Workshop of Dec 11th --Poppy Fields

We had fantastic results today in the workshop-hard to believe they were all first timers except for Maureen-who received her artist brooch for achieving 6 paintings with me

A family affair---Linda, Sarita, Hayley and Chris -what beautiful results

Carla, Lisa, Stewart and Maureen--very different -but all very good--its so interesting to see how everyone tackles it!

Bill bought some raffle tickets at Helena Lane last time we were there--he was lucky enough to win this lovely hamper of wines and glasses--we will put them up for Christmas-and enjoy them then!

Craven Arms Art Walk

Well what a day--I'm completely knackered and ready for bed-we are up early tomorrow again to be at the Food and drink festival!
We had 6 complete begininers in the 3 workshops today including 6 year old Megan and 8 year old Jack in the Birch Tree class.
First workshop had Karen who has been to me quite a few times before-she felt confident enough to tackle 2 canvas at the same time-as she wants some paintings as Christmas pressies, Stella who has been once before and Jackie and Maureen who I met on Ludlow market at different times-both were first timers.
It was a lovely class to teach-and everyone was surprised at how quickly the painting came together--
the 2 nd workshop of the day was acrylic and all 4 wanted to do the monochrome version--6 year old Megan and 8 year old Jack came with their nan Liz--Karen was doing 2 canvas again!
The results happened very quickly again-and what great results they were as well!
Nichola and Maureen decided on the purple shades for the Yesterday painting-and fabulous results they achieved-beautiful atmospheric paintings-and the special glitter paint we use for the moon just set it off beautifuly.
Im looking forward to seeing everyone again soon-now Im off to kip!

Happy 70th Birthday Jeannie

We had a lovely time today at our friend Jeannie's 70th birthday party.
Jeannie comes to stay and look after all our pets when we go away.
20 of us went for Sunday lunch at The Down, nr Bridgnorth. It was fabulous-couldnt fault it at all!
Jeannie is one of the nicest people you could wish to meet-a heart of gold bless her.

Mystical Moon class -April 17th

After being at Hereford hospital on Tuesday I was glad that I had a quiet class on Saturday.
Jenny was with me for the first time and Sara for the 7th.
We were using acrylic and everyone opted to use the blues tones rather than the purples and greys to paint this picture.
Once we had the first coat on and dried it became easier!
The paint was still drying quickly so I got the special medium out which prolongs the working time of the paint.
When it came time to paint in the moon there was a bit of alteration going on for a while as the moons got bigger-Jenny had a great eye and managed to get a perfect circle right away! We used a special holographic paint on the moon which is quite subtle, but catches the light and has lots of multi coloured twinkles in it.,
when it came to doing the foliage it was hard to decide which colour to use as highlight it. I used all the colours-green, gold, bronze and violet to show them the results.
Jenny decided to use the green and bronze and Sara used the violet.
The results were stunning--and both students went home with some acrylic varnish to coat their painting with after 24 hours.
The varnish will make a big big difference to the paintings as well as protecting them .
You need to leave the pictures for 24 hours to make sure the paint is completly dry otherwise you will find the painting starting to crack after a time-and that is not good!
As usual when teaching at home the parrots were a a bit of a distraction-especialy Jake who was constantly chatting away.
Bill put both of them outside as the weather was warm and sunny, and Sara was able to give Paddy a lovely shower with the spray bottle which he adores!

YUMMMMMMMMMM

The smell in our house on Monday night was to die for!
Bill has started making the Christmas cakes-this yea he is trying a new recipe which involved lots of booze!
A dark Caribbean cake.
Rum, port, brandy and cherry brandy were poured over the fruit and simmered for 15 mins-its the being left in the fridge for a week before being finished into the cake!
There were loads of spices in it too-it will be just gorgeous.
He is making the traditional sort as well and even has an order for one as well!
So we are going to be very busy over next few days by the sound of it.
I like to give them as pressies at Christmas!

Greetings Cards Available Now

Ive spent the evening putting the latest batch of cards into my new greetings cards gallery on my website www.paintingmyway.co.uk


My photographs do not do them justice- I wish I had Lin at hand to take them for me! Lin makes the cards for me after coming and taking the photos of my paintings with her super dooper camera-and her skill!
She knows just how to crop the full picture to make a beautiful card--I leave the size and shape up to her for the finished cards.
The cards are left blank for your message and are priced at £2.50 each or 5 for £10 prices include P+P in the UK
You can mix and match them to suit yourself.
I cant wait for the next batch of new cards to arrive now-Lin tool some more photos of some different paintings while she was at Onslow Park --2 of the paintings actualy sold while she was there-good job she had already taken the photos.

Sad News -Keith Norris RIP

I had an email today from one of Keith Norris's friends who informed me that sadly Keith has passed away last Tuesday from a heart attack.
We met Keith last year at a seminar held by the SAA (Society for all Artsists) He has helped to develop a new type of acrylic paint 'Atelier Interactive' and he did a day long demonstration of it for us all.
He was a very funny man as well as being a very talented artist-he had us in stitches at times during the demo!
He will be very sadly missed.
RIP Keith Norris

All Worth It.

Ive just had the most lovely message from one of today's students-thanking me for my patience with her and helping her to produce another masterpiece for her collection---
Many thanks Sally-its great to get feed back like that but Hun-you didnt try my patience anyway!
You can have another try when we see you next month for The Waterfall! ;-)

September 26th--Birch Trees

Back again by popular demand--Birch Trees is one of my most popular subjects to date.
There is a choice of monochrome, sepia tones and the new green version, which Im sure will prove to be popular.
The class is suitable for all ages and abilities from children as young as 7 upwards.
if you would like to join this class please get in touch--but it does get full very quickly!
please get in touch via the website
www.paintingmyway.co.uk
THERE ARE 3 PLACES LEFT FOR THIS CLASS