SHARON WRIGHT ARTIST

WA - Transport

2012-01-25T16:51:00.000Z

There is a definite advantage with watercolour to drawing your subject first! OK if you like wonky boats. I like the middle one best....what say you?

WA - Self Portrait

2012-01-19T13:41:00.000Z

WA 'Abstract'

2012-01-12T09:44:00.000Z

COAST 10" X 12" OIL £50

DELTA 5" X 7" OIL £25

WA

2012-01-05T10:57:00.001Z

HAPPY NEW YEAR

EVERYONE

ICICLE 9" x 6" Watercolour

ICICLES 11" X 9" Watercolour

The topic was 'snow and ice'.

I have in mind to take watercolours to the WA every week, with an aim to stop being scared of them! This, I think, is the first time I have enjoyed using them, and it is thanks to Jean Haines. I watched her demo on TV and, while she made it look easy, I could relate to her use of colour straight from the tube, but more importantly her way of laying down her colour and letting it do it's own thing. Fast and loose! But only to a certain extent. Her lesson in control was like a light switching on!

Now, having said all that, next weeks' topic is 'abstract'..........back to oils for that one methinks!

Tess

2012-01-04T16:49:00.004Z

An 18th birthday gift for Tess.

The last arty thing I did in 2011, and sadly, the last 18th birthday for relatives of my friend Grace!

WA

2011-12-08T14:55:00.001Z

Where's the Lads? 16" x 16" Oil

The brief today was to make Christmas cards, so, as I don't do Christmas, I did this, from a photo taken at Cromer.

I really like using the board for the beach, and now I'm wondering if using a proper sheet of wood, instead of this MDF, or hardboard, would make an even better painting, because of the grain.

I Have A Roof!

2011-12-06T15:36:00.001Z

I need a floor, the walls boarded and painted, then I am IN!!!!!

WA

2011-12-01T13:57:00.001Z

The topic was 'Chinese Painting', where we were given a few basic guidelines, and step-by-step fish, to copy.

Well, we all had a go, and we all felt we just didn't have the knack!

No-one else wanted to publish.

I would love to be proficient at this technique, but with watercolour on watercolour paper. I fear I am way too lazy and impatient to put in the necessary practise.

WA

2011-11-24T10:57:00.001Z

The topic this week was 'DOORWAYS OR WINDOWS'.

I had enjoyed working with charcoal last week so I took them along to play with. I do love black and white images!

Unfortunately, I forgot to take my camera, so have nothing to show of my fellow WA-ers work.

Life Drawing

2011-11-19T17:26:00.001Z

For more on my lastest life drawing escapades go here.

WA

2011-11-16T17:06:00.001Z

The brief was to paint on an object...stone, wood, etc.

Two people chose wood.

Judith.WIP

David.

Three people chose pebbles.

Jacqui

June.

Penny.

Some folk chose flower pots.

Veronica.

Sue.

Jacqui.

Everyone else carried on painting their animals from last week.

Brenda.

Brenda. WIP

Christine. WIP

Pat. WIP

I took the commission I have been working on, sorry.

As Nature Intended

2011-11-15T12:57:00.001Z

An exhibition of nude bodies

King’s Lynn Arts Centre - 12th to 20th November - 01553 779095 / www.kingslynnarts.co.uk

'We love Nature and most people will admire an art work of a landscape, a flower or a wild
animal. This exhibition features work that admires our own bit of Nature, our bodies. The body
evolved over thousands of years and Nature knew what she was doing. We are hard-wired toinstinctively respond to these forms and enjoy the gift that Nature has provided.We enjoy performers and the energy and power in an athlete’s body or the grace and elegance inthat of a dancer. Our culture demands we don’t stare at the bodies around us or flaunt our ownbodies in front of others. But secretly everyone is peeking!This exhibition features the work of four Norfolk artists, who do more than peek. They admireour connection with Nature: Peter Kavanagh (drawings and paintings,) Becky Robinson(prints,) Janice Alamanou (photographs) and Becky Brown (sculptures.)Peter and Becky are inspired by life drawing, a great way to appreciate the body. Their drawingsand prints convey the relationship of artist and model, of looking and showing. The handling ofvarious media is quick and lively as the gesture of a pose has to be captured before the modeltires. The pose communicates to us with poetic depth.Janice photographs the body as she would any other aspect of Nature. Light and form areparticularly important in her images. Becky Brown creates stylised ceramic figures etched withorganic forms that emphasise our dependance on Nature.Enjoy the pictures and sculptures and enjoy your own Human Nature.'

twonaked.blogspot.com

To help promote the exhibition we thought it would be fun to record our drawing sessions
in this blog, illustrating the work in progress along with our thoughts and ideas. Your comments
will be welcome!

