In Earnest

In Earnest
oil on oil paper

Whatever I have tried to do in life, I have tried with all my heart to do it well; whatever I have devoted myself to, I have devoted myself completely; in great aims and in small I have always thoroughly been in earnest.

Charles Dickens

 

Having read most of the works by Charles Dickens, I believe he meant every word and what a wonderful and inspirational way to live.

Dahlia Sketch

Dahlia sketch
ink and wash

I've been listening to The Cure, one of the best 80's groups, this song is in my opinion their best. I hope you enjoy it.  :  )
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYtYe9K6zv4









Beetroot Sketch

Its one of those glorious wet days, I love English weather, I really do. :  )
Just perfect for sketching indoors.

Beetroot Sketch
 

Sound of The Sea

I think I will be painting a larger version of this and hanging it to remind me to take a few deep breaths and relax. :  )

Sound of the Sea
oil on oil paper
 

Rose Sketches

I did these sketches to compare the look between pencil and ink.

Pencil sketch

Ink and wash

Seagull Squabble

A scene that is a little closer to home, well, a couple of hours train ride away.

Seagull Squabble
Oil on oil paper
 

Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition

 I have been accepted into the RA Summer Exhibition, this, I believe is the 247th year its been running. The earliest artists to exhibit at the RA include Reynolds, Constable and Turner.
There were 12000 entries and about 1200 have been picked. https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/summer-exhibition-2015
 It has been a dream of mine to have my work in this place so full of history. I received the email today, the first thing I did was tell my husband and then I ran  screaming through the whole house and garden!!!
There have been some disappointments over the years, but it has been so worth it to get to this point.
Thanks for all your encouragement my friends, especially to my friend Tracy who urged me to enter in the first place. xxx

Rush Hour in the Pouring Rain
Oil on oil paper
5"x7"

Lazy Days III

We've had hale, heavy rain, sparkling sunshine, pretty sunsets, I love how the British weather changes all the time. However I would also enjoy some time off to lie back and read a good art book with Alexander O'
Neal in the background. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbW313T9xRY

So if the universe is listening....... :  )

Lazy Days II

More wishful thinking.  :  )

With Alexander O'Neal playing in the background.....bliss
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTSOKrJDEeo

Lazy Days II
oil on oil paper
8"x10"

Lazy Days

Maybe there is a little wishful thinking with this painting.
 I have been struggling with everything, it all seems a chore, physically I feel the most tired I have ever been. There is a but coming though, I can still paint, I can still feel the magic.  :  )

Lazy Days
Oil on oil paper
8"x 10"

Little Bit of Good

Little Bit of Good
oil on oil paper

 

Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” ~Desmond Tutu

 

This quote is one of my favourites.

 For the last two weeks I have been cooking meals for our neighbour who is a retired mechanic. He went home to Ireland and came back with pneumonia, he was struggling to make meals for himself. I am happy to say that he is back on his feet, his breathing is normal and he looks great. I am grateful to be able to help him when he needed us the most, he has been a wonderful neighbour to us over the last sixteen years, and hopefully for a long time to come.

 

 

Trust

This one is drawn/painted from a photo given to me by a friend. I am really enjoying working with this medium, its fast and there is not as much control, which makes for surprises.

Trust
ink and wash on cartridge paper.

It'll All Come Out In The Wash

As I go through my painting process, the doubt always creeps in to some degree, but slowly I'm learning that trying is the only way through.

Chrysanthemum
ink and wash on cartridge paper.

Freedom

A kitten longing to be out.

Freedom
Oil on oil paper

Daisy Like

I thought this would be fairly straight forward, a simple flower, but it took several attempts to get it to this point.

Remember vinyl records? This song by Icehouse is still a firm favourite.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-o9BCQP0cns

Daisy Like
Oil on oil paper
8"x10"

Life

“Life: composted lessons for our hearts to blossom into our souls.”
― Soul Dancer, Pay Me What I'm Worth

Every year I see these amazing blossoms and yearn to be able to capture their beauty and mostly I feel that I would not be able to do them justice. Today I had to listen to my heart and its need to paint blossoms however they turn out.

Thank you guys for all your wonderful comments, I feel truly blessed to be on this artists journey with you. xxx

Life
acrylics on watercolour paper

Homage to Pink

"I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart."

Quote by Vincent Van Gogh

Speed

I enjoyed painting horses so much I thought I would have another go at a horse composition.

I would like to thank everyone for your good wishes and name suggestions, we have finally decided on a name, well, my kids have, she is now called Minnie the Minx, this suits her character as she is very mischievous. :  )

Speed
Oil on oil paper