Lynne E. Windsor Fine Art

Remembering how to paint!

2011-12-27T12:59:00.001-07:00

I haven't painted since September, so as soon as I could keep my eyes open I laid out a painting and below is the finished result. I have a couple of commissions to do before I return to the UK and really needed to get back into it quickly!

It felt so good to be painting again and I feel that I benefit hugely from taking a break. I also find that painting something familiar is a good plan when starting out after a hiatus from painting and this scene is fondly remembered as Barry and I lived in Abiquiu for seven years. We were lucky enough to live next door to Rick and Lori Bock, whose property goes down to the Rio Chama and I would spend many happy times wandering down to the river, lying on their benches and watching the bald eagles and ospreys as they flew higher and higher into the sky. On the rare occasion that we had a rising mist in the bosque, I was out there with my camera, for as many of you know, I love to paint mist!

Autumn Mist, Abiquiu, 12 x 12, Oil/linen

I hope you had a lovely Christmas and I wish you all a very wonderful 2012 with lots of sales for you painters!

I have added a different pdf link for the Goya article as it was such a huge file and was taking too long to download for some.

Happy New Year!

Back in Santa Fe

2011-12-22T07:53:00.001-07:00

I have been back in Santa Fe now for just over a week. It's good to be back of course and now jet lag has gone, I can enjoy being here. I did manage to stay awake long enough to go etching last Thursday though. I couldn't possibly miss that! Thursdays with the etching group was one of the things I missed the most about not being in Santa Fe (besides my husband of course!). Not only do we get to use the facilities and materials for $10 per session, we also get dinner cooked by Eric's fair hands!

Just a few of the Santa Fe etchers

The Santa Fe Etching Club first began meeting in 1980, in Eli Levin's studio. Formed by Levin and artist Sarah McCarty, with the patronage of print collector Dr. Robert Bell, the club promotes traditional intaglio printmaking. Eric Thomson, the Director of Argos Gallery which exhibits many of the prints created at the club, also organises the wonderful exhibitions of prints from the amazing personal collection of Dr. Bell. This last month we have been lucky enough to be surrounded by some of Goya's incredible prints and if you are in Santa Fe it is well worth a visit. There is something quite special about creating your own prints at a table with a Goya by your side. Here is a pdf for you download of an article on the Goya exhibit.

New drypoint and Barbara Rae

2011-11-26T16:39:00.001-07:00

One of the really great things about being in Cambridge during the week is being able to take advantage of all the events that happen here. There is a never ending list of films, concerts and galleries to see, so many that it's hard to choose! Friday evening I attended a talk by Barbara Rae at Trinity Hall. I have loved her paintings for years and have an old catalogue from the early 80's, so it was a real privilege to listen to her talk about her work in such down to earth and amusing way. It's so important to see her work up close as she uses a lot of collage and textures.

I am beginning to think I might try painting with acrylic again!


Barbara Rae - Red Terraces Collioure - 152 cm x 152 cm

I spent all day on Thursday working on a new drypoint and below is the first print. I have been looking at some botanical drawings by Stella Ross Craig, an illustrator of flora whose masterly drawings of British plants took 26 years to complete. I really enjoyed drawing this cowslip, although the leaves are too dark in places, so now I have to fix that!

Cowslip and Bees 6" x 8" Drypoint in progress

Vermeer and Bridget Riley, drypoint progress and Bumble bee drawings.

2011-11-20T01:02:00.001-07:00

Bridget Riley, Rose Rose 5 oil on linen,
94.6 x 78.3 cm

I can't believe that I forgot to mention my visit last Saturday to Kettles Yard and the Fitzwilliam Museum. If you find yourself in Cambridge, be sure to visit Kettles Yard. It is such a beautiful place with so many interesting drawings and paintings. You can read about it's origins here

What an amazing contrast these two exhibitions were. Bridget Riley's paintings and then a few Vermeers. Both perfect in different ways. I just couldn't get over The Lacemaker. Seeing it closeup was a privilege. You can see why his paintings stands out. The coloured threads hanging from the cushion were almost abstract in their handling. Amazing.

Below are some of my less than amazing drawings, and the drypoints I have been working on!

I am learning so much and strangely enough enjoying drawing directly onto the plate. It's like magic when you finally get to print.

Small Wonders, Great Works

2011-11-17T02:57:00.001-07:00

This Friday is the opening of the Small Wonders, Great Works exhibition at the National Cowboy Museum in Oklahoma. I was very honoured to be invited to send two paintings, shown earlier.

Fall Cottonwoods with pond 9 x 16 Oil/Wood Panel

Yesterday MA Printmaking first years went on a 'school outing' to the Tate Modern to see the Gerhard Richter exhibition. I confess I was not very familiar with his work, but this exhibit was amazing and spanned most of his life. What was so interesting was the mix of styles, often created within the same year or two.

Gerhard Richter
Betty
1988
102 cm x 72 cm
Oil on canvas

Gerhard Richter
Abstract Painting
Abstraktes Bild
1987
225 cm x 200 cm
Oil on canvas

Minding my p's and q's

2011-11-11T12:37:00.001-07:00

I had a lovely experience yesterday. One of the third year MA students gave me and another first year an informal typesetting lesson. I have always wanted to learn how to do this and our University has a whole room full of different types which is a wonderful resource and I would like to make use of it.

Forming the words, in mirror image form on a composing stick.

Leading that creates the spaces above and below the type.

A galley on which the type is slid to store or transfer onto the stone.

I just love all the old labels on this cabinet.

The letters are now on the stone.

A chaser (the metal frame) is placed on the stone and the letters are surrounded by 'furniture' to block in the letters and then a quoin key is used to lock everything together.

A gentle tap with a mallet to ensure all letters are level.

By locking the letters in you can safely transfer it all to the press ready for inking.

Voila!!

Glorious Mornings, Evenings and a little more printing.

2011-10-28T16:33:00.003-06:00

I just love this little engraving by William Blake.

I want! I want! is one of 18 tiny engravings, measuring 6cm x 5cm, that document the different stages of man's life, published together as For Children: The Gates of Paradise in 1793.

Suzi, plus others in the printroom

Vilokini working on her monotypes

I have been struggling with a dry point this week. Sadly my rook ended up looking more like a chicken, then a pigeon.. hopefully I can rescue it.

