Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Class of Jan 17th--Winters Walk

Winters Walk is painted using acrylic and oils,we have had a lot of fun doing this painting in the past in classes.
You will learn composition,perspective,colour and how to use several different brushes and what they will do, as well as a painting knife.


The painting is suitable for all ages and abilities from 6 years upwards
If you would like to join us for this workshop please get in touch via the website
www.paintingmyway.co.uk
or ringing me on 01584 872013

Class of Jan 31st-Serenity In Green

Serenity in Green is a new class subject.
This will be an interesting painting as it uses a very limited colour palette. Most people will be doing it in the green shades but at least one will be doing it in other
colours.


You will learn composition,perspective,colour and how to use several different brushes and what they will do, as well as a painting knife.

THIS CLASS IS FULL
The painting is suitable for all ages and abilities from 6 years upwards
If you would like to join us for this workshop please get in touch via the website
www.paintingmyway.co.uk
or ringing me on 01584 872013

Class of Feb 7th--Birch Trees

















Birch Trees has had some of the most remarkable results of all the classes I teach.Its painted in acylic paint so its dry enough for you to take home.
You also have the choice of colour and canvas.
You can choose from the monochrome black and white version or the sepia tones which is fast becoming the most popular choice.You can also choose from the 16in x 20in canvas or a hexegon shaped one-the choice is up to you! Making the choices is the hardest part of this painting!

The painting is suitable for all ages and abilities from 6 years upwards
If you would like to join us for this workshop please get in touch via the website
www.paintingmyway.co.uk
or ringing me on 01584 872013

Class of Feb 14th -Summer Day


This painting is the most popular class subject that I teach.
Its always bright and cheerful, and the students always produce excellent results even first timers!

You will learn composition,perspective,colour and how to use several different brushes and what they will do, as well as a painting knife.

The painting is suitable for all ages and abilities from 6 years upwards
If you would like to join us for this workshop please get in touch via the website
www.paintingmyway.co.uk
or ringing me on 01584 872013
3 PLACES LEFT IN THIS WORKSHOP

Class of Feb 28th -Forest Dawn

Forrest Dawn is a new class subjects painted using acrylic and oils,
You will learn composition,perspective,colour and how to use several different brushes and what they will do, as well as a painting knife.


The painting is suitable for all ages and abilities from 6 years upwards
If you would like to join us for this workshop please get in touch via the website
www.paintingmyway.co.uk
or ringing me on 01584 872013

Class of March 7th--Perfect Evening


A beautiful bright vibrant scene which could be anywhere -- -Scotland, Wales or abroad!
Painted using acrylic paint so it will be dry to take home .You will learn compostion,perspective,colour and how to use several different brushes and what they will do.


The painting is suitable for all ages and abilities from 6 years upwards
If you would like to join us for this workshop please get in touch via the website
http://paintingmyway.co.uk/
or ringing me on 01584 872013

3 PLACES LEFT

Class of March 14th -Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland is painted in oil onto a black canvas.Its great to see how each student creates a completely different version of mine-even when they haven't painted before
You will learn composition,perspective,colour and how to use several different brushes and what they will do, as well as a painting knife.
I have 4 places left for this class
.
The painting is suitable for all ages and abilities from 6 years upwards
If you would like to join us for this workshop please get in touch via the website
www.paintingmyway.co.uk
or ringing me on 01584 872013

Class of March 28th--Frosty Reflections

















Frosty Reflections is a simple but very effective painting, created using acrylic paint.It can be painted ina variety of colours,shown are just 2 of them.It could also be done in blues or greens.
You will learn composition,perspective,colour and how to use several different brushes and what they will do, as well as a painting knife.


The painting is suitable for all ages and abilities from 6 years upwards
If you would like to join us for this workshop please get in touch via the website
http://paintingmyway.co.uk/
or ringing me on 01584 872013

Class of April 11th--Stormy Skies

















Stormy Skies has a few different variations as you can see.Painted in oils.
You will learn composition,perspective,colour and how to use several different brushes and what they will do, as well as a painting knife.

