The Joy of Colour

Tulips

A work in progress on my easel

At the moment I am playing with all sorts of ideas for new compositions and I am happily working on my new book. In between writing I am taking time out to simply paint spring flowers for the joy of it. I adore Spring each year as I always, without fail, feel so energised at this time of year. I feel like the advert in UK for the batteries that never run out as I keep going, minus stopping, from one exciting new painting idea to the next.

This is the very first Spring in UK for years that I have not been teaching workshops here. And for the first time in what seems like a lifetime I have time to paint for me, to follow my own dreams. Everyone knows I love teaching but I held so many workshops last year in England to try and accommodate the long waiting lists for places on them. But I didn't allow any free time for myself to paint and create  on a personal level. I need to desperately.

I believe to be great teachers we must put back in to our own artists' souls that unique time for exploration and trying something new. As well as time to improve what we already know. I hope everyone who follows me will understand my need for this long awaited teaching break. It is doing my creative soul the world of good as my work is beautifully flowing.Which means I will have more to eventually share in my future workshops.

Yesterday I had a fantastic meeting with my publishers who came to my cottage to discuss my new book. I am thrilled to say they are delighted with my paintings and ideas for it, as am I. It is going to be an absolutely stunning publication and it deserves my full attention.

But of course, I escape to paint every now and then, choosing subjects that are not always related to it. I have been given the most glorious Mums day bouquets last weekend and the tulips in one caught my eye. Hence the piece on my easel, seen above. This was simply a play piece. Not destined for sale or a book or an exhibition. Painting for fun frees the soul and releases a happy, positive energy.

And that is how I feel today.

Happy.

More than happy, I feel ecstatic!

I have so much glorious news to share but that will be for another post. For now I want to paint.

Whatever you are doing today how about taking five minutes out just to paint for the sake of it. No pressure, just find the fun in watching colour flow across paper. Go on. I dare you!

And smile!

Have a great day.

Jean 

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Fabulous New Orleans Workshops 2018

 Jean Haines New Orleans Watercolour Workshops for 2018

will be

Hosted by the David Art Center 

I try to visit as many places as possible when teaching my workshops. And to be honest I often try to go to new places rather than return to those I have taught in before. Mainly to give artists living in different locations the opportunity to get a place on my courses which now fill so quickly but I made an exception with New Orleans because the venue and the hosts are so fabulous , it was impossible for me not to want to return.

The art store here is amazing and even though I tried very hard not to, I was soon buying new products that I hadn't come across before. And thats' after all these years of teaching. I felt inspired and energised while being there. So much so that I am painting non stop myself now putting all that gorgeous creative energy to good use. 

The hosts are so warm, friendly and welcoming that again it is impossible not to enjoy being around them.

The room where I taught this year was large and light, which is so important to me. Each artist has a working space of their own which is so much better than sharing a table. 

My teaching space was terrific with a great overhead mirror and everyone was able to see me clearly.

On top of this the hotel nearby is giving a great discount so artists staying there have reasonably priced accomodation. And the art store is giving a generous 20% discount on all products for anyone on my courses while there next year.

I cannot wait to go back and at present I am working on the course which will be full of valuable inspirational information and I will be working with everyone to bring out the best in them as an artists. So what better way to start 2018!

If you are interested in joining me there are a few places left so please contact Adrianna via this link for full information.

Roll on 2018!

http://watercolourswithlife.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/exciting-new-orleans-workshops-2018.html

The Frame Gallery : Odiham, Hampshire U.K "Easter Bouquet" 2017

"Easter Bouquet"

Spring 2017

What a fantastic day to be alive and painting spring flowers! 

I have recieved so many enquiries about my latest Spring floral work asking me if it is for sale. Well I am delighted to share the news that  paintings from my new collection of watercolours are now available at the Frame Gallery in Odiham, Hampshire, UK.

The above painting, my favourite as it cheers me up so much when I look at it is show casing a range of fantastic yellow shades and has that undeniable positive energy feel to it.

