Not sure where to begin!

I knew that this last couple of weeks were going to be a bit of a whirlwind what with my workshop in Scotland, my show in London and starting my MA in Cambridge!!   I am still trying to catch up!

I must congratulate my three intrepid and dedicated students from North America who flew all the way to Scotland just to take a workshop with me!  We had a lot of fun!  It is very easy having so few students, although more would have been nice from a financial point of view!  I am not complaining though, it was like painting with three good friends and accomplished painters to boot!  The week before, I was avidly watching the weather and it didn't look good.  However, for the most part the weather stayed fine, except for an extremely rainy Wednesday, which wasn't nice for Rose's husband who had booked a fishing day on the River Tweed.  Poor thing.  We stayed nice and cosy in the studio! Rose and Katherine loved Skirling House.  They were treated royally.  If anyone ever wants to stay in the Scottish Borders, this is the place to stay.  Bob and Isobel are wonderful hosts.

When we were painting alongside the river Tweed, see photos below, we were watched intently by quite a number of cows... they seemed to find us very fascinating!

Exhibition

Here is a link to the Blackheath Exhibition that I am part of, opening this coming Saturday.  I hope to see you there on Saturday!

 

Skies

Looking towards Cuan Sound
9 x 16 Oil/Linen

I am just preparing notes for my workshop.  I find that it really helps to write things down for such occasions because I tend to paint intuitively, not necessarily conscious of exactly 'why' I do what I do!  This is one of the reasons I love to teach... I get a little refresher course at the same time. 

In my research I came across Stapleton Kearns I found it really helpful in firming up own my views.  I am not sure I have fulfilled all the criteria on the above painting, but there is always the next time.

I am now officially a student and am very excited about what the future holds.  I think my blog will hopefully reflect the changes that will occur whist working on my Masters.  During our induction on Thursday evening, I couldn't take my eyes of the very large press that was in the print room! 

Well, I had I better get back to making my notes, but before I go, here is another beautiful Lincolnshire sky...

Gardening

As some of you may know, for the past few months I have been part of a brilliant team of gardeners, working on Wednesday's only. I loved it, although after each Wednesday I could hardly walk! Painting can be such a solitary experience and I thoroughly enjoyed the physical exercise and the companionship. These women are so knowledgeable and the results are just glorious. I have a feeling that getting up so close to so many beautiful flowers is going to be inspirational on my masters course... we shall have to wait and see!

The photo of my painting with the gardening gloves was taken after a long wet day where many changes of gloves are required.... luckily I was not there, but Jasmin took the photo and sent it to me .... the colours of the gloves match the painting!

I am going to miss my gardening buddies...

Back in Lincolnshire for a while

Wicken Fen Sunset
12 x 16 Oil/Linen panel


My Dad's pond


My Dad's apple tree

I am back in Lincolnshire for a few days having delivered my paintings to the Blackheath gallery, and Barry to the airport. It feels good to have got the paintings done, not so good to be saying goodbye to Barry though. Still, things have calmed down a little for a while. I am working on two pieces for the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum's Small Works Great Wonders Winter sale. I had hoped to give them to Barry to take back, but I just couldn't manage to get them finished. I hate working under so much pressure that I feel totally panicked. Next week I become a part time student, which is quite nerve-wracking. I hope I am not the oldest in my class!

Before dinner last night I mowed my Dad's lawn. Half way through I became quite weak with hunger!!!... so I picked an apple from one of his apple trees. There is nothing quite like the experience of plucking an apple from a tree and eating it right there and then!