Affinity

I hope everyone is having a great time over the holidays, we are heading for 2014 and a chance to renew resolutions. I have tried to paint true to what I want to express, which is not an easy task. For this coming year I hope to keep learning, exploring different mediums and techniques.
My overriding feeling is painting is a part of me, if I'm not painting I'm dreaming about painting, and when I'm painting I feel I'm in an altered state where worries, doubts, all of the disappointments don't exist. From when I can remember I have had the compulsion to create something, I tried my hand at many arts and crafts growing up. Resources were limited, clothes and shoes were hard enough to come by let alone art materials. I remember sitting by a village pond making little dishes out of the natural red clay in the soil before I was five.I've made quilts out of old clothes, collages, printing, calligraphy, sculpture, knitting, and more recently, cake decorating, and flower arranging.
 When we came to the UK and seeing illustrated children's books for the first time was just the most amazing experience of my life. It  felt like fireworks going off in my head, from then I could not get enough of the fairy tales and later on the classics like Wuthering Heights and Great Expectations.

Selling paintings has been a new experience over the last two years, the money has helped me to continue on my artists journey, I have been able to pay for art supplies, the odd trips to London museums and galleries. Not only that its a huge compliment when you know your painting is wanted, it gives me quite a buzz knowing that my paintings are on display all over the world, from London, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, to France, Holland, Italy, India, and all over the USA.

I am so grateful to all my blogging friends, your encouragement has been the highlight of the last three years. I wish you all good health and prosperity, to continue and learn from each other.

Affinity
Oil on canvas board 8"x8"
 

Tea and Roses

Tea and Roses
Oil on canvas board 8"x8"

My orange roses are falling apart on my mantelpiece and a previous painting is on display. I really enjoyed painting this composition, I think all artists thrive on challenges, and this one was my challenge for today.


Tranquility

Tranquility
Oil on canvas board 8"x8"

I would love to know what changes you would try to make regarding your art in the coming year.

All being well,  I would love to continue painting as often as possible and although I had every intention of trying different mediums I found that, because I am still a fairly newcomer to oils I couldn't tear myself away from them. Apart from roses and jars I painted some snow scenes and I think I had the most fun doing them. Since we are expecting a hundred days of snow I will have plenty of opportunity to do more!!


Cool in the Shade

A dear friend gave me three beautiful bunches of roses and I'm having fun painting my way through them.

Cool in the Shade
Oil on canvas board 7"x5"
 

Divine Intervention

Sometimes you can push for a dream to come true for a long time and then the minute you give up it lands in your lap, from nowhere it seems.

Divine Intervention
Oil on canvas board 6"x6"

Roses By Night

I'm still working through my reserve of photos. I find that the camera picks up colours that normally you would not see, especially at night in artificial lighting, spots of odd colours like blue on the vase.

Roses By Night
Oil on canvas board 6"x6"
SOLD

 

Last night was the preview evening for LutonArt which is a yearly exhibition open to artists over three counties. This year I had all three of my paintings accepted and they were on display last night among all the other wonderful paintings. I have been struggling with an eye infection and did not take any photos but the exhibition is running until February so I will have plenty of time to post some photos.

Just Floating

Ducks always look so serene on the surface.

Just Floating
Oil on canvas board 4"x4"
Available on DPW Auctions

Goosey Loosey

This hurrying goose reminds me of the fairy tale I loved to read.

Goosey Loosey
Oil on canvas board 4"x4"
available on DPW Auction

Dreaming

This little tortoiseshell kitten is a new addition to our family. My husband found her searching for food in bins and as soon as he called her she was all over him. We've had her for about two months now and she is a fluff  ball of fun.  Our  two year old cat Toni was very put out to start with but gradually they are becoming fast friends.

Dreaming
Oil on canvas board 5"x7"
SOLD

Sun Seeker

Whenever I buy a bunch of flowers I usually take a whole load of photos as well so when I am stuck for inspiration I can usually find something. This sunflower brings back memories of what a glorious summer we had this year.

 Lately I've also been economising by painting on top of paintings that have failed. I scrape  the surface to get rid of any texture and then wipe with some liquin. I find this gives a better surface than a new canvas board, also some of the under painting can be left to show through to give a more richer effect. Underneath this painting is one I did of wildflowers last year, at the time it looked ok but only when you look back can you see the errors. I am my own worst critic and I think most artists are but with experience you just know when a painting has failed or succeeded in portraying what you want.

Sun Seeker
Oil on canvas board 7"x5"
SOLD

Winter Woolly

This sheep looked so snug in its winter coat.

Winter Woolly
Oil on canvas board 4"x4"
Available on DPW Auction
SOLD