commission that I have been working on. Some may remember that I did a large painting similar to this a while ago. I had some cards made and that's how I got the commission. Tomorrow I shall have to pack up my studio as I leave for Scotland on Thursday!

Grazing Sheep revisited



Grazing Sheep
10x 12 Oil/Linen

I am not really going crazy, but last night I just couldn't sleep thinking about how I wasn't happy with this painting, so I worked on it again this morning.. it's still wet, but I think it's better. I hope you all agree! This is what I mean Loriann about vision... sometimes it's just a little tweaking that's needed, more light, more structure, movement or more softening of edges. The crazy wind has died down now, so it's easier to take a decent photo.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Grazing Sheep



Grazing Sheep
10 x 12 Oil/Linen

Here is a new painting that I have finally finished. It's impossible to take photographs at the moment... the wind is so strong! I am off to Scotland in a couple of days to deliver my commission piece. I hope the weather will be calmer so I can get out and about.