Believe

 "Believe"

Unicorn 2018

 Maybe for the first time in my life I really understand what the word " Believe" means. And why it is so important to us.I'm not talking about anything other than believing in ourselves because until we do we have nothing to offer others. From childhood I was often told what I couldn't do. The focus then was always on telling me what would be impossible to achieve. Strangely this had the opposite effect on my young soul. Knowing I couldn't do anything made me fearless in attempting new things. Because as I knew I couldn't do "it" whatever it was I had nothing to lose by trying. My expectations of myself were never high. I wasn't worthy, good enough or important enough to matter. How sad. But maybe that was my grandparents' way of parenting.

Now as an adult I believe we are all worthy and capable of far more than we realise. Apart from  talented artists I also meet people constantly on my watercolour workshops from all over the world who think they "aren't good enough".  Not just at painting. They are.  It saddens me to meet so many wonderfully incredible people too on my courses who have been through so much and yet still smile and give freely to everyone around them.  So where am I heading with this blog post. The last of the year.

We are now seeing out a twelve months period and we have a choice of how to face the new year. I would love everyone to face it feeling positive. Feeling as though something really magical is about to happen. And it might just happen. If we allow it to. We could see dreams coming true. We could simply enjoy relaxing more or making or creative time even more fantastic.

We have so much power individually to make a huge difference to our own lives and the lives of others. We really have if only we knew it.

With age comes wisdom so they say. I decided long ago to avoid any form of negativity. I have surrounded myself with amazingly positive people who not only smile but share their joy for living in so many ways with everyone they know or meet.

So here's my wish list for 2019.

I am going to make this new year the best ever.

I am going to continually keep looking for the magic in life. The magic of kind people who are everywhere making miracles happen when least expected.

I am going to try to inspire everyone who loves watercolour to paint non stop and encourage them to try something new as often as possible.

I am going to discover as many new watercolour techniques by the end of the new year and have shared each discovery with as many art friends as I can including you.

I am going to enjoy every minute on this earth while I can and make each minute count.

I am going to share as many smiles as possible

BUT importantly..................

I am going to be kind to myself by resting more often and enjoying my home and garden.

Happy New Year.

Please make your own positive wish list!

 And may all your wishes and dreams come true. 

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Berry Christmas and a Berry Happy New Year

 Berry Christmas 2018

After what seems like a lifetime I am finally back on my blog and how I have missed being here!

I left UK for my Fall USA tour back in October. First I travelled to Seattle where I taught workshops at Daniel Smith Art Store. Here I held four workshops to try to relieve the long wait list there for places on my courses. Thank you so much to the wonderful team there for not only hosting my courses but giving each artist time in the store to discover many wonderful watercolour treasures. 

I then travelled to Kennewick to a new art centre and here taught two workshops before heading to the airport to fly to Florida and my return to Keeton's Art Store. Next I headed to Bonita Springs to complete my tour with further workshops at the Bonita Springs Centre for the Performing Arts. In total I taught twelve workshops and gave three book signing presentations. It was indeed a very full on and hectic time. I visited Miami for a break afterwards before heading home to UK where I immediately threw myself into Christmas preparation.

Thank you so much to everyone who hosted and attended my workshops in each location. I loved meeting everyone and sharing my passion for working with my favourite medium.  This last trip was certainly amazing!

Now I am sat here in my studio with my hands already covered with paint wondering where to begin with all the excitement that lies ahead for 2019. A new year faces all of us and, oh boy, it is a great time of year to be full of determination to not only succeed in discovering new approaches to working with our favourite medium but we should be looking ahead to making each week full of glorious colour applied in fantastic ways to make our artists' soul scream with joy.

I am back.

I am happy.

I am excited.

I am ready for the best year ever.

Are you?

I'm so sorry I have been off my blog for so long but I plan to make up for it. Mainly because I have so many new colours and new techniques to share.

"2019" watch out because here we come!

For now though a belated " Berry Christmas" and a "Berry Happy New Year! "

" Berry Christmas" Close up 

Created using Daniel Smith Aussie Red Gold to make my red shades sing.

Red on its own can be so boring and 2019 is definitely NOT the year to be boring!

 

USA Fall Tour 2018

"Cheeky"

From my Christmas Collection 2018 for The Frame Gallery in Odiham, Hampshire UK

https://theframe-gallery.co.uk/

 I leave for my Fall Tour tomorrow so my blog will probably fall quiet yet again. I do apologise for not posting as frequently as usual. I have a confession in that I have been writing a new book that has changed me completely. I am stronger, more confident and so much happier than ever. If that was possible. The research into my new title has had such beneficial effects on me that staying on line for too long is virtually impossible and I will share more news on why later . Perhaps at Christmas!

