#189 ‘Hollyhocks, Ile de Re’ 8×8″

#189 ‘Hollyhocks, Ile de Re’ 8×8″

 We are in the main town called Saint Martin on this picturesque island in France. The hollyhocks grow in the streets and are in full bloom and look gorgeous against the white washed houses and terracotta roofs. I painted the shape of the shadows first, then...
#188 ‘Fishing Boat, Ile de Re’ 8×10″

#188 ‘Fishing Boat, Ile de Re’ 8×10″

 Early morning and gorgeous warm light. I started a painting before which was a little more square onto the boat, the composition wasn’t so good. But it worked out well to scrap it and start again because by the time I was putting the light onto this...
#187 ‘Fort National, St Malo’ 8×10″

#187 ‘Fort National, St Malo’ 8×10″

 First painting of the Wapping Group & friends French 9 day trip. 37 degree melting heat. Had to find shelter so I wedged myself into a turret on the old ramparts wall. See pic below. Someone said it looked like I had my own little Studio! People have...
One Year of Daily Painting!

One Year of Daily Painting!

I have committed to daily painting for a year!Last Christmas I received the book called Daily Painting by Carol Marine. I hadn’t heard of this term and it means to paint as often as possible usually small and in one sitting. I wanted...
Flying with oil paints!

Flying with oil paints!

I have been busy gathering equipment for flying to Iceland tomorrow, we are there 12 days and will travel to three areas in a hire car.  Nick, my husband who is a semi pro photographer, its his dream place to go to, so I’m taking my paints as well, I’m sure its...
#98 ‘1948 Alvis’ 5×7″

#98 ‘1948 Alvis’ 5×7″

I painted this for my father in law he is 90 today! He has had this car for 30 years, and still drives it once a week. I presented the painting to him today as a surprise present, he said it was splendid, I’m very pleased he is happy :-)I worked hard on getting...
Oil Painting Course

Oil Painting Course

These are my students from one of my classes in Farnham. They have nearly completed a years worth of lessons, no longer beginners! It was actually a mixed class of abiliities from complete beginners to painting for 40 years. I have really enjoyed teaching them...
Preparing for The Surrey Open Studio 2016

Preparing for The Surrey Open Studio 2016

My Husband Nick and I did the Surrey Open Studios for the first time last year. I opened my studio in the garden and his man-shed converts into a photographic studio gallery.  (see pic below)We are doing it again this year and it starts a week today! June...
#63 ‘Devils Punch Bowl, Sunrise’ 7.5×9″

#63 ‘Devils Punch Bowl, Sunrise’ 7.5×9″

I was up early at 5am to catch the sunrise over the Punch bowl. The sun is to the right out of the view but it lights up the sky in a rainbow of colours. I also like the misty land it looked very atmospheric. I used a bigger than usual board today to try and...
‘My Hand’ Pen & Ink

‘My Hand’ Pen & Ink

I decided to have a go at drawing my hand, which I’ve not tried before. I enjoyed it and will do more as it’s a great workout for drawing skills, no bluffing you have to draw what’s there or else it looks wrong.I also had a go at doing a quick sketch...
Colour Mixing Studies ‘Oranges’

Colour Mixing Studies ‘Oranges’

I am using my time off teaching this Easter to work on colour mixing & studies for my own painting progression and as an teaching aid.The above is my palette with 4 yellows and 4 reds all mixed together to create -ORANGES, 3 versions: Yellow-Orange, Orange &...