Going to University this morning, across Jesus Green.

On the way home from University across Jesus Green.

Blowing our own trumpets!

2011-10-20T09:15:00.000-06:00

Barry and I were very happy to learn that we had been included in an article on 'Family Ties: Related Artists Across the West' in the November's issue of Southwest Art magazine. I was even happier to be told that my painting of Wicken Fen Autumn was going to be on the front cover.

I continue to walk my mile and a half to university two or three days a week. It has been just gorgeous weather and walking across Jesus Green and Midsummer Common or along the River Cam is such a treat. The photos below epitomise Cambridge!

So far we have had demonstrations of Intaglio, Relief Printing, Screen Printing, Photo Etching and Viscosity Printing! To ensure that my head doesn't spin off my shoulders I have focused in on a little of what I know and am experimenting with dry point, drawing, scraping and burnishing to see what happens. There is such a temptation to try everything and get nowhere, so I am sticking with Intaglio at the moment on the advice of my tutor.

Printmaking

2011-10-16T01:47:00.000-06:00

Last week we had a Relief Printing demonstration given to us by our teacher/technician, John Williams, who is an accomplished printmaker. It is so exciting to witness all the possibilities. I learn something new each week. Below are a few photos, one of John's woodcut and some books he had laid out for us to peruse. I have also included some sketches of Wicken Fen.

Barry's show was on Friday and on Saturday he sold 5 paintings, so that's a good start!

Barry McCuan - Santa Fe show - 14th October 2011

2011-10-09T02:17:00.000-06:00

Sunset, nr. Arles 21 x 28 Oil/Linen

Barry has a show at Ventana Fine Art this coming Friday, 14th October, 5 - 7 pm. Please go if you can! When he came over to visit me in the summer, he nipped over to France to stay with our friend Michael in Avignon and they went out painting together. He also went to visit one of his favourite painters....

Gathering my thoughts

2011-10-06T09:41:00.000-06:00

At last, I have some time to think about my MA. Last week I attended my first Contextual Studies tutorial. I really liked it. Going over my notes, I am amazed at how many new avenues of enquiry this has opened up. I find myself searching for information on W.G. Sebald's Rings of Saturn, leading me onto Grant Gee's film, entitled Patience (after Sebald), which I am now trying to source.

William Carlos Williams poem, A Sort of a Song was mentioned, as was Geothe's Colour Wheel, (did I know that Goethe wrote about this?). Death of the Author by Roland Barthes, which I think may require me to undergo a brain transplant and one of Barry's favourite books by Joseph Campbell, Hero with a Thousand Faces was also discussed briefly, including reference to a 'Nekiya' and how Post Graduates 'must endure the journey' which I suppose is all to do with dismantling oneself! I can't wait! A book I am interested in reading but have never heard of it before is Mr. Weston's Good Wine by T.F. Powys ... and that isn't all.... but my head is spinning and I must go out, battle the gale force winds and buy a cauliflower.

On a more practical level, the hot plates in the print room are very high and the rollers are heavier than I am used to, so in addition to the fact that I have to walk over a mile to get to University in the morning and back again in the evening, and have been dragged off to circuit training by my friend Jo at the rowing club, I shall also get a little exercise climbing onto the provided step to attend to my plates and hopefully strengthen at least one of my arms in the process! I have prepared two plates.. but for what?

Before I go, since I am now back in Wicken Fen country, below is a new image.. now, for that cauliflower...

Two Paintings

2011-10-02T11:30:00.000-06:00

Fall Cottonwoods with pond 9 x 16 Oil/Panel

Meandering River ii 9 x 16 Oil/Panel

Here are a couple of new paintings which I managed to finish in between all the other stuff! I had my first tutorial and lecture last week. It was certainly stimulating and it is going to stretch my brain somewhat, which is great. I found the tutorial really helpful with lots of discussion about risk, unlearning and dismantling oneself! Lots of book suggestions, so I don't think I shall be reading many novels for a while! I am not sure what I think about Post Modernism though... any thoughts?

Not sure where to begin!

2011-09-29T15:55:00.000-06:00

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

2011-09-18T23:47:00.000-06:00

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

2011-09-17T07:26:00.000-06:00

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

2011-09-13T01:25:00.001-06:00

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

2011-09-10T00:08:00.009-06:00

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!

Another one for Blackheath

2011-08-25T00:15:00.006-06:00

Lindsaylands Sunset
9 x 15 Oil/linen

Missy enjoying some beach time!

Looking towards Berwick Law

Days and days have gone by since my last post. Barry and I enjoyed some time together, going from the west coast to the east coast and each day we were lucky enough to enjoy some lovely sunshine. Then he went off to France to paint (lucky thing) and I stayed here to finish all my paintings for the show at Blackheath Gallery, London. Barry returns next week to the UK, hopefully with some beauties for his show at Ventana Fine Art, Santa Fe on October 14th. He flies back on 7th September... I get to stay here to teach my workshop on 19th, go to the Blackheath Exhibition on 24th September and start my part time MA Printmaking course at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge... very excited about that!

Enchanted by the wild flowers

2011-07-25T01:21:00.004-06:00

I think I need some very large canvases... the wild flowers on the west coast were so interesting and beautiful.

Glorious three days...

2011-07-24T04:47:00.016-06:00

Clachan Sound

Clachan Bridge (or Bridge over the Atlantic) and Barry

I loved these clouds

16 years ago we visited Seil Island because Barry (McCuan) wanted to see Cuan Sound which is the channel between Seil and Luing Island, also the bridge over the Atlantic... which sounded so grand, but we discovered that it was a little smaller and more beautiful than we had expected! It was so beautiful and calm on that day and have always wanted to return, so we did, and once again we were blessed with another wonderfully sunny and calm day!

I have to say it was an amazing few days and I am hard pressed to know which photos to post here, so here are a few for now and I will post some more later!

Getting some more clouds painted for my show at the Blackheath Gallery, London.

Wicken Fen Autumn

2011-07-19T15:43:00.003-06:00

Wicken Fen Autumn
24 x 26 Oil/Linen

As many of you know from reading my blog, I am very partial to Wicken Fen near Cambridge and here is a painting that I have been working on for the Blackheath Gallery exhibition in September. Hope you like it!