To purchase this piece or see what else is in the gallery please contact Jan  the owner via the following link.

 http://www.theframe-gallery.co.uk/project/jean-haines-swa-sfp/

 

Mothering Sunday : Mothers Day Bouquet

"Mothers Day Bouquet"

Original watercolour by Jean Haines

I completed my Mothers Day painting this morning and whilst adding the last tweaks, I  had a terrific "light bulb" moment. It is strange how these moments can make our hearts leap as artists as all of a sudden we realise something that improves our techniques. Something like a small change in how we paint that is so simple and yet the idea has been completely missed by us until that magical light bulb moment. I am delighted. It gave painting this bouquet and added surprise bonus.

This piece is painted with love for all the Mums out there where ever they may be, No matter what age, religion or nationality. Because as Mums we are united. We share a love for our children that is so intense it is indescribable. Nothing in the world compares to this emotion.

Today I look back at the Mums who have influenced my own life. The Mum who left me, the Mum who stepped in and the many " Mums" who guide me as I travel through my life journey. I have been "adopted" by those who love me for who I am, and I see myself as a " daughter" of many who care about me world wide.

How blessed I am.

Mothers make this world go around and I feel for those Mums in countries where their lives are so very different to mine. I can openly show my love for my children, male and female. And my children would never cause harm to another soul on this planet regardless of what religion, faith or feelings they may carry personally.

We are seeing such awful atrocities carried out by men who I wonder about. Did they ever consider the pain they are causing for their Mothers. They cannot dismiss the female race so easily because without us they wouldn't exist. How very sad.

But today is a happy day. A day for celebrating. For being with loved ones, for showing we care. 

Opening our hearts is a great thing to do.

My memory today is of an awful butter dish that I gave to my Step Mum as a Mothering Sunday gift years ago when I was a child. It was all I could afford with my pocket money at a young age. It was Pyrex with an awful image of a duck on it but I  thought she might like it as well as the flowers I had picked from the woodland nearby. My Step Mum opened my carefully wrapped present and made such joyous noises in gratitude as if I had given her pure gold. In her eyes I had. I had parted with the tiny amount of money I had and spent it all on her because in my life I knew she meant the world to me. As Mums do.

I am happy to say my gifts got better over the years but my Step Mum kept that terrible butter dish and even had it on display until the day she died. To my embarrassment she would tell visitors that it was a gift from me. I would wish for the floor to open up and swallow me when she did, but she loved it and the memory of my giving it to her.

I am smiling. What a lovely act of a Mother to see the beauty in the worst of gifts.

I am sure there are some terrific memories out there of Mums and gifts  over the years for you too.

Happy Mothers Day.

May it be filled with smiles and happy thoughts!

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Mothers Day Bouquet : Work in Progress

Mothers Day Bouquet

Work in Progress on my Easel

This afternoon I collected more wind falls from my garden including knocked down daffodils, narcissus, hyacinth, grape hyacinth and primroses.  To make my "blown down" flowers more beautiful in an arrangement, I picked some yellow forsythia and plunged the lot into a glass jug.

Some flower stems were tall so they were obviously perfect for the top of the arrangement adding much needed height. Other stems were shorter and fitted next to the rim of the jug. I laughed when placing these short flowers in the jug. They reminded me of  myself in group photos whenever I am on tour. I am usually the shortest in the group.  I now look out for and deliberately stand next to artists who are as short, or are shorter than me. Maybe I could consider standing on a chair for the next group photo!

But back to my painting. As I looked at this jug of flowers I couldn't resist trying painting it and as I did so, memories of the art classes I took years ago came flooding back. Especially as I worked by adding colour first then picking out flower shapes within this bouquet composition.

I used to go to an art class once a week. I met terrific people there but I am not sure I  actually learnt very much. It was really more of a get together for people who liked painting. But each week there would always be a flower arrangement for those interested in painting flowers and I often found myself sat at that table painting what I saw. Which usually involved a weird jug or vase from the venues' store cupboard.

