Watercolours With Life

The Unexpected

2012-01-27T08:06:00.000-08:00

Close up of a New Painting of Primroses

I love painting shadows so the fall of soft violet over one face of a flower is really pleasing to my eye.

Sometimes when everything is going so beautifully the unexpected will take you by surprise as it did to me this week. A hurried race to hospital in severe pain started my early morning on Monday and I was kept in for observation. After x-rays, and rest I was allowed to come home. I am really relieved to say the pain is now subsiding and on treament I feel fine again. I have had to take an unplanned break which has given me time to enjoy looking forward to my year and what is planned.

Sometimes not being able to paint is a good thing.We have more time in our minds to see what we want to achieve. I have a full year ahead with some really wonderful exhibitions which I plan to only show exciting work in. Which means I will be loving my time in the garden and nearby locations painting what I enjoy most, from life in amazingly different lights and with a feeling of movement in my brushstrokes capturing what I see in unique results.

In my imagination I see all the gorgeous Spring Flower paintings yet to be approached lightly and in stunning colours that scream the time of year.

On my positive, as always note, I am so lucky.

It was a good time to be taken ill as this is my quiet month mainly set aside for administration. It is a great time to recover well and a brilliant time to rest when the flora and fauna is yet to come into full bloom.

Spring Posy appearing in watercolour

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Sunday: A Day Of Rest

2012-01-22T10:24:00.000-08:00

Simple Church Study

I live not far away from Jane Austens home in Chawton. There is a beautiful church in the village that has always attracted my brush and I have painted it over the years in many different ways. But today I really was simply playing with watercolour and gaining a few ideas for my week ahead. I am so fortunate in that we are surrounded by beautiful churches with incredible architecture.

This really is a very simple study, not intended as a finished painting. It is more of an exploration into working with a landscape.

I keep small pieces of watercolour paper for moments like this. Days when I know I should take a complete break but in my heart know that would be impossible. I am a true addict when it comes to working with my favourite medium.

Tomorrow will come and I know my studio is ready, my easel awaits with a clean fresh piece of large paper.

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You can read about Jane Austens home in Hamphsire via this link.

http://www.jane-austens-house-museum.org.uk/index.php

Good Intentions

2012-01-21T09:31:00.000-08:00

Studio: Primrose Collection 2012

Using techniques from my new book "Atmospheric Watercolours" which will be out in May 2012

My studio right now is full of paintings. Some complete and many waiting for the final brushstrokes. To walk into this haven each day and have gorgeous washes tempting me to work on them is an ideal start to my days.

I have so much on in the way of projects and upcoming exhibitions. Today to enjoy colour flowing, see flowers appearing out of washes and simply allow myself the freedom to enjoy each new brushstroke was heaven.

Over the last week I have communicated with USA and Australia for future workshops. I have recieved some very touching emails about my work and replied to as many personal messages as I can.

Next week I hope to add to my growing collection of floral work and begin to paint my next new subjects in a unique experimental style.

Life is great!

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Pleasantly Pheasant

2012-01-20T10:15:00.000-08:00

The beginning of a new painting of a pheasant

You wouldn't want to eat the same thing every day. It would become boring and the joy of looking forward to meals would be lost. And yet many artists paint the same subject repeatedly in exactly the same way for a variety of reasons. Maybe they sell well, or they are what the artist is best at painting.

I am a butterfly as an artist. I leap from one subject to the next and yet when I do settle on an idea I will play with it, looking at every way I could possibly improve with each new brushstroke. I have settled with the notion of painting pheasant. In my mind I can still see the bird in the lane that caught my attention and made me yearn to paint them in the first place. There is an emotuonal connection in that I fell in love with it as a possible painting. I have a beautiful image in my head that I desperately want to portray on paper.

I couldn't wait to start painting today and now have not one but four pheasants in various stages of development. They are all very different and each is a favourite at the moment. I have changed the washes, head positions, eyes, feathers yet kept all of the compositions similar.

On this painting I am eager to add details around the eye and work downwards towards the fabulous,proud chest. But I will put my brushes down and leave my studio with that fantastic high of wanting to race back tomorrow to complete the exciting pieces.

Pheasantly Surprised Again!

I hope when I walk into my studio tomorrow morning I will be "pheasantly" surprised!

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Pleasantly Surprised

2012-01-19T08:36:00.000-08:00

Pheasantly Surprised

It was only a matter of time before a pheasant popped up in my watercolour collections again. I haven't painted one for a while but as I came home from a trip this week a beauty casually walked across the country lane in front of me.

I couldn't help myself. I put the primroses I was working on to one side and began to paint the colourful fellow instead, using some of my new water techniques from my new book.

I am not sure how long I will stay away from painting primroses but I know one thing.

I am having so much fun!

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My new book cover!

2012-01-18T09:33:00.000-08:00

Here it is at last,

My new book cover!

"Atmospheric Watercolours" will be launched in May 2012.

More details will be added on my blog shortly.

More Primroses in Watercolour 2012

2012-01-18T09:21:00.000-08:00

A close up of todays primrose painting.

I knew it!

I knew once I started painting Spring flowers I would become hooked and not think of anything else which is a real worry as I have exhibitions in the not so distant future where other subjects are more urgently needed.

New primrose painting developing through layers of colour placement and addition of details.

Having worked on bold horse racing scenes and my favourite cockerels recently I found jumping into more subtle, pale, soft shades a welcome challenge at first. I am much happied with todays work. There are ghosts of flowers within the centre and background of each new piece and the colours flow more magically.

I am loving working on the flower in the foreground of this particular painting as it makes a statement of being the star of the show.

Shadow and petal edge detail brings the first flower to life

By the time Spring really arrives I could be " primrosesd out" at this rate! My studio looks fabulous with flower paintings dotted in every single space. And as always I can't wait for my next painting session to begin.