I went along to this exhibition and highly recommend it. If you are in King's Lynn, do go and have a look. It's magic!

Peter Kavanagh will be giving a workshop at King's Lynn Art Centre this Friday, 18th Nov, 7pm-9pm, cost £15. Should be very interesting....see you there?

Peter will also be giving a workshop on Dec 4th in Wells. Count me in!

Hertford Art Society Members Exhibition

2011-11-14T16:24:00.001Z

The good news is that I sold both framed paintings.

But, even better, I won the Members Choice vote! How's that for a boost to the confidence. I am suitably chuffed!

This week I will be concentrating on outstanding commissions, for which I do not have permission to post.

Young Roy 20" x 24" Oil

2011-11-11T14:41:00.001Z

'Young Roy' after John Singer Sargent 'Lord Dalhousie'

I have been working on my Sargent copy this week, purely for my own pleasure. A bit naughty really when I have promised commissions unfinished. Slow progress and lots more to do.

Is anyone else having trouble adjusting to the new time? I cannot get going!

In Remembrance

2011-11-11T10:26:00.001Z

In honour of every person who ever fought to preserve our freedom, but especially those who gave their lives doing so and for my Granddad in particular. I shall never forget.

WA, aka Wednesday Afternooners, aka West Winch Art Club

2011-11-09T17:27:00.000Z

The topic for today was 'paint or draw and animal'.

Skyline 14" x 18" Oil

I have long wanted to paint these bulls, who live in a field near me. I am drawn to their silhouettes as they meander along the ridge of the hill, but have yet to get the perfect shot.

Not many folk wanted to show off their work today but Jacqui was quite rightly very proud of her giraffe. He is so cute!

June has portrayed this little dog so sensitively with pastels. Brilliant colour choices, including the paper, which sets off the drawing to perfection. That look in his eye is so emotive.

I admire Davids use of watercolour in painting this crab. No washes for him, just pure colour, which is how I have been trying to pluck up courage to use it, so it was very interesting to watch.

WA

2011-11-02T17:11:00.000Z

The brief today was to paint a copy of a masterpiece, or paint in the style of your favourite artist.

Remember this? A copy of Lady Agnew of Lochnaw by John Singer Sargent, but with my younger face. I didn't like the head, as I felt it too small, so.........

I changed it. Needs more work, but I am happier with the proportions.

I also made a start on a companion piece, featuring a young Roy, which is also a copy of a Sargent, Lord Dalhousie.

WA

2011-10-26T17:30:00.002+01:00

The brief today.......post box!

Mine, watercolour.

Jacqui, acrylic and pastels, that post box is awesome!

Pat, amazing detail and gorgeous zoomed in composition.

Christine, delicate watercolour washes and intricate pen work make a superb study.

Brenda, watercolour pencils, I think, but she forgot her brush! Lovely study, hope to see it finished.

June, love the incongruity!

Veronica, simple but very effective. Splendid brickwork!

I didn't want to fiddle with mine, so I did this poppy too.

Who would have thought such a simple idea would result in so many different and amazing paintings? No way would I be able to pick a favourite.

Sing and Dance WIP

2011-10-26T12:59:00.000+01:00

My other blog, here, has a fuller post, ie. the reason I painted this

Reflections Too 10" x 12" Oil

2011-10-21T13:55:00.000+01:00

This is another version of a painting I did back in Aug 2008, done at the request of a friend. This is the third time that someone has wanted a painting that has already been sold! I am always happy to do another version, which has been agreeable in each of the three cases.

Does this happen to you? Do you offer to paint a similar painting?

