Clive and Grinshill WI

We had a long journey last night to the Wi talk and demo at Clive and Grinshill.The normal room at Clive wasn't being used so we had to travel a couple of miles on to the village hall at Grinshill.

There was a full house of almost 40 members.

We set up early and sat back and listened to the Jerusalem anthem being sung and played on the organ--one of the better versions we have heard on our travels on the WI circuit!!

The members were amazed to see 2 complete oil paintings being produced in such a short time--I had quite a few questions fired at me while I was painting-and I'm always aware of the time--people need to be out of the village hall at a certain time usually so its a fine line between talking and painting! Bill keeps a close eye on the time as well, and hurries me on if need be!

Lots of the members were interested in doing a class in the future and I was asked if we would travel to the Grinshill to do a class----I explained that it would be better if they travelled to Ludlow---

By the time we get the car loaded and drive for over an hour to the location----set up the class with the easels, palettes,paint -- etc------do the class-----pack up --- drive home, unload----clean upwards of 100 brushes--I would have to charge more than I am at the moment. It would add at least 2 hours to what is already a long day ,and I don't think that would be a good thing for Bill or me!

I have kept my prices for the classes down to what they were when I first started up over 4 years ago--just £35 and that includes the canvas, paint, refreshments etc. I have absorbed the price increases of the canvas and paint etc without passing it on to my students.

I'm sure the people that were interested in coming to classes wont mind making the journey-the scenery is beautiful on route!

The raffle prize was won by Janet who chose the Summer Day painting.

Joyces Latest Painting

We had a great day today, Joyce had taken a look at a copyright free book that the SAA sell and chosen a picture she would like to paint.
We had a real laugh at the different colours that we added to the sunset sky, but when they were all tickled with the tickling brush and all the colours softly merged together and the effects were really beautiful.
When the bushes and palm trees were added in the black it really made a big difference.We used the rubber ended tool to make the water lines instead of the usual knife which worked very well.
She also added some little daisies to the painting she did yesterday, they are easier to do once the painting has had chance to dry off slightly and Joyce really enjoyed doing these!
Joyce is going back to Bradford with lots of helpful hints and tips-along with my fact sheet which will help her through the different stages of the paintings.She also has bought some art supplies from me, knife, paint etc.
I will be packing her paintings up safely when they are dry and posting them to her by special delivery in a couple of weeks time.

March 8th Class

"African Dream" Is the subject for Saturday 8th March.

This painting is done in acrylic paint rather than the usual oil paints that we use in the classes.

Its a very bright vibrant painting that really lights up a room.

Its suitable for all ages and abilities, including children and 1st timers.

The painting will also be dry to take home, with it being done in fast drying acrylic paint.I haver to get cracking and paint another version of this painting as it sold at the recent exhibition!

There are just 2 places left for this painting.

To book a place please contact me through www.paintingmyway.co.uk

new pics for jan!!!!!!

Here are two of my most recent pics of the sky/sunsets/sunrises.I am very pleased with the results-the first was taken on the way to leominster and the second taken earlier that day out of the bedroom window.

I have loads more to put on my blog, the time has just flown, been doing a bit more to the commission, and getting on with putting the christmas tree up etc.

Will get back to norml posting tomorrow with luck!!!!!

Creations art Gallery

I have received my 2 paintings back from Nick Buxton of Creations Gallery, Dickens Heath, Solihull. As you can see from the pictures the one painting has suffered a lot of damage and is unrepairable. There appears to be 2 cuts, but one is made from the front of the canvas and one from the back.The stretcher bar is also snapped right through. As this is a large 3 ft canvas the stretcher bars are very big and strong.

As the packaging was not damaged one can only assume that the damage was done in the gallery which closed down with no notification to me what so ever months ago.

After getting no answers to my emails and phone calls we went over there and found out it had closed down ages ago.

The owner Nick didn't have the decency to tell us , we would have driven over and collected my work had we of known. He didn't even put a note in with the paintings to explain what has happened.

Fortunately the other painting escaped unscathed, and is now back on the market. Evening Tide will brighten up any room its hung in. It measures 36in x36in and is on staple free box canvas. The price is £250 including P+P in Uk If you are outside Uk Please get in touch.

Beautiful Day

We woke up to a beautiful sunrise this morning--more pictures for inspiring my students, shot out of the bedroom window-good job the neighbours were not around-if they had seen me hanging out of the window at 7:30 I dont know what they would have thought!!!!!!!!!!!!