But for now I must prepare for my trip. I am already packed with a few last things to attend to before I get on my flight.

I will be teaching in Seattle, Kennewick, Bradenton and Bonita Springs before ending up in Miami.

My courses are all sold out but I will be giving demonstrations in both Washington and Florida.

I hope you are enjoying painting as much as I am and loving life.

Thank you so much for following my blog and once my tour is completed I hope to see you here far more often with many inspirational ideas for working in watercolour.

For now

Smile, 

Breathe deeply, Enjoy the beauty of nature around you,

And make time to paint.

Best wishes

Jean

Christmas Exhibition 2018 : The Frame Gallery

"Soulful"

Owl in Watercolour

Christmas Exhibition 2018

THE FRAME GALLERY

Odiham

Hampshire, UK. 

I am delighted to have been invited to show in the Frame Gallery Christmas Exhibition  which is in Odiham, Hampshire, UK.

This December there will be a fabulous collection of art and my owl painting above will be for sale and on display along with other new work by me  as part of the annual event.  I must confess I visited the gallery earlier today to deliver my new collection and couldn't leave without buying a few gifts as the owner is so spectacular at finding new treasures to display. 

Do visit if you can and for further details visit the gallery web site

https://theframe-gallery.co.uk/

SWA Society of Women Artists Annual Exhibition 2018 , Mall Galleries, London

With one of my paintings from the SWA Annual Exhibition

SWA Society of Women Artists Annual Exhibition 2018

Mall Galleries

London

UK

Heaven knows how time is flying. I have been so busy filming my next new book and working so hard on it that I have neglected my blog for far too long but I hope to add some lovely posts on it soon.

For now though catching up!

Yesterday I went to the Private Preview of the SWA Society of Women Artists Annual Exhibition 2018. Held at the fabulous Mall Galleries in London ,UK. I have to say it is a superb show. I have missed participating for a few years due to my constant travelling itinerary but this year I managed to submit work and deliver it to the Mall Galleries in time to take part. I am truly honoured to be a member of this prestigious society. And each time I go to one of the annual exhibitions I am literally blown away by the diverse collection of talent on display. This year was no different. The work selected that made it into the show was of a very high standard.  For me the most exciting part of going is to see new blood. New artists emerging coming into the exhibition. To see new styles, new names, new ways of working in a variety of mediums, new approaches to familiar subjects and subjects you may never have considered painting. This is eye opening.  Everything is here in this exhibition to both inspire and keep the more enthusiastic artist fully alive and motivated.

I am going to have to be honest here and ask have you ever wandered into an annual art society exhibition knowing you are going to see almost exactly the same thing as last year? I have and it is really boring! This does not happen at the SWA events. The variety of art grows from members and non members alike each year and I alway sleave feeling the urge to race to my studio and paint.

Of course there will be work in any show that you don't admire. That is natural. We don't all like the same things which is a good thing. There were possibly one or two paintings I might not have selected had I been on the SWA selection panel this year but as I mentioned to the friends I was with yesterday. Those were the very paintings that captured my attention. I studied them long and hard to see why they had been chosen. These were the extra dimension adding colour to the show.

I have to take my hat off to the whole committee who work so hard to make this event such a success. I am a past member of the SWA committee and I know what goes on behind the scenes and it is an incredible amount of hard work from a truly dedicated team who often put their own needs and careers on hold to put the society and its' members first. They deserve congratulating on this years exhibition.

I also would like to give credit to Soraya French who is the current President of the Society. I know Soraya as a dear friend. She is well loved and well respected. Not only for her wonderfully colourful art but also for her amazing personality and nature. She is warm, generous and so giving. Do look up her art and books if you haven't come ascross her name before.

As I wandered around the gallery a lady and her friend were looking at my paintings, two o fmy floral pieces which were in the main gallery. Soon a red dot appeared next to one of them and I happily had my photo taken on request from thedelightful  buyer. You know,  it isn't even the red dot or sale that is important to me. That lady fell in love with my painting and I know it will be going to a home where it is enjoyed for years to come. It was a wonderful moment at the show and added to the already fantastic day.

The SWA exhibition is an annual event and you can see submission details and information on how to become a member on their web site. So take a look. Visit the exhibition and if you think you would like to join in, consider submitting next year. Bear in mind the selection process is one you will need to go through as with any good art society but if you get in the trill and honour is worth while.

Do visit the exhibition if you are in London and say Hi to my only available rooster painting at the moment.

Happy painting and I am back on my blog!