I can remember the tea breaks complete with biscuits. ( Cookies to my American friends.)  These biscuits were often the cheapest available and weren't really tempting to eat. Thank heavens things have changed in that department when I teach my own art courses!

I have yet to complete this painting. I need to re arrange a few flowers to make the composition more pleasing. The top daffodils are looking lovely, as is the forsythia there too but the section below needs adjusting which I hope to do tomorrow morning. This will be a nice painting to complete on Mothering Sunday which it is here in U.K tomorrow.

I will leave this painting on my easel and walk in tomorrow morning to see what it needs then, but after a full day painting I feel really happy to end my painting day on a sweet smelling bouquet.

Happy painting!

And to all the Mums, have a wonderful Mothers Day!

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Long Awaited Dream

Spring Posy 2018

Original watercolour by Jean Haines

Copyright @jeanhaines

As I write this blog post I feel very emotional because I have kept a secret for a while apart from telling a few friends and artists on my recent travels.

From the time I was a child there has always been a book on my mind that I would love to write. I couldn't, as an unknown author, approach a publisher with my dream because they would not have taken me on in all probability.  Not at that point in my journey. But now my dream is coming true as the book I have always wanted to write is actually my new art project. I am thrilled. As are my publishers who are coming to my cottage next week for the first meeting ahead of photography, filming and project schedule planning. 

Writing this book is something my heart has always wanted to do. The artists who have inspired my brushwork will be who I am honouring with my next publication. I would like them to look down on me and be proud of my teaching in this book, my step by step demonstrations in it, my inspirational guidance so that readers feel my passion and of course the finished book when it is complete.

I am setting myself a huge task within the pages of my next literary adventure as I want all the work in it to be so fascinating so that every reader will be racing for their brushes after turning each new page.

To ensure that this new book really does see my dream come true I am going to do something I have never done before and that is allow myself time to paint and write minus distraction. In the past I have always juggled teaching, exhibitions and workshops and fitted my writing in between each event. But now I want to see what I can achieve as an artist painting just for me , for my book and for the future readers of it.  I really have never put my writing first but I have loved every single publication I have written until now. But this book is special to me. It is dear to my heart and it deserves my full attention.

It will be published in 2018 and workshops next year will carry glimpses of the journey held within each page.

I have a lot in me that has been waiting for so long to be shared.

This is going to be a gorgeous book.

My workshops will be on hold until Fall of this year. As I focus completely on writing. But the workshops I hold after this time will be packed with energetic and enthusiastic demonstrations.

I believe we owe it to ourselves as artists to give ourselves time for personal growth otherwise our teachings risk becoming repetitive and boring. My workshops , I know, are anything but boring but I want to pack more into them and I am taking time out to plan my next courses for 2018 so that they too are highly inspirational.

By taking this teaching break turning to writing I am thinking of all the artists who come to me and have done over the years. In the past the minute I put my workshop dates up  for UK each year my courses sell out within hours. I am honoured that they do. My workshops in USA are now very popular also. And I want to keep them this way by being the best artist I can be , constantly bringing something new and exciting to each session.

This time out will ensure I do just that.

I will be sharing on my blog and hopefully inspiring here as often as possible, giving artists tips and encouraging my blog followers to try new products and techniques too.

For now, wish me luck as I leap into my next book with that wonderful "butterfly" feeling in my tummy and an excitement level that pushes me to amazing new heights in watercolour.

The first page is written. 

From here my  journey really begins.

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DVD **Special Offer** for a limited period!

For a limited period artists can purchase my DVDs online with a special coupon. This discount was available to artists attending my USA watercolour workshops while I was on tour . It was so successful that the creators of my films have  decided to run the offer for a new short period of time.

If you would like to purchase any of my DVDs from Artist Network TV all you have to do is enter the code Haines15 and then enjoy watching my tutorials via my films.

