Watercolours With Life: Watercolours With Emotion

Tuesday, 29 March 2011

Watercolours With Emotion

Buster coming to life in watercolour

I paint from life as often as possible which often sees half finished paintings of animals evolving like the one of Buster above. Looking at how light plays on colouring, his pose, the texture and softness of his fur has taught me so much about painting cats.

Instead of racing to complete a painting I have taken time to enjoy every brushstroke and consider how it could be improved. Whilst painting sleeping cats has become a pastime capturing beautiful eyes has become more of a passion.

My model Buster has given me six years of lessons in how to paint cats and for that and his affection I am so very grateful. Sadly yesterday we learned our fluffy monster of a cat has Cancer. The prognosis is only two months to a year to live.The vet has been so kind as they are aware we lost our elderly dog Taffy before Christmas of last year so they wanted to do everything they could to help but there is no treatment.Nothing can be done to help my four legged teddy bear of a cat.

I have cried and my spirit has dropped because the joy I feel being with this companion who sneaks behind my table easel to sleep daily is precious. He snores peculiarly through one side of his nose only so when I hear a squeaking noise I become aware he is in the room.

Knowing me I will find a way to paint my emotions into a new piece and also try to help the Cancer Research Fund. For now my studio is quiet with the news we will be losing a four legged companion,friend,model and loved pet so very unexpectedly.

6 comments:

Julia Ruffles | wildlife artist said...: A difficult time, remember that with every magical brushstroke his sparkle shines brighter, Jules; 29 March 2011 at 09:20
bazza said...: Hello Jean. I admire your watercolour style and love this view of your cat. I'm sorry to hear that he is ill. My daughter's 13 year-old cat was given the same diagnosis well over a year ago!
Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’; 29 March 2011 at 23:58
Diana said...: hi Jean, I am so sorry, I understand completely. We just lost Dusty to lung cancer a month ago our dear dog and my Daisy, my lab has stomach cancer. nothing can be done. I watch her and love her as much as possible .. such love from our dear companions and so I keep you and your kitty in my heart and prayers. Love your work and your beautiful free form of gorgeous painting. take care, love Diana; 1 April 2011 at 17:07
Jean Haines SWA, SFP said...: Thank you so much Jules, it is so hard hearing news of a loved pet like this; 7 April 2011 at 00:34
Jean Haines SWA, SFP said...: Hi there Bazza, we all love our pets so much don't we, I am turning this around into at least being lucky enough to know and understand we need to make the most of every day Buster is with us now and give him the best quality of life while he is:); 7 April 2011 at 00:35
Jean Haines SWA, SFP said...: Thank you so much Diana, we have fingers crossed the cancer may be slow growing..............he is such a dear fluffy boy and it is such a shame. Thank you so much for leaving a reply and for caring.; 7 April 2011 at 00:36

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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."