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Instagram ? I am finally on it!

Blackberry  First Wash

While writing a new book I tend to lock myself away consistently but I have recently joined Instagram. When I say recently I mean this weekend! Everyone has been begging me to join for ages but my problem was thinking " Do I really need to be on one more social media site!"

Well I am there now and as I am painting prolifically I am sharing my work each day so if you would like to find me there just look for my name and  you are welcome to follow my watercolour antics! You will also see my latest work there that I haven't had time to share here. But I will still be writing on my blog because of course this is where I share my workshop news and I can write much longer posts here!

But right now I am going to paint as the sun is shining and its a beautiful day to be working in watercolour but when isn't it a beautiful day to be working in watercolour?

Jean

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Be Exciting! 2018 Those Warm Up Washes.

 First Wash for Blackberry painting

I have just had the last of my UK workshops this year and last week was wonderful. I shared so many new ideas and products and each day seemed better than the last. My whole ethos about teaching is to not only inspire but to give everything I know that works away so that other artists can use my techniques too and hopefully evolve them to suit their own style. I cannot be secretive. I like to give every single piece of information away and I'm happy to say the courses were really enjoyed by wonderfully enthusiastic attendees.

My next courses are in USA and at present there are about two places left in Bonita Springs Florida if anyone would be interested in coming but be warned. These may be my best workshops yet as my passion for watercolour is at an all time high! 

 Why?

I am working on a new book that cannot be "quiet"  . It builds in colour so excitingly that I am having a ball creating it. But back to this blog post.

Each day I find new inspiration as in subjects to paint and this morning I walked to the top of the hill I used to take my dog Bailey too. I find it difficult to go there without him now he is not with me anymore. But I did this morning and at the top I looked down and thought of all the happy times we walked there together. I had taken sharp secateurs with me thsi morning  to cut some bramble and hedgerow to bring back to my studio to paint in the comfort of my peaceful space.

When I returned I took a deep breath, calmed my soul and allowed colour to flow across the paper. I looked at the branches of vibrant glowing colour I had brought home and let them decide which colours I would add and where in my first washes. These colour wash flows are far more dynamic following my workshop sessions. I think I  inspired myself as much as everyone in the class and I couldn't wait to get home to paint after each session.

Two of my washes are shown below, side by side on my easel and I will finish them by adding detail next.

 Two dramatic Autumn first washes waiting to be completed!

My favourite wash so far is below. I love the flow in this piece. I won't add leaves until I know where each berry will definitely be sitting in the composition

 

 Favourite first wash for blackberry hedgerow painting.

I am sharing a close up below of a section of my favourite first wash, seen above If you look at the area in it  that seems to have more texture I will explain that this effect is gained by using granulation fluid. Demonstrated on my recent courses. Although I often do not use this product at all as I find my Daniel Smith colours granulate perfectly left on their own to interact. However I like doing things differently at times and this morning I "went for it" with my warm up washes using a bottle I had placed near my easel, to remind me to use it!

Close Up Section : Granulation effects achieved by using Granulation Fluid.

It is good to use different things from time to time. It pushes you to be adventurous  with your art and encourages you to search for new ways of  achieveing dynamic results in your work. At the moment  I'm listening to birds singing and now can't wait to get back to painting. I hope you are feeling inspired by nature too. I do believe going outside for a walk, taking a deep breath and absorbing the energy around you is a great start to every day.

So my artist tip for today is

" Go OUT"!

Look for treasure to paint and don't get stuck in a rut as to sitting inside non stop, as that can seriously block your artists' soul and energy.

Have a great day! And happy painting

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P.S I am now sharing a lot of my work daily on Instagram so do look me up there!

Just do it! Autumn Scene in Watercolour

"Autumn Walk"

Years ago when I first started learning how to paint in watercolour I was trained in how to paint landscapes. The problem was, everyone in the courses I attended were too. Painting exactly the same scene and in exactly the same way. After a while I realised that perhaps I didn't want to be an artist after all. Not if it meant doing what everyone else did. And so for a while I stopped painting. That is until I discovered that art is about being different. Being you. Creating in a way that makes you happy.

But every now and then I return to painting landscapes and at the close of my studio day it is rather nice to throw colour on paper at random. I often choose colours that have been used that day on other subjects. Right now Autumn is approaching so I am drawn to golds and copper shades.  With the scene above I did  a wash first allowing colours to merge. I created a foggy effect by leaving water to do its " thing". Separating pigment and moving it out of the way so beautifully.