 Please note : Coupon code Haines15 will be set up to go live 3/23 and expire 4/30 at 11:59 MT. 

https://www.artistsnetwork.tv/

Florida Watercolour Workshops: Spring 2018

"Blushing "

Flamingo in Watercolour

Florida Watercolour Workshops

Spring 2018

Following my previous blog post on my watercolour workshops in Florida next year I need to share the news that my workshops in Fort Lauderdale have already sold out. A wait list for cancellations is still open there, so  it is still worth adding your name if you hope to gain a place. Just in case another artist has to drop out at the last minute.

However there are still places at the moment in the Sarasota Art Center so please book early there if you are interested, to avoid disappointment.

Full information can be found via this link on how to book a place.

http://watercolourswithlife.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/usa-workshops-florida-january-2018.html 

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New Orleans 2018 Watercolour Workshops

"All That Jazz"

I am not surprised to hear that bookings are coming in quickly for my exciting watercolour workshops in New Orleans next year.

I forgot to mention in my previous post that artists attending these fabulous and inspirational events will be able to purchase products in the hosting art store with a 20% discount! That really is such a generous offer which adds to the occasion.

For my part I am going to make these courses so motivational that we will all be painting non stop, and even more so after them.  As I am, now that I am home after teaching there this year. The positive energy I feel in myself and my new work after this years courses in New Orleans is incredible.

For full information on how to book, dates and  hotel accomodation with a good discount please see my orginal blog post. Via this link.

 http://watercolourswithlife.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/exciting-new-orleans-workshops-2018.html

To book a place please contact Adrianna on davidartcenter@cs.com

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Spring Collection 2018

 Spring Inspiration from my cottage garden

I am working on a new collection of watercolours inspired from my cottage garden. So many gorgeous flowers are blooming at the moment that it is impossible to not want to paint them. And after travelling for so long, the luxury of being able to paint when I want to without the thought of packing,unpacking and racing to each new teaching location is pretty fantastic!

I have been juggling so much but now it is time for me to paint, alone in my studio gaining new ideas for techniques and on collections for the galleries who represent me.

Above and below is today's collection of new artwork. The paintings, as works in progress show how my mind leaps from one study in watercolour to the next. I am absolutely thrilled by what is appearing on my paper and each new piece leads me to want to paint another. My heart is literally singing with happiness as one colour after the next flows across each new composition adding rich energy or a sense of Spring freshness. Oh how I love this time of year  which is why I always, without fail, head for home in March and April. To enjoy the spring flowers in the lovely light here in UK at this time of year.

Below are two daffodils washes, just waiting for the finishing touches to be added.

 

 Two first washes of daffodils and narcissus.  And a small posy.

Works in progress.

 Below is my favourite wash of narcissus. The petals are so thin you feel as though you can touch their silky softness.

"Silk and Satin"

Narcissus in watercolour

When I am happy my watercolours simply flow and I really am so very content, enjoying private time in my studio. I have a busy time ahead. I will explain why in another blog post but for now, I am just enjoying creating with the gift of brushwork that brings joy to my soul.

How wonderful to be an artist in Spring, who adores painting flowers so much!

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Exhibitions 2018

 "Dare To Win"

Please note: This painting is strictly copyright of Jean Haines

I am now working for several upcoming exhbitions and having a terrific time in doing so.  I have been asked by  several leading galleries for new work including my popular horse racing scenes. Today was the first day I started working on an exciting new collection.

I have to admit. I rarely show my gallery work online. I keep this side of my art career quite seperate to my teaching, workshops and my posts on social media.

Why?

I am aware that as a teaching artist , beginners in watercolour who  follow me can easily get confused and assume that everything I share online is available to be copied. And of course it isn't. Which is why I put the words " Strictly copyright " underneath any paintings I share online that I don't wish to see copied. Like the above scene. The sense of speed in this new piece is wonderful and I felt excited while creating it. I wanted to ride. And badly! I now cannot wait to continue with my new series which will be seen in galleries and at Cheltenham.

To view my exhibition work please see my web site.

