After Fish and Chips!

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.

Late Autumn Morning, Tweed River Valley

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!

Scotland Day Three

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

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

Scotland Day Two

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

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.

Another two paintings for the Museum plus an interview!

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!

Winding River, Tweed River Valley

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.

Friday Night

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

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

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

Painting In Scotland

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.

Scotland

Another view of the Tweed River Valley.

Meadows in the Tweed Valley

Meadows in the Tweed Valley
30 x 41 Oil/Linen

This is one of my favourite places and I have painted it many times at different times of the year and day. It's very close to my friend Jasmin's home in Biggar, Scotland. I would love to take a workshop here some day, so anyone interested let me know! Maybe next year.