England's Green and Pleasant Land

 England's Green and Pleasant Land - Not for Sale (Acrylic on canvas board 8" x 10")


This small canvas was painted for Art Swap 2010 the brain child of David Pringle
This Wednesday, those artists taking part all have to post out their piece of work to a given address of another participating artist somewhere in the world! A bit like Art musical chairs!!  It is a secret who is getting it and I am very excited to see what turns up in the post for me!!


I have decided to paint a scene of 'England's green and pleasant land' and sent a bit of it abroad! This was a scene from a recent holiday in South Devon over Easter.


Painted in acrylics today but found they were drying on the pallet before I could use them it, is so hot!

Jug of Red Tulips

'Jug of Red Tulips' - Oil sketch on canvas board - 30x30cm

For Sale £75 (inc worldwide shipping)

Had a busy day today sorting out lots of jobs that have needed to be done. It is very easy to lose hours painting!


This was a quick oil sketch of a vase of tulips on my coffee table and I loved the way the sun was striking it.

Half empty.....?

'Half empty.....?' Acrylic on canvas board (30 x 30cm) - SOLD

I have been asked by a few people to paint my glasses with some wind in them! The red wine becomes a wonderful inky grape colour which is actually quite difficult to get right!


I have had an offer from a local hotel in Stratford upon Avon to use their wall space to hang my work in their restaurant! This is a very exciting venture and I am very happy about the idea.  Looks like I need to learn to frame now!

Glass and Three Plums

'Glass and Three Plums' Acrylic on canvas board (30x30xm) 

For Sale £75 (inc worldwide shipping)

I love the way that the water in the glass distorts the background. This was a real challenge to get right this afternoon, but I am happy with the outcome.  I thought the plums would add a splash of colour and they are such a lovely colour!

Went to the preview evening for the WANA exhibition on Friday and meet the group of members. Some wonderful art on display! Looks like it is going to be a fun artists group to be a part of!

Transparent Couple

'Transparent Couple' Acrylic on canvas board 30 x 30cm 

For Sale £75 (inc worldwide shipping)

I have not managed to paint all of this week. Family life and other work has prevented me but I 'broke the duck' today and spent some time in the 'garden studio' (with a rug over my knees and the heating on, mind you!). It is a lovely place to paint as I don't get disturbed by the 'house' and can concentrate. Not too easy today though, as there were noisy blackbirds on the roof and a hedgehog scrabbling around under the floor!


I am really enjoying trying to get the effect of glass and the wonderful reflections that it throws. I had to buy some new WHITE acrylic yesterday. The one I had, didn't give me enough opacity and I was getting very frustrated with it. I have gone for GOLDEN Artist Colors (USA brand) which has been very good today and helped with the light sparkles on the glass.

I have joined WANA (an artist association in Pershore, Worcestershire) and they are putting on an exhibition on Friday of members art so it will be the first time any of my work has been in an exhibition! Very exciting! 

Transparent

'Transparent' Acrylic on Canvas Board - 

For Sale £75 (inc worldwide shipping)

I turned back to acrylics for this painting today and enjoyed using them again. It is good to be able to use light washes, especially on a subject like this. Had to remember to wash out my brushes though and not just lie them down on the table as I do with oils!

I haven't managed to paint for a few days as I have had some garden design work to do. Two plant supply jobs in The Cotwolds. It has made a change. 

I heard yesterday that two of the framed paintings that were on display at Lapstone Gift and Furniture shop sold! I am so delighted! 

I have decided to join a local Art Society in the area today and have sent off my membership form. WANA (Wychavon Area Network for Artists) http://www.wana.org.uk/Site/home.html I love chatting with artist friends on blogs and Twitter but I feel it is time to talk to other artist face to face!