Watercolours With Life: Change of Direction

Friday, 17 December 2010

Change of Direction

"Out of the Heat"

What is it about this time of year that sets most of us thinking about where we are in our lives and where we are going? Or is that just me! I am looking back at an incredible year and wondering how on earth so much has happened in it. I started 2010 with wonderfully exciting news of being a finalist in the David Shepherd "Wildlife Artist of the Year" Exhibition at the Mall Galleries in London with a painting of an elephant and strangely enough I may be ending 2010 on the same theme! I am painting elephants again for a gallery. Having just returned from South Africa I am drawm to wonderful subjects that give me the feeling of being back there even if it is just via my paintbrush.

I truly have had such a fabulous year. At times I cannot take in all that has happened from my book launch again at the Mall Galleries in London to becoming a full member of the SWA, Society of Women Artists. I now have major projects coming my way for 2011 and 2012.

My head is spinning from so many wonderful events to look forward to next year. So much so that I am finding it hard to focus on Christmas but I must as presents and gifts for family and friends need wrapping. I have been asked what I would like for Christmas. I honestly don't want anything at all because this year has felt like Christmas all the way through. Theres been non stop excitement and happy events, one following the other with amazing email messages and phone calls offering me brilliant new opportunities.

I couldn't ask for a single thing. Not for me, anyway.

So instead of wishing for something for myself I would like to wrap up all the love and happy experiences I have been given so that others may have the very best of times this Christmas instead. And an even more fantastic 2011 to follow.

That would make me the happiest person in the world if everyone around me could feel as happy as I do!

And as blessed.

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1 comment:

Roy Simmons said...: Well I am happy Jean! My painting has taken a huge leap forward this year, and you were the inspiration and catalyst! Wishing you even more success in the New Year, have a fine Christmas as well.

Roy.; 17 December 2010 at 10:16

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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."