After Fish and Chips!

2011-07-18T01:49:00.004-06:00

After a weekend of torrential rain it finally stopped, so Barry and I decided to go out and paint, but it was late and we hadn't had supper, so we stopped by the local chippy and grabbed some fish and chips (naughty!) and ate them as we drove towards the Tweed River Valley. It was still pretty stormy out there and I had a notion to do some clouds. As I was driving I had spotted a really pretty cloud and was focused on this, but, as clouds do, it changed really fast, so this is as far as I got. It started to rain anyway! It's amazing how light it still is up here until 9.30 pm. Barry brought over four of these Ampersand boxes, so I think I will do a series of clouds. Needless to say, it's lovely lovely lovely having Barry here with me.

The Wren, the nest and two eggs

2011-07-08T15:24:00.005-06:00

6 x 12
Oil/Box Panel

On the way up to Scotland

Not something you see everyday on the motorway!

I am back in Scotland now after what feels like a round the world tour! Scotland, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, London, Cambridge, Lincolnshire and Scotland! It was so good to see my Dad, my Aunt, old friends and my girls in London. Now Barry is here with me, which is lovely and I am getting used to sharing my Scottish studio! The fields are full of wild flowers and it is gorgeous. Above is a little painting I finished a week or so ago. Now I really have to work very hard as I have lots of deadlines, another commission and am working for the show in London.

The Commission & Constable Country

2011-06-30T00:25:00.011-06:00

Wicken Fen at Dusk
24 x 48 Oil/Linen

I delivered the commission yesterday to it's home in Norwich. This is the best photo I have been able to get. Really happy that Catherine loves the painting and it looks really good on her wall!

I have been wending my way down from Scotland, via my Dad's, Norwich and am now in south west London. Whilst I am down here I am going to meet the owners of the Blackheath Gallery where I am joining Deborah Paris for a show in September. Plus catching up with some old friends and my kids down here. Thanks to Barbara, a good friend from my years living in Teddington, for letting me stay.
However, probably the main reason for me being down here is that I am picking Barry up from the airport tomorrow!! We have been apart for five months. I can hardly wait to see him. It has been too long!

The weather was gorgeous yesterday and I had time on my hands, so I thought I would take the opportunity to visit the Flatford mill area. The clouds were typical Constable clouds, so it was a good day to explore.

Boat-building near Flatford Mill
John Constable (1776-1837)
1815
'This portrays the construction of a barge at a dry-dock owned by Constable's father. It is based on a tiny pencil drawing in a sketchbook at the V&A. Constable painted the landscape entirely in the open air. His biographer praised its 'atmospheric truth', such that 'the tremulous vibration of the heated air near the ground seems visible'.'
(Victoria and Albert Museum, London)

The dry dock from a different angle.

The Hay Wain
1821, John Constable
'Constable's painting is based on a site in Suffolk, near Flatford on the River Stour. The hay wain, a type of horse-drawn cart, stands in the water in the foreground. Across the meadow in the distance on the right, is a group of haymakers at work. The cottage shown on the left was rented by a farmer called Willy Lott and stands behind Flatford Mill. Today, the cottage and river path are still much as they were in Constable's time.

Although the painting evokes a Suffolk scene, it was created in the artist's studio in London. Constable first made a number of open-air sketches of parts of the scene. He then made a full-size preparatory sketch in oil to establish the composition.

The painting was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1821, the year it was painted, but failed to find a buyer. Yet when exhibited in France, with other paintings by Constable, the artist was awarded a Gold Medal by Charles X.'
(National Gallery, London)

I think it's quite amazing how similar the scene is after all these years.

New painting

2011-06-21T15:04:00.004-06:00

I laid out this new painting today. I have been working on the commission and it has gone through many stages and I think it's finished now, but I just can't get a decent photo! Very annoying.

Below is a photo taken from Buttercup Hill (my choice of name), where Missy gets to chase rabbits every day. The light was so gorgeous.

Tomorrow is my gardening day, so I better get to bed! I am always completely worn out after my Wednesday's planting and weeding, but it's really good to get out do some physical work. I just hope it doesn't rain like it did today!

Stage 3

2011-06-07T13:21:00.006-06:00

Here is the next stage of the commission. I have changed the sky a lot as you can see.. it's interesting that in posting this I can see what I have to change more clearly than seeing it in reality! Anyone else finds this?

And a lovely photo of the cut grass before it was gathered for silage.

Next stage.

2011-06-06T14:59:00.005-06:00

Here is the next stage of my latest commission. Just waiting for it to dry now so that I can work on it again. I am a little distracted at the moment with 'stuff' .. so not really up to blogging.. but working very hard nevertheless. Sometimes life is really hard... although I shouldn't complain as most people have it harder.

Anyway, here is a photo of the fens where I took Missy (I was dog sitting) for a walk. My Dad lives near here.. you can see for miles! It's The Wash, if anyone is interested, the coastline above Norfolk. Quite different from living in the valley between the Sangre de Cristos and the Jemez Mountains!

And here is another photo of some poppies on the edge of a barley field and Missy on my way back to my Dad's house after my weekend in Norfolk.

My husband, Barry McCuan arrives in about three weeks. We have been apart since the end of January and I have just about had enough of being on my own!

Commission completed and loved!

2011-05-29T10:20:00.008-06:00

Spring Meadow II
30 x 36 Oil/Linen

Here is a pretty poor photo of one of the commissions. You may remember I posted a smaller version of this a while back and my client saw that and requested a larger one... which was great having already solved some of the problems. I delivered it this weekend at her 50th birthday party and it felt really good when we unwrapped it in front of a group of friends and relatives and saw their looks of admiration! Nothing like that to boost one's ego! I wish the darker areas would have photographed better, there is so much going on, but Oh well, I don't have a fancy photography studio and will just have to make do!

What was interesting about this commission was that the request was to keep the abstract quality and the intense blues, which I did. It gave me permission to enjoy the loose brush strokes and intense somewhat unrealistic colours!

