I’ve been out and about painting today as I couldn’t resist the sunshine. I’m in dire need now of a cup of tea. I will probably post a photo next week as the paint is drying but here’s a photo in situ and today’s still life.
8″x8″ oil on gessoboard – SOLD
Showsley
The day before yesterday, whilst jobbers and flora were playing cards, I took myself off and found this small mas nestled behind some vines with the hilltop village of Lacoste in the background. I stood there happily for a couple of hours and my only companions were a couple of little dogs who were taking themselves for a Walk up the lane. Later, a lovely family from Dunkerque stopped to chat. I absolutely love painting here! I realise I am in the realm of the master of painting all things Provençal, Julian Merrow Smith. In fact, I’m here because I couldn’t get on his workshop, it was full. Do look at his work, it’s fantastic and he, among others, have inspired me to paint en plein air. Excuse the shadow on the right hand corner.
8″x8″ oil on gessoboard
Painting in provence
Well here’s a taste of Pakistan. Peaches from the Swat valley which are drippingly juicy and in abundance in June. Buying and eating fruit in the country of origin makes such a difference to the taste. Busy morning this morning with lots of visitors and paintings sold. In between I had my haircut and packed for weekend in Ireland, visiting family. Have a great weekend, doubt I can blog tomorrow.
8″x8″ oil on gessoboard-SOLD
Sometimes, I seem to paint a subject that people love and aubergines seem to be one of them. More troubles here, more people killed…….I’m looking forward to some peace and calm when I get back but many here don’t have that luxury.
8″x8″ oil on gessoboard-SOLD
While I’m sad not to be at Patchings Festival this year, as I will still be in Pakistan this coming weekend, I’m delighted to say I shall be exhibiting and demonstrating at Childwickbury Arts Fair on 4th, 5th and 6th July so…..come on down for lots of art, music and food – I would love to see you. Click here for link.
8″x8″ oil on gessoboard-SOLD
Mad dogs and Englishmen. It’s Friday 2pm and it’s about 40 degrees out there so I am staying in the air-conditioned loveliness of the house. I ventured out to the supermarket (I use the term loosely) earlier and nearly combusted. This is spring apparently, summer is yet to come. On the upside, the strawberries are pretty fantastic, even with the faint whiff of Milton. Think I might paint some! No blogs next week as I have larger pieces to finish. They keep staring at me from the corner of the studio so I must crack on.
8″x8″ oil on gessoboard
One of the gorgeous tulips used by the Country Living stylist for the house shoot a couple of weeks ago. Sadly, they expired before I had time to paint them en masse so this is a sole survivor. Just getting back into the swing of things here before I hit the easel again next week.
8″x8″ oil on gessoboard
My lovely neighbour had pointed me in the direction of her flowering cherry with permission to pick some to paint. When I popped in to get it, I found this white lilac so took the liberty of helping myself. This led me to mull over one of those important questions in life: Can the term “scrumping” be used in association with White Lilac? Discuss.
I decided to leave the background on this one, it is the raw umber wash I give my boards so that I’m not painting on starck white – messes with the tonal values don’t you know.
8″x8″ oil on gessoboard – SOLD
Yesterday although I painted all day, I plum forgot to post. A sign of age methinks. Easter weekend was so lovely that I spent all of Saturday out and about with my paints. Having supped at The Plough Inn on Friday evening after a walk, I decided to retrace my steps on Saturday although the light wasn’t as inspiring as it had been. I also managed to park myself right in front of the allotment gates for this one which of course meant having to move several times to allow the happy gardeners access.
8″x8″oil on gessoboard-SOLD
My borders are full of these lovely black tulips, Queen of the Night to be precise. I have built up my stocks over the years and contrary to expert opinion, they keep going year on year.
8″x8″ oil on gessoboard