I become so involved when I close myself off in my studio painting new collections that coming up for air now and then seems almost impossible.

I seem to always live in a state of not being able to wait until tomorrow comes and isn't that fantastic!

The word " bored" is not in my dictionary!

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Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild

Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild 

SAWG

In February 2018 I was delighted to give a presentation to the Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild.  I also held two workshops there, all fully booked and I have been told these courses sold out with an hour of their dates being released. As part of this visit I was also invited  to be the judge of the society annual exhibition and it was an incredibly hard task because the style and subject matter was so diverse from bold colourful abstracts to amazingly beautiful watercolours.

You can read about my presentation, workshops and see the prize winning paintings along with photographs from the award ceremony via this link. You will need to scroll down via the link at the foot of this blog post to read all the features on my visit.

I love that this art society want me back and I am thrilled my courses were enjoyed so much. But now its my turn to comment. I now teach all over the world and you never as an artist truly know whats going to happen once you arrive at a teaching venue. Due to my gentle style I tend to attract the most wonderful of people on my courses and here in Arizona I certainly did. I want to thank each and everyone one of you who made my visit so memorable. As a professional , I have to say you were a delight to work with as a society. And I needlessly will mention I adore Arizona.

I have left this incredible part of the world with a part of my heart still very much there and the new subjects I have fallen in love with will keep me painting for a long time to come.

To SAWG : Thank you for having me, inviting me, hosting me and being so fantastic.

And now here is the news letter with features about my visit, workshops and judging

 https://southernazwatercolorguild.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/mar-2017-Newsletter.pdf

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Centre of Attention

"Centre of Attention"

Daffodils in watercolour, work in progress

Sunday Thoughts 

I have been catching up in my studio. Painting for the galleries who represent me, I have two upcoming exhibitions and an exciting new art project which I have already started creating for. I am testing several new watercolour products from companies who have been in touch with me and I am honoured to be judging art events and competitions. I have magazine features with deadlines looming that have to be met. Plus many email messages yet to reply to since my travels. Life is full, as always.

I sat quietly painting in my studio this morning listening to bird song outside and I have had time to reflect on the last few months which saw me travelling to teach fully booked workshops in New Orleans, Arizona and Florida . I am still trying to take in that there were record breaking waiting lists of artists wishing to get on my courses in each destination. In fact one location has at present fifty two artists signed up and wanting me to return as soon as possible. One of my workshop locations sold out of places within one hour of advertising my events. Another location I heard even received attempted bribes to even get on my course.

I am over whelmed, touched and very grateful that my courses are so popular and enjoyed so much.

Now I am reading many emails from artists who attended this years Spring courses letting me know they are achieving great results from practising what they learned from me and they love adding their own ideas to my way of working. It is even more heart warmimg reading that artists have won prizes, gained signatures, got into galleries and sold work which they feel happened because I inspired them either by my books, DVDs or watercolour workshops.

I am opening emails from other leading International Art Societies and Art Centers inviting me to teach at their venues and I would love to, if and when time allows.

But as I painted the daffodil centres today, seen above in a first yellow wash, I realised I have accidentally become almost a " centre of attention" via my teaching somehow. And all I really want to do is paint.  I love painting. I am passionate about watercolour and my own dreams have long since come true. So I am devoting my time now to helping others dreams come true. Which is why teaching is so important as a huge part of my life. I never walk into a venue armed with many paintings to sell. I attend workshops and presentations purely to teach and inspire. Selling is not my goal as the galleries who represent me already sell my original art.    

I look back at meeting artists who have travelled to my courses over the years and the very warm greetings they give me, Many see me as a friend they know from connecting via my writing and my art. I feel very loved. Very wanted. And very happy.

Which is why right now I am working on my next years teaching programme. I have decided 2018 is going to be my best workshop year ever.  Leading into it from this years fall classes which are already fully booked. The excitement will be high in Florida and New Orleans. So to everyone who has already signed up for next year. Please be prepared to become as addicted to painting as I am.