I am now at my Dad's for a few days, which is really lovely. (Hi Dad!xx)

Laying out a painting

2011-05-21T02:04:00.010-06:00

As mentioned before I seem to have a lot of commissions on at the moment and this is one of them. Commissions can be quite scary I think. Just painting on a large canvas and the investment involved can be bad enough when you have been painting quite small for a while! Anyway, I have pretty much finished the first one, which I would post but I haven't managed to get a good photo of it. So, I thought I would post the stages that I go through when laying out a painting. Already I can see I need to lift the right hand side of the painting, so it's definitely worth taking photos .. you can see a lot more this way. I am quite pleased with the start though. I will post more as I go along.

For those of you that were interested in my give away... all I can say is huge apologies..but the little painting I had earmarked got sold (I can't pass up the money at the moment!)... so I am afraid we will have to wait a while until I have time to do another one... but I haven't forgotten, honest!

Good painting spots for my workshop.

2011-05-08T14:34:00.007-06:00

I went out looking for good painting spots for my workshop in September yesterday. Unfortunately I just happen to choose the one day in the last couple of weeks when the light was flat, but I did find two more places which would be good for painting, plus plenty of space to park. I am busy working on commissions, so not going out to paint much. Plus I sold a painting in my new gallery last weekend, so I am really happy about that!

I have to say it has just been glorious lately. The walk to my studio is so wonderful that I turn down the offer of rides just so that I can walk. The trees are all out now and the horse chestnuts are in full bloom. Tonight on my way home, I climbed up the hill behind the house and took some more photos. The X marks the location of my studio. Can't ask for more!

Preprandial sketch

2011-04-29T15:03:00.003-06:00

It wasn't quite time to stop work yesterday so I nipped out and started an oil pastel. I was really looking for a little road that I had found a number of years ago and wanted to make sure I knew where it was for my workshop in September... I found it and had to do a quick sketch which I will finish later. What a wonderful evening!

Evening Meadow

2011-04-26T15:06:00.004-06:00

Little Mitchellwood, Biggar

This little wood is almost opposite Jasmin's house and is just delightful. There was talk of it being developed, but the owner eventually donated it for community use. It was just lovely last week with all the beautiful blossom. The daffodils are fading fast, but bluebells are now starting to bloom. All the fields are full of lambs and we have a weeks worth of sunny days coming!

Evening Meadow
9 x 16 Oil/Linen

Above is another of my paintings recently finished. I do wish you could see them in reality. They are, if I may say so, so much better in reality!

Evening Meadow with Sheep

2011-04-23T09:45:00.006-06:00

Evening Meadow with sheep
16 x 16 Oil/Linen

Happy Easter everyone! I have been busy trying to get a body of work together to show to a gallery and this week I took my work to Morningside Gallery in Edinburgh and they are now showing my paintings! Fingers crossed that I make some sales so that I can stay there!

It was so beautiful this week, Edinburgh was just gorgeous with all the blossom trees out. It's been so hot here. Amazing! Today it rained all day though! Good old British weather.

Spring Meadows

2011-04-03T10:22:00.004-06:00

Spring Meadows 8 x 10
Oil/Linen Panel

Finally I am getting some paintings finished. I love the abstract quality of this one.. hope you do too!

Mother's Day

2011-04-03T04:06:00.003-06:00

I just had to share with you my lovely flowers received today from my first born! It is Mother's day in the UK. I think I will relax for a change!!

Having fun!

2011-04-02T11:39:00.005-06:00

The Robin with topiary
6 x 7 Oil/Panel

Since I am surrounded by landscape designers, gardeners and gardening magazines up here in Scotland, topiary has crept into my paintings! When visiting my Dad a couple of weeks ago I drove over to Clipsham Topiary Avenue and took some photos to help with my paintings.

Heaven

2011-03-25T02:34:00.004-06:00

It's been rather a busy time lately, but I have finally moved into my new studio. I cannot believe how lucky I am to have found this place, just down the road from Jasmin's house. Of course the lambs are starting to be born and the spring flowers are just coming up. It is so wonderful and I am feeling very inspired!

Pinus sylvestris

2011-03-13T07:33:00.005-06:00

Pinus sylvestris
16 x 18 Oil/Linen

I am sitting here eating Scottish Oat cakes, cheese and chutney, with my friend Jasmin, gazing out over the Southern Uplands, and watching the birds in her garden. A blackbird, a jackdaw, blue tits, a few siskins, a tree creeper, some chaffinch's, a robin, a dunnock, a coal tit and a long tailed tit have all been spotted this morning around the apple tree and on the feeders in the time it has taken me to write this! Lovely!

Looking forward to Spring - Long tailed tit

2011-03-12T02:06:00.003-07:00

Looking forward to Spring - Long tailed Tit
12 x 12 Oil/Linen

I forgot to post this little chap...

A bit of grey!

2011-03-12T01:54:00.002-07:00

I am so behind with my blog! It's been a busy time. In just over a week we have had frost and sunshine, grey days and now snow again. I am working on lots of birds, staying indoors mainly although last Sunday I got out and freezed for an hour or so! Things are brewing! You know how that is? My son is up here for now, which is fantastic and I am about to move into a new studio space which is very very exciting. Now all I have to do is get a gallery over here to sell my work! Easier said than done I suspect!

A wren and two and a half eggs

2011-02-24T12:03:00.005-07:00

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!

On the Road to Peebles

2011-02-21T04:48:00.005-07:00

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.

To Aviemore

2011-02-15T05:29:00.010-07:00

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.

In the Borders

2011-02-12T11:28:00.006-07:00

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!

On the way to Scotland

2011-02-11T03:39:00.005-07:00

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

2011-02-11T03:36:00.004-07:00

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

The Commission

2011-02-08T15:51:00.004-07:00

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

2011-02-08T07:27:00.004-07:00

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.

Grazing Sheep

2011-02-07T07:41:00.003-07:00

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.

My destiny?

2011-01-27T16:43:00.004-07:00

I am busy working on a large commission at the moment, so I thought I would post this photo that Dad found yesterday. It has been suggested that my destiny was sealed the moment I was dressed up as a pot of paint to enter the fancy dress competition at the village garden fete in 1958! I think I came second!

Hatherop Estate, Sunday morning walk and more beginnings and studies

2011-01-24T08:57:00.010-07:00

Annie, who owns, Just Maude in Cirencester, and I went for a long walk on Sunday morning. Here is her wonderful dog, Eddie looking very regal!

