Todays Class "Reeds In The Breeze"

We were 2 students less today due to a bereavement-our condolences go to Gary and Elaine.

Out of the 13 students 11 were first timers--of course there were a lot of nerves to begin with-but everyone soon settled down!

I had my usual helper Natalie-who was kept busy making cups of tea and coffee for the students as they arrived, then she got roped in helping me coat the canvas with the special primer I mix myself-as there were 14 canvas to do, it took some time!
Once everyone had decided which version they wanted to paint and I got the relevant oil colours out onto the palettes the paintings came together very quickly!
Everyone got the hang of the bashing brushes and tickling brushes and we all had a giggle about the bush brushes as well!
Everyone was amazed to see just how quickly the paintings developed-and within 40 minutes we had beautiful skies and water on the canvas.
Its so interesting to see how different people tackle each stage-although they have all watched me demonstrate each bit-they all do it differently.

We stopped for lunch at 12pm--its so handy having the cafe on site--everyone gives their order in for food when they arrive and its all ready for when we stop--lovely food and reasonable prices too.
After a lovely salad /ham baguette it was time to do the bushes, grasses and poppies--
and again everyones individual personalities came through in how they did this stage.
The time flew by--the weather was horrible at times and I had to get the photos done inside for once--Karen had to dash off to an appointment before the group photo!
Everyone wants to come again--we are looking forward to seeing everyone again soon.

Judging by the remarks on face book by some of the students friends-we will be getting some more new students--Jeni has had an offer of 2 people buying her painting and someone asking her if she taught painting as well!

All in all a fantastic time had by all-beautiful paintings created and lots of ego's boosted--
I had a lovely conversation this evening on the phone with Pat who was with me today--she was so chuffed with her achievements -and couldn't praise Painting My Way highly enough-bless her.
It makes my day when I get feedback like that I can tell you!

We are away for a few days from tomorrow--unwinding after such a hectic few weeks--I will have Internet access and will have my appointment book with me to take bookings-as usual I cant completely leave it all behind!

This Saturdays Class "Reeds In The Breeze" FULL

This Saturdays class is well and truely full after a phone call tonight from a lady we met at Burwarton Show last week.
There was just one place left but as she wanted 2 places I decided that 15 would be ok as its a fairly easy class to teach.
As you can see there is a wide variety of colours in which to paint this picture, and Im expecting some stunning results!
I have a mix of first time students along some that have been a few times before-so it will be an interesting mix.
I will be setting another date for this class early next year-so keep a watch on the website to see when it will next be done.
www.paintingmyway.co.uk

Sept 11th 3 Taster Workshops-Craven Arms Art Walk

I am running 3 taster workshops on Saturday Sept 11th at Craven Arms Community Centre as part of their Art Walk weekend.

Paintings will be done on 8in x 10in box canvas.

10.30am -11.30 am "Summer Day" oils

11.30 am --12.30pm " Birches " acrylics-choice of colours-black and white or browns and creams

1.30pm ---2.30pm " Yesterday" acrylics--choice of colours -reds/oranges blues/purples and browns and creams

All paintings are suitable for first timers and and all ages.
Price is just £9.50 and includes all materials

These short sessions are ideal to see what happens during a class-and the canvas are an ideal size for these taster workshops!

It will be a busy weekend--there is lots going on and works of art with a water theme will be hung in every retailer in the town, so Im busy sorting out some paintings to enter into that as well!

Mums New House

We had a busy day yesterday helping Mum to move house--it was a sad time in a way as I had grown up there .
I was just 5 when we moved there from 100 yards up the lane!
Mum has moved to a lovely house not that far away from the old one--and we are sure she will be very happy there.
The photos show the old house where I grew up and a very happy Mum opening the door of her new house for the first time!
Wishing you every happiness in your new home Mum xx

This Saturdays Class "Reeds In The Breeze"

I have a nearly full class for this Saturday "Reeds In The Breeze". There are 13 booked in and I have room for 1 more.There is a wide choice of colours and a few additional add ons that can be done in this class to make it really personal to you.
You will use oil paints on a 16in x 20in staple free box canvas and will learn a variety of different techniques and brush strokes during the workshop.

If you would like to join this class please conatct me via the website www.paintingmyway.co.uk
Please note I will be running this workshop again in March 2011

I Want......