WA

2011-10-19T16:59:00.001+01:00

Wells Boats 20" x 13" Pastel

A very enjoyable afternoon again. I wasn't brave enough to go for full colour, but I do think the tiny touches lift the painting a bit. Shame the red flag is slap bang in the middle!

More Boats 12" x 20" Pastel

2011-10-17T16:55:00.001+01:00

As I had retrieved my pastels from the bottom of a box last week, I had to have a go. It's probably a work in progress, as I can see where just a flick of a pastel would make a big improvement and I could make a lot more of the sea. I enjoyed it, though, so I might well go back to it! Maybe.

WA

2011-10-12T18:12:00.000+01:00

Today we enjoyed a pastel demonstration by Maureen Drake.

She began by warming up with a 40 minute demo of her blending tecnique.

Then Maureen began work in earnest with a very complicated scene of trees, flowers, water and reflections.

At the end of the afternoon, with a not quite finished painting. Such a shame we ran out of time, Maureen worked like a demon!

Next week we shall be putting everything we have learned into practice. In the meantime, to whet your appetite, here are a few examples of my pastel work from quite a few years ago.

Shimmer 15" x 14" Oil

2011-10-10T17:01:00.001+01:00

A quick wield of the palette knife.....love it!

Tiddling!

2011-10-07T16:41:00.000+01:00

'At the Show' 20" x 16" Oil

'Garlic' 12" x 16" Oil

I've been making adjustments to these two paintings in readyness for exhibition at the end of the month. There are two exhibitions the same weekend, one in Swaffham , the other in Hertford. I have no idea how I shall manage to be in two places at once!

WA

2011-10-05T17:03:00.000+01:00

FALL 9.5" x 13" Watercolour

With 'Autumn' the topic today, I played with leaves and had a very nice afternoon. The only planning was to take just watercolours so I couldn't bottle it again! I'm happy with this, but I'm wondering how to get a dark background instead of light....too scary. Perhaps not.

Oh, and lovely, scrummy cakes made by the fair Jacqui!

Facing Hard Times Exhibition

2011-10-01T17:19:00.000+01:00

Needs Must by Sharon Wright

Untitled by Maria Papadatou

Vince Laws with one of his pieces, 'Hope Less'

La Marelle by Valerie Boivin ( Limited edition print)

Went along to the opening today, but missed the announcement of the prize-winners. I did have a glass or two of the lovely punch and a nice chat to a couple of the other artists, including the very bold (if his art is anything to go by) Vince Laws.

Facing Hard Times Exhibition is at the Greyfriars Art Space,43 St James Street, King's Lynn, Norfolk. PE30 5BZ until 15th October 2011.

WA

2011-09-28T17:14:00.001+01:00

Windill on th Broads 12" x 10" Oil

The suggested topic for today was 'Norfolk Windmill', which everyone was happy to have a go at. After two wipeouts this is my effort. Needs a few light touches. I got the image from the internet and it has no detail of location, just somewhere on the Norfolk Broads.

Studio and Boats

2011-09-27T17:30:00.000+01:00

Today I have been applying Creosote to my studio walls. Roof next, methinks.

I do believe I may have ruined this T-shirt!

Boats at Wells 14" x 12" Oils

Boats at Houghton 15" x 9" Watercolour

I have also been 'tiddling up' a couple of paintings.

The Bigger Picture

2011-09-25T18:11:00.000+01:00

I went along to the unveiling of 'The Bigger Picture' at King's Lynn Arts Centre today. 160 local artists each painted a small part of an unknown work. There was a definite buzz in the air, anticipation, curiosity, expectation, or perhaps just not knowing what to expect!

I hope to re-visit the exhibition, which will include a painting from each of the participating artists. Looking forward to that.

The Bigger Picture. Splendid, I thought!

This photograph and the next with kind permission of Judith Mazur.

The original painting by an unknown artist.

After the unveiling....plenty to talk about.

Can you name the famous face?

The music was provided by this contraption, the whys and wherefores, I'm sorry, I have no idea.

Members of the West Winch Art Club (WA) who had done their small contribution.

Penny, Doris, Judith, Jacqui, Pat and Christine.

The refreshments were very popular.