I added a few trees by looking at the trees outside my studio window. Then adding fence seemed like a good idea.  Splattering some gold leaves to hint at the Autumn foliage worked well for a distant look. In fact the composition was working really well at this point. I could see an old stone wall in the mid ground area. 

From my classical training I knew something was needed in the foreground to finish the painting. And outside my window I have hog weed going to seed so I added that in white gouache.

Before I knew it the landscape was done and I had relaxed while creating it.

I probably paint so many of these scenes, changing sections or colours but basically they are all the same. Background, mid ground, foreground.  And they are beautifully simple to pull together.

Perhaps you have a scene you could try  in this way? Add a building, mountains.trees in the distance, hedges, branches from above.

But make your work simple.

Most importantly. 

Have fun creating!

Jean

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Taking Flight : Hummingbrid in Watercolour

A Touch of Green

Hummingbird work in progress 

I have so much I could share on my blog and so little time ! Firstly I have exciting news that the filming for my next new book which will be launched next year has begun. The film crew arrived at my cottage this week and we worked non stop with what has to be the most beautiful photography ever. I have future filming sessions scheduled so I will be busy writing and preparing for them.

This weekend I took time out to judge a watercolour competition connected with my book "Atmospheric Watercolours" which has been published in Russian, so the competition was set there and there were over 700 entries! Which means judging was a task. The submitted work was so beautiful but I have now selected five winning paintings.

Today my husband and I raced to the venue where my UK workshops take place and we have set up for what promises to be such an exciting week. I have two new "two day" courses to close this UK teaching year and the first begins tomorrow. The second two day course begins on Wednesday and I know there is a long waiting list for any cancellations but no cancellations occurred. Which brings me to the end of my 2018 courses in UK and they have been fantastic. Thank you so much to everyone who attended them and made each so memorable. I have loved every single session so very much. I am looking ahead and as my work is evolving it is only natural my workshops do too. My ideas for next year include experimental, stretching yourselfcourses and having fun looking at new ways to work in my favourite medium. Watercolour.

My USA tour begins  in October 2018 and I am really looking forward to it. If anyone has booked in Seattle please be prepared as I am going nuts with products at the moment, having a lot of fun which I am dying to show everyone in my workshop sessions.

So you would imagine I am being good and working on my list of things that must be done before tomorrow arrives? Well I should be but I fell in love with a photo of a hummingbird  taken by one of my friends on Twitter and he gave me permission to paint it. Hence the " Touch of Green" painting that I am showing in this blog post. I just want to add a touch more and then it is done.

What a great weekend, life and time. 

Roll on tomorrow!

Whatever you are doing do follow your heart as much as possible. If it screams at you to paint something do just that while the energy is positive, strong and your enthusiasm is high. Your results will show how you feel. I felt great today! Glowing!

Happy painting and thank you so much for following my blog. It is wonderful to escape here when life gets so busy that I can't breath and feel a need for artistic company!

Cropped version of the hummingbird painting. 

To be finished!

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Autumn Riches 2018 Hips and Haws

"Hips and Haws"

Original watercolour by Jean Haines 2018

Where the time is going I have no idea. How often I have heard that said and yet I am saying the same words too now. I remember a professional artist of some standing telling me years ago that if I had time to write an art blog I wasn't working hard enough. They meant I should be painting not writing on line. At the time I dismissed their comment and happily continued to share regularly here but recently I now fully understand what they meant. 

I now have tours to organise. Galleries to paint for. My own workshops in UK to think about. And my next new book to complete. We actually start filming the demonstrations next week and I have been adamant that everything in it is absolutely new, as I am with all of my books.  So yes, I am busy. But I love my blog and when I paint something or discover something that makes me feel happy I want to share it with the world. And I am so very happy.

The countryside is laden with gorgeous Autumn subjects to paint so I have been naughty this past few days totally ignoring all emails and correspondence. Totally ignoring my workshop plans and tours and I have put my book on hold to paint and enjoy painting, and oh boy have I painted.

I have a fabulous new collection of autumnal scenes that are full of berries of every kind, glowing beautifully and each time I complete one I immediately want to start the next. Like eating the last delicious nutty chocolate in a box I want more! 

So please forgive my silence on line. I needed time to create just for me. However if you wish to purchase the above painting or paintings like it please contact me as they are going in a gallery very soon.

For now, happy painting.

Oh and Artist tip for the day?

Get OUT!

Go and see what is outside that could tempt your brushes to keep moving and find a treasure to paint when you do. Something beautiful!

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Among the Fields of Gold 2018

 "Fields of Gold "

I am singing as I paint and perhaps how lucky there isn't sound. Although I adore singing especially my favourite songs. On my workshops I often play Celtic music  and " Fields of Gold" is on my play list. And it is perfect as background music for this new piece I am working on.

