Back to Blogging

Hi everyone, I hope you have all been well.
 It's been too long and I know I've resolved to get back to blogging like I used to, but painting has been almost non existent over the last four months. There hasn't been a day I haven't thought about painting and feeling terribly disappointed at the end of every wasted day. It's funny how one can love doing something so much and yet not be able to do it.
What I have been doing is working through The Artists Way by Julia Cameron, she helps blocked artists and I think working through her book has finally lifted the fog I've been in.
So , I've just finished this little still life, really what I love doing best . As I was painting last night I actually felt the energy come back .
Over the next few days I will be catching up with what all you have  been doing.

Back To Blogging

Up Towards The Sky

The chasm between what I want to portray and what I actually do is there for a reason. That reason is so I keep painting and keep trying.

Up Towards The Sky
oil on oil paper
12"x 10"

Let it Go

I've realised that I hang onto things, for dear life. Afraid to leave the shore, whereas if I let go, there might even be an improvement.
I suppose what I'm trying to say with this painting is the red car is any hot topic or issue that needs to be let go of. Watch that car disappear over the hill and lighten the load, there , I feel better already.

Let It Go

oil on oil paper

12"x 14"

Blossoms in the Rain

Henry Matisse said "creativity takes courage" and I'm inclined to agree with him. I'm pushing myself to paint what's in my head, but translating it is not so easy. Time, practice and determination are needed, all which are in short supply at the moment, however I refuse to give up. Every day is a new chance.

Blossoms in the Rain
oil on oil paper
12"x 10"

Saturday Night Sketch

I have a new favourite rose, I don't know what its called , but it has pale green leaves on the outside and a warm cream colour on the inside.

I spent most of today sorting out all my materials and cleaning my brushes. I've found that biological washing powder will remove stubborn oil from stiff brushes and make them soft again.

Now I feel ready to resume my art journey and it feels good.

Saturday Night Sketch
fine line pens and watercolours
seawhite sketch book

Blossoms in the Rain

This is the best time of year and I am in awe every time I am outdoors. I have a tonne of photos to work from and I am planning on going out there and paint plein air, before the blossoms disappear.


In the last year I have lost two men who meant a great deal to me. Shelley Ryde was my first supervisor in an admin role for Ross Youngs. He was a father figure and even after I left work he was always there for me.
 Roy George was our family solicitor, he dealt with everything when we settled in the UK, he helped us buy our houses over the years and even after he retired I kept in touch with him. He was the first person to encourage me to start painting eight years ago. I want to ring him and tell my art news and I know he's not there anymore and it feels like a part of me is missing.
Rest in peace  Shelley and Roy, you were both golden guys.

Blossoms in the Rain
Seawhite Sketchbook

River Lea

This is painted from a photo taken along a footpath that runs parallel to the river Lea. I don't know if I love it or hate it, but I think if I don't post  and get past it I will just stop and ponder over it forever!!!

 

 

 

 

River Lea
Oil on oil paper
12"x 10"

 

 

Spring on Stockingstone Hill

I took this photo two years ago just as the trees and bushes were starting to sprout. A lot of twigs and grass , but I got there in the end.

Spring on Stockingstone Hill
oil on oil paper
10"x 12"

Blossoms on Stockingstone Hill

I've spent the last three weeks stressing about the health of a family member. I am happy to say that things are back to normal. Just the worry stops me in my tracks and I can't pick up a paint brush to save my life!! There must be a way to put everything to one side and paint. If anyone knows of a way , PLEASE tell me. :  )

Anyway, every year I vow to go out there and paint the blossoms. They are not out yet , but this is from a photo I took two years ago.

Blossoms on Stockingstone Hill
oil on canvas board
8" x 10"
 

Waiting To Cross 2

I'm not used to putting figures in my paintings and because its a challenge I am really enjoying it. This is another rainy day scene in London.

Waiting To Cross
oil on oil paper
10"x 12"

Chicken Soup

The guy is my husband and I was so busy taking photos, I ended up trailing behind him all the way to my parents, to drop off some chicken soup.

Chicken Soup
oil on oil paper
12" x 10"

Truce

Our two cats just don't get on. Minnie chases Tibby up and down the stairs and all around the house , but they have their moments when they can call a truce and sit near each other.

Truce
10" x 12"
oil on oil paper

Waiting To Cross

I was doing just that , waiting to cross and clicking away with my mobile phone camera. This is in London on one of my trips to see an exhibition, it was summer and raining, just the perfect kind of weather I love.

Waiting To Cross
oil on paper
10"x 12"

Inspiration from an Artists Life

I had planned to finish this painting today , but by the time I had finished work I was in so much pain from my shoulder that I got so far and had to stop.
I have been cooking for a living for twenty four years and before that I worked in an office . I suppose after using the same muscles and joints this is how it is, I am no different to many people out there. On top of that I have also had fibromyalgia  for the last three years, which just adds to the misery sometimes.
Despite my physical problems I never let myself stay down for long. Life is for living and for any artist out there we know that stopping our work is really the last resort.
Three years ago I visited a friend in the South of France and she took me to see Renoir's house . His studio was as it had been when he was alive, his wheel chair was there, his props and easel. It was inspiring to see how that even when he was crippled with arthritis he did not stop.


A little note to all of you who have supported me along the way so far: Thank you for all your encouragement and support, every painted that has been bought has gone a long way towards helping me with paying for materials and trips to all the best galleries in London.

Painting of a rainy day in London

My aim is to show up at the easel as much  as I can, so long as I can do that I have already won, everything else is a huge bonus.

Sunday Morning Walk

This is from a photo I took back in Autumn , there was strong light and the trees were glowing. The cat is an addition, I find myself ever so slowly moving towards a different style.

Sunday Morning Walk
oil on paper
9" x 8"

All That I Can Be

I love visiting The National Gallery , it is the home for classic paintings by Van Gogh, Monet, Turner to name but a few. When I feel at a loss I head for this gallery and sit in front of Turner's greatest paintings, their example gives me the will to keep moving forward.

This painting is a view from one the fountains looking towards the National Gallery.

All That I Can Be
oil on paper



Finding a Way Out ( Revised)

I've worked on this one a little more, added some warm colours whereas before there were too many cool colours. I think its finished now.

This song by James Bay is what this New Year means to me. To put past hurts and disappointments to one side and be free to live an artists life.

For you my friends I wish you all health and prosperity, and the best creative year yet.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsPq9mzFNGY&list=LL2yMZnud0wPTVMBH1rlkn2Q&index=77

Finding a Way Out
oil on paper

Sunset on Leagrave Road

It feels so good to be back to painting in oils and painting what makes my heart sing.

Sunset on Leagrave Road
oil on paper

After the Storm

After every storm the sun will smile; for every problem there is a solution, and the souls indefeasible duty is to be of good cheer.

Quote by William R. Alger

After Every Storm
oil on oil paper