Houghton Mill

2011-09-22T17:34:00.001+01:00

I have had a splendid day! I met up with fellow blogger Michael Bailey at Houghton Mill to paint en plein air. I am way too self conscious to go it alone although it is something I have long wanted to do, so when Mike offered I jumped at the chance. The weather was good, the location excellent, Mikes company easy and interesting. Of course we chatted half the time about art, family, brushes and paint, children, Picasso and Pollack, etc, etc., it's a wonder we did any painting.

My idea when I got up this morning was to paint a panoramic landscape, the same view, one watercolour and one oils. So why I zoomed in on the mill, I have no idea. Perhaps I was still in portrait mode from yesterday! My watercolour boats are clumsy but I like that best and might tiddle it up a bit tomorrow. I love Mikes first viewpoint better, even though he didn't paint the mill, and have taken a photo to try it myself. And I adore the light he has captured in the second painting. It's very subtle but mesmerising.

I have concluded today that I really must get out more! Thank you, Mike, for a very enlightening day.

WA

2011-09-22T06:45:00.000+01:00

The brief was to paint a portrait...upside down, and here is what we painted. Wait, no need to turn your computer upside down! I've posted them agin right side up. It was a brilliant afternoon, and the icing on the cake was. well, the cake! Penny had made chocolate cake to celebrate her birthday. Happy birthday Penny!

YES!

2011-09-20T17:01:00.002+01:00

No painting today, sorry. I have been sorting the frame for 'Needs Must' because it has been accepted for exhibition! Woohoo!

North Norfolk Coast

2011-09-20T16:45:00.002+01:00

Posed 20" x 16" Oil WIP

2011-09-16T18:12:00.000+01:00

From a photo taken at a HAS life drawing session. Lots of 'tiddling' to do yet!

WA

2011-09-14T17:34:00.000+01:00

Christine

Jacqui

Judith

June

Pat

Sharon

A packed house today, with everyone wanting to paint boats and water, which was the brief for today. A few of the ladies agreed to let me post their glorious work on here.

I painted mine, again using the bare board to denote the sand, which is basically blue and orange. Can't go wrong can it? I think I rushed it, and looking at it now I really think the painting would benefit if the foreground boats were a bit bigger. The sky and the sand could be better too!

A wonderful afternoon nevertheless.

Needs Must 32" x 32" Oil

2011-09-12T15:16:00.002+01:00

Done....and sent (emailed) !!

Needs Must Progress

2011-09-11T22:24:00.000+01:00

Getting there.

Needs Must 32" x 32" Oil WIP

2011-09-09T17:21:00.000+01:00

This is a work in progress supposedly to submit to the 'Facing Hard Times' exhibition. I have to email my entry by Monday! It's not turning out anything like the image I have in my head and I am getting cross. As I don't paint at the weekend, it looks like it might be a get up early on Monday and do something different, very last minute kind of a job. Did you know that I work best under pressure?

Garlic 12" x 16" Oil

2011-09-07T17:19:00.000+01:00

The WA has started its meetings again after the summer break. Yippee! I swear we all spent more time chatting than painting. It was so good to see everyone.

The brief was to paint items to be found in a kichen and as you see a lot of thought went into my setup!!!!!!!! I thoroughly enjoyed painting this and get a real buzz painting in good company, so I'm really looking forward to the coming weeks.

Studio Update

2011-09-07T17:09:00.002+01:00

Here's where it is at today. Roy took last week off work specifically to get this done..................

The first weekend we dossed..well we had all week didn't we! We spent a day visiting, a day at the coast and two days digging up the hedge along the driveway! But, as you see we have rafters, four stud walls and featheredge boarding on the front. Some progress, then.

Fairhurst Gallery

2011-08-30T07:16:00.000+01:00

Escaped 18" x 19" Oil

I went along to the Fairhurst Gallery in Norwich on Friday, to check out the space that is currently showing one of my paintings. I was totally charmed. Small, but perfectly formed, informal, warm and welcoming, I could have stayed all day. The work on display was diverse in its subject matter and styles and very interesting.

Having met the owner, Timothy (Tiz) Fairhurst, a gentle gentleman, who impressed me, first, by coming to me to see my work, and by his enthusiasm and easy, warm manner, I was not surprised by the feel of the place.