This morning I have sent two new chapters for my next book to my publisherwho is collating my work to be published in a new very exciting publication next year. My latest book " Atmospheric Flowers in Watercolour" seems to have turned on an inspirational button in my artists soul that cannot be turned off! As I wrote my last book it was literally like writing a music score with the performance building up to a huge wonderful finale of abstracts and techniques using products new to me. And now I am using them non stop which is leading me into yet another book. 

At the moment this painting seen above is all pure watercolour although I have used Daniel Smith Watercolour Ground to create texture. I am loving how this piece is coming to life although detail is yet to be added.

I feel as though I have come alive finding a completely new direction in my art that is so exciting. I am veering away from what I know into the unknown more and more each day and it is so fantastic to be able to share my journey on line. You may think you don't know what I am going to do or create next but neither do I. All I do know is that the book I have just written and the book I am currently writing are changing my life and I love it!

Have a fabulous day and my  "Artist Tip for the Day"  is:-

Try something new, if you have painted what you know for years leap into a new creative zone. The break may be the start of something wonderful for you.

Good luck and happy adventures!

Field of Gold, full composition, as a work in progress.

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USA Watercolour Workshops 2018/2019

 "Impressions of Monet"

Waterlilies in Watercolour

Original Art by Jean Haines

 Watercolour Workshops USA 2018/2019

I am sharing an update on my USA workshops for 2018 and 2019. Please note,I can't guarantee I will be giving any more tours next year so these dates are really important if anyone in USA would like to attend one of my watercolour workshops.

I am now fully sold out in most locations but there are still a few last places in Bonita Springs, Florida and bookings have now opened for the Caliornia Watercolor Association.

Please see my original post, link below,  which includes dates, locations and contact details.

And I look forward to seeing everyone on a session either this year or next!

https://watercolourswithlife.blogspot.com/2018/03/all-ears-20182019-usa-workshop.html

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A Whole new Week Ahead

"Passing Time"

I love Mondays. I always have. I wake each Monday morning with the excited feeling of not knowing what will happen in the days that follow. 

I literally raced to my studio this morning to work in my studio. I couldn't wait to get here. As a dandelion clock was already created on a piece of paper I started adding to the composition. Strangely a butterfly appeared of its' own accord in the lower part of this painting and I love it. It is the surprises with watercolour that make an art life wonderful. Not what we know is definitely planned. I will add to this composition gradually but I am in no rush. I am enjoying each second that I am alive and lucky enough to be able to do so fully.

Whatever your weeks plans are, I hope you too have some wonderful happy accidents occur. They are what makes life magical.

For me, its back to working on my next new book and its' looking fabulous so far.

Have a great week ahead!

Jean

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How can I keep from singing : Portrait

"Ol' Grandpa"

Portrait created minus a prelimnary sketch, with colour alone bringing the subject to life.

If my ride on earth ended at this moment , not that it will, I couldn't be more happier.  I am so incredibly blessed and I am loving my art journey in particular. So much is happening that I have to shake myself  regularly to understand this isn't all a dream. I gave an interview recently where I explained how I started out as a professional artist and I was told I should write a book about my life. It isn't going to happen. I haven't time. But from a child brought up by grandparents to who I am now my story has been one of ups and downs, like many other peoples. From feeling unwanted to knowing I am loved. And perhaps out of all the many good things in my life being loved is at the top of the list for me. Because without love there is no point in life.

But back to my art. This week saw me judging an art competition with the Artist Magazine in UK, and then sending prizes out to the five lucky winners who each receive a signed copy of my latest book along with gorgeous watercolour sets of my favourite colours by Daniel Smith.

I've also prepared and wrapped paintings for two exhibitions. One collection has already been couriered to its destination. Another needs wrapping.  And I have of course worked in my studio. I painted the above portrait of a character I met in New Orleans. I saw him while I was teaching workshops there. This fantastic gentleman was sat by the side of the street singing with such an amazing voice. We stopped and listened for a while and I took several photos. We also bought his CD which we play constantly. You can see the step by steps of this particular portrait on my "Jean Haines Watercolours" facebook page.

This singer is blind but it does not stop him loving life. His smile is contagious. While painting him I couldn't help but think how lucky I am to have the gift of sight. I really couldn't help but sing as I painted him. When I finished my last brush work I remembered one of my favourite songs. "How can I keep from singing" . Part of the lyrics are below and seem to go with my post.

