Watercolours With Life: Soft Reflection

Thursday, 27 May 2010

Soft Reflection

"Soft Reflection"

Original Watercolour by Jean Haines

I have been approached by two new galleries and at the moment find myself in the process of painting new collections so that each gallery is representing my style with a variety of subjects. It is amazing how my versatility seems to appeal because I am never tied to one alone. My owls have become collectible and I have been trying to paint myself one for a while now.

Just before my recent move I delivered a painting of three baby owls to a local gallery to be framed for our new home. As the painting had developed I had fallen in love with the piece and knew it was one to keep. It had that special something about it which artists recognise from time to time. Having selected the frame and left the gallery I was taken aback to find my phone ringing the minute I walked into my new home. Within minutes a collector of my work had seen the baby owls and wanted to buy the piece even though it was not for sale. The painting hadn't even made it to a gallery wall or my home. I found myself in a quandary because I felt really torn about letting this painting go. I decided to take time out to think about it and finally came to the decision if it was genuinely loved that much it deserved to be sold. I know the collector already has several of my favourite paintings so this felt right. The gallery were delighted.

And so this week I found myself starting a new collection of owl paintings and one again I have fallen in love with. But a new gallery is opening and they would like some special pieces to celebrate. This one is indeed special.

I have been reflecting how my life is changing as an artist and how much I have experienced over the last twelve months especially. All the time every day I enter my studio with a feeling of fresh excitement regarding what I will be painting. I still have no commercial desire to race a piece or meet "demand". In fact I take even more time thinking about letting go of each painting at the moment because I want them to leave my studio with the knowledge each brush stroke did indeed make a difference.

" Soft Reflection" will leave my studio for a new home and on reflection from this piece alone I have learned so much. Each painting in my life has an emotional value and is part of my watercolour journey. Learning when to let go is important in so many ways not just via the brush. Moving forward at the right pace and time is vital too. I know I am " letting go" and "moving forward" at the right time and pace.

And I look forward to my owl paintings of tomorrow but have loved each one as they have appeared. Maybe sharing on a blog is a good thing in that it gives us all time to reflect on why we paint,what we paint and the outcome of our actions!

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2 comments:

Lindsey said...: umm... holding on and letting go... both good at the right times and are great lessons. I love your owls, such expression. thanks for sharing; 27 May 2010 at 13:08
JANE MINTER said...: he looks very gentle ... the three owls i saw framed whilst at the workshop looked incredible jean ... must be a difficult decision to let go of certain paintings.; 28 May 2010 at 00:25

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The Artist Magazine : Book Review

Jean Haines' Atmospheric Watercolours

"The book is nothing less than a paean to the wet in wet technique. If that's your thing, prepare to be amazed. Jean Haines credits Jean Louis Morelle, and in many ways this book is the sequel to Morelle's remarkable, but very technical work, showing the wealth of creative possibilities the technique offers. A lot of the images are barely recognisable and yet you instinctively know what they are. I wish I knew how, because this is impressionism taken to its logical conclusion and reminiscent of some of the later work by JMW Turner. You will have to take it from me that "First signs of a face appearing magically from a first wash of watercolour" is pure alchemy. This is an extraordinary book."

"Amazing Ways With Watercolour:" Fastest Selling DVD!

"Amazing Ways With Watercolour" from Town House Films is the fastest selling DVD with the company to date! Record breaking pre-orders for this much awaited film saw requests for copies flooding in from all over the world. A wonderful introduction into working with watercolour minus the use of a preliminary sketch this DVD removes the fear, stress or pressure from worry about how to use watercolour. Instead the focus is on having fun, enjoying vibrant colour combinations and allowing the medium to create the subjects with just a little help from the artist. A really exciting new DVD to own. Whilst the DVD sold out in the first few months since its' release due to popularity it is now in stock and available directly from Town House Films.

http://www.townhousefilms.co.uk

How To Paint Colour and Light in Watercolour

"How to Paint Colour and Light in Watercolour" Jeans first book was launched at the Mall Galleries in 2010 at the SWA Society for Women Artists Annual Exhibition. Many copies have been sold world wide. It is available on Amazon.com, Search Press, SAA Society for All Artists and Ken Bromley.

"This book is a wonderful introduction into Jeans' way of working and gives an insight into her way of thinking and approach to a large variety of subjects. All painted minus the use of a preliminary sketch."