This has been one of the most popular class subjects to date with fantastic results each time.
The painting is suitable for all ages and abilities from 6 years upwards
If you would like to join us for this workshop please get in touch via the website
www.paintingmyway.co.uk
or ringing me on 01584 872013
5PLACES LEFT

Class of April 18th--Forest Pool

Forest Pool is suitable for all ages and abilities.
Painted in oil on a black canvas which makes it a bit less scarey than a white one, its a fun painting to do.
You will learn composition,perspective,colour and how to use several different brushes and what they will do, as well as a painting knife.

If you would like to join us for this workshop please get in touch via the website
www.paintingmyway.co.uk
or ringing me on 01584 872013

Class of May 2nd -The Waterfall


This is the subject for May 2nd class.
This painting is done in oils on a black canvas which helps take the fear out of it to a certain extent-a black canvas appears harder to spoil than a pristine white one-especially to first time artists!
You will learn composition,perspective,colour and how to use several different brushes and what they will do, as well as a painting knife.


The painting is suitable for all ages and abilities from 6 years upwards
If you would like to join us for this workshop please get in touch via the website
www.paintingmyway.co.uk
or ringing me on 01584 872013

Class of May 9th--Mellow Moods


This is a popular painting subject-created using acrylic and oils.
This painting can be done by both first timers and the more experienced students.
You will learn composition,perspective,colour and how to use several different brushes and what they will do, as well as a painting knife.


If you would like to join this class, please get in touch via my website
wwwpaintingmyway.co.uk

or give me a ring on 01584 872013

Monday, January 12, 2009

Michael Jordan

I mentioned the other day that one of my students had a blog on which he has his paintings-well he has gone one step further now and has his own website on the brilliant website http://www.affordablebritishart.co.uk

He has started to put his work on there already-take a look-there is some lovely work on there, Im sure Michael will do very well.

http://www.affordablebritishart.co.uk/gallery.php?artist=MichaelJordan&aid=386
CONGRATULATIONS MICHAEL!

Sunday, January 11, 2009

New Grandaughter

Our 3rd grandchild -a little girl arrived this morning at 6.30am.Her name is Lucie Marie and she weighed in at 7 lb 12 1/2 oz.
No photos as yet, will put them on when we get them.

Ive got a bad chest infection at the moment, so off to Docs in the morning for antibiotics.

Friday, January 09, 2009

Laryngitis-tomorrows class cancelled

Ive got a bad case of laryngitis's at the moment and have completely lost my voice except for a little squeak--I think Bill is enjoying the peace and quiet but its not much good if you have students to teach.
I have had to cancel tomorrows class because it will be impossible to teach the 3 students that were attending. I am sorting out another date for the class and will be posting it on here asap. Sorry Ladies!

At least the soreness has gone now-plenty of organic honey and lemon will hopefully get me back to normal soon.

Thursday, January 08, 2009

UFO's over Ludlow !!

























What do they say about "many a true word spoken in jest" Well in last nights local paper the Shropshire Star there was a report of UFOs being spotted over Ludlow on the nights we let the chinese floating lanterns off!!!
Ive just emailed the paper with the photos and explained! They were spotted in the areas around our home! We had been joking they would be mistaken for UFOs and it looks like we were right!
Must get some more!

Bathroom


















After living with the terracotta colour in the bathroom for more years than I care to remember-its going to be painted white like the rest of the house!It will take a lot of coats to cover it though!
The cupboard in there was painted in this crazy green and terracotta bark pattern at the same time--must have been the artist coming out in me even then-it was before I ever started painting on canvas! Anyway I have some new plans for the bathroom too--watch this space!

Latest Commission






















































Ive been busy over the past couple of days doing a commission for Angela.She wanted a bright vibrant painting along the lines of my previously sold "Fire In The Sky". Its on a large 100cm x 80 cm canvas.
The pics show the various stages the painting has gone through.
I used a lot of Cadium colours,Red, dark and light hues,orange, yellow , also yellow ochre, and black.
Yesterday I did all the underpainting and today I reddened it all up, as Angela wanted it in reds and cerise.Ive left some orange to keep the firey appearence to the sky.

Its almost finished now, just need to give it a tickle tomorrow to get rid of any brush marks and then just wait for it to dry!