"I lift my eyes the cloud grows dim

I see the blue above it

And day by day this pathway smoothes

Since I first grew to love it"

We all go through hiccups in life and I will admit my health has been really scary this year but now I I am on the winning side of things and I definitely feel much better thank heavens. 

Painting is a great healer, and it has helped me over the last few months to sit still, rest and simply enjoy the beauty in life.

We all need time to rest and recharge our batteries.

This was my time. But guess what? And I am now raring to go again!

In fact I am so happy

How can I keep from singing!

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And its' back to work!

Monday Blues

Experimental wash

 Well the excitement of being at Patchings Art Festival is now gradually wearing off and I am back in my studio working on my next new book. But there is so much else to do!

I am reading so many emails from visitors to the festival last week , many asking for places on my fully sold out workshops so at the moment the wait list for cancellation places is really long. I will be replying to everyone as soon as I can.

Right now I need to prepare paintings for completely new step by steps for my next publication. Many include fascinating washes and colour combinations similar to the one shown above. Light has always been a huge influence on my work. Light and movement so this is what I am aiming to capture in even my abstract compositions to gain a sense of dramatic excitement.

But for now, I think I have had far too much excitement. Its' time to settle down and paint quietly!

I did mention in my demonstrations last week that no matter how busy we are we should always find time to warm up with watercolour work outs regularly. Just playing with colour to see where it leads.

I'm very happy with my colour experiments from today!

Artists Tip?

We don't always have time or the inclination to paint a full composition or serious piece of art. But playing with colour for a short time on a regular basis keeps us in the right frame of mind to want to paint when we do have that luxurious time to do so.

So paint, paint and paint!

And have fun experimenting with colour.

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Sold out! The Excitement of Patchings Art Festival 2018

The last copy of my new book sold at its launch, Patchings 2018

Wow, what a week has just past. I went to Patchings Art Festival where I had been invited as a celebrity guest artist for St Cuthberts Mill marquee. I also had my own marquee where I was launching and celebrating the release of my new book " Atmospheric Flowers in Watercolour". The first night there I set up my marquee with the help of my terrific friend Lindsay and then rested before the opening day.It had been a long day getting there.

Over 45 coaches arrived the next morning to see the Festival and the car parks were quickly filling up.  I was demonstrating at 1.15 p.m.  and wandered outside my marquee for some air before making my way towards the demonstration marquee. Outside I could see a huge long line of people queueing up to see an artist and then I realised they were all queueing to see me! Everyone laughed when I told them. I will admit it is still a little overwhelming when things like this happen as they quite often do. You would think I get used to this  because I travel, film and teach so much but no. I am still completely surprised when I see a huge audience. Surprised and thrilled.Humbled, taken aback and prepared to show as many techniques as possible to ensure everyone watching has a great time.

There was standing room only to watch my demonstrations on the first day and with the intense heat at the time I admire everyone who sat through the hour long demo which everyone did until the very end. The applause then was a lovely way to close the session and I quickly  raced next door to my own marquee to sign copies of my books. The crowd had now moved there. But I was taken aback because I sold out of everything on day one at the festival. In the morning I had a lovely display of many books piled ready to sell. And sell they did! This is actually quite a feat as I had discussed the order of my books with my publisher well in advance. Because it was so big I had expected to bring some boxes of books home with me. But no, they all sold and quickly which left me with a terrible dilemma. I now had nothing to even show anyone who came to Patchings on Friday and Saturday.  Luckily my publishers wonderfully came to the rescue and drove all the way from Kent in UK to Nottingham with many more boxes which we all agreed would see me through the next two days easily. How surprised they were when I had to tell them the good news that my new book had sold out yet again! By late Saturday afternoon I had no copies left.

I gave three sold out demonstrations to over a thousand people, I signed so many books that I lost count and I met the best people ever making my return to this fantastic annual art festival a truly memorable occasion.

The only blip this week was right before my Thursday demonstration when I had to be seen by a medic to check I was okay before going on stage. They also checked me out afterwards. In fact they were brilliant.  So if anyone in the front row could see what was going on outside the marquee at the front, I am fine and I am sorry if it worried you! Being totally honest I was offered the opportunity to not demonstrate at all but I couldn't do that. I know my workshops are fully booked and some of the audience had looked forward to seeing me at Patchings for so long that I simply couldn't let anyone down. Luckily ten minutes into the demonstration everything settled and I gave quite a closing telling everyone what had happened and how ecstatic I was to have pulled the tips and technique demonstration off.  I have never in my career not gone on stage or not turned up for a workshop and I don't intend to start now. I even taught several courses in UK in a wheel chair once after breaking my ankle, as artists had flown from all over the world for them.

