'Catamaran Park'

NFS

This is a quick brushwork assignment to evoke perspective. I emphasis the 'quick' ;-) element. I used a very old photograph of just the boat masts since they made an interesting pattern just like tree trunks. It was also fun to have thick creamy paint to move around the canvas.

'Cool Feet'

NFS

This is a brushwork study for my VAA course derived from a photograph taken by my husband on the day I paddled around the Diana memorial. It was a wonderful experience in the heat of the day to walkover the amazing computer cut granite. There were so few people there that I wasn't prevented from paddling through the granite ripples, ebbs and flows. The study focuses on the contrasts between water and flesh textures :-)

'Cherry Trio'

NFS

A quick study today using a large size 8 filbert on a  7" x 5" linen panel. Yesterday I blocked in a very large panel using a 12 which had lain unused in my brush pot for more years than I care to mention. My studies at the moment focus on use of the brush - this one is to describe form.

'Green Clouds'

NFS

This was painted with an analogous colour harmony of orange + yellow + green. An interesting exploration and a reminder to plan your palette and mix values before ploughing in :-) 

'Hillside Track'

NFS

This is a split complementary using yellow and green hues with a red-violet to create the 'muds' for the track and the rocks. Strange to have a pale green sky! but somehow it works ;-)

I have used another study of Corot to inspire me to pick up the brush.

'Inspiration'

NFS

I have been thinking and pondering about this piece of work, without actually settling down to study. This is a balanced secondary harmony using the hues orange, green and violet. Corot used values with precision and so I will be using his paintings as a focus for these palette studies.

'Back to oils'

NFS

I have been busy using different media, and now return to the challenge of oils and my Virtual Art Academy studies.

A composition study of Edgar Payne's work 'Brittany Fishing Boats'

'Oriental Brushwork'

NFS

This study was painted from the Tanyu Kano period 1602-1674 Gako Senran book of drawings. My paintbrush was dipped in oil paint mixed with medium [to make it more fluid] then placed flat on the paper to create flat lines or 'dragged curves'. Using this piece, whilst carefully observing the original, I was amazed how this brilliant Master had used a few simple lines to convey so much about a windy day.

'Brushwork Studies'

NFS

This is the start of a series of  'Brushwork Studies' for my VAA course. These are little oil paintings on paper developed from copying the linework of that Great Master Rembrandt. I am learning that every so often I must take time out to think and rewind my 'creativity spring'............. to be able to concentrate hard and produce satisfactory work in my paintings - those that reveal thought and energy, not mere photographic replicas. Just in time to post some for August............. thank goodness!

'Coastal Blues'

NFS

After yesterday's post I thought that the rocks had a 'sameness' about it and the water had lost its former illusion of movement, and had become too patterned. After an evening lifting potatoes in the garden, and getting bitten by midges - I decided to have another go with the paint left on the palette - so here it is, another exploration of lost and found edges................. in reality it is much softer blues - but this was an early morning photograph. Have a good day............. this is for my work colleagues................ and of course everyone of my 'Blog Followers'.................. may it be a good one  :-)

'Malvern Hill Edges'

NFS

This is just a quick 30 minute study, which makes British Camp look like an alpine ascent - artistic metaphor coming into play I think for its historical significance! I am now studying Brushwork and Colour with the Virtual Art Academy. Here is an adventure with lost and found edges.................. someone in my family didn't like the dull version - so this is bright and more 'morning light' for 'Up with the Skylarks'. Tomorrow I am having a 'lost and found' study on the rocks........... from my previous post :-)

'Coastal Swell'

NFS

This is painted using just 2 brights [1&2] - small flats - to give texture to the rock forms. The focus of this composition is repetition with variety. I am happier with this simpler style, limited palette, and more painterly quality to the brushwork................. back to reading about Paul Henry.........

'Passive Padstow'

NFS

This is another version of 'Padstow Palace'. Here I am trying to create compositional Active and Passive areas using brush strokes, colour/hue, and values. Now time to think about my next assignment 'Repetition with Variety'........................ time to ponder about that one, and look for inspiration from Paul Henry, or the Glasgow Boys.

'Up with the Skylarks'

NFS

I am having a hard time with my painting identity - the balance between fluid painterly brushwork and precision. I am still very much in the exploratory phase and trying to get the blend between the two just right. Many canvases are ending up in the bin or painted over - for risk of being too cramped I just decided to 'get on with it'............... and stop 'bimbling about'.

This painting is for my Art studies - the assignment called for Composition with Variety. I have tried to achieve this with colour, form and brushwork............. and I'm actually quite happy with it............. :-)

The inspiration was an early walk with my collie on the ridge, when the only life about were the skylarks, rabbits, me, 'Cap'................... and the morning sunshine...... wonderful.

This post should show my brushwork a little bit more clearly if you click on the painting.

'Edge Notans'

NFS

Today I am having a good time painting, and at the same time listening to 'Plan B' [reminds me of Kenny Thomas -passionate & earthy East End male voice I think?].  These are 'edge notans' from life - some edges are smooth, others sharp - attempting to create compositions with good value contrast, and confidence with the brush and subject matter. I now have a monthly assignment to complete - a still life - so perhaps some colour?

Apologies if images are dark on your browser - overcast outside when taking pictures - reposted, but this time there is a bit of canvas paper curl.

'Imagination Edge Notans'

NFS

Back to 'my Blog' with great relief, having completed an academic work contract - life is busier these days :-) I have been studying the importance of making quick notan value studies as preparation for larger coloured paintings. Today's work is purely imaginative, with no resources, except the mind. This is a time to be creative, and just see what happens. I am a year two VAA student, and I can see how my year 1 studies now give me much more to think about in these little value/notan studies.

'British Camp'

NFS

Today has been an 'out on the hills' type of day - avoiding the tourists' gaze whilst sketching. This is from a special spot on private land which really inspires creativity. I am finding that I am shifting slowly back to the style and confidence of my more youthful days as a painter with Mr. Grace [God bless him] in the art studio at Purbrook Park Grammar - and also painting those wonderful stage sets with him, and Colin S............. I am starting to move forwards again..... with confidence, my soul and spirit for the love of painting ;-)

'Welsh Notans'

NFS

Last month was not a good month for painting - I am finding that you have to have the ' flow of creative energy' and the free spirit of the brush. My mind has to be focused on the subject, to be able to 'look', and there has to be a trigger to 'want to explore'. This usually occurs through outdoor adventures full of visual stimuli, and physical challenge.  

These little oil sketches are an exploration of the landscapes of Wales, value plus hue - and were great fun.

Remember if you 'click' on the image you will be able to see my brushwork. 

I am pleased to see that my Blog is being 'logged into' across the globe - including Russia. 

'Maude and Mildred'

 NFS yet

Fiona's chooks are real stars to capture with the brush. I just loved this pose where the birds really want to know what I am up to, and yet need the comfort of companionship for safety. This is added to by the flick of a comb to really focus in on me. Maybe time away from the palette, and my reading thinking time, has made me more perceptive again? 

'Chooks on the Move''

 NFS yet

I have been struggling with 'a creative block' in my painting, so thank you to those who surround me in my daily life - the paints are back on the palette. I think perhaps setting myself the task of painting 'to order', is one that I have found difficult. However, the plus point is that I am detached from them, and I know that they are for selling.

Thankfully the chickens next door are always there to amuse me with their antics. They are now moving 'free range' with the good weather, and are appearing on the track and in amongst the vegetation outiside my kitchen window.

Let's hope I will post a better show in the month of  May :-)