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!

New Stands

When we got home from the market we found my new stands had arrived for displaying my new cards-must say I'm very impressed with them-very strong and sturdy and actually hold 5 rows of cards not 4 as shown here-kitchen cupboard in the way!
The new stands for displaying my flyers and cards were good too!

Anthea's Poppys

Anthea was in for a big surprise today when her friend Ally bought her to my home. She had no idea what was in store! Then she spotted the 2 easels and canvas set up ready for her--
Straight away she said ''surely you don't think I can paint anything like that!?''
After convincing her that she could , we settled down to paint-with some interruptions from Jake who had us all in fits of laughter from time to time.
Anthea's painting took shape very quickly--and after just over 2 hours and 2 cups of coffee she was finished!
She was well chuffed with her results.

Slimming World

I joined slimming world last week and had a not so bad sort of week, food wise considering.

Bills brother Bernard passed away in the early hours of Monday morning and it had been quite difficult to sort out regular meals at times.
However I did manage to lose 4 and 1/2lb this week and daughter Becki lost 7lb-well done Becki!
Bill has also lost 5lb by having the same food as me, so well done to him too!

Hopefully this week should be a bit easier to stick too .I have eaten more food than I am used to,to be honest, 3 good meals a day plus snacks-takes some eating when you are used to having just breakfast and an evening meal-but I'm enjoying it--salmon and watercress sauce, new potatoes, brocoli,carrots and peas tomorrow for dinner! Cant wait!

Gloucester Arts Summer School

I have been asked to be a tutor at the 28th Gloucester Arts and Crafts Summer school on 20th and 21st of July 2009.
I will be able to take 8 students on each day.
On the 20th July I will be teaching the ever popular Birch Tree painting and on the 21st July we will do the Summer Day painting.

I will put more details on here as soon as possible.
Im still busy doing the new website, its all exciting stuff-not sure when it will go live just yet but shouldnt be too long!

Teddy

Meet little Teddy-isnt he just gorgeous. Hes a Westie x Welsh terrier and belongs to our dear friends Jan and John.
He had a visit to the vets today and Jan called by with him-he was into everything bless him.
He was fascinated by his reflection in the mirror, climbing up my plants to have a better look!!

Happy Birthday Jim

well 31 years ago today I was in hospital for another reason---My son Jim is 31 years old today-- I cant belive where the time has gone!

Class of Feb 28th--Forest Dawn

Forest Dawn is a new painting subject.
Its suitable for all ages and abilities.
It is created using acrylic and oil paint.

If you are interested in joining this class please get in touch with me via the website www.paintingmywy.co.uk

or give me a ring on 01584 872013 if you have any questions about this class

Queenswood

It was a beautiful morning today, the sun was shining brightly as we drove back from Hereford hospital after having my scan.

We stopped of at Queenswood to have a stroll among the beautiful trees.

The colours were just amazing, golds and reds mixed with the orange and yellows everywhere we looked.

Ive got loads of photos -to add to the 700 we took in Scotland-as inspiration for some new paintings-when I get a minute!

Dec 13th class -Mellow Moods

The Dec 13th Class is going to be Mellow Moods. I am waiting to hear off Oliver and his Grandad if this date is any good for them-if it is then that means that there is no places left for this class.
If they cant make it then there will be room for 2 people.
The painting will just about be dry in time for Christmas with a bit of luck!

Class of Dec 6th--Oriental Dawn

This painting is very easy to do -even for first time artists.

Step by step I will guide you through using each of the brushes to create this atmospheric scene.

No previous experience is needed for this painting.
If you would like to join this class please get in touch with me via the website
www.paintingmyway.co.uk

Next Saturdays Class-Stormy Skies

This is the subject for next Saturdays class-there is still a couple of places left if you are interested in painting this scene.

It is suitable for all abilities from first timers to more experienced students.

Very interesting one to do with brilliant results each time as you can see from the photo of the previous class, you will learn how to use just a limited palette of just black and white paint using just 3 brushes and a knife.

Please get in touch with me via the website

www.paintingmyway.co.uk

Britsh Heart Foundation Charity Auction

I have donated 2 paintings for the following appeal.

Sian the area cordinator got in touch as I have helped this charity several times before in different ways.

Its a charity very close to my heart as my hubsband Bill had a heart attack 5 years ago and my dear Dad passed away suddenly 3 years ago with heart failure.

These arent the actual paintings--I havent time to search for the images at the moment-got a thousand and one things to be doing at moment, but they are along the same lines! A "Summer Day" one and a "Birch Tree" one.

. The auction is on Monday 3rd November at 7.30pm, at the Barley Mow Public House in Droitwich, Worcestershire. It is in aid of the Worcester Balloon Appeal, to raise £38,000 for a lifesaving Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) for the Worcestershire Royal Hospital. This will help more patients to be treated locally, whilst also supporting acutely ill patients on the ITU.

If you are able to get along to the auction please do-its for a very good cause.

Setting Up Craft Fair

We had a bust time setting up the stalls at the craft market tonight.As usual we are in the same place, its surprising how many people come in to see us each year.

We have a lot of space to display the paintings nicely.

A table with just encaustic items for sale in the form of paintings and also the equipment to create your own works of art using melted wax.

Last year I sold out of it all in the first few hours of opening, so I have really stocked up this time.

I sold out at Onslow Park steam rally last month too. Its really becoming a popular hobby with all ages.

We will be back down at the college early tomorrow morning just to make the final few adjustments to the stalls.

I have all the class subject paintings on my freestanding stands in order of dates they are to be painted on, it makes life easier when people can have a quick glance and see how many places are left in each class and when its being painted.

There is loads of room for people to walk around both sides to see and also seats to sit and look--the husbands tend to take seat and let the ladies walk around the stalls and spend the money!

We are really looking forward to the weekend, its always great fun to do and we meet lots of lovely people!

Poppy Commission

Ive made start on Karens second painting she commissioned.
She loved my Poppy Delight painting which was already sold and wants one along the same lines but in more orange colours to match her sitting room which is terracotta colour.

She bought along some photos of the room and where the painting was going to hang to give me some idea.
I showed her some other paintings I had done using the oranges, yellows etc so she could tell me exactly which colours she wanted me to use.

I have made a start on the first undercoat of it and I am very happy with how its going.

It will have many layers on top of this, up to 40 layers of paint will go over this and then the centre is done with melted wax.
Karen is having both black and gold wax which will set off the tones of orange beautifully.
I will be doing a lot more to this tomorrow.

Charity Donations

As all of my regular readers know I support the British Heart Foundation charity.

My dad died 3 years ago with heart failure and hubby Bill suffered a heart attack 5 years ago.

So the charity is one very close to me.

Since then I have sold several paintings and donated the full price of them to the charity and done a couple of other fundraising events as well.

Sian the area co-ordinator for the charity got in touch a few weeks ago to ask if I would donate a painting for a big charity event going on in Worcester soon.

Of course I was pleased to do so, and in fact decided to donate 2 paintings.

I painted the Birch Tree one especially for the event and the Summer Day one I decided to add a few more poppies to , after asking some advice from one of the forums about how to make the oil paint dry quicker added a few more flowers to the painting!

Sian will be picking them up next Monday and hopefully they will raise a good amount for the charity.