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

Michael Jordan

One of my students who came over from Germany for a class a while back has been in touch with me for a chat, he has been busy painting since we met last time and Im soooo impressed with his work.He works in watercolour a lot, and his work is stunning. He has a big range of styles-landscapes, floral and cartoons.
Im looking forward to seeing his gallery on Affordable British Art website soon!
Take a look for yourself at www.michaeljordanart.blogspot.com

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Summer Day -Feb 14th class

There are 4 places left for the Summer Day class on Saturday Feb 14th.

This has proved to be one of the most popular classes that I run.
It is suitable for all ages and abilities.

You will learn how to use various brushes and also a painting knife.

Its a lovely calm painting that looks great in any setting.
I will have a couple of variations of this painting in class so everyone can make their painting different in various ways!
If you would like to join this class please get in touch via my website www.paintingmyway.co.uk

Monday, January 05, 2009

First Commission of 2009

Ive just finished going through the details of my latest commission with Angela who wants me to paint a mixture of Fire In The Sky and Heat, in oil on a large canvas.
I'm hoping I have got a canvas in the store so I can get cracking tomorrow.
I love working on commissions-its so exciting to interpret exactly what someone wants in paint onto canvas.
I shall be sending Angela regular emails showing how the painting is coming along, she will have as much input as she wants in the finished painting although she has told me to use my artistic licence as much as I want, so Im really looking forward to it!
Will keep you all posted of it on here too!

For The New Year































I have something new for returning students this year--
The new artists badge and key fob which the students will be able to choose from when they have attended 6 classes and also this trophy which has been engraved for Painting My Way, for any students who have attended at least 10 classes--of which there are a few when I checked my records!
They are all lovely quality items and made in the UK too.

Sunday, January 04, 2009

Happy Birthday Sharon


























My little sister was 38 yesterday so we met up at the Squirrel last night for a bite to eat again.We had a lovely time, Bill had a job to get a decent pic of me and my son Jim cos Jim kept pulling faces -as usual!
Its a rare thing to get my little brother , sister and me all on one photo--have printed them off to give my mum for her birthday! None of them like their photo taken!
I couldn't resist the Caribbean sundae again-and it was just as good as the last time!
We all met up again today at mums for a buffet-- didn't have any breakfast cos we knew there would be loads to eat.

I was really chuffed/surprised to find that I have lost 3lb over Christmas /New Year after all the niceties that we have consumed.
Bought new electronic scales and have checked and it was right!!!
Diets will not be starting tomorrow as planned cos there are still to much niceties to finish up-but obviously the exercises is paying off!!!

Saturday, January 03, 2009

Chinese Lanterns























We had yet another slap up meal last night with Carl and his girlfriend Marcelle.
Carl is off to Scotland to work for a few months so we decided to have another Christmas dinner-complete with crackers etc.
After we set off the last 3 Chinese lanterns.They look stunning when they get up in the air-though people have mistaken them for UFO's in the past.
Must get some of the coloured ones next time!

New Years Day Lunch













We went to our friends Jan and John for New Years Day lunch yesterday, and we had a lovely time!
They are both brilliant cooks and we want some of the recipes off them!
Started with marinated mushrooms, then there was a roasted leg of lamb AND a homemade chicken,ham and leek pie! for afters they had made a lemon meringue pie And a cheese cake! Then of course there was cheese and biscuit's and port-we were absolutely stuffed by the time we had finished.
Luckily we had a lift there and back so we were able to enjoy a drink or two as well.
The evening was crisp and clear and we were able to set off some of the Chinese floating lanterns into the sky-they went up like a dream, no near neighbours to worry about like there is here!
Little Teddy the puppy has grown so much its unreal-he is a lovely little dog who had us in fits of laughter pinching balls off the Christmas tree etc.
We really had a fantastic time-thanks both.

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Happy New Year


We would like to wish everyone a very Happy Healthy New Year for 2009

Heres to a creative time in 2009 !!!

Diane and Bill xx

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!

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Food Food Food!!!

