Nectar Break

Warblers are known to drink nectar from rhododendrons and also nest in them.

Let's kneel down
through all the worlds of the body
like lovers. I know
I am a tree and full of life
and I know you, you
are the flying one and will leave.
But can't we swallow the sweetness
and can't you sing in my arms
and sleep in the human light
of the sun and moon I have been
drinking alone.

Quote by Linda Hogan

Lavender Garden II

I managed to find time and space to try this scene again.

Peacock Sketch

I did say I would paint the Lavender Garden again, but I had my work space taken over at the moment by my son doing his economics coursework for his final year at university.I did try to set up elswhere but the kitten is much too curious and kept getting in the way.My son has plenty of space in his bedroom to work ,but I think he enjoys having a walking dictionary(me) to ask whenever he got stuck.Not that I'm an expert on economics.

So I've spent the last few days sketching and early spring cleaning.The front garden was in sore need of a tidy up and I planted some more pansies.Before you know it the weekend is over.

Lavender Garden

I painted this from a photo just before I had the lesson with Adebanji Alade.I know that if I painted this again I would be taking a different appproach.So what I'm going to do is paint this scene again tomorrow and see  how much I have learnt.
I would just like to say that I appreciate so much all your encouragement and support,especially after my last post.I can feel the love and care you have all put into your comments to me and its what keeps me going. : )

Down But Not Out

I'm still waiting to hear from the gentleman who wanted a comission.Part of me knows that he probably does not want to go ahead,for whatever reason,maybe he was'nt serious to start with.I don't know.My will to paint has taken a bit of a nosedive,but I forced myself to paint this simple apple just to get me back into the saddle.Perhaps my feelings show in the painting,all I know is I just have to keep going.

Red Rose Commission

I have my first commission to paint a triptych  of red roses.A scary prospect but at the same time exciting as well.Certainly out of my comfort zone for sure.This is where I need some help.....please tell what you think and also which background looks better.I am supposed to show him an example of what he is looking  for and if he likes it I will go ahead and paint three very large pieces!!!! HELP!!
This guy wants these as a present for his wife,I did'nt know there were any romantic men left on this earth,it seems there might be one or two. : )

London Trip

Gold meridian by Chelsea Davine

Barges at Camden Lock canal

Harp player in underground

Yesterday was the first day of the International Art Exhibition held in the Royal College of Art.I am subscribed toAffordable Art Fairs and was sent free tickets so I had no excuse not to go.I went with my friend Tracy and her daughter. The paintings  on display were all kinds of media and styles ,sizes and the highlights were work byTracy Emin,Damien Hurst and some other prominent English artists.There were also sculptures,my favourite being some horses made out of drift wood, I don't know what happened to my camera,the photos did not come out.I went seeking inspiration but I ended up just soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying each painting I saw.
After the exhibition we stopped off at our favourite place.....Camden Lock Market.I always love the vibes in this place,there's lovely food from all corners of the world and its such an arty place.The people are always so pleasant and just happy to be there.

Rose Bud

I had the pleasure of making a heart shaped wedding cake for a friend .It was fresh cream and I decorated it with strawberry hearts and fresh pink roses and carnations.Fresh cut flowers don't often have any fragrance but these roses actually had the most amazing sweet smell.

With what little time I had left today I did this little rose painting ,still trying very hard to remember Adebanji's tutorial.I think I'm getting there,its fun trying anyway.

Bud of Love

 

This bud of love by summer’s ripening breath, May prove a beauteous flower when next we meet.

Shakespeare quote from Romeo and Juliet.

Stockwood Park and Regents Park

Well ,I could'nt wait another day to try and see if I've taken on board what Adebanji has taught me.He did  stress that practice is a must and actually I have enjoyed playing back in my mind everything and trying my best.

Stockwood Park and Still Life Demo By Adebanji Alade

Last month I recieved a gift of markers and a sketchbook with some wonderful drawings by Adebanji Alade.He is very talented and his star is rising all the time,so I thought it would be great to be taught by him.I got in touch and I had a one to one lesson with him yesterday.I had high hopes and let me tell you I was not disappointed.I was absolutely blown away by him as a person and a teacher!! He has such a passion for art and knows how to put this across.I think I learnt more in a single afternoon than if I had spent an entire year on my own.
My only regret is , because I was so busy concentrating on the lesson  I did'nt take a better photo of him.He is arranging group lessons sometime soon so I am hoping that I will get a better one.

Hope

I've called this one hope because I hope the weather warms up soon!!!

Daffs in a Jar

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All day long blew the daffodils,
Oh, what a sight to see,
A myriad gold-gowned daffodils,
Moved to a rhythmic glee.

Teresa Hooley quote.

I'm feeling much better ,thanks everyone for asking.We've had a much needed break from work and because the weather has been so bad its been even nicer to be at home.The daffodils have been a welcome cheering distraction too.

Daffodil Fever

“For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.”

Willaim Wordsworth quotes.

Riot of Daffodils Sketch and A Cup of Something Hot Sketch

I came downstairs this morning and was greeted with  nearly all the daffodils fully open.It was a cheering sight ,especially with the weather so incredibly arctic.Tonight is supposed to be the coldest of the winter so far,up to -15 !!

I now have the dreaded flu thats been going around, I can feel every muscle ache,so a hot cup of chicken soup is just what the doctor ordered.

Spring in a vase

Grocery shopping also means shopping for my next daily painting.So when I saw a small bunch of barely open daffodils and very cheap as well,how could I resist.

In the last year I've all but forgotten clothes shopping,shoes,make-up.... ,its all about art materials,props,museum visits to London.Do you think I'm going a bit too deep into this consuming passion for painting ,should there be a balance somewhere??

Pitcher and Flowers

This is the second of my larger stretched canvas paintings.This is from a photo I took last year when i was experimenting with the manual controls and got some colours that were'nt actually there.I've left out alot of detail in the background and added bits too.I wonder,my artist friends,how much time do you spend preparing for a painting?

Strawberries

I've decided to go a bit bigger with this composition...25cmx30cm.In Luton there is only one decent picture framer that I know of and he is extremely busy and because I have to submit about ten paintings for an exhibition on Tuesday,my only choice was to paint some on stretched canvas.This is one of them.
I had to take a photo and there is some glare so I will try to take a better picture in daylight tomorrow.

Tony the Kitten Sketches

We have a new addition to the family called Tony.My daughter has always wanted a cat, but because i am allergic to cats I 've always said no.This time she said that this particular kitten did'nt have a home and it would be put down I had to give in, because I could'nt have that on my conscience.Anyway the whole family has fallen in love with Tony and so have I.At the moment I'm having a very mild reaction,just a few sneezes here and there ,but its worth it.
Tony apparently is a short-haired American black cat and when fully grown will look like a black panther.Wow! I can't wait.

Fascination

In the language of flowers,one of the meanings of carnations is fascination.Purple carnation specifically mean whimsical,capriciousness.

I bought this little bottle from a charity shop yesterday ,I love the shape and colour of it and hopefully I will be using it a few more times.

Keep warm everyone and keep painting. : )

A Shared Lunch

SOLD

With malice toward none; with charity for all.
-- Abraham Lincoln