One Of Those! We were up early again to do the local Book and Craft Fair on the Market Square in town.
There are always lots of folk around with dogs but today my friend and former student Julie called by with her beautiful puppy Buzz--just 14 weeks old and already massive!
In contrast this afternoon we had these two little beauties--again 14 weeks old--but so tiny--pedigree Chihuahuas-- what little darlings--I had chance for a cuddle with one and she was just adorable.
I think I could manage one that size--though have got my hands full with the parrots, fish and cat, so dont think I will be getting one!
Their owner was lovely and we had quite a chat in between dealing with people interested in coming to classes.
We will be watching crufts in future to see if the little darling in the front of the photo is there-the owners said she is a perfect an example as you could ever wish for-and I quite believe it.
If you could hear what Jake the parrot was coming out with at the moment you would all be creased!

Tenbury Show

The weather stayed pretty good for Tenbury show on Saturday. We set up the day before as the stands etc take some getting sorted!
We had a great space in the corner of the marquee, so plenty of room for people to watch me demonstrating my techniques.
I took along all of the class subject paintings along with a few others including my latest commission-the giant red poppy as Diane isn't collecting it until this week.There was lots of interest in it.
We had lots of people trying out the encaustic art painting including Jack, Phoebe,Georgina and Mary-Jane and I will be ordering more encaustic kits this week for collection from Ludlow.
The last of the orange /red "Yesterday" paintings was sold at Tenbury so I got stuck in to painting another--I need to have a version of all the colours offered in the class.
I nearly finished it, but still have to finish it off tomorrow and get it varnished later this week.
All in all a great show-although again I dint have chance to see any of the actual show!
Bill managed to get a look at the heavy horses and the highlight of the show-the motorcycle stunt team.
It was turned 7pm before we left the showground and we had to be up early this morning to be down at the market for the book and craft fair!
I arrived home to find a booking enquiry from someone we saw at the show--so that ended the day nicely!

Burwarton Show

Well its been an exhausting few days, on the market yesterday , off up to Burwarton Show right after packing up there.
We called back at the newly refurbished Three Horseshoes pub for a meal on the way home as it was 8pm and I didn't feel like cooking when we got in! The restaurant been done all through in art deco style-and it looks very smart.The food wasnt bad either!
We were then up at 5am this morning to get to the show today before the queues started!
And boy was it busy--constantly all day long there were people at my stall.
I was demonstrating both the encaustic art and oil painting all day long.
I have a sore throat tonight from all the talking!
Bill was able to pop out and have a look at the animals that were close by to the building we were in.
The heavy horses were a beautiful sight with all the brasses on.
I didn't get chance to see much at all-managed a couple of trips to the loo's which were the best Ive seen at this type of event!
Spotlessly clean, and kept so all day--quite an achievement when you saw the amount of people there!

I nearly sold out of cards, and I was unable to write down which ones were selling, as it was so busy at times--so I have to go through what are left to let Lin know which ones I need doing next!
It was completely manic at times!
I'm off to bed now as Ive a busy day tomorrow as well--off to set up at Tenbury show ready for Saturday-another busy event!

We had no mobile phone signal while at Burwarton-which wasn't good as our 4 th grandchild's birth is imminent-Marce went to the hospital at 5am this morning-but so far nothing has happened apart from contractions--so we are still waiting for the arrival of baby Jennings!

Becki's 26th Birthday

I cant believe its been 26 years since I had my daughter Rebecca.
We met up with all the family tonight to celebrate--a lovely time was had by everyone at the local Squirrel Pub.

Where does the time go to?

Latest Commission " Poppy"

I have been working on my latest commission for a couple of weeks now and I finished it this afternoon!
Its a huge 3ft square poppy with melted wax centre.
The commissioner- Diane called by last week to have a look at its progress and decided on the silver rather than the gold wax to finish it.
So I set to in the garage with my electric heated pen and added the detail with black and silver.
Its been almost impossible to get decent photos of this painting-it always appears too orange instead of the bright poppy red.
I will have to load the new photo shop onto the computer and see if I can work it!
Anyway-it will just come to life after it has had 3 or 4 coats of gloss varnish-it will bring out all the colours and of course protect it as well.
Ive made a start on a slightly smaller version 30in x 30in -I will be entering that one in this months Ludlow Art Society exhibition in Ludlow.