Watercolours With Life: Spring, Glorious Spring : Primroses 2015

Monday 16 March 2015

Spring, Glorious Spring : Primroses 2015

Primroses. Work in progress

Having seen so many wonderful paintings at the Woking Art Society whilst on the selection panel this morning I couldn't wait to race home to my studio to paint. Dotted along country lanes, beautiful creamy primroses are in full flower at the moment and its' impossible to ignore their beauty.

I knew I would be painting them the minute I could get into my studio and I was!

I am working from life but as its' raining outside, on and off, this afternoon I have had to give in and surrender to the warmth of my studio.

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Standing Out From the Crowd

Following on from my earlier blog post about being on the exhibition selection panel. Think about submitting to an exhibition and take on board this train of thought. Lets' imagine that there are several artists that you know who are submitting a similar subject to yours. How could you make your painting stand out from the crowd?

One of the easiest ways to be unique is by simple colour combinations. For example look at the two paintings of primroses below. One painting has the more expected yellow and green colour combination with a hint of a blue sky in the upper background. This is more accurate in that I am painting what I see directly. But think about that for a minute. So is everyone else!

The expected and the subtle not quite so expected!

My other painting has a touch of Opera Rose in the background. Now I know I'm not seeing pink when I look at the primroses in my garden but I want my painting results to be unique! Simple changes, can make all the difference, no matter how small they may be.

Think about how you can make your work stand out from the crowd and have fun doing so.

And if you are submitting to any art shows this year, please don't worry or be down hearted if you are not selected. Sometimes selection really is all about wall space or too many paintings of the same subject being handed in. Or maybe you do need to improve your skills but doesn't everyone? We all keep improving. Thats' what makes painting so exciting, having a goal to aim for. Finally, enjoy painting and do your best by painting in a way that makes YOU happy. Because at the end of the day you are your best judge! Trust me!

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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."