Winter Wonderland Workshop Jan 21st

What beautiful results we had in the workshop

Janet was amazed at her results-and the fact that she could produce a lovely painting  without having to be able to draw! She followed my instructions well and seemed to find the process an easy one!

Neil came along with Bob and Laura, he got on well with his bashing brush and tickling brush and his painting developed quickly,,

Bob hadn't tryed oils before-and he liked how the worked--he was a competent artist...

Ann had been once before and absolutely loved it---all of her friends have admired her picture and want to join in some workshops in the future..

Trevor made a beautiful job of his picture-he was painting with me for the 4th time,

Trina's painting was to be a present for her Mum-who was very impressed with her last Winter Wonderland, this panting was equally impressive!

Mathew came along with his Nan Pearl-first time for both of them...Pearls son and family came to paint the Waterfall before Christmas.Pearl has used watercolours before but never oils.

Jane was paining for the 2nd time--I don't think she was quite as nervous as last time-and she said everyone loved her last painting!

Pearl about to add her water to her painting

Laura made a beautiful job of her painting....

You could cut the concentration with a knife at times during the class---as you can see here!

Janet,Bob,Trina, Laura and Neil with their masterpieces..

Trevor,Jane, Ann, Pearl and Mathew with their lovely paintings--well done everyone!

Mmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!

Its been lovely to have a day off today--we have been for a mooch round Leominster Boot sale this morning, called at Morrisons for a great traditional breakfast,and finished the shopping for ingredients for Christmas cakes while there,.
Then when we got home had a relaxing few hours before Bill got stuck into the Christmas cakes!
All the fruit was put to marinade in a mixture of brandy,port and rum--lovely juicy dates and apricots were chopped and added to the currants, sultanas, raisins and glace cherries-along with lots of spices --the mixture was then simmered gently for 15mins and allowed to cool-before putting in a sandwich box in the fridge for a week--shaking gently when ever we open the fridge. Next week Bill will add the marinaded fruit to the other ingredients and bake--I will marzipan and ice the cakes nearer Christmas!
Note the glass of Rose wine is the chefs treat and not added to the fruit mixture!
The aromas filling the house was just gorgeous--smells just like Christmas already!
I must start packing up the presents soon--I'm very late this year-usually got them all done by now!
Did find a few things in the back bedroom this afternoon that I had forgotten I had bought--but got all the grandchildren's done now except for one or two bits.
How did we manage before computers and buying on-line? I think 90% of my Christmas shopping is done on-line these days--some real bargains to be had out there if you know where to look!

Feb 19th "Serenity" oils

We are painting "Serenity" on February 19th--you will use oils and a variety of brushes and techniques--you will have a choice of colour for this workshop...
for more details check out the website
www.paintingmyway.co.uk
9 places left

April 9th "Stormy Poppies"

We are painting Stormy Poppies on April 9th--you will use oils and a variety of brushes and techniques-- you will have a chunky 12in x 24in canvas to work on--the sides can be painted black afterwards to finish it off and give a contemporary feel!
for more details check out the website www.paintingmyway.co.uk

Ludlow Food and Drink Festival

We had an early start yesterday -up at 6am to go and set up the gazebo in the college for the food and drink festival.
We had a lovely sunny spot next to the entrance of the college so we were busy all day from the time the gates opened.
Marce bought our little Ollie along to see us before it got busy so we had time for a little cuddle first! He is growing sooo fast and he is a really knowing little thing! Grandad Bill hasn't lost his touch and soon stopped him crying when he picked him up.

I managed to leave my brushes behind at home and ended up with just 3 brushes to demonstrate with all day--however it amazed everyone who stopped and watched me just how much could be done with few brushes.
The town was heaving with people all day and it seemed like they all stopped by us for a look--we had paintings inside and out of the gazebo and tables outside with the encaustic stuff on--the lights worked well inside the gazebo-and highlighted the texture on the brown poppy beautifully.
Anthony Worrel-Thompson the chef came into the college for a wander round the craft market with his wife--hes just like he looks on the tv!

Ive got some paintings to finish off now in time for this weekends big event at Bishops Castle Michaelmas Fair which runs on Saturday and Sunday--we are taking the caravan and parking it on my friends drive-thanks Karen--so we will be able to enjoy the Bishops Castle nightlife on Saturday night and have a drink or three!