Centre of attention?

Definitely not.

Happy to help shine the limelight of attention on everyone else?

Yes that's me!

Heres' to a great year ahead painting with another exciting one to follow.

Happy painting!

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Spring Inspiration 2017 : My Studio

 Spring Bouquets 2017

My Easel this afternoon

I am happy. So very happy. I am home, back in our cottage after travelling and my garden is absolutely full of gorgeous daffodils just begging to be painted. As I am from Wales where they are the national flower, these bright yellow blooms have always been very dear to my heart. Over the years we have planted many varieties of these flowers in our garden and each Spring fills me with joy as they begin to appear, bringing sunshine to whatever the weather may be here in England. They brighten up a grey day for sure.

Today however is very special. I delivered some new art work to the Frame Gallery in Odiham and was delighted to see the owners expression as they saw, for the first time my 2017 daffodil paintings which will be framed and in the gallery from next week. The owner, Jan, loves my work so much. We have had a great relationship for such a long time. As I have with all the galleries who represent me as they patiently wait for my return to my studio when I am away.

I am now back and painting!

My favourite piece that I took in to the gallery today will be placed in the window, to welcome spring and the galleries many visitors and clients. As I left the gallery, I eagerly returned to my studio to work on new paintings. I knew exactly what they were going to be. More Spring flowers!

I had collected blooms that had been blown over by the wind this morning and so I started painting my new bouquet arrangements. But allowing my artists heart to make changes to the arrangement in each new painting.

 Flowers from my cottage garden, gathered this morning.

 We have white flowers with yellow  centres and some with bright orange trumpets which are also a joy to paint. As seen below in a first wash that breathes life and energy into my favourite new composition. 

Every new painting becomes my favourite painting!

 Favourite first wash of daffodils until the next new painting!

I feel energised , happy and glad to be alive. On days like this it is wonderful to paint from the soul. 

And thats' just what I am going to do next!

Paint from my soul

Happy painting. 

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The Frame Gallery, Odiham, Hants, U.K : New Spring Collection 2017

"Mother Nature"

Original Watercolour

£550

I am excited to share the news that my new Spring 2017 collection of watercolours is now available at the Frame Gallery in Odiham, Hampshire , U.K.

The bee-autiful piece above makes a perfect Mothers Day gift as an everlasting bouquet. I know how busy a Mums' life is so the bees to me represent how hard they often work! 

For full details for this and my other paintings at the gallery please follow this link, and let Jan the owner know where you heard this news.. Jan is fantastic and will be happy to help you.

Gallery details via this link.

http://www.theframe-gallery.co.uk/project/jean-haines-swa-sfp/ 

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Exciting New Orleans Workshops 2018 !

 "All That Jazz"

Painted with two of my favourite Daniel Smith Shades.

NEW ORLEANS 2018

"Watercolour and More"

Exciting new workshops full of fabulous new subjects and inspirational techniques.

I am thrilled to announce that I will be returning to New Orleans next year to the same terrific venue. This year my workshops were held at David Art Center and everyone who attended found the location to be absolutely amazing. Apart from being above an art store the owners are so enthusiastic about art, and have so much knowledge  regarding art products, that teaching here was a delight.

I also adored New Orleans so much which is why I am returning. 

Artists attending these workshops have a special rate at a nearby hotel f they book early which they will need to do at this popular time of year there. Our stay this year was incredible as we enjoyed the buzzy atmosphere there, which in turn led me to leave feeling not only highlyinspired and re energised but the number of new subjects I have to paint now is out of this world. See above watercolour to get a sense of what I mean. Around every street corner in New Orleans there is a painting waiting to happen. And the food is far too interesting and delicious!

Please join me if you are needing a boost in working in watercolour, fancy a terrific inspirational break and want to grow and improve your style as an artist. I have to admit, this destination has  completely boosted my own art.

Please note to book a place you need to contact the art store directly. And as quickly as possible because places are as always strictly limited.

Here are the dates and contact details for booking a place next year.