We will defiantly be going on diets in the new year--we went out for a meal last night as we couldn't be bothered to cook after hitting the sales in Kidderminster yesterday.
We went to the local pub just a few hundred yards up the road from us.
Bill had the scampi and I had the steak and trimmings-it was perfect, the bottle of wine slipped down a treat too.
Now we don't normally do puddings but just for a change we fancied trying the Caribbean sundae--- oh boy it was to die for--double chocolate ice cream, coconut ice cream and rum and raisin ice cream, layered with toasted coconut and a chocolate sauce over the top with a flake and biscuit to finish.
We will be having that one again for sure!

We popped over to Churchstoke this morning to have a mooch around the car boot/market and ended up calling at the Craven Arms hotel for the carvery as we had forgotten to take the meat out of the freezer.The roast beef was beautiful and the garlic potatoes would take some beating anywhere-couldnt have fitted another mouthful!
As usual it was delicious and we were completely stuffed when we came out-- then realised we are going out to my sister in laws for tea at 5pm!
Don't think we will be wanting much food tomorrow some how!

Friday, December 26, 2008

Christmas















































Well Christmas Day is over-we are both knackered- we had lots of fun and hard work in the run up to it though!
We were making quiches and finishing the cakes at 10.30pm on Christmas Eve-enjoying the mulled wine with our friends who had called by, followed by some nice bubbly stuff!
I did manage to get my special stuffing done as well-it was beautiful-layers of sage and onion, followed by leeks and sausagemeat, layers of cranberry and all wrapped up in bacon and cooked slowly until it was crispy-the smell was to die for!
That could be why it all took so long mind!
Our little grandson Callum came round on Christmas morning to see us, Father Christmas had been very good to him and bought him lots of toys.

There were 6 of us for dinner , then all the family came for tea--we all sat around after stuffing ourselves with lots of food and drinks watching TV until it was time for the launching of the Chinese floating lanterns-it was great fun-we had one near miss with next doors shed almost getting it though-lots of ooohhhs and aaahhhhs from everyone as the first one left the ground and floated off into the night!
We are having a lazy day today--just grazing on the food that was left over and maybe opening some of the lovely chocolates we had-- weight watchers here we come in the new year!

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

A Christmas Poem

A Christmas Poem

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, except Papa's mouse.
The computer was humming, the icons were hopping, As Papa did last-minute Internet shopping.
The stockings were hung by the modem with careIn hope that St. Nicholas would bring new software.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of computer games danced in their heads.
PageMaker for Billy, and Quicken for Dan,And Carmen San Diego for Pamela Ann.
The letters to Santa had been sent out by Mom,
To santaclaus at at toyshop.northpole.com,
Which has now been re-routed to Washington State because Santa's workshop has been bought by Bill Gates.

All the elves and reindeer have had to skedaddle to flashy new quarters in suburban Seattle.
After centuries of a life that was simple and spare,St. Nicholas is suddenly a new billionaire,
With a shiny red Porsche in the place of his sleigh,
And a house on Lake Washington that's just down the way from where Bill has his mansion.
The old fellow preensIn black Gucci boots and red Calvin Klein jeans.
The elves have stock options and desks with a view,
Where they write computer code for Johnny and Sue.
No more dolls or tin soldiers or little toy drums will be under the tree, only compact disk ROMSWith the Microsoft label. So spin up your drive,
From now on Christmas runs only on Win95.

More rapid than eagles the competitors came,
And Bill whistled, and shouted, and called them by name.
"Now, ADOBE! now, CLARIS! now, INTUIT! too,Now, APPLE! and NETSCAPE! you are all of you through,

It is Microsoft's SANTA that the kids can't resist, It's the ultimate software with a traditional twist recommended by no less than the jolly old elf,
And on the package, a picture of Santa himself.
Get 'em young, keep 'em long, is Microsoft's scheme,
And a merger with Santa is a marketer's dream.
To the top of the NASDAQ! to the top of the Dow!Now dash away! dash away! dash away - wow!"
And Mama in her 'kerchief and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,The whir and the hum of our satellite platter,
As it turned toward that new Christmas star in the sky,The SANTALITE owned by the Microsoft guy.

As I sprang from my bed and was turning around,
My computer turned on with a Jingle-Bells sound.
And there on the screen was a smiling Bill GatesNext to jolly old Santa, two arm-in-arm mates.
And I heard them exclaim in voice so bright,
Have a MICROSOFT CHRISTMAS, and
TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT