Jenny 8" x 12" Oil

Jenny is the youngest winner of the One Show exhibition, 10 years old. Poor Jenny, her moment of glory snatched away from her. Every one got a chance to speak, to say a word about their painting, except Jenny, whose award was shoved at her very unceremoniously. They had run out of time! I did feel for her.

I gave up with this one, although I do actually like it's unfinished state. I started off wrong, colours, support, you name it, I got it wrong, to paint a child. But instead of starting again, I stubbornly kept on going.

Nelda 10" x 12" Oil

Nelda, one of the five winners of The One Show Summer Exhibition, made an impression on me with her zest for life, the twinkle in her eye, her stories of a time before I was born ( only just) and her naive style of art. She was delightful company.
My intention was to make a wonderful portrait. She is actually far neater and more beautiful than I have portrayed her.
SOLD

Fantastic Day!

Rehearsal, with Christine Bleakley.

Five winners, and companions, in the Green Room. Neldas' daughter Christina, Amanda Henriques, me, Ken Simpson with family, Jenny Olsen and her mum, and Nelda Utilini.

The award, to commemorate the day.

After a very shaky start, (I couldn't get my train ticket because the machine wasn't working, I couldn't find my taxi at Kings Cross and I left my debit card in the public phone!), I got to the television studio in a bit of a state! All soon forgotten and I was flying high. Primetime, live television, wow!

I discovered I was one of the five winners! I discovered that the Royal Academy was involved in the judging! To be chosen from 3500 entries by such exalted company is an accolade indeed. And I am very chuffed, can't stop grinning!

I met five lovely people, all very passionate about their art, and all very different. The time flew by, with chatting, discussions with the film crew about what would happen, debate about whether to 'unveil' the winners, eating the provided sandwiches, and soon we were rehearsing. Adrian and Christine had kind words to say to all of us, albeit very hurriedly, but poor Adrian was having a bad day.

The decision to 'unveil' the winners themselves and not the paintings, was carried unanimously. Brilliant idea, I thought.

Chris Orr was charming, friendly, delightful to talk to. He spent time with all of us, interested in our work, and ready with advice and praise.

Then the filming...we were on...poof ....it was over!

I did feel a bit silly under the 'shroud', Nelda called it, which is probably why I forgot what I wanted to say! No matter, I enjoyed every single minute of it, and would do it again tomorrow.

If you missed the show it can be seen on the BBC One Show web site for the next week, and there is also backstage footage and the shortlisted 85 works from which the final five were chosen, if you care to explore the site.

On TV Again!

ME THREE 20" x 20" Acrylic

The BBCs' The One Show are staging their own Summer Exhibition, and viewers were invited to submit images of their paintings, which of course I did, not wanting to miss an opportunity, especially a freebie. There is no prize, except the paintings judged the best get shown to millions of viewers. I didn't think any more of it, thinking I had missed the unveiling, until I received a phone call inviting me to participate in the show, as my painting, 'Me Three' has been shortlisted!
3388 paintings submitted and I get picked out! I am stunned and thrilled. It may be a bit of fun, but I don't often get noticed, so I shall enjoy this, whatever it entails.
The programme is aired on Monday, 27th July at 7pm.
I shall tell you all about it on Tuesday!

Head Study 10" x 12" Oil

David Larson Evans has very kindly allowed me to use his profile photo to paint. I love the photo, first, because of the hat (of course) and also the mirror and reflections intrique me. I won't mention what an incredibly handsome devil he is!
I spent yesterday blocking in the composition and wiped his head several times.......who was it that said profiles were difficult? So, today, a head study, to help get to grips with it. Having posted I can see immediately that something is wrong with his ear, too big, I think . Sorry, David. I shall have to find my little mirror, so that I can spot glaring errors while working, or remember to turn the painting upside down at frequent intervals!
Go visit David, his work is a joy to behold, colourful, dynamic, stunning paintings.

Absolutely Pooped 12" x 9" Oil

Another from a photo taken at the last HAS life drawing session.

Beach Babe 8" x 12" Oil

Another for my 'Hats' series.

Hat 12" x 14" Conte

Ah, my comfort zone! Truth to tell, lazyitis struck, I couldn't be arsed to get the painting paraphernalia out of the shed, and the pencils were on the table. I enjoyed this, but oh how I wish I could loosen up a bit! Might paint it tomorrow...............might not.

Mackerel Too 12" x 91/2" Acrylic

I have been making adjustments to 'Mackerel Too' today. I like it now!

Mackerel Too + More Mackerel 12" x 91/2" Acrylic

Mackerel Too was done in response to my friends' comment, ' I was thinking more greens and blues'. I wasn't happy with the composition, namely, the plate! And the background!

Hence, More Mackerel! I have yet to discover if my friend likes either of them.

Mackerel 12" x 91/2" Acrylic

My first attempt at mackerel, at the request of a friend. If she likes it, good, if not, I shall have another go.

If you would like to purchase this painting for 70 GBP please email me. sharon.wright9@btopenworld.com