'Exaggerated Saturation in the Hills'

NFS

A very very quick post-work study exploring the effect of reducing the saturation of the middle and distant planes, whilst raising the saturation of the foreground. I must say that the luminosity of the subject matter has increased - maybe not to the requirement of sunglasses ;-) Tomorrow I am back to work on Composition - I will use my' chook studies' for this one. These are my VAA coursework assignments on small 7''x5'' linen boards.

'British Camp'

NFS



This was an exercise in exaggerated atmospheric perspective based upon a photograph taken at dusk on November the 5th last year. Yes the three lines are three figures gazing towards Gloucester ;-). Tomorrow I am repeating the exercise in exaggerated saturation - perhaps sunglasses will be required? Time to clear the subtle hues off the palette.

'The Aldbourne Circular'

NFS

Last weekend I chose to go on a 12 mile circular MTB ...........what I didn't account for was the steep rutted ascents and bumpy descents ;-) ....but the weather was wonderful and it was great to ride in such an ancient landscape...... .http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Ridgeway/uploads/Aldbourne%20Circular%20Route%20Leaflet.pdf. Tomorrow I shall be up on the hills sketching and taking pics for my 'Malvern Hills' series - I do prefer landscapes with people.

This chalkland study was so different from the familiar sharp rock faces of the volcanic Malverns, and the beautiful mountains of Wales. I have tried to portray the unusual hazy heat of a hot spring day in England....... yes really!

For new 'followers' remember that if you click on my paintings you will see my brushwork and use of colour.

'Fiona's Chooks 1'

NFS

Thank goodness the creative energy has returned ;-) This is the first of many studies planned to produce a series of paintings to be exhibited at Bonne Bouche in my home village. The chicken's are really David's chickens - and over the years roosters have caused Fiona many self defence moments at the washing line. She is happy for me to call them 'Fiona's chooks' as long as it is just the chooks............. their beautiful rooster a Rhode Island Red -Welsummer cross is due for the chop or transfer to a new flock for genetic reasons [let me know if you'd like him].

'Colour and Brush Strokes'

NFS

This evening's study - after so much coursework in black and white - was a little bit of light relief - if not quite complete on the right hand side ;-) Whilst away from my Blog I have enjoyed conversations with my second cousin and other family members, to understand about 'what I see' and 'my painting style'...................... which has helped me to understand what I want, and also given me a sense of direction.

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/Challenge/85FF8737-76BA-41D3-8E22-4154DA1CC422

Thanks for those who have called worried about my health.......... I am fine! I have had an uber busy week completing my Law studies for the CAB [soon advising at Malvern] and working through Notans [Black-grey-white] for my Virtual Art Academy studies............. and it is mother's 80th on Tuesday too.
I will get back into the painting pattern next week - lots of composition studies - and Richard Logan has explained the best way to sign my works............... thanks Californian Guy ;-)

'Valentine Rose'

                     NFS

A late night paint after work, this time on a 6'' x 6'' linen board. Last night I made an attempt, but resorted to rubbing and scraping it off - roses are harder to paint than I thought.

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/Challenge/A0521172-6041-46C3-ABFC-2D2003BFB28D?guid=0703FC5A-9F48-4908-8734-B9EF332D84F8



'Ten Cherries'

NFS

Today's painting was an 80 minute paint session - 10 minute per cherry - this is Carol Marine's Challenge for Daily Painters - mine is now submitted, just have to wait and see if it gets posted :-) .............. and it's been accepted! http://www.dailypaintworks.com/Challenge/1A9D96CC-C3F6-4EA1-AC8D-F0634F8C2369?guid=0703FC5A-9F48-4908-8734-B9EF332D84F8

'Bits and Bobs'

NFS

Lots of studying today......................... painting tomorrow ;-)

'Moment of Recognition'

NFS

'Student Friendship'

NFS

This is a colour study looking at the values of different hues. The subject matter shows my friend Bren, my dog Cap, and me on the coastal path heading towards Padstow. Our student friendship has lasted since Uni days, when we worked hard and played hard - and continue to do so.

'Padstow Palace'

NFS

This study is from a photograph taken when I visited Cornwall in 2009. Padstow is where Rick Stein has his fish restaurant - just above the boat - on the left. I was taken by the beauty of the boat and the small harbour. We were lucky on our visit, it was a beautiful day in early summer, so not many people around. 

I just mused about having the palace of a boat moored, to wine and dine at Rick Stein's - my type of heaven - fresh fish and good wine  :-)

'Rock Pool'

NFS

This is the same study - what a difference adding ultramarine and removing mars black makes to the palette - and I feel that it has a more 'marine' quality to it.

'Brown Kelps'

NFS

Today's painting is very much a 'brown rock pool' study. If you ever wondered why the 'Old Masters' paintings look so dull and dark - here is an illustration of a painting completed with a similar limited Earth pigment palette. I painted this piece using just yellow ochre, burnt sienna, mars black, and titanium white. For the botanists amongst us, there are kelps and serrated wracks to the right ;-)

[If you click on the painting it will enlarge and reveal my brushwork]

'Birds and Binoculars'

NFS

Today I have blogged another drawing rather than a painting - a composition of eggs, bird books, binoculars, and that glass of dry salty sherry ;-). May all my Blog followers and family have a good weekend - could be a good one, it's so nice and bright for a change.

'Watch those Birdies'

NFS

A late night paint in an extended palette......... and a bit of a struggle. Apologies for the shine on the canvas - oils still very oily ;-) Just want to say thanks for the enthusiasm Coleman's artshop gave me today for my Blog, and a big thank you to all my followers.

'Beautiful Bees'

NFS

A little study from a photograph using the vivid primary palette again [cadmium yellow, ultramarine, quinacridone red, white]. Such pretty little birds - tomorrow they will be painted again in a larger palette of colours, to reveal their true beauty.

'Behind the Painting'

NFS

I am putting in a still life drawing today instead of a painting. Drawing and painting and very different from each other - drawing provides the parameters or lines for form - it is the skill of the painter to translate a 3D illusion of form from hues, values and brushwork. This is my challenge ;-) a step away from drawing glassware diagrams too!

'Sweeter Cherries'

NFS

A study using the same pigment palette as yesterday, with the addition of viridian. A simpler subject and a better grip with the hues - now I shall eat my lovely dark cherries ;-)

'Halo Cat'

NFS

A study in acrylics from the last time that I was painting regularly - this was a very special little tortoishell cat [Halo] who just loved cockles and would hide under beds just to be 'roly polyed' out. I will get painting tomorrow with fresh paint ;-).