More from the garden

I found a quiet spot amongst the last of the bluebells, dark shadows and shafts of light fell on the blue below

Here is the finished article.

Working on Riot in Red, with the sun beating down I just had to take a break in the shade. Jane pointed out that my ladies in hats must have been inspired by my own hat that I wear when it is very bright. I hadn't thought about it before now.

Another day in the garden

It is so nice to meet up with old friends who have made a special journey to see us and talk about our work, people who have bought paintings in the past either from galleries or from the Summer Exhibition here in the garden. It is also lovely to meet new folk who have enjoyed watching us paint, some are painters themselves and others who would like to take up painting as a hobby. It makes a pleasant change from working on my own in my studio, although when ideas are flowing I do quite enjoy my own company too.
Here is Jane talking to some of the visitors.

Working in the gardens

Can it really be that long since I added a new blog? I have been busy as usual working in the studio and also in the gardens at RHS Harlow Carr. The weather was very mixed, just as it was last year, one day sun next day rain and the temperatures went up and down like a yoyo. The begining of the week we saw dust storms as the wind blew eddies of dust from the car park. Taking refuge in the summer house we watched as the winds whipped through the garden. It was so nice to work alongside my friend Jane Redfern with whom I shared a studio on a farm until having my latest timber one built. Jane and I have exhibited together for the past 10 years and her watercolours compliment my acrylic work. I shall show you some of her work soon on my blog. Here is one of my acrylic florals painted in the garden.

My Online Shop!

Hello again, it has been a while since I last left a message. Things have been very hectic, lots of painting and organising printing ready for the launch of my online shop which is now up and running thanks to the hard work of Andy my web designer. He must have nearly been driven to distraction by me changing my mind about this and that but he has been very patient. Please take a look and let me know if you spot any teething problems or hiccups. I'm off down the studio now to do some drawing, I have an idea for a new theme. I will let you in on the idea soon!! Take Care.

Here is Martha lending a paw and generally being helpful and supportive as usual. She seems to like the first of my 'Little Corkers' and kindly agreed to pose so that you can see the scale of the piece. Martha is the only dog I know who eats dandelions and has been plucking them merrily all along the walk today. The problem is that she is attracted to the yellow sunflowers on this little painting thinking they were dandelions too!

Sunshine and Smiles

And this is what is inside.

Sunshine and Smiles

I am very excited as I have just picked up my newly printed cards that are going to be available on my online shop. They are so jolly and bright, I am grinning as I tell you this :0). Now Ali and I have the task of sorting and packaging them , six different designs in a nice little wallet that closes with a weeny velcro fastener. Andy (my web designer) is busy pushing buttons and things so that you will be able to buy prints, cards and other goodies straight from the web site very shortly.

Another collograph

And here is another one.

The Outcome

As promised here is a photo of the outcome of the collograph demonstration. As well as prints taken the plate can become an art work in its own right.

Messy Play

This week I have been enjoying more messy play while preparing to teach a colograph workshop. Any excuse to get my hands dirty- I love it! Basically we have been making collages from which we will be taking prints. This texture paste is ideal for a base ground. I shall let you see the outcomes when they are complete.