Clem on a Bowl 2

Today I  decided to have another go at the one colour per stroke challenge and I think its been a worthwhile exercise.I have been able get the desired effect, which is to make the brushstrokes visible.I also wanted to create more of a contrast between light and dark.All in all I feel happier that I have made progress on this journey.  : )))

Grapefruit,plum and Jug

This is my entry for the one colour per stroke challenge and it was a challenge and a half!!!  I took it very slow....practically the whole day by thinking about each stroke,going away from it for a while then coming back . Its been amazing! ...Its what I have been striving for but not knowing how to do it.I want my brushstrokes to be visible and this is it. : ))))  Have a look at all the other entries on http://www.dailypaintworks.com/ 

Daffs in Blue Vase

These daffodils have the most gorgeous fragrance and made the whole experience of painting them very pleasurable.That and the knowledge that spring is on its way.The forsythia are out already,I'm just wandering how I can get hold of some to paint.I've just seen the dpw challenge and printed out a copy,I think its a particularly hard one!

Hang On!

Sometimes life is such that you just have to hang on,persist,be tenacious,because there is no other option.If you have a dream then don't give up. : ))

Hearts and an Apple

I did paint yesterday but I was so lacking in energy that it showed in my work and I just did not think it was worth posting.I know we all  go through off days,but the trick is to bounce back as soon as possible and today I feel better and this gorgeous red apple has been calling to me  for days.
A quote by Henry David Thoreau : "Surely the apple is the noblest of all fruits."
I wanted the background to feel like the dance your taste buds do when you bite into these delicious fruits. : ))

That Fingerprint! Doh!

I've had the weekend off because having two hormonal teenagers can be  a joy and a test at the same time.One minute their that sweet child that you have lovingly brought up and the next you're wondering what happened!!!!!  I'm back a little older and with a few more grey hairs ,but as my brother reminded me today I have to take care of myself before I can take care of everybody else.That for me means painting and today I took up the new challenge this week on http://www.dailypaintworks.com/ website.It is a zippo lighter using only two colours and I had great fun doing it.

Red Rose 2

A quote by Vincent van Gogh : My opinion is that the best thing would be to work on until art lovers feel drawn toward it of their own accord,instead of having to praise or to  explain it. So here is my painting of a rose in a vase.

Apple and Bowl

SOLD

I for once am quite pleased with this one! Whilst I was painting I was listening to inner city blues by Marvin Gaye and although the words to the song are quite depressing the rythm and Marvins voice really rock and I love listening to it.

Red Rose

At the moment I really feel like painting these roses my husband gave me before they fade.Its also good practice because roses are so difficult and there's always room for improvement.

Tea and a French Fancy

I found this wonderful teacup and saucer in a charity shop yesterday and could'nt resist buying  it.I really enjoyed painting this composition with the cake,its definitely getting easier.

Hearts and Flowers 3

This weeks challenge on the dailypaintworks  was to paint a red rose and this is my entry.I don't know why but this week has been a uphill battle with everything I have been trying to achieve. Well tomorrow is a new day and there is always hope. :))

Swan and a Flower

I'm not sure what this flower is called,I think its a chrysanthemum.I thought I would try the swan again ,I 'm not sure if its an improvement ,but I'm done with ceramic swans at least for a while! Its been quite a hard day with work and everything,but one of the highlights is to have a painting to post.Oh, by the way my husband and I sell curry and rice which we cook fresh everyday so its long hours on our feet,but we make an honest living for which we are very grateful .

Apples and a Swan

Don't ask me why I put apples and a swan trinket holder together,it seemed like a good idea at the time!!  Its not perfect ,but maybe I need to take a leaf out of the buddhists book and say that only God can make something perfect.

Chilli Party

Today I only had two hours to produce my painting for the day.Something that did'nt need drawing and was'nt symmetrical.Chillies fit the bill perfectly and we always have them in the house.

Apples and Milk Jug

Being creative is a compulsion and should never be ignored,anyone who does try to ignore it is most likely to be very miserable.Achieving success is another matter,if  its meant to happen it will happen,but I would say enjoy every step of the journey.I am so grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to be on this journey.   :  ))

Sweet Orange

I've discovered a charity shop down the road and it is full of treasures such as this sugar bowl with lid.There were so many ceramics of all shapes and colours,the only problem being most of them were in sets so I would have to buy the whole set.I did buy a couple of milk jugs and an art deco teacup trio as well so I will be busy the next few days,can't wait! I absolutely loved painting todays composition ,oranges are always a joy to paint and the sugar bowl was a little out of my comfort zone which makes things interesting.  : )

Cherries x 8

This weeks challenge on http://www.dailypaintworks.com/ is to take any object and paint it eight times,but not taking more than ten minutes each time. This was a fantastic challenge  especially for me because I could'nt go back and try to perfect each attempt.As you paint the brushstrokes have to be looser in order to finish quickly which allows for a fresher approach.

Apple Trio

I am finding that the goal posts are changing after every painting.As soon as I feel I have achieved something I try do better and sometimes this can be quite frustrating.Progress is not always in a straight line either,sometimes there are setbacks.I am so grateful for all the comments and words of support and encouragement  from some very lovely people.It makes the journey infinitely more enjoyable.

Tea and a Cupcake

Yes, this cupcake jumped out at me when I went to the bakery.Especially the transparent decoration on top looked like it could be a bit of a challenge.As I was painting there was an aroma of icing and vanilla, which prompted me to finish this so I could eat it  : ))  

On a serious note tomorrow there is going to be a massive demonstration in our town by the EDL,and I sincerely hope and pray that it goes by without anyone  getting hurt.The majority of people are peace loving and we all get along very well together.I have lived in Luton nearly all of my life and have friends from a wide range of cultures and appreciate and care about them all.Please God Bless this town tomorrow.

Jam and Croissant

I was having breakfast in town with a friend and I saw this little jar of strawberry jam and you know the rest.... : )
Its funny how ever since I started this blog I am constantly on the look out for my next subject,not in a conscious way.More in a way that things kind of jump out at me and I try not let the opportunity pass me by.

The catalyst that actually made me start painting in earnest was Jack Vettriano.He is an amazing Scottish artist who is very succesful  and I love his style.He was doing a book signing in London on the 30th of October and I was there.I asked him how many hours he spent painting a day,the answer was 10 to 12 hours!!

Hearts and a Flower 2

This is my second painting of this amazing rose I bought on Saturday.You would think second time around it would be easier,but it was much harder.A very popular and accomplished artist called Karin Jurick suggests that we should take one subject and do fifty or a hundred variations of it.This would indeed be a powerful learning excercise ,although it might send me loopy in the process ! I will have to give this idea some consideration and choose a subject that I could do that many times.Any suggestions?

"They don't make them like they used to"

Daily Paintworks is a group of daily painters who have organised a new challenge ,which is open to all artists.I have entered this weeks challenge and I have had a great time painting this beautiful classic car. I would say the greatest challenge was getting the far end of the car just right,where it kind of disappears into the distance.The website is www.dailypaintworks.com/Challenges. I am really looking forward to next weeks challenge and would like to thank Carol Marine and everyone else for setting this up.