Sunflower Trio

I painted these sunflowers to "There's nothing like this" by Omar which always relaxes me and I hope has had a positive effect on my painting as well. : )

Lakeside Ablutions

At Wardown park lake there is a large water fountain that shoots up a single column of water, and that reflection is what I tried to capture in this painting.It was early morning and the geese were  peacefully preening their feathers.The roots in the foreground are of the willow  and are said to be three times the height of these trees.
I'm finding standing to paint so much easier and even quicker.Also the larger paintbrushes allow for a more freestyle of painting.
I'm keeping up with the Charles Sovek lessons,about one a day,only I won't be posting them as it is a bit time consuming.

Nevertheless 3

This rose has been sitting very patiently and going yellow at the edges ,but nevertheless has beauty that is still to be captured.After the line drawing which is itself a very basic lesson although very valuable, I find myself feeling more expressive so I really had fun with this one.

I have decided to send  my spice jar(which I posted on the 8th of July) to any of my followers who want it.In return I would ask  that they paint it and post it on their blog and then offer it to one of their followers.At some point it would be nice to have the jar back so(I'm making this up as I go along so bear with me)say after  a year from when I send it.Jean Nelson did say she wanted it ,so I will offer it to her first.I'll keep you posted. : )

Gesture versus Contour

This is the first lesson on Charles's Lessons from the easel.There are two ways of drawing ; one is gesture which gives the drawing energy and movement,the other is contour which is a straight forward line drawing without expression.I feel so much happier starting these exercises because it gives me direction and already I'm seeing the value of expression.
Thanks again Maria.

Tick Tock

This is my entry for this weeks The Nature's Arrangement Challenge on the DailyPaintworks.I kept to the time limit,used the paintbrushes stated and also the colours allowed.I found the colour restriction the most difficult because it was hard to mix the right greens and especially getting the right colours for the brick wall.

Historical Garden at Stockwood

I can't believe its been a week since I last posted! This has been an incredibly difficult week but with a high as well.Charles Dickens said it so well...."It was the best of times it was the worst of times."
Todays painting I did with quite a few changes,I used a bigger brush,I stood up and painted ,held the brush at the tip instead of like a pen.I'm not sure if all these changes have had a positive effect just yet,with any thing its .....practice,practice,practice.Another thing i resolve to do is follow Charles Soveks lessons ,which Maria Baluis very kindly suggested.
I've posted both the photo I used and my painting so that you can decide whether I have actually succeeded in simplifying this scene.

Stockwood Park Discovery Centre

Three years ago Stockwood Park underwent refurbishment and also new buildings which house a museum shop,coffee bar and exhibition areas.The exhibits here are of great historical significance to the area,not to mention beautifully sculptured gardens.
I'm trying to keep details to a minimum and concentrate more on shapes and values.I would love some feedback....constructive critisicm would be good otherwise I feel its an uphill battle.This scene I felt would be a good exercise in painting all those different shapes.

Owl Sentry at Stockwood Park

There are a few parks dotted around Luton but Stockwood and Wardown stand out as the biggest and best.This wooden owl is near the entrance to Stockwood and looks stern as if to ward off anyone who does'nt treat the park with the respect it deserves.

Narcissistic Pair

This is my entry for this weeks DailyPaintWorks challenge set by Abbey Ryan.I copied one of Caravaggio's paintings of Narcissus a while ago and this reminds me a little  of that.

Strawberries and Spice

My lovely friend Tracy bought this spice jar for me,and I've finally plucked up the courage to paint it.The brown spidery looking things next to the strawberries are called star anise and they are lovely added to basmati rice or my personal favourite in a cup of green tea.If you have a cold its especially good for warding off infections.Just pop one in your tea and enjoy the aniseed flavour.

Brush With Strawberries

This is my entry for this weeks challenge on the DailyPaintworks which is to "paint what you paint with".I bought some beautiful English strawberries and liked the idea of combining the two.

Nevertheless 2

In spite of these lilies being past their best they are still beautiful and still fragrant.Although whether I have done them justice is another matter. : )

"Very whitely still The liliesof our lives may reassure Their blossoms from their roots,accessible Alone to heavenly dews that drop no fewer;Growing straight out of mans reach,on the hill.God only,who made us rich,can make us poor."
Elizabeth Barrett Browning quote

Jean's Challenge

I've been meaning to paint this challenge set by Jean Nelson on The DailyPaintworks for the last week.It was fun and very relaxing,I am finding that I enjoy landscapes more, perhaps because I keep the details to a minimum.

Goose and Goslings

SOLD

It was a rainy day when I took this picture ,the geese had come off the lake and onto the grass where this puddle was.This one hissed at me when I tried to get a little closer.