So, to everyone who came to see me. THANK you so much! To everyone who bought a book or brought one to be signed, thank YOU so much. And to everyone who came to say Hello, thank you so much too!

I have more to share which I will over the following week but its' good to be back in my studio right now. Painting and loving life here again.

Happy painting.

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Patchings Art Festival 2018 : Jean Haines Demonstration Tickets and Book Signing Event 12-14th July

 "All White"

This morning I started my day by deadheading the flowers in my garden . This daily routine gives me time to think and plan ahead. This week I am preparing for my demonstrations at Patchings Art Festival which takes place next week.

I love Patchings! Its' a place where everyone who loves art and crafts unite in the warmest and friendliest of surroundings.  I have been invited by St Cuthberts Mill who produce my favourite watercolour paper , Saunders Waterford , to demonstrate as a celebrity guest artist in the main festival marquee. I will be demonstrating on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I also have my own marquee where I will be happy to sign copies of my books which will be on display and for sale.

For new comers, please note that buying tickets in advance for  my demonstrations is a wise idea as they can sell out on the day. At the foot of this blog post is a link to help you if you wish to purchase tickets. 

Some advise for Patchings visitors:-

1) Buy your demonstration tickets on line in advance to make sure you get to see your favourite demonstrations!

2) Do come to this event with cash or cheques as not every stand will be taking credit cards.

  

3) Part of me wants to say do come wearing blinkers so that you don't buy everything BUT.... don't wear these in the Daniel Smith marquee where all my favourite colours will be available! 

4) If you can't carry everything make notes of products you wish to try and make sure you know where to purchase them from. later.

But now back to my painting of white roses, why  is the title "All White "? 

Because I have so much to do this week that I am reminding myself that everything will be "all white on the night"! 

I started the above painting by placing three shapes for flowers as white spaces to form the flowers and I created a background around them using Daniel Smith Green Apatite Genuine and French Ultramarine Blue. The centre of my flowers are created with Aussie Red Gold, highly diluted on some of the petals to add a sense of warmth. The first stage is seen below and detail has been added in the above painting which is yet to be completed.

First stage of my white rose painting

If you have my new book " Atmospheric Flowers in Watercolour" you will see the white rose paintings included in it along with composition ideas. 

But now I must get back to work preparing for next week. Do please say Hi if you come to Patchings as I would love to see you!

To buy tickets for my demonstrations please see the link below for full information.

https://www.patchingsartcentre.co.uk/patchings-festival-tickets/ 

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Waterlilies in Watercolour 2018

"Side by Side"

Dedicated to two sisters who inspire me constantly.

Carol and Gayle.

How funny life is. I woke this morning determined to work on my new book. The paintings in it so far look stunning and are hopefully my best ever. I know I am growing in my personal art journey and gaining many "light bulb "moments as ideas on technique hit me over and over again recently. I am dying to host my next workshops with so much to share but I will be demonstrating at Patchings Art Festival soon. So can at least show everyone my new favourite colours and techniques there.  N.B. Please do  pre order your tickets if you want to watch me as they apparently are selling fast.

And so I came into my studio this morning absolutely raring to go on compiling a new chapter for my new book. I had dreamt abou tit all night. But I took a few photographs of my garden first and shared them on Facebook.  My mistake or was it?  I have many friends on my personal Facebook page who I have met over the years especially on tour. Two wonderful friends I love staying in touch with on line are Gayle and Carol. sisters from Oregon USA.  They have the most wonderfully loving family, are both fantastic creatives on every level and I adore hearing from them and seeing their Facebook posts.  They probably have no idea how much I love seeing their name whether they are posting or replying to me, but I do.

This morning I shared a photograph of the water lilies that are on the pond in our cottage garden. These flowers are absolutely glorious this year. Shortly after I had posted the photo Gayle responded with " I would love to see you paint this". I smiled. I had no time to paint water lilies today but the idea was now firmly planted in my brain. Try as I might I couldn't ignore my artists' heart strings begging me to paint these beautiful floral blooms. As I worked hard on my new book I couldn't help but realise I have never painted a full composition of waterlilies before. The thought would not leave me.

Well. I guess you know where this blog post is going. The above painting is of course a clue! 

I pulled a scrap of paper out of my trash bin and looked at it. It could work easily as a background for a painting of water lilies and before you could say "dragon fly" I was off.  Far away from my pre-planned schedule andI was  painting the above scene. And how very happy it made me.

I could hug Gayle for pushing me in this alternative direction and strangely enough I now have an idea for my new book that could incorporate this painting! A huge bonus from going astray.

