Watercolours With Life: A Simple Break

Saturday, 2 July 2011

A Simple Break

Heavenly Retreat

Poppies from my garden

Watercolour evolving from a quiet break this afternoon

The last week has been really busy as I have attended the Mall Galleries in London almost daily. For the preparation of the SWA, Society for Women Artists 150th Annual Exhibition 2011,the Private Preview and two evening Charity events held during the show. It's been an incredible time,really exciting and full of wonderful meetings with brilliant artists and friends.

But when life becomes really hectic it is often almost impossible to switch off and relax. I will be back at the Mall Galleries next week and demonstrating there on Thursday 7th July. However today I looked at the wonderful sunshine and walked to the woodland at the foot of our garden. Here wild flowers are growing so beautifully and it is here that I have been thinking of constantly this week. Worrying the vibrant and gentle poppies there may disappear before I had time to capture them in watercolour.

Silky poppy petals appearing in a first wash.

This afternoon I have thoroughly enjoyed exploring possibilities of compositions,colour combinations and placement of each flower. It has been a fabulous way to unwind after the hectic week and also a peaceful way to consider the demnonstrations I am looking forward to giving next week at the Mall Galleries. I have walked back into my studio feeling energised and raring to go again.

Life as an artist si so wonderful. You really can change your energy levels and mood simply by moving a brush capturing favourite subjects in favourite colours.

Brilliant!

Tip: Whatever your busy schedule please make time just for you. If you are an artist make time to enjoy moving your brush even if it is just for a few minutes a day.

It really does make an incredible difference to the heart!

1 comment:

irinasztukowski said...: Wow! What a development of the color! Can't wait to see the result. The beginning is incredibly promissing Jean.

thank you,
Irina; 2 July 2011 at 14:29

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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."