The gallery had previously specialised in old paintings but has changed direction to accomodate contemporary work. Consequently the website is a work in progress, but do take a look and if you are in Norwich I recommend you pay them a visit. You too will be charmed.

WA

2011-08-28T15:26:00.001+01:00

The WA do not hold their usual meetings during the summer, but we obviously miss it, because when the delightful Jacqui invited us to her place last Wednesday, most of us turned up.

I spent most of the time soaking up her wonderful garden and taking photographs, and then chatting and eating Jacquis' scrummy banana cake.

I did make a start on a waterlily painting, which I shall probably never finish!

It was a glorious afternoon and so wonderful to catch up with everyone....and only two weeks til we start our usual meetings. Goody.

Thank you Jacqui.

Windsurfer 17" x 14" Oil

2011-08-26T18:04:00.000+01:00

Greyfriars Art Space Festival

2011-08-22T16:06:00.001+01:00

Better late than never to tell you about Greyfriars Art Space Festival, held last Sunday in King's Lynn. It was organised by Kathy Cossins who said 'We were raising money for a local charity - 'Forward' which works with adults with learning difficulties and aims to help their members to acquire skills to enable them to live more independently. We also had a collection for the Royal British Legion. Myself and Vicky Hussain organised the day between us. It was hard work, but it was well worth it in the end'. We had a glorious day in a wonderful setting, attendance was good and the display of art was diverse, with cards and prints, ceramics and sculpture and paintings. I had a brilliant afternoon of people watching and sketching. There was stuff for kids to do and the entertainment was brilliant, especially local band Jessie's Ghost.

I hadn't ever participated in anything like it before and didn't know what to expect. I had planned to offer charcoal portrait sketches but, disappointingly there were no takers. I had a lot of very encouraging comments and managed to sell a painting. A small, but perfectly formed, one.

My display, which, as you can see, could have been a whole lot better. You live and learn, so watch out next year!

Listen to Jessie's Ghost.

Boats at Wells-Next-The-Sea 40" x 30" Oil WIP

2011-08-18T17:24:00.000+01:00

Lots to do on this yet. Love that bit of red!

Accepted!

2011-07-23T15:37:00.002+01:00

My painting 'Half Full' has been accepted for the annual exhibition of West Norfolk Artists Association, which runs from today until 6th Aug at St Nicholas Chapel in King's Lynn. A sale would be SO nice!

Feeling uninspired yesterday, I came across Jean Haines July challenge and had a go. I'm not sure it counts as it is done with oil paint rather than watercolour. It kept me entranced for a couple of hours, though.

Shuffle 16" x 20" Oil

2011-07-21T17:39:00.000+01:00

I've been tiddling this up this week. At least, not being motivated to paint anything else has made me finish this!

Portraits

2011-07-20T16:21:00.000+01:00

Half Full 20" x 16" Oil

Adolescent 30" x 40" Oil

Paramedic 18" x 24" Acrylic

David Lee 18" x 24" Acrylic

I have delivered paintings for selection (hopefully) to West Norfolk Artists Associations' annual exhibition. One lady commented on the portrait..'Half Full'....and said I had obviously been doing it awhile. I came straight home to compare!

The only really early one I have is 'Adolescent', painted with a very limited palette....red, blue and white. The other two were painted in 2004-2005 ish. I remember thinking they were all fantastic....at the time! Not sure I have progressed very far.

Standing Nude 22" x 30" Mixed

2011-07-15T16:52:00.000+01:00

Just felt like drawing today. Conte, charcoal, graphite and water.

Cheers! 16" x 20" Oil

2011-07-12T18:48:00.001+01:00

Been tiddling this today....not happy yet!

Watercolours

2011-07-11T13:45:00.000+01:00

Lochbuie, Isle of Mull, Scotland 20" x 16" Oil

2011-07-07T16:16:00.000+01:00

Poppies 16" x 32" Oil

2011-07-06T12:04:00.000+01:00

Palette knife painting.

At The Show 20" x 16" Oil

2011-07-05T14:09:00.000+01:00

Downham Market Swing Orchestra put on a show on Sunday on the Millennium Green in Watlington. A grand way to spend a lovely sunny afternoon.

