'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 :-)

'Rooster'

NFS yet

What a heat haze kind of day........ up in the woods today I saw 2 mini grass snakes, already hatched from their leathery baked eggs.

My youngest brother said that Rooster 2 had lost its way, possibly due to my long painting session yesterday - comments taken on board, he wouldn't have been a seller, so he has been re-worked today. A remodelling is something I don't normally do. Paintings just 'stay in' or get painted over, so I am learning to re-model.

The heat and the thought of getting to the tip on Monday with vegetation,' meant an option to 'clear the garden' took over from my 'hens painting' I will settle to that one once the evening cools, and oils are not sliding all over the place. If you want to see the detailing of the rooster's head, you can do this by 'clicking on the painting'. It is a 6x6" linen panel with oils.

'Fiona's Chooks 2'

NFS yet

I am sure that many painters go through the battles of confidence and self worth, which can hold them back from fluidity with the brush. I have been struggling with these issues, and my low self esteem for some time, and have in recent months fallen into the trap of 'how others see you' and 'their critical analysis of personal worth'- thankfully my close friends have seen this and buoyed me up this week :-)

Now... back to painting - the colours are not really 'true' sadly - they are more saturated, and a bit harsh [6"x6" paintings on belgian #15 linen with wood support]. I have 10 chooks paintings to do for my mini exhibition.............. so will be painting night and day for a while. Just as well I paint Alla Prima - all in one go.  They will be put on the wall of Bonne Bouche in Colwall sooooon promise! and will let you know when.

'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  :-)