You know, life has a very strange way of making you do the things you should do when you need to . If you would only listen to what your instincts are telling you. We don't though. We often quell what we feel would be a fabulous thing to do because another far more important deed or chore needs our attention.

Well as far as I am concerned life is far too short to ignore doing what we want. As a child I was often told what I could and couldn't do. What I could and couldn't wear. As an adult I am darned if I am going to be " told what to do" and "when to do it".

I am going to have fun non stop and if the above painting is an example of me painting for me I think I'm onto a roll and a winning formula.

So my artists tip for today is?

Do what you really want to do and if a subject pulls at your heart strings to paint it don't leave that particular piece until tomorrow or when you have " time"

Paint it today!

I just did!

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Gayle and Carol, I was going to paint you two white roses today as you are on my mind but Gayle disracted me and I am so grateful for that distraction. Thank you! 

Hugs to you both xxxx 

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Poppies in Watercolour : Vibrant Colour

 Poppy painting as a work in progress

Goodness as always is flying and it seems like ages ago that my last workshop was held in UK but it isn't actually that long. I have been working on my new book, experimenting and finding easy ways to paint popular subjects. I am aware that it is frustrating when you look at an art book and the full instructions are missing in a step by step. And it happens. 

Funnily enough this week I have been approached by a few artists who couldn't get a technique they had read about. And they were asking me if I could help them. As it wasn't my book I kindly suggested that they write to the author as maybe they could help them reach their goal.  I also felt it might be helpful to that particular author to know there was a problem with understanding the particular technique which isn't one I use.

I do help as much as I can, whenever I can, when asked questions about watercolour but this recent situation reminded me of a cook book I once helped put together for a charity when I was living in Hong Kong. The proceeds from the book were to go to an orphanage and everyone contributing was doing so for free.  Every recipe would be tested by a group of willing volunteers, myself included, and if the recipe was successful it would go into the charity cook book along with the contributors name. We had some fantastic recipes donated from all over the world and we cooked each one. Most worked beautifully but one recipe was a disaster. No matter who cooked that dish it never looked or tasted right. I had the horrible task of contacting the contributor to ask if they had made a mistake with the ingredients. There was silence at first at the end of the phone. Then came back shock and disbelief that their recipe hadn't worked. I then explained honestly that several teams of volunteers had each tried to cook the dish following the exact given instructions and not one had ended with a good or edible result. Finally the contributor admitted that they had left one very important piece of information out of not only thelist of  ingredients but also the method of cooking too. It was a "secret" family recipe and they wanted to keep it secret. But they had also wanted their name in the book. I suggested they forward another recipe with all the ingredients included and we would try that one instead. It ended happily . Their name and new recipe was in the book. A huge relief to all involved!

But some art books are like that too. One missing piece of information can really cause problems for anyone trying to follow any included demonstration instructions.

So here I am looking at this poppy painting as a work in progress thinking about how I could describe what I have just done so that in a book even the newest of artists will understand. And be able to follow my step by step. I may have an idea of  how to do just that. But if I left my blog post here that would be like the recipe with missing information story and terribly unfair to you!

How did I create the painting this far?

 This is all about water flow of course as you can see in the image above which way the colour is running. There is Cadmium Orange in this piece for very bold stubborn colour that is harder to move than other translucent pigments.. There is strong bold Perylene Red by Daniel Smith. Lots and lots of water moves the pigment across the paper which is turned as I work. Then  I have added a drop of black ink in the centres of my imaginary flowers, where I  think they will look good.. Just a tiny dot, not too much. 

Why Ink? Read on!

Now I can create patterns but how?

I haven't just used water. I have , with an old brush dropped on my still wet paper tiny dots of granulation fluid. This now forces the ink to push through the red and orange pigments forming gorgeous veins of patterns as they move. The Cadmium Orange is stubborn and slow to move but it does begrudgingly.

I am going to say here , this wouldn't work as well with quiet watercolour products. The red and orange shades I have chosen by.Daniel Smith are so powerful they really will give me fantastic patterns as they interact with both the ink and the granulation fluid.

The full painting as a work in progress can be seen below. It looks beautiful in reality. The power of the colour is lost on screen.

"Poppy Dance"

Work in progress

Artists Tip

If you can't follow a demonstration in an art magazine or book  try contacting the author/artist as your not being able to follow their written directions may help their next book or written article become better. Quite often each time authors write they too are on a learning curve and need to learn how to improve their descriptive skills. 

As long as they are of course sharing the "whole" description!

Perhaps my poppies now won't be in my next book as I have talked about them here so I will go and try another experiment but I must admit these are rather lovely!

Have a great day and  happy painting!

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