My Studio Is Happening!

2011-07-02T18:29:00.000+01:00

Promenade 16" x 15.5" Oil

2011-07-01T15:43:00.001+01:00

Well, I plucked up the courage to add the second figure. And I'm very pleased with the result!

Promenade 16" x 15.5" Oil

2011-06-30T18:14:00.000+01:00

Work in progress, the plan is to add another figure coming the other way......or not!

Roy 3" x 4" Oil

2011-06-29T17:26:00.000+01:00

WA today, where the brief was to paint a miniature no larger than 4" x 4". Now, THAT is what you call fiddling! I did enjoy it, though I do prefer painting large.

Keep Up 16" x 16" Oil

2011-06-28T17:03:00.001+01:00

Beached 15" x 16" oil

2011-06-27T16:57:00.001+01:00

Wells again.

Low Tide 16" x 16" Oil

2011-06-24T17:20:00.001+01:00

Wells-Next-The-Sea again.

Cheers 16" x 20" Oil WIP

2011-06-24T16:56:00.000+01:00

Worked some more on this, yesterday, but it was too glarey to post. Still more to do.

Tiddled

2011-06-23T16:17:00.001+01:00

WA

2011-06-22T18:17:00.001+01:00

The brief today was 'evergreen leaves', of which here is a selection of the girls' work.

Christine

Judith ( it was actually a much lighter and delicate drawing, but I wanted you to SEE it)

Mary

Oh flip, I forgot who did this!

And this!

Oh, my, and this! (let me know, girls)

Jacqui

Jacqui did this, too.

Me? I did this. Not evergreen leaves? I know, but I am meeting up with my lovely sis-in-law on Sunday and wanted to paint for her. Needs some tiddling up, methinks!

III 12" x 10" Oil

2011-06-21T16:25:00.000+01:00

Another 'Three'.

II 12" x 10" Oil

2011-06-20T15:56:00.000+01:00

Another 'Two'.

I 10" x 12" Oil

2011-06-17T18:00:00.000+01:00

Another 'One'! Now THAT'S more like it!

On The Easel

2011-06-17T06:43:00.001+01:00

'CHEERS' 16" x 20" Oil

'SHUFFLE' 16" x 20" Oil

Had to take a break from babies! Two works in progress, of friends. (Sorry about the glare).

WA

2011-06-15T17:50:00.000+01:00

The brief today was to paint a picture as described by Penny. Here are our efforts.

This is the Lowry that penny was describing for us, which we didn't see until the very end. I think we all did a good job, and it's very interesting how similar they are. The object of the exercise was to get away from slavishly copying.

I bet you can guess which one is mine!

This is Pennys' work for today, as she obviously couldn't join in.

Or.......III 8" x 10" Oil

2011-06-13T17:13:00.000+01:00

And another.

Three 8" x 10" Oil

2011-06-13T17:11:00.000+01:00

Another sketch for hospital babies.

Two 8" x 10" oil

2011-06-10T18:40:00.000+01:00

One 8" x 10" Oil

2011-06-08T20:03:00.000+01:00

I finally have an idea for the outstanding hospital paintings. They want babies....they shall have babies. It is to be called One-Two-Three, ie one baby, twins and then triplets.

After the disaster of the boy on the swing sequence, I will first get approval of the idea with sketches, before I go large.

WA

2011-06-01T17:06:00.000+01:00

The very best bit of this afternoon was the homemade cake, sandwiched with homemade blackcurrant jam. Call me piggy, if you want, but I had two pieces because it is a real treat that I don't have often. Really, really scrummy, delicious, perfect cake! Thank you, Christine, you are a treasure.

My artistic efforts today are now in the bin! Far too embarrassed to show you.

HAS Life Drawing

2011-05-29T16:27:00.000+01:00

Made it to Hertford for the monthly all day life drawing session on Saturday. For more see http://www.sharonelaineart.blogspot.com/

Violin 20" x 16" Oil

2011-05-25T17:51:00.001+01:00

Not Mine! 16" x 20" Oil

2011-05-24T16:16:00.000+01:00

Double Take 20" x 16" Oil

2011-05-24T16:13:00.001+01:00

Swervy Scarf 16" x 20" Oil

2011-05-20T18:30:00.001+01:00

I thought 'Hat' needed his companion.