The sun came out very briefly.

A quickie pastel

Hatherop Estate First layer

I forgot to take a photo of this on Saturday. Looking at it now, it's interesting to compare the photo with what I laid out. Quite depressing really... I have really 'plumped' up the composition! Now, the big decision is whether to 'fix' it or leave it.

I drove home today and took a couple more photos on the way. If the weather had been a little more inspiring I probably wouldn't have got home until after dark. Driving across country is always more interesting than using the motorways.

More wanderings...

2011-01-21T13:20:00.004-07:00

Hot soup was required after this morning, but I was back out driving around trying to find another amazing spot and I came across this beauty! Wow! I couldn't believe my luck.. and what a gorgeous sunset to boot! I didn't have time to lay out a painting, but started a quick oil pastel instead.

Wanderings...

2011-01-21T06:55:00.010-07:00

Above Quenington

The beginnings

River Coln, Glos.

Texture of linen

Since dropping Barry off at Heathrow airport meant that I was well on my way to the West Country, I arranged to continue on and visit an old friend whom I haven't seen for many years in Gloucestershire. This area of England is exceptionally beautiful so the bonus is that I get to go out and paint

I found this lovely spot on the River Coln looking towards Coln St. Adwyns. It was hard to choose, as there are so many gorgeous little places to paint. I could hardly move after a couple of hours it was so cold, all I could manage after an earlier sketch, was a simple layout with very thin colours, just staining the linen. When I work this way, I realise that this is why I chose to paint on linen (as opposed to cotton) because when painting thinly you can enjoy the lovely texture of linen, which I think adds something special to the painting.

I haven't forgotten about the 'Painting Giveaway'.. just didn't manage to get the painting finished to give to Barry to take back to the States.. not that winner will necessarily come from the US! Sign up and start leaving comments for your name to be entered into the hat.

What a Glorious Day!

2011-01-18T12:14:00.011-07:00

We have been waiting for a good day to go out painting together before Barry leaves.... (on Thursday) ... will need lot of nice messages please! Today, we were blessed with an amazing day, so we drove out to Norfolk, which is only an hour or so away and everything was perfect!

Rocks

2011-01-14T16:49:00.004-07:00

After our jam-packed long weekend in London, visiting friends, spending time with the kids, going to the museum and the movies, we drove down to Kent to visit an old college friend of mine, Jim, who happens to have MS. I try to visit him every time I come to the UK as he is no longer able to travel. He is a great artist and a wonderful classical guitarist, but sadly his hands don't work the way they used to. It's a heart breakingly horrible illness. Jim is the reason I have painted scenes from Romney Marsh on many occasions.

Just after we left him yesterday, Barry and I nipped down to the beach and found these wonderful chalk cliffs. Not surprising really since Jim lives just along the coast from Dover. We were amazed when we stood back to look at this particular grouping... it's just like San Francisco de Asis Church at Ranchos de Taos (where Barry and I actually met 16 years ago!).

A small departure

2011-01-11T14:15:00.004-07:00

I usually try to keep my blog for work purposes and inspirational photos... but this I had to share. My middle daughter, Rosie works at the Dorchester hotel in London (even though she is a graduate of archeology!) We finally got to go and experience afternoon tea there yesterday... with a little champagne! This is a photo of the amazing cakes that we couldn't manage to eat and had to take home in a doggy bag! How amazing these would be to paint!

Glasgow Boys

2011-01-09T02:08:00.002-07:00

The White Drake by Joseph Crawhall.

Barry and I have just returned from one of the loveliest exhibitions. I could only find this link to illustrate some of the wonderful paintings. The exhibition has been so successful that the catalogue has sold out. (Very annoying!) The subject matter may seem to some a little sentimental perhaps, but at the time these were painted (1880-1890), the artists were rejecting "the mid- Victorian tradition of dramatic views of the Highlands and sentimental genre scenes in favour of a robust form of naturalism" (Royal Academy gallery guide). I guess I am a total sucker for a wonderfully painted landscape, a few ducks or geese and some beautifully painted children. I almost cried over the watercolour and gouache painting on linen, (above) a technique I have not seen before, of a white drake. It was absolutely gorgeous. There was also a superb black rabbit painted with the same technique, also by Joseph Crawhall.

What was interesting to me was that a few of these artists actually came down from Scotland to Lincolnshire to paint and in one of my favourites, 'To Pastures New' by James Guthrie, you can see Crowland Abbey in the distance!

Highlights were also the large painting of 'A Funeral Service in the Highlands' again by James Guthrie. All blacks and warm grey tones and dark sky looming in the distance over the men's (only) bowed heads. Very dour.

Plus a portrait of 'Willie, Old Wurthy' also by James Guthrie. It looks as if James Guthrie was my favourite!

As usual, seeing the paintings in reality is the only way to appreciate their incredible quality and skill. The thick luscious paint made me vow to get more paint on my canvas.

Late Autumn Morning, Tweed River Valley

2011-01-06T07:17:00.004-07:00

Late Autumn Morning, Tweed River Valley
24 x 36 Oil/Linen

I think I have finally finished this one. Any thoughts? Is it dramatic enough, or does it work well enough as a quiet still late autumn morning.

We are off to London tomorrow to go and see my children and friends plus the Glasgow Boys exhibition at the Royal Academy. When I return I shall work on the painting that I am going to give away so that it's ready for Barry to take back with him if the winner happens to be in the US. Start spreading the news... just a few more days to wait for the details!

Sacred Creatures Exhibition

2011-01-01T05:02:00.002-07:00

For those of you who might be in Florida, here is an invitation to the Sacred Creatures show!

Happy New Year to you all!

2010-12-31T11:14:00.007-07:00

Yesterday Barry and I drove out to Frampton Marsh to take some photos in the fog! It was so gorgeous and I am very excited at the thought of getting down to some new work in 2011 and getting out to paint in the fresh air! I took some close up photos of some seed heads against the foggy background and I can feel some abstracts coming on! I need big canvases though and a huge studio. Hello Aunt Agnes... I hope your garage isn't too cold!