David Art Center

3020 N. Arnoult Road
Metairie, LA 70002

Phone: 504-888-3630

 To book please email Adrianna :
davidartcenter@cs.com

web site :

 http://www.davidartcenter.com/

Workshop 1 5/6th February 2018

Workshop 2  8/9th February 2018

Hotel Information:
David Art Center has a special rate at the Best Western Landmark Hotel - $75 each night  or $80 with Breakfast included (Please call (504) 888-9500 to make reservations, and mention discount code “David Art”. Discount cannot be used for online reservations; you must call to get the discounted rate.). This hotel is only 3 blocks from David Art Center.
For more information about the hotel, click here: http://goo.gl/13OkE5http://goo.gl/13OkE5

"All That Jazz"

 

For those coming, please be aware that these workshops are going to be so much fun, highly motivational and fascinating ! I can't wait!

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Manatee

"Gentle Giant "

 Manatee

I have so much I want to share from my recent travels to USA which closed with my workshops in Florida. While there I desperately wanted to see manatee. I had heard so much about them. But I was working so hard that the little free time I had didn't really give me much of an opportunity to see these gentle giants.

As time passed by my longing to see them grew.  I knew there was a chance to see one in captivity but that is something I cannot do.  Pay to see a living thing with a prison sentence. To me the best place to see wildlife is in the wild. But the days continued to race by and soon it would be time for me to return home to UK. Minus having seen this mysterious creature from the deep.

Luckily for me, I am married to one of the most wonderful men in the world. While I was busy teaching my husband looked for where and when we could definitely see manatee. And so, on one of my last days in Florida I found myself on a boat heading out to where manatee were supposed to be.

And we saw them! 

I was so thrilled. I felt like a child at Christmas when the gift they thought they would never have is their right in front of them. I watched them mesmerised and I haven't been able to get them out of my head. Hence this watercolour painting of one. I had a blue wash at hand that a manatee , as a subject, worked perfectly on.

These creatures I am told are called "sea  cows" because of their size and grazing habits. But to me they remind me of mermaids, albeit perhaps without the most beautiful of faces. But having said that.  I do think they are beautiful!

I am already looking forward to not only returning to Florida but sharing my new colour combinations, wash uses and subject experiments minus the use of a preliminary sketch. Oh my, there is as always so much more to share. And I am so inspired.

Roll on my next workshops. 

And the next time I see manatee!

N.B  I will be teaching in Florida next year !

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The First

"The First Bee"

I have not yet been home  for a week since my recent tour of USA but I am already wandering around my cottage garden enjoying the first of the Spring flowers and seeing the first bee of the year as I have done so.

I love Spring. There's a magical energy about it. And I adore Spring flowers. I pick daffodils daily that have been blown or knocked over.These find their way into my home or my studio where I paint them. I must confess I am reluctant to pick flowers from my garden as I enjoy seeing them there. But nature seems to give me a nudge now and then and make me pick up the ones that have fallen over. I shared this daily routine the other day and someone mentioned they would pick their blown over flowers in honour of me. Well Gayle, this blog  post is in honour of you doing so!

I believe nature is the best art teacher and unless we get off our computers or away from our brushes from time to time we miss out on so much that is beautiful in life. So my artist tip of the day is to get out and find yourself something beautiful to paint, search for something that inspires you and draw that great connection into your work via your brushstrokes.

I wonder what I will be inspired by tomorrow? 

Who knows but it will be something that is terrific that's for sure!

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USA Workshops : Florida January 2018

" Early Bird "

USA WORKSHOPS 2018 

Having only just returned from my recent tour I am already looking ahead to next years workshops . There will be very exciting new subjects, great new colour combinations and techniques. As always the courses are aimed at being highly inspirational and motivational.

The messages I am already recieving from this years courses have been completely overwhelming in that I am being asked to return everywhere and as soon as possible! I am afraid that cannot happen as I have so much on in UK this year.

