Relax Pastel 20" x 16"

I actually did this yesterday but didn't get to post it. Another photo of a Hertford model. I really miss not going to Hertford life drawing this month. The hall is being used to get ready for the exhibition, which starts this weekend. Roll on the end of May!

Photos are good, and I am grateful that the models give permission, but the buzz is not there!

If you would like to purchase this painting for 250 GBP please email me.

Enough Paperwork! 12" x 10" Carbon Pencil

Made life difficult today, as I found that you cannot manipulate carbon pencil like you can charcoal or pastel, and I struggled. Looking at it now, I think his shoulder needs more definition.

This is from a photo of one of our Hertford models. He is always willing to be more adventurous with his posing.

I can't remember what that is in front of him, but it looks like a huge mountain of files, so it gave me the title!

If you would like to purchase this painting for 50GBP please email me.

The Verdict

' MORE? ' Acrylic 12" x 10"

' FAMILY ' Oil 24" x 20"

These two were accepted for exhibition in Hertford. I was quite pleased as in previous years it has happened that all six were rejected. My friend, Stella, though has ALL SIX accepted this year. Good for her, well done! Now that is some achievement!

Three weeks before we know if we have sold.

Laden Oil on Paper 5" x 7"

Paintings successfully delivered to Hertford this morning, so have had a jittery day wondering if any will be accepted for the exhibition! My friend, Stella, will collect any rejections by 5.30pm, so I am expecting a phone call with the verdict. Hate this bit!

I have managed a painting today, a very small one. I saw this little lady on the same day as I saw the 'Orange Bags' man. What a contrast! He was bouncing along the pavement, happy to have his shopping done, no doubt, and eager to get on to the next thing. She, though, was trudging along seemingly carrying the weight of the whole world.

We know nothing of others' lives and I have learnt not to judge by appearances. Her shopping may have just been very heavy. But she made me feel a little sad.

If you would like to purchase this painting for 50 GBP please email me.

Exhibition

These are the paintings that I am submitting for the Hertford Open. Another two, 'Katy" and 'A Quiet Corner', can be found previously on this blog. I finally got done, at the last minute as usual. My hope is to have them all accepted, and then, of course, to sell them all!

I would appreciate any comments, thoughts, even just a yes or a no, as to the likelihood of that?

Thanks for visiting. Have a good weekend.

School Walk 5" x 10" Oil on Paper

Sorry for my absence, but have been getting ready to submit paintings to the next exhibition.

This is the Herford Annual Open Exhibition, which has a selection commitee. I'll probably post them tomorrow, to get your comments on whether you think they stand a chance of, firstly, being selected, and, secondly, selling!

In between times, I have painted School Walk. Another subject seen from my window, in which the shadows and sparkling morning sunlight captured my attention. I'm thinking of getting nearer the school to attempt a more crowded scene. Maybe. Anyway, back to framing, etc.

If you would like to purchase this painting for 50GBP (unless otherwise stated) please email me.

Valuable Lesson

Sorry, no painting today, but I have to tell you that I have learned something of immeasurable value to me, today, so I have to tell you. I have been browsing others' blogs and found Greg Kapka. He is brilliant at sharing stuff, his blog is all about his journey of learning to paint.
Now I am hopeless with Adobe Photoshop, it is too complicated and comprehensive for me to even know where to start. But I read a piece in Greg's blog about quick fixing your photos. I had a go, and was amazed at the results. And I mean, GOBSMACKED! I have shown you the results on 'Portrait of Genni', 'All In A Days' Work" and "Riders".
Check him out, it is a fascinating site.
www.gregkapka.blogspot.com

Portrait Of Genni Acrylic 16" x 16"

Did it again! I continued to have a sort out, because I wanted an old canvas to paint on, and I found another discarded, half finished, painting. Well, I set to work, because I didn't want to paint over it. Portrait of Genni, must have originated in a magazine or on the internet somewhere, because I have no reference photo and I cannot remember how, when or why? I do know that I still like it, especially tiddled up. It looks like I used a very limited palette, ultramarine and burnt sienna and white.

Is this cheating? Do tell me your thoughts, I would love to know.

I am so glad I started this blog, it has made me work. I feel bound to post something and although I didn't set out to be a daily painter, I feel ashamed, lazy and disappointed if I don't.

And I feel like I am rediscovering myself. Life is wonderful, isn't it?

In The Sun Charcoal 10" x 12"

Got back to my comfort zone today. Charcoal life drawing, except this was done from a photograph of a model. Didn't take long, but it limbered me up to get down to a serious challenge tomorrow. No idea what, though!

If you would like to buy this, or any painting on this blog, please email me.

sharon.wright9@btopenworld.com

I do list some of them on Ebay, too, if preferred.

Morning Ride Oils 10" x 12"

I was actually fiddling with this old painting, yesterday. I didn't post it because my husband hogs the computer at the weekend! When he isn't hogging me that is, so to speak, so I tend not to paint much when Roy is home. Can't concentrate!

Move It Oils 20" x 30"

I have been painting this bigger picture of the lovely removal men. They were so cheery, they made me feel good, too.

If you are moving to, or from Scotland, I think they woul be a good choice. They can be found in Lochwinnoch, phone 01418878258. Thomas Taylor & Company.

Orange Bags Oils 10"x12" & Pam Acrylic 9.5"x 9.5"

Well, I did fiddle with "Orange Bags", and I am much happier with it, although you perhaps won't see the difference. It required just a bit of fine tuning.

The plan today was to use the three primary colours, acrylics, and just one brush, a fairly big one, and paint another self portrait. The aim was big and bold. But the best laid plans, and all that!

I found a nice photograph of my sister-in-law, Pam, who we will be visiting tomorrow. They need a flat roof repairing and husband Roy is to help. This portrait is to be a gift, although I am having second thoughts as I have no frame the right size. I enjoyed painting it though, and I finished it, which surprised me.

Orange Bags Oils 10" x 12"

I don't know what happened to adventurous. I think I have to paint how I have to paint and that is that. It's no use trying to be something else.

I may have over simplified this one, he looks like he is in Spain or Portugal, so I decided not to call it "Bet He's Been To Sainsburys!". Not enough dark darks I think. I may have to fiddle with this tomorrow!

Tea Break Oils 10" x 12"

So here is Tea Break as promised. Kept it simple to focus on the relaxed pose. Enjoyed painting this, I'm getting the feel of oil paint again. They are so much more expressive, and sensual and easier to use than acrylics, I forget why I abandoned them. Of course, I could change my mind again in a couple of weeks, if I get my pastels out again, for instance. I haven't used those for years, but it is a possibility as I am fast running out of materials. Starving artist in a garret, that's me!!!!!

SOLD

All In A Days' Work Oils 9.5" x 9.5"

Another great subject outside my window! With new people moving in next door, we have removal men. Two very nice chaps from Scotland, one of which you see here. Tea break next, I think!

SOLD

RIDERS OILS 12" x 10"

Well, I didn't have to go far for another subject, I looked out of my window again and there it was! I happen to think that there is no need for horse riders to use the roads and hold the traffic up. It's not like there is a shortage of fields around here!

I obviously worked from a photograph, there is no way I could have sketched this in the time they were in view, and while that is fine, I feel that I must stop editing the photo and then just copying that. It's easy to just copy and it isn't very adventurous. So, that is the aim with the next painting, be adventurous!