Also, to encourage subscribers and followers I am taking a leaf out of Loriann's book and will be a organising my first painting give away... details to follow... since I am having a little tipple before our New Year's dinner... I might get carried away and offer a 60" x 60" by mistake! I have now been doing this blog for just over a year so I think it's time to celebrate!

Our makeshift studio!

2010-12-30T11:39:00.004-07:00

Studio!

Woody!

Well, Christmas has come and gone! I hope you all had a great time. Barry, Dad and I all went down to Henley Upon Thames to spend our Christmas with my daughter, Holly, her Dad his partner and of course Woody and Wilbur (picture next time)... It was a lovely Christmas, all mucking in and sitting around a lovely open fire. It was great to be together.

Now we are back to work. As you can see, we needed to make room for Barry in my makeshift studio! When you have to paint, you have to paint!

Almost Christmas

2010-12-22T16:39:00.006-07:00

All scenes from in and around Biggar, Scotland

I can't believe that my last post was on the 8th December. I have been rather busy though. Barry arrived on the 15th December so I went down to London to meet him. Thankfully he came in before all the snow chaos began! We then drove up to Scotland to deliver a painting and managed to avoid getting stuck. It was just so beautiful up there and I just didn't know which photo to post! Needless to say I haven't had much time to paint. It's lovely having Barry here. Last year we were apart for Christmas, so this is a treat.

Wicken Fen after a hoar frost

2010-12-08T12:49:00.008-07:00

After all this snow we have been having, I finally felt that it was safe to get out and visit Wicken Fen again to see how the cold weather had transformed it... and I was so pleased that I did! What a treat. I took over 200 photographs and am hard pressed to know which ones to publish here. So many beautiful ones! I walked to the Old Tower Hide thinking I would get a good view and would be sheltered. I did a quick pastel until my fingers started to freeze up!

Here is a photo of the hide in the distance.

An old favourite

2010-12-06T14:00:00.002-07:00

Misty Meadow
9 x 16 Oil/Linen

I have painted this scene before, albeit with a difference. I took the reference photograph a number of years ago in France. We were staying with a friend in the Vendee region and I woke up early and the whole countryside was covered in mist with the sun just breaking through. It was glorious.

Before breakfast!

2010-12-03T16:54:00.007-07:00

It was so beautiful this morning I just had to wander round the corner before breakfast and do a very quick (poor) sketch! It's been so long since I picked up my oil pastels and I don't have many colours or any tortillons here. I guess I am going to have to remedy that soon.

Meanwhile a bit of fun! I really needed to play after a few frustrating days dealing with shipping. So I did! All my packages came back two days after I shipped them. I was somewhat upset to say the least. Apparently I hadn't given enough customs information. I think I will continue building on these and then try them in oils.

Return to Wicken Fen

2010-11-28T01:52:00.005-07:00

Some of you may remember my visit to Wicken Fen last year. On my way to London, via Cambridge, I visited Wicken Fen again, did a very quick and frozen sketch, took a lot of photos as the sun came down then drove to my friend's house in Cambridge. I am now in London having rather a lot of fun with my girls and friends and probably eating and drinking too much! However, yesterday Holly and I did get to indulge in some lovely culture by visiting the wonderful Gauguin exhibition at the Tate Modern.

I was busy watching the sun go down when I happened to turn around and saw gorgeous light on these trees from the sun set. Sometimes we are just looking in the wrong direction! This photo reminded me of Deborah Paris' paintings

This was taken from East Mere Hide. I was looking for good painting spots and this would be a great place, but unfortunately the only access was from the hide which has only narrow viewing places designed for the bird watchers.

Here is proof of serious dedication because I can assure you I was absolutely frozen and the wind felt as if it was coming straight from the arctic! Refreshing though!

The frozen and sketchy result!

Sacred Creatures

2010-11-22T13:39:00.007-07:00

Kingfisher with Dragonfly
12 x 12 Oil/Panel

Nuthatch with Bumblebee iv
12 x 12 Oil/Panel

Carolina Wren, nest and eggs
12 x 12 Oil/Panel

Black-capped Chickadee with egg
12 x 12 Oil/Panel

At last, I have finished! Unfortunately I seem unable to get really good photos of these paintings, but you get the idea! I am going to go abstract after these... I think my thumb is going to drop off! I would love to find a way to do my birds in a loser manner, but still can't allow myself to go there!

I am so looking forward to this weekend to celebrate my birthday in London with my children! I think I deserve it!

Things are coming together!

2010-11-17T06:44:00.006-07:00

Here is a photo of my lovely Aunt Agnes (87!) holding my painting to enable me to take the photograph below.

Yorkshire Stream
Oil/Linen 9 x 16

I love this stage in painting when you get to a point when all your hard work starts to look finished. I have about nine paintings cluttering up my Dad's washroom all nearly at their finished state.

Besides doing the birds for the show on Sanibel Island I have been painting a few landscapes too! This is the first one to get finished.

Singest of summer in full-throated ease - Ode to a Nightingale

2010-11-16T03:09:00.005-07:00

Singest of summer in full-throated ease - Ode to a Nightingale
12 x 12 Oil/Panel

I decided (I think) to leave the beak, most people said leave it, with a couple saying yes, change it! Why is it so hard to know sometimes when a painting is finished? Maybe it's because I don't have Barry around to say, "stop now!"

I have softened the eye (Loriann?) and above is the whole painting. It is inspired by the John Keats poem Ode to a Nightgale, with the hint of a river, taken from the poem, "One minute past, and Lethe-wards had sunk:" I love this poem and hope one day to include some of the words actually in the painting, but need a lot more time for that.

Video of Barry McCuan

2010-11-12T15:36:00.003-07:00

Here is a link to a new video of Barry being interviewed and doing a little bit of painting, commissioned by our gallery, Ventana Fine Art. I think it's rather nice. I hope you enjoy it!

Nightingale

2010-11-12T09:50:00.003-07:00

I would welcome your opinions. Before I take this painting any further I was wondering whether you think I should close it's beak! It is a nightingale and the idea was that they are known for their beautiful song, but my Aunt said it look startled and now I am worried. What do you think?

