Stocks in Watercolour

If you get tired, learn to rest, not Quit.

Quote by Banksy

I guess this is where I go wrong, when I am tired I do give up, for days, sometimes weeks. I aim to accept rest as rest not as failure.

Watercolour flowers
 

Narcissus Sketch

Narcissus Sketch
watercolour and line

Its Autumn and I'm already looking forward to these delightful spring flowers.

All Things Scottish

From experience I have found that the longer I leave a painting without finishing, the higher the wall becomes. In order for me to finish something I have to visualize it first and at the moment I don't see how to finish the Green Park oil painting.

This Aberdeen Angus is a painting I sold months ago and realised I hadn't posted it. I have become a huge fan of Outlander, so this is my homage to all things Scottish.

All Things Scottish
oil on board
5"x 7"

Teacup and Roses

Yesterdays oil painting is still sitting on my easel, I'm trying to see a different ending to it.

 In the meantime this is one I painting a few months ago, one of many I never got around to posting.

This song by Andra Day is one I listen to often, gives me strength to cook for a living everyday when I would much rather be painting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNKu1uNBVkU



Teacup and Roses
watercolour and pen

Green Park

I was on a recent trip to London and  I love to take photos of people under their umbrellas . This is what I have been working on in the last few days from one of the photos. I fix a canvas board to a piece of hardboard using blue tack, this makes it easy to work on the whole surface and allow it to dry without getting finger prints on it.

I heard this golden oldie on the radio this morning, that sax is amazing!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sY8qTDMSFc

Rainy Day in Green Park
oil on canvas board.
8"x 10
 

Blues

My advice to artists is not to sell your work for less than you think its worth. This way leads to lack of confidence, feelings of being devalued and ultimately an artists block.
A very good friend of mine, Adebanji Alade , who is a brilliant artist, recently gave me a piece of invaluable advice. He said that it doesn't matter if your work took five minutes or however long it takes, count the number of years its taken you to learn to get to this point.

Blues
watercolour on heavy paper.

Free Your Mind

Hi guys, I suppose you all must be used to me disappearing for months on end. Its been nearly three months this time!! Now I am going to try again and see if I can find that daily painting buzz I used to love so much.

I heard this song by Sub Focus on the radio recently and it is motivational, he sings to not be about the trouble, free your mind and  it actually freed me to open up my blog again. It's so easy to lose focus just trying to get through each day, being a woman in this day and age is tough. We are too hard on ourselves and sacrifice our own freedom and passions far too often. This blog is my passion and I am so grateful for this connection to the outside world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjDS20Qy9aI

Free Your Mind
oil on cartridge paper
5"x 5"

Teacup and Pink Rose Day 4

I love collecting teacups, new, old, vintage , most are from charity shops. I don't have a huge collection, I have enough trouble finding space for my art materials, but one day I will have a studio and plenty of room for props too.

Teacup and Pink Rose
Day 4

Teacup and Pink Rose Day 3

Another last minute dash to beat the deadline!!

Teacup and Pink Rose
Day 3

Vintage Teacup and Chrysanthemum Day 2

I'm starting to loosen up with this subject and really enjoy the process.

Vintage Teacup and Chrysanthemum
Day 2

Teacup and Rose Day 1

It's been a long day, but the highlight is finding time to sketch.

Teacup and Rose
Day 1

Tibby and Minnie Together Day 30 !!

Well, I've made it through this challenge!! It was a challenge indeed, but again, I am so glad I set myself the small window of  creativity. Life is full on and yet just these little sketches kept me from the misery of not finding the time to sketch or paint.

Today is this rare occurrence, Tibby and Minnie sitting  next to each other, reminds me of me and my sister in law, hahaha.
I hope you like this song.....another golden oldie.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqZc7ZQURMs


I've already decided on my next 30 day challenge. It is to sketch/paint teacups, flowers and small birds, I am looking forward to this one especially.

Tibby and Minnie Together
Day 30

Scratching Post Day 29

Minnie scratches all our furniture, Tibby usually finds a discreet corner of the carpet. We are not house proud though, so either way its ok, cats have to scratch.

Scratching Post
Day 29

The Look of Love Day 28

This is Minnie giving me that look and purring away in my lap.

The Look of Love
Day 28

8 Pm Cuddles Day 27

Its 8 pm and Tibby wants attention.

8pm Cuddles
Day 27

Minnie Asleep Day 26

Cats are supposed to sleep 18 hours of the day and they do it so well.

Minnie Asleep
Day 26

Minnie Stalking a Beetle Day 25

Minnie keeps bringing in these poor beetles that she plays with, but doesn't eat. I don't like to interfere with the normal cat behaviour.

Minnie Stalking a Beetle
Day 25

Tibby Scent Marking Day 24

Tibby has a list of items that need scent marking, everyday.

Tibby Scent Marking
Day 24

Minnie Playing Hide and Seek Day23

Tibby has her moments, but most of the time she sleeps. Minnie likes to play.

Minnie Playing Hide and Seek
Day 23

Minnie Birdwatching Day 22

My husband built an enclosure made of chicken wire for our cats. Just before dark we close the door and they can come into the house through the conservatory. They both have seats and will often watch the birds in the garden. When its hot they can sleep in the cool night air in relative safety.

Minnie Birdwatching
Day 22

Minnie Feeling the Heat

It's starting to heat up and Minnie is wilting again.

Minnie Feeling the Heat
Day 21

Minnie is Not in the Mood Day 20

We all have those days when we need a little space and Minnie is no different.

Minnie is not in the Mood
Day 20

Minnie Kills a Sock

Today Minnie came in meowing like she does when she's brought in a butterfly or mouse, only it was a sock!!!