Swervy Hat 20" x 16" Oil

2011-05-19T18:27:00.000+01:00

I like this man....or maybe it's the hat!

Sharing Again 16" x 20" Oil

2011-05-17T16:55:00.000+01:00

The good news is that I sold two paintings at the Hertford exhibition! One lady was so enamoured of 'Sharing', and so disappointed it was sold, that she tentatively asked if I would paint it again for her. Well, of course I would!

WA

2011-05-11T18:29:00.000+01:00

Today was a portrait study, and on previous occasions I have demonstrated first and then the girls have a go. I thought it a good idea to have them draw along with me, so instead of each of us posing for 15 minutes, I brought a photo and pinned it to the wall. My hope was to get them to see the general form rather than concentrate on specifics, like nose, eyes, etc.

Here are the results, along with the reference photo. Considering that no one else paints portraits at all, and there was some groaning before we started at the difficulty of the subject, I think they are all amazing. I don't think anyone will make portraiture their subject after today, but they can all be very proud of the 100% effort and enthusiasm they put in and of their drawings.

And this one is mine.

Rosemary + Thyme 10" x 12" Oil

2011-05-04T17:05:00.000+01:00

The task for today at the WA was 'a sprig of herbs'. A daunting task! Out of chaos a reasonable painting emerged I think. I do like the colour combination, kinda pretty.

WA

2011-04-29T07:30:00.000+01:00

At the WA on Wednesday we tried our hand at silk painting, led by the wonderful Pat. I discovered that precise neatness was required, something which is in no way part of my character! How I wish I had taken my camera, as everyone elses' work was superb.

Hertford Art Society Annual Open Art Exhibition

2011-04-24T11:28:00.002+01:00

I went to Hertford yesterday to submit six paintings to the annual exhibition. I stayed to help, because we have to collect unselected paintings later in the day. I had intended to take photos throughout the proceedings but got involved and only have these three, taken before the judging started. My job was to parade the pictures before the three judges, who awarded an A-accepted, D-doubtful, or X- no.

It was a glorious day, sun shining, delicious lunch provided, log chats with rarely seen friends, and to top it all, I had five paintings accepted!

Before Judging, with June Mendoza at the back, far right, perusing the sculpture.

Trevor Chamberlains' back, brilliant plein air painter.

The judges then had the task of selecting the prizewinners from those paintings that had been awarded AAA, one of which was my ' Orange Sauce'. One of the judges, June Mendoza, eminent, brilliant, portrait painter, came to tell me three times how delightful she found my painting, the composition, format and humour all good and how they changed their minds three times about the winner of 'Best in Show'. So close, but alas, not this time! Thrilling and disappointing at the same time.

June Mendoza

So many paintings!

Sculpture, love those cyclists!

After the judging and lunch, the accepted paintings are sorted into some order as to how they will be hung. The rejected paintings are placed in alphabetical order ready for collection by very disappointed artists.

So much going on....

I had to leave to catch my train long before the work was done. I shall do the same again next year...a brilliant day!

Bride + Groom 20" x 16" Oil

2011-04-20T18:27:00.000+01:00

I just have to fine tune a couple of things, grooms' ear, rose, brides' dress, and it is done!

Orange Sauce 10" x 20" Oil

2011-04-19T17:08:00.002+01:00

Another version of a subject that really makes me smile, and makes still life subjects interesting for me.

Bride + Groom Again Progress

2011-04-14T17:00:00.000+01:00

I have been working on the groom today. Not happy yet, but it is getting there.

Apple Sauce Too 16" x 12" Oil

2011-04-13T17:12:00.002+01:00

I made a start on this second version of Apple Sauce, getting in all the elements of the image with very thin washes, hence the evident weave of the canvas, which is very distracting. More to do tomorrow, then.

The brief for the WA was paint a picture for the upcoming exhibition at Hendersons in June, so everyone was doing there own thing. I am always amazed at the diversity of subject, style and medium and we were all so engrossed I didn't have time to take photos!