Ted Ellis Nature Reserve - 2

2010-11-07T13:03:00.006-07:00

Another lovely day painting at the nature reserve. I was planning to walk a little further in but found that by just wandering a little further around this pool I had a completely different viewpoint. What a gorgeous day! I am so happy to be working outside again. Nothing like a bit of fresh air to put colour into your cheeks! It was a bit too cold though!

Here are a few more photos I took around the Nature reserve

Ted Ellis Nature Reserve

2010-11-06T11:35:00.007-06:00

The warm up sketch.

Layout for the next one.

Not a bad days work!

This is such a lovely quiet spot to paint and I think I made a few good starts. It rained on and off, but I was able to shelter in the hide.

Here's a lovely sunset to finish off a beautiful and satisfying day.

The Birds

2010-11-04T02:21:00.005-06:00

Here are a couple of closeups of the Carolina Wren which I am doing for the show on Sanibel Island. Deadline is the end of November, so I have been really busy trying to get these finished. I am taking off this weekend though to go to Norfolk and if the weather co-operates I shall be taking photos and painting. I am looking forward to getting out and about, but this morning it's very windy, so hopefully that will die down by the weekend. I am really looking forward to walking on the beach!

The Mouse Project

2010-10-28T17:08:00.004-06:00

Steve Worthington has finally finished his Mouse Project. He asked 22 artists, including me, to paint one of his wonderful bronze mice and it's amazing how varied and entertaining many of the paintings are. Steve has now put the book together and it will be sold in aid of animal shelters... I can't wait to get my copy!

You may remember my painting in an earlier post.

Stage 2 - River Tweed

2010-10-27T16:15:00.005-06:00

Yesterday I worked on the larger painting that I started up in Scotland. It's coming along I think. I took so many photos and can't wait to start on more paintings from this area.

After a horrible rainy day yesterday, I got out on my bike again this morning and came across this lovely family of swans!

Scotland Day Three

2010-10-20T09:57:00.008-06:00

Well, today lived up to it's promise... it was so gorgeous! At 8.30 am it was -7℃/19℉!! A borrowed pair of ski pants and I was fine! The sun was very warming. I hope you are enjoying my photographs.

Scotland Day Two

2010-10-19T14:42:00.006-06:00

More photos from my lovely morning painting in the Tweed Valley.

Scotland Day Two

2010-10-19T14:24:00.003-06:00

It was a glorious morning this morning, so I got out early and painted until it clouded over. Of course I had to go back to my favourite place just to 'warm up'! Later it was lovely too, but I went on a trip with my friend Jasmin to see a client.

Looking forward to another lovely day tomorrow!

Scotland

2010-10-18T06:36:00.004-06:00

Dad and I arrived in Scotland yesterday. I am not sure why I always seem to be driving on the lovely days and on the days I can get out and do some work, it's rather cloudy. Anyway, here are a few photos from my walk this morning with my friend Jasmin and her dog Missy in the stubble field behind her house. The views are breathtaking just a short walk down the lane. I know it's going to be lovely... (fingers crossed!) on Wednesday so I shall be going out to the Tweed Valley to do some work.

Beginnings

2010-10-15T01:19:00.003-06:00

I have been a little distracted this last few days. I haven't felt that well having caught my Dad's cold and then my daughter, Rosie and her boyfriend, Peter came to visit, which has been lovely. However, just so that you know I haven't been totally useless, I thought I better post the beginnings of a couple of my new paintings.

Tomorrow I am going on a collage and calligraphy course, which should be fun and then on Sunday Dad and I are off to Scotland, so hopefully this gloomy weather will lift a little and we will get some of those glorious sunlit days with a little mist here and there!

Barry McCuan's Solo Show

2010-10-06T01:51:00.004-06:00

Here is a link to Barry's solo show at Ventana Fine Art, opening this Friday 8th October. Sadly, I won't be attending, unless of course someone has a private jet!!

The above painting is one of Barry's wonderful boat paintings inspired by our trips to Dungeness Beach, Kent. I love the clouds.

I am busy working on new paintings for a show in January called 'Sacred Creatures' on Sanibel Island at the Watson Macrae Gallery.

I forgot..

2010-10-02T08:30:00.005-06:00

I forgot to post the final part of the interview that Loriann Signori graciously conducted and posted on her blog. Thanks Lori, for the great publicity!

On My Bike!

2010-10-02T07:30:00.013-06:00

I made the most of the good weather and got out on my bike today! I have often wondered about the reasons for writing my blog. Is it narcissism? Or a simple way of getting one's work out there? I can't claim to passing on much instruction yet, but I am sure this will come. However, today I came to another conclusion.... it helps when one is feeling a little lazy!

Now my son has left, (he is going to Barcelona to study Spanish tomorrow), I allowed myself to succumb to a little jet lag this morning, but I thought... I haven't posted anything for a day or so, and this was the incentive to get me out of the house. I had such a lovely little bike ride, full of precious vignettes.... a fallen conker (buckeye) next to some daisies, great clouds, (the original reason for going out), and some funny lane names! I hope you enjoy the photos.

Back Home in the UK

2010-09-30T03:45:00.003-06:00

Well, I have been here for a couple of days now and thank goodness this morning I woke up to a beautiful sunny autumn morning after one very gloomy day and a day of continuous rain! Above are a couple of photos from my Dad's garden, since I haven't managed to get down to work yet as I have my son with me. My daughters met me from the airport, which was lovely!

Loriann Signori posted the second part of her interview the other day, so I hope you will take a look. I think she has done a great job!

Plus I have finally managed to do a new website. I keep finding little glitches, and hopefully I have fixed them all, but do let me know if I missed something!

Another two paintings for the Museum plus an interview!

2010-09-25T09:06:00.003-06:00

Mist in the Tweed River Valley
10 x 12 Oil/Panel

Here is another Scottish painting. Last time I was there, (which was actually 2008 because I wasn't able to go in 09 because my Dad (Mr. Miracle!) was so ill), I drove over to my favourite valley and I couldn't see a thing because it was completely shrouded in mist! It was as if I was in an aeroplane high above the clouds looking down! Luckily it started to clear and this was the inspiration for the painting I am submitting to the Albuquerque Museum Miniature show.

Early Morning below Gordes ii
10 x 12 Oil/Panel

The third submission for the Museum show is the above painting.