Minnie Kills a Sock
Day 19

Minnie Day 18

Often Minnie will just look at me as if to say " do something, I'm bored!!" If I don't come up with something she usually starts to knock things off the shelf or attack my vase full of flowers.

Minnie
Day 18

Tibby and that Look

This is the look I get when Tibby wants dreamies, how could I resist. : )

Tibby and that Look
Day 17

Minnie Scent Marking Day 16

Minnie loves to scent mark my ruler, regularly!!!

Minnie Scent Marking
Day 16

Tibby and the Unmade Bed Day 15

Who has the heart to disturb a darling cat when she's all settled to sleep for the day.

Tibby and the Unmade Bed
Day 15

Minnie Asleep Day 14

It's what cats do most of the day, in fact they are supposed to sleep about eighteen hours a day!!

Minnie Asleep
Day 14

Tibby's Me Time Day 13

It's 8pm and Tibby like's to have some attention.

Tibby's Me Time
Day 13

Minnie Caught a Butterfly Day 12

Minnie's favourite snack at the moment, butterfly!!

Minnie Caught a Butterfly
Day 12

Minnie at Play

Minnie loves this yellow feather toy, shows she is still a kitten at heart.

Minnie at Play
Day 10

Minnie Grooming Day 10

A very important part of a cats life.

Minnie Grooming
Day 10

Tibby in Anticipation Day 9

Tibby has heard Minnie coming into the room and has her back legs ready to make a run for it.

Tibby in Anticipation
Day 9

Minnie in the Heat Day 8

It's been super hot this last week and another blistering hot day to come before things cool down.
Both cats are looking like they are not enjoying this weather at all, I know how they feel!!

This song says it all, I want rain !!!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvBfHwUxHIk

Minnie in the Heat
Day 8

Minnie Waiting For Tibby

Minnie likes to lay in wait for Tibby,  then jump on her and chase her all over the house and garden.

Minnie Waiting For Tibby
Day 7

Minnie Looking Serious

This is Minnie sitting next to me as I sketch, what better company could I have.

Minnie Looking Serious
Day 6

Minnie and the Spider Day 5

I'm warming up to this new subject, its another wonderful learning curve!!

Minnie brings in all sorts, so far she has brought home a rat, a mouse, butterflies, moths, a starling, a wood pigeon and today a spider. It was already in bad shape when I saw her bring it in so there was no chance of rescue. Mostly I don't try to discourage her because if she was lost at least she would be able to feed herself.

Minnie and the Spider
Day 5

Minnie and Glasses of Water Day 4

Minnie loves to drink from glasses, she sits there and pretends that she's not interested., waiting for an opportunity. She clearly lives up to her name of Minx.

Minnie and Glasses of Water
Day 4

Tibby Hears the Doorbell Day 3

This is that split second between hearing a knock at the door and running for cover, stranger alert!!

Tibby Hears the Doorbell
Day 3

Tibby Enjoying Beef and Carrot

Our older cat Tibby is about six years old, she was rescued by our daughter. She is a gentle soul and mostly keeps herself to herself, doesn't like sitting on anyone's lap and runs for cover when someone knocks at the front door. Most evenings though she will come to me as I sit painting and want  to be petted and I enjoy that as much as she does.

Tibby Enjoying Beef and Carrot
Day 2

Minnie Watching a Puddle Day 1

I was feeling a little lost after finishing the challenge, but setting the next challenge beforehand has helped me to move on and start enjoying the new subjects. 

Today I was watering some pot plants and the puddles were a source of fascination for Minnie.

Minnie and the Puddle
Day 1

Clover and Bee Day 30 !!!

Yes!!! I've made it to day 30!!
I must say it hasn't always been easy, having to cook for a living I am finding it increasingly hard. Long hours on my feet, repetitive strain injury in my arms and shoulders together with the beginnings of fibromyalgia. There are days when I really struggle to get through the days work. What really keeps me going is the thought that one day all I will have to do is paint and nothing else.
In my mind and heart I am an artist and the love of being able to create is what keeps me going.

I chose clover and the bee as my last sketch, because for me they symbolise abundance and potential.
Together with the belief that there are more good people in this world than bad and for them all I wish each of you a living that  makes your heart and soul sing.

Clover and Bee
Day 30

Hedge Woundwort and Snail Day 29

This is a stunning little wildflower that is new to my garden, the flowers look like little orchids.

Hedge Woundwort and Snail
Day 29

WIld Snapdragon and Bee Day 28

These little wildflowers are growing happily in my garden and a haven for bees at the moment.

Another old but gold , Mary Wells My Guy. Love it !!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WT7nBGX5eU

Wild Snapdragon and Bee

Bell Flower and Beetle Day 27

I've learnt so much during this challenge, most of all to appreciate my garden and the precious life in it.

This song is a golden oldie and gets me dancing every time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0qW9P-uYfM

Bell Flower and Beetle
Day 27

Sow Thistle and Cabbage White Day 26

These cheerful little flowers grace nearly every roadside and wild places and my garden too.

Sow Thistle and Cabbage White
Day 26

Mexican Poppy and Sawfly Day 25

It feels good to be able to mark each day by a sketch.

Mexican Poppy and Sawfly
Day 25

Oxalis and Ladybird Day 24

These are such sweet little flowers with heart shaped leaves.

One of my favourite singers of all time Brian Ferry singing More than this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOnde5c7OG8

Oxalis and Ladybird
Day 24

Poppies and Wasp Day 23

It's funny how the more subjects I find to sketch the more I am appreciating my garden and all it has to offer, a bit like life.

Life is precious.

Poppies and Wasp
Day 23

Campanula and Green Beetle Day 22

I am shocked and saddened at what happened in London last night, again I ask  how is killing an answer to any problem??!!!

Life is precious.

Campanula and Green Beetle
Day 22