However, for those of you who cannot wait and are eager to book workshop places in 2018, I can let you have this information on where I will be in January next year.

FLORIDA!

To open the year I will be at the following two locations. With places strictly limited to ensure maximum enjoyment by those who attend.

 GOLD COAST WATERCOLOR SOCIETY

Gold Coast Watercolor Society

1350 East Sunrise Boulevard

Suite 113

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Workshop 1:  16/17th January 2018  FULLY BOOKED

Workshop 2:  18/19th January 2018 FULLY BOOKED

http://www.goldcoastwatercolorsociety.com/ 

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  ART CENTER SARASOTA

Art Center Sarasota
707 N. Tamiami Tr
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-365-2032

Workshop 1:  22/23rd January 2018

Workshop 2:  24/25th  January 2018

 http://artsarasota.org/

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Futher information will be shared regarding my courses on my blog in time.

But for now, this is the "early bird" warning! 

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Daniel Smith Fabulous New Colour Watercolor Shades !

" Springing to Life"

Before I went on my recent USA tour I was made aware of the new Daniel Smith Watercolour shades but I hadn't had time to play with them fully before my flight to my first tour destination. Once there I had a great time playing and experimenting with the new colours from Daniel Smith..

But on my return home I couldn't resist trying a particular colour out, and this afternoon whilst painting daffodils I discovered that the new " Lavender " shade by Daniel Smith is absolutely perfect for adding shadows to my floral work. It contrasts fantastically with the yellow and orange shades in the narcissi seen above. Because it is opaque it gives a superb effect underneath the trumpet of each flower in this new work in progress.

I intend to share my excitement over these new colours as soon as possible on my blog. If you haven't already discovered this new collection of gorgeous colours don't be left out. They actually sold out very quickly in the last art store I was teaching in , in Florida and to be honest I am already addicted to them.

More news on these gorgeous new colours later.

But below you can see the tube of colour I used. Its' a beautiful addition to my already over flowing palette of inspirational shades!

The new lavender shade by Daniel Smith works perfectly for adding shadows to soft florals and its great for the petal tips too!

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I am back!

"Primrose Playtime"

Work in Progress

It seems like forever since I have posted on my blog due to my Spring 2017 USA tour which saw me teaching workshops in New Orleans, Tucson and Florida. All my workshops on this tour were not only sold out but they had long waiting lists in each location of artists still hoping to gain a place if cancellations occurred. At times like this , which I will share in another blog post I feel very overwhelmed and so very grateful that my work and art courses are enjoyed and wanted so much.

I owe a huge thank you to all the terrific hosts of my Spring 2017 tour courses and to all the fantastic artists who I met in each venue. It feels almost as if a party occurs on each session with the excitement building as the first day leads into the second day of my courses.

I will be sharing news of my 2018 workshops with full contact details on whom to get in touch with to book places for next year. So please follow and keep an eye on my blog for news updates.

As for me I am finally home in UK and I have so much I want to share that is inspirational. I will try and add a little each day here to catch up on my blog and also I need to apologise for my email message reply delay. The Internet connections while I have been travelling haven't always been great and I could only respond to a few messages at a time. With so much going on I am afraid that business contacts took priority but I should be catching up over the next two weeks with all my other messages, so please bear with me.

I am currently looking at my Fall 2018 tour programme and my 2019 schedule. So again I will be in touch with any art society or art group who have been in touch with me, giving news on what I can physically fit in. The nicest part about each trip is my being invited back to existing venues by my hosts and I am aiming to try to do so in time.

For now, jet lag is hitting me quite badly and there is a pile of unpacking and sorting out to do from my travels. I looked a huge amount of ironing this afternoon and then saw a clump of primroses in my garden which were begging my brushes to paint them. The primroses won, as seen in the very quick paly study above but I really should be good to my husband and iron his  clothes too. After all he was terrific on my tour helping me out so often!

I am back, I am eager to  tell you all about so many wonderful new things and I am ready to do so.

Soon!

Watch this space!!

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