Oh, and Penny brought delicious homemade biscuits and I was tempted to eat two!

More Bride + Groom

2011-04-12T17:22:00.000+01:00

Only got an hour painting time today, and made a start on the grooms' head. Are profiles really difficult....or is it just me? He's not Jim Broadbent anymore, though, so that is progress!

Bride + Groom More Progress

2011-04-11T17:10:00.001+01:00

I like it.

Bride + Groom Progress

2011-04-07T18:26:00.000+01:00

House + garden stuff took my time today but I managed a couple of hours and concentrated on the brides' lovely face. Her mouth is a tad too wide which is easily fixed tomorrow. I love how posting an image instantly flags up the errors!

Bride + Groom In Progress

2011-04-07T07:29:00.000+01:00

The initial block in of local colour. You know how a likeness comes and goes during a painting? The grooms' profile keeps bearing a strong resemblance to Jim Broadbent!

So far, so good.

Sharing 20" x 16" Oil

2011-04-05T16:55:00.001+01:00

Swervy World 24" x 19" Oil

2011-03-30T17:01:00.003+01:00

I started this yesterday, so took it to the WA to carry on, even though the brief was 'something that flies (not aeroplanes).

My natural inclination is to carry on further, tidy up the drawing errors, get more detail in the instruments, but I am not going to because I have been trying for years to paint like this. With immediacy and feeling and definitely no fiddling!

We shall see if I can resist the urge tomorrow.

I offered this band first option to buy the painting....and got myself in trouble for not asking permission to use the images I took out in the street. My apologies to 'Swervy World'. Go take a look. My hope is that they will get lots of bookings which may go some way to making amends.

Finger Painting

2011-03-30T11:26:00.000+01:00

PENNY 24" x 19" Oil

I've been enjoying myself again, by way of getting back into the swing of painting. I love getting my hands dirty (and clothes and furniture), and slipping, sliding, dabbing the paint on a smooth surface is glorious!

I framed this yesterday while it was still wet, forgetting to photograph, and then proceeded to vigorously clean the glass! You can imagine the outcome. And I very nearly re-framed after the clean up without photographing again. Senior moments are becoming an all too frequent occurence.

Looking at this now, I have a mind to darken the background. We'll see. Painted from a photograph taken at one of the HAS life sessions.

WA

2011-03-17T08:24:00.000Z

The brief was 'farmyard' so I surfed the net and this appealed to me, reminded me of my childhood surroundings. It is a detail from a painting by E Hersey, who I am sorry to say I have never heard of.

I have been laid low by a virus, and have spent 10 days dozing by the TV, feeling very weak and feeble. I've had disappointing news that none of my three paintings have been accepted for the Eastern Open.

It can only get better.....today could be masterpiece day!

Eastern Open

2011-03-07T18:19:00.000Z

'Out To Lunch' 24" x 24" Oil

'Swing Jump' 60" x 36" Oil

These are as good as they are going to get! I ran out of time. I had it in my head the submission day was 28th March.......wrong! 4th or 5th March it should be. Happily, they telephoned to ask if I wanted to withdraw and gave me until Friday, when I made my excuses. I was delighted, and surprised to be given leaway, but it means I don't have the extra week to tiddle them up. They weren't framed yesterday! The third one I am submitting is still in progress! Is this what they call by the skin of your teeth?

I will post details of the exhibition nearer the time and whether I get any accepted.

WA

2011-03-02T17:11:00.000Z

We had a 'Bob Ross' afternoon, led by Pat, who had printed a picture of trees and bluebells for us to interpret. She had printed step by step instructions and demonstrated along the way.

Thank you Pat.

And here we all are showing off our efforts.

back l - r Pat, Veronica, Judith, 3 x anonymous!, Mary, Jacqui.

front l -r Me, Sue, Christine and Penny.

Shame on you (I think) Doris, June and Iris for hiding!

We all agreed it was a good afternoon.

I haven't ever investigated the Bob Ross phenomenum, too slick for me, but I always think you can learn from everyone. I wouldn't normally work from back to front, light to dark, quite the opposite, in fact, by placing my darks first, but today I added another way of working, which may well be appropriate for a painting one day.