Jack'O'Lantern Club

This weeks challenge on DailyPaintworks  is to paint any pumpkin or the photo that is provided.I chose to paint the photo but add my own little twist with one of  the pumpkins winking.

Ashridge

As a member of Artists Network Bedfordshire I was invited to submit eight of my paintings to be displayed at Ashridge business college.It was home to  Queen Elizabeth I in the 16th century,previously it was a monastery dating back to the 13th century.Driving up to Ashridge the countryside was breathtaking ,especially at this time of year.My first sight of the building was in bright sunlight and I can't tell you how awestruck I was by its beauty and majesty.I love history and architecture so this was an unexpected delight.My paintings were very well recieved by the organiser Elaine who started hanging them straightaway.This is an opportunity to show my work to an international audience and maybe to sell as well.
Even if I don't sell a single painting it is such an honour and pleasure to have my paintings hanging in such an amazing place.

Fickle Chili

The chili has now forgotten about the beautiful rose and is enamoured by the baby blue butterfly!!

Oh My Darling

This is my entry for this weeks DailyPaintworks challenge to paint an object in ten minutes.Its a challenge that has been repeated but I still think its worth doing again and again.It really does help to loosen up and be more free with the brushstrokes.

Admiration

"There are two artists in this world;those that work because the spirit is in them,and they cannot be silent if they would,and those that speak from a conscientious desire to make apparent to others the beauty that has awakened their own admiration."

Anna Katharine Green

I loved the shape of this chili,it looks like its bent over backwards to admire the rose.

Walk The Path

"March on.Do not tarry.To go forward is to move toward perfection.March on,and fear not the thorns,or the sharp stones on lifes path."
 Khalil Gibran

Butterfly and Clementine

Yesterday I went to the Affordable Art Fair in Battersea Park with a friend.It was a last minute dash to London ,we had'nt made any plans to go anywhere but I realised it was the last day and I wanted to see what kind of art is popular.It was a real eye opener,because despite the recession art was flying out of the doors.There was some amazing paintings,I did find that there was a trend towards contemporary art.All in all it was a great day ,the only downer was the journey as alot of the underground was shut and buses are so slow in comparison.

The butterfly is a set of feathered ones I bought to add to flower displays.

Buddies II

These rosebuds did'nt open, maybe they were picked too early,I don't know.Still I have enjoyed painting them as they are.

It is such a beautiful crisp Autumn day I had to take some photos.These flowers have been blooming the whole summer long and always welcomed me at my doorstep.

Along this avenue we have silver birch ,their so beautiful ,especially at this time of year.

Buddies

You know how it is ,a trip to the supermarket to buy the usual,milk,bread....but all you can think about is what to paint.I saw this little bunch of pink rose buds and just could'nt resist them.

I dedicate this to all the friends I've had and the ones I still have.Where would we be without our buddies.Oh, and all the friends I will have too.

(Red Onion) The Awakening

I've been thinking of all sorts of titles for this onion...split personality,buy one get one free....In the end I thought I would keep it simple unless anyone has any better ideas??

Common but Uncommon

I think most artists appreciate how beautiful peppers are.They are so common,available all year round and yet they are uncommonly beautiful. I have strived to capture the beauty of this pepper ,I had fun trying and of course my favourite dish too.

Yesterday I was peeved at not finding time to paint,I felt like throwing all my toys out of the pram !
Most people though have incredibly busy lives and can't find time to paint regularly,and each time there's a gap its harder to get back into it again.So I say" Bravo" to all those artists out there who do go back to painting after days,weeks or even months away from the easel.

Mini Pumpkin 2

This is the second of three small paintings I did last year.Only when I organised my workspace did I discover I had'nt posted these.I had no time at all to paint today so its handy I found these.Its just nice to carry on this very comforting habit of posting a painting,it makes me  feel like I am still on this artists journey.

Fig Confection 2

Sometimes when you cut open a fig it looks a little bit dry and disappointing looking.This one was a pleasant surprise,it looked juicy and had all the rich colours....it tasted brilliant too. : )

Mini Pumpkin

This is something I painted about a month before I started my blog.Today I spent half the day sorting out all my art materials,paintings,art magazines and books.I don't have a studio so its always a juggling act to find space for everything.I did buy some really pretty storage boxes,so now I have a home for everything.

Fig Confection

I saw these figs cradled in these paper cases at the local grocers and felt a challenge coming on.This was a fun piece,there was no symmetry to worry about and I enjoyed using the rich purples.

Autumn Hydrangea

A couple of years ago the kids gave me a small hydrangea plant,its now a gorgeous large bush and has been happily blooming all summer in my front garden.Recently the colours have been changing and it looks even more interesting.

"Now Autumn's fire burns slowly along the woods and day by day the leaves fall and melt."

William Allingham.

A Quiet Moment

Painting my hand has got to be one of the hardest subjects I've ever painted!! This is my entry for this weeks DailyPaintworks the Hand Challenge.

There was an indian wedding this weekend so I had some henna painted on my hands,and holding the flower is really to take time out and just admire beauty.