Three years ago Barry and I went with a few friends to a place called Fontblanche in the valley below Gordes, France. We arrived in the middle of the night owing to a few logistical hiccups and as we walked into the beautiful old french farmhouse, we thought we had arrived in heaven. None of us wanted to go to sleep and we all sat there on the balcony watching the twinkling lights of the valley in the distance, drinking the wine the owners had kindly left us. Finally we succumbed to sleep because some of us had just flown over from the States. In the morning we awoke to such a glorious view, all sparkly and fresh and we couldn't wait to get out there, coffee and croissants in hand to explore and get our paint boxes out. We all long to return and hopefully one day Barry and I will take a workshop there, because I can assure you it is one of the most glorious places on this earth!

On another note, (I should be packing!!) Loriann Signori has just posted a really lovely piece about me on her blog... I am somewhat embarrassed by the attention, but honoured too! Here is a link to her blog. Thank you Loriann for your kind words!

Mourning Dove

2010-09-22T00:55:00.003-06:00

Mourning Dove
10 x 12 Oil/Panel

Here is one of my submissions to the Albuquerque Museum Miniature exhibition. I have been invited to exhibit every year for the last nine years. It's a great honour and always a wonderful show.

6 days to go until I leave for England!

Bumble Bees

2010-09-17T12:03:00.003-06:00

I am afraid my Ducky etching took a turn for the worse and will need more time than I have at the moment to fix! So I decided to work on some teeny tiny dry points and here are the results. I get so little time to etch and I just didn't want my last two sessions to be spent burnishing and scratching out my mistakes on Ducky.

Winding River, Tweed River Valley

2010-09-10T14:12:00.003-06:00

Winding River, Tweed River Valley
30 x 40 Oil/Linen

I finished it! I am wearing a dozen different hats at the moment trying to finish up everything before I leave. I think I have just over two weeks... Why Oh Why did I decide to re-do my website at this time I wonder?!! Talk about challenging parts of my brain that have been lying dormant! I am such a terrier too, I hate to give up.

American Art Collector

2010-09-04T10:25:00.005-06:00

We were recently included in the Landscape issue of the American Art Collector landscape edition. Here is a link to the various pages.

Chubby & Cetti

2010-08-31T18:54:00.006-06:00

Chubby & Cetti (Cetti's Warbler)
10 x 12 Oil/Panel

Here is my painting that I did for Steve Worthington's book in aid of Animal Shelters. I have never done anything like this before and just loved painting Steve's wonderful bronze mouse, called Chubby.

Another painting by my husband, Barry McCuan

2010-08-30T16:40:00.010-06:00

I have to share this. I think it's beautiful and not many people are following Barry's blog.... so please take a look!

Friday Night

2010-08-27T21:38:00.003-06:00

It's 9 pm on Friday and I have just finished this painting, (except for a few finishing touches I am sure) I was so happy! I thought I would post it since I haven't posted anything recently... been too busy. As my Dad keeps telling me it's now 30 days until I leave for the UK. I still have quite a few paintings to finish. Help!

Anyway, you have probably figured out that this is another Tweed Valley painting, but from a different view point from my usual.

Late Afternoon, Tweed Valley

2010-08-15T14:48:00.003-06:00

Late Afternoon, Tweed Valley, Scotland
12 x 20 Oil/Linen

I guess I am getting ready for my journey back home!

The Big Day!

2010-08-14T14:06:00.003-06:00

Some of you know that I had my Oath of Allegiance ceremony yesterday. It was quite a day and really very moving. There were 39 countries represented at the Ceremony. Over 200 people were getting their citizenship.

Workshop in Scotland 19th September, 2011

2010-08-11T09:35:00.002-06:00

I have finally firmed up the dates for my workshop in Scotland. I will post more information as things evolve, but here are the facts so far.

Cost of the actual workshop $450

Place to Stay - Skirling House

If I fill the hotel, I should get a little discount. There is another cheaper place if anyone is interested, but so far this one is the favourite! It is beautiful and the village of Skirling is pretty.

For 7 nights, single occupancy, 525 GBP, double occupany 805 GBP, so if you share it's 402 GBP per person for the most expensive room. This includes breakfast.

On top of the basic price of the workshop, factor in your flight to Edinburgh, your accommodation and meals other than breakfast.

Depending upon how many people want to do the workshop I will hire a 'people mover' as we call them in the UK... a van with seats and will pick people up from Edinburgh airport. Of course some may wish to hire their own transport and possibly people can double up. But whatever happens if anyone is worried I can drive them and meet them from the airport.

Biggar/Skirling is 45 minutes south west of Edinburgh. You may even want to spend the first night in Edinburgh to get over jet lag. I have recommendations for a nice place to stay if anyone is interested.

So far, the cost of the workshop and accommodation for one week works out at around $1300. Add on flight and the cost of transport and extra meals. As I said earlier, there is another cheaper alternative for the accommodation.

Please email me if you are interested or need further information. mcwin@newmexico.com

Ducky - Etching

2010-08-10T08:37:00.008-06:00

I am at the second stage of my Ducky etching. Here I am wiping off the excess printing ink from the copper plate.

First Stage

Second Stage

Close up of the Second Stage

I won't be able to go to etching this week... not happy about that, but I have more exciting news. At 7.30 am I have to go to the Convention Centre in Albuquerque for my Oath of Allegiance ceremony, so we are staying Albuquerque the night before. I shall be an American Citizen on Friday! Last night I dreamt (just found out that this is an British English term), that I arrived early, but then almost missed the ceremony because I wasn't paying attention! It's funny what goes on in our minds when we are sleeping.... and when we are awake!!

Painting In Scotland

2010-08-05T08:43:00.009-06:00

Painting Tinto in the distance.

A little blurred, but I still like this photo of Jasmin and me. I had been laying out the painting of Tinto and was pretty happy when Jasmin and Janet came by on their way back from work! It's so easy to paint in this area, the roads are so quiet and the views so beautiful.

The view from my easel a couple of September's ago.

More Morning Mist, nr. Biggar, Scotland

2010-08-03T09:32:00.005-06:00

Another oil pastel study from Scotland. It's fun to play with the colours!

Scotland

2010-08-02T11:14:00.002-06:00

Another view of the Tweed River Valley.