Glad to be Painting

It's gladioli time in the shops and I love their tall stems and angular flowers.

Glad to be Painting
oil on paper

Two' s Company

It's been five months since my last post , I have been painting, not as much as I would like to.
Daily painting is still something I would dearly love to get back into and the good thing about blogging is that everything is still here waiting.

So todays painting is fresh off my easel and really my favourite subject, still life.

Two's Company
oil on paper
 

Spring Bouquet

I love how tulips move when you're not looking. : )

Spring Bouquet
oil on paper

Collage Fun

I've been meaning to work on a collage for ever such a long time and finally today I actually did it. It was great fun and a learning tool .

Collage Fun
Newspaper on board

A Spring Sketch

In a world of uncertainty a simple bunch of daffodils appear as a comfort and joy.

A Spring Sketch
seawhite sketchbook

Take me to the River

This was an experiment in an imaginary landscape. I enjoyed it, and actually felt free to create without the restrictions of reality.
The title is also a song by Al Green, which I love.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGD8aQ2GKr0&list=LL2yMZnud0wPTVMBH1rlkn2Q

Take me to the River
oil on paper

Tea and Flowers

Both are my oldest and still my favourite subjects.

Tea and Flowers
Oil

Walled Garden in Stockwood Park

This is one of the few paintings I did last year.

Walled Garden in Stockwood Park
oil

 .

Sense Euphoria

It's not easy having flowers at home with Minnie. She will have a sniff and then  attack them and sometimes knock over the vase. It doesn't matter if she's naughty though she makes me smile so many times a day.

Sense Euphoria
oil on box canvas

Suburbia II

Any day now blossoms are about to open all over the town, always such a joyful sight.

Suburbia II
oil on box canvas

Flowers on the Table

Something I love to have in my home, flowers on the table.

Flowers on the table
oil on paper

Suburbia

This scene is common in Bedfordshire and lifts my heart every time I see these beautiful trees.

Suburbia
oil on box canvas 40cmx50cm
 

Rain or Shine

Rain or Shine
oil on box canvas
30cmx30cm

I've just had a look at all the artists that I have been following over the years and you are all truly inspirational!! So many of you have kept going with your art and blogging.
 It's time to get back to daily painting. I know that it was daily painting that helped me to progress the most and over the last four years there have been too many gaps of not creating. That time cannot come back , but I can do better . So, rain or shine I do need to paint and there is no time like the present.

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

Finding a Way Out

Yes, there was a time when I had fire in my soul and I have been ground down. However it is never too late. This song by U2 says it all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgwvqO-_luM

Finding a Way Out
oil on paper

Wisdom

We all have something inside of us that makes us get up every morning, something that brings us joy. God in his wisdom has given each of us a reason to live , not only to live, but live happily. Sometimes I lose sight of the fact that I simply love to paint. In all the struggle to earn money, to be recognised, to leave my mark on the world.In this all too brief life that we live, maybe its just enough to live an artists life.

Wisdom
oil on paper

Needs Must.....

For years I have been craving to get out and paint plein air. So, I started from a safe position, our front garden and this is what I managed to achieve in three hours in the freezing cold. I can't tell how much I enjoyed, what I am really looking forward to now is painting blossoms, out there for real.

Needs Must
oil on board
10"x 8"

Day 2 Sunrise

Today I looked out the window and saw this sunrise, not as good as the real thing , but its my version.
I painted this in gouache which is quite hard to work with , brush needs to be fully loaded or it doesn't flow.

Day 2 Sunrise
gouache in Sketchbook

Another Day One

Yes, another day one. I will, hopefully be sketching everyday as a response to how I am feeling and what is inspiring me at the moment. Not creating is seriously affecting me, so to try and shift things I am start at the beginning. This is a sketch that has been sitting in my sketch book for months and it was a good place to start, to add some colour and line to.

Day One
Sketchbook

For the Love of Autumn

And so begins a series for the love of , of which as all artists know there are many.

For the Love of Autumn
oil on paper
8.5"x 8.5"

Finding A Way

I have been finding a way to paint abstract landscapes,  I think I am making headway. There is a long way to go, these challenges we set ourselves are never easy, but the harder it is the better the satisfaction at the end.

My path to becoming a professional artist has so far taken me just over seven years and I feel that I am nearly there. The hard part has been finding the time, I work fulltime as a self employed caterer, its physical hard work and long hours, which leaves me with little time or energy for what I love to do best. Still, I count my blessings everyday, my kids, my husband, my cats, a warm home. Art is a bonus, a huge bonus, it keeps me sane when I worry too much about anything, gives me hope that there will come a time when I can get up in the morning and just paint. Just the shear joy of being inspired by a bunch of flowers in a vase, how the light shines from the water and how day by day the flowers change colour and drop petals.
I have my bad days. when I can't move forward with what I am trying to paint, or I'm not being paid what I think I deserve, or huge delays in payment, if I was dependent on my art alone I would have starved long ago. Its not fair that people who work are paid a regular wage and yet they can delay paying you just because its art. Not being valued does affect me, however much I try to not let it. It knocks my confidence and, because I rely on what I sell to finance anything art related, such as materials, entering competitions, visiting galleries and museums.
Anyway, that's enough griping for today. : )  I hope you all have a great week.

Finding A Way
oil on paper

Gratitude

This is the view from our back garden and I am grateful for this view everyday.

Gratitude
oil on canvas board
8"x 10"

Rest 1 and 2

I have called these paintings rest because painting them felt  peaceful and totally chilled out.

This song reminds me of school days, not the best time in my life, but the music was good.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37w42Bfsv3E

Rest
oil on paper
10" x 10"



Rest 2
oil on paper
10"x 10"

A Net of Love Day 4

Joy is prayer; joy is strength: joy is love; joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.

Quote by Mother Theresa

Bouquet of Flowers
watercolours
seawhite sketchbook

Unripe Figs, Fallen Leaf on Day 3

I'm not following World Watercolor Group challenge to the letter , but I am enjoying creating a sketch a day.

Our fig tree is preparing for autumn, the leaves are falling and the second lot of figs have not ripened, I don't think the UK is warm enough for a second harvest. I thank God for this climate everyday, I love how it changes and I particularly love the rain.

Inripe Figs, Fallen Leaf on Day 3
Seawhite sketchbook

Sweet Pomegranates

Day two of this watercolour challenge run by World Water Color Group  for November.

Sweet Pomegranates
watercolour challenge for November
Seawhite sketchbook

Green Park

I have never taken so much time over finishing a painting, was it worth it? I think so, I am satisfied that I have given this subject my best. However, what I really want to do now is paint in a way that is new, a new song, in a manner of speaking.

Green Park
oil on board
8"x 10

Windfall

Its a new month and I feel motivated to start sketching again.

Windfall
watercolour sketch

Purpose

   

“How tragic it is to find that an entire lifetime is wasted in pursuit of distractions while purpose is neglected.”

 

This quote is by Sunday Adelaja

 

Purpose
oil on paper

 

Getting Back to the Essence of Me

Today I needed to remind myself that this is what makes my heart sing to paint.

Busy Bees

They are always busy living their lives, doing what they are meant to do.
I have always felt that if I am not drawing or painting I am not being true to myself.

No Promises is a song by Icehouse, an Australian group from the 80's , I have loved their music .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-o9BCQP0cns

Busy Bees
pen on cartridge paper