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Spring Again

2012-01-17T09:34:00.000-08:00

Primrose Cluster

Amazingly, with frost on the ground, primroses are braving the cold weather and forming clumps of creamy yellow patches in the woodland area of my garden. I hadn't expected to be painting them so early in the year but couldn't resist a first brush with Spring this afternoon.

Last year I painted primroses with many different yellows. I haven't settled on a favourite shade yet so will keep experimenting and sharing my thoughts here on my blog.

I hope my blog readers are also being inspired by nature. It certainly is the best art teacher as the autmun leaves are a great backdrop to my earliest spring paintings!

Yellow against bright orange?

Who would have come up with that combination!

David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year Exhibition 2012

2012-01-17T09:29:00.000-08:00

Amost There

From my first book " How to Paint Colour and Light in Watercolour "

Signed copies are now available from my web site

www.jeanhaines.com

Please can I remind all my art colleagues and friends that the deadline for submitting to the David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year Exhibition 2012 is this week.

If you haven't forwarded your paintings there is still time.

This is the one occasion that you can say thank you to all the wonderful animals and birds that give us as artists so much inspiration for subject matter to paint. Whilst submitting you are helping endangered species and participating in an annual event that has become an established and incredible art event of each year.

You can read more about why I feel so strongly about helping WAY from last years blog post via this link.

http://watercolourswithlife.blogspot.com/2011/05/david-shepherd-wildlife-artist-of-year.html

Full details can be found on the David Shepherd web site so don't miss a chance to join in!

A Day Of Rest

2012-01-15T09:40:00.000-08:00

Colours flowing with light and life in a spring medley of daffodils

I have been thinking about the Spring flowers that will be appearing shortly in my garden. Frost has already hit the blossoms that decided to appear far too early. Nature seems to have designed the garden plants so that they show at their best during certain times of the year. Each season brings with it new palette choices and subject material. All of which I am very keen to capture in watercolour.

But I don't think it is just the bulbs that need a rest before flowering at their best. I believe artists also need a well deserved break from their brushes and easels. It is times when we are not painting that we can see more clearly in our minds what we are desperately trying to achieve.

I decided long ago that I don't want to just capture an image in watercolour on paper. I truly want to find a way to bring it to life so that is unique to me in style . Also I want the viewer of my work to feel emotion behind my brushstrokes, so that they know I wasn't painting merely for the sake of it, but because I adore working in this medium.

It is very easy for a professional to get entrapped into working for sales alone which in turn can reduce even the most talented of artists to do what I sadly see so often. Paintings churned out, one after the other purely for the goal of yet another sale. This can kill the artistic soul of yearning to paint a composition that holds a sense of something new.

I have taken a wonderful day out in sunshine to consider what I am going to be doing this week. I have project decisions to make that are really important. I won't race into anything even though some of the offers that have recently come my way have been incredible. What I really want for 2012 is a goal of painting at my best and hopefully inspiring others around me to do the same.

It has given me time to reflect and think about not just one but all of my tomorrows, all of which I am going to fill very wisely!

Spring Fusions of Gorgeous Daffodil Washes adorning my easel

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January Studio 2012: Spring Fusion

2012-01-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

Spring flowers bursting to life in watercolour

My studio January 2012

I woke this morning to glorious sunshine even though the ground was covered outside with a deep crispy white frost. Having walked my four legged companion, Bailey I looked for inspiration around me as is my usual way of starting the day. I imagined famous artists of the past enjoying the gorgeous landscape before me ,set in the mysterious mist. This scene I could easily see painted in oil and felt tempted to race back and capture it myself.

Morning walk, January 2012

However once I did return to my studio a beautiful scent hit me as I opened the door. I had left a vase of narcissi with the intention of painting them today. The vibrant splash of yellow after the wintry mornings walk really captured my artists imagination,cheered my soul and excited me with all kinds of ideas on how a new composition of them could work.

With a few simple brushstrokes they came to life on paper with very little help from me as the artist. I have a special palette which holds all my favourite spring colours. It was so wonderful to work and enjoy the thought of all the gorgeous flowers to come over the next few months leading me into another fabulous year of working in watercolour. At times like these it feels so amazing to be alive and able to enjoy all nature has to offer.

Narcissi coming to life with a few simple brush strokes.

I only paint these particular flowers from life as I find working from photographs really does kill the natural flow in my work. In my workshops I can't stress highly enough the importance of learning to really look minus the help of a pre composed image. You physically see and feel so much more when working with the subject right in front of your eyes.Your senses come alive as you can not only admire what you are aiming to portray on paper but by touching the flowers a feeling of delicacy also comes strongly across. This helps the strength of my brush hitting the paper which is an area of being an artist that often gets over looked. I am very gentle when I work. My brushes caress the paper not force pigment to lay where placed. I encourage flow and natural interaction of pigments. This I hope to demonstrate in my new DVD which will be filmed in March 2012.

But I have to admit,while sat here typing I can still see my flowers,my easel and smell the heady perfume which appears to be coming from my painting as much as the real thing!

I am heading back to paint and quickly.

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Watercolour Brush Research 2012

I am currently doing research on watercolour brushes so every single mark I make on paper really is important to be observed for so many fine details. What make are best and why ?

The Wey Gallery.Godalming Exhibition 2012

2012-01-13T10:48:00.000-08:00

Watercolour Collection at the Wey Gallery

Godalming, January 2012

Yesterday I visited the Wey Gallery in Godalming to see a collection of my watercolours on display to open their 2012 year for an exciting future of vibrant exhibitions.

Last year I held a solo at the Wey Gallery in Spring 2011 and from then have regularly had work on display there. My subjects range from horse racing, sailing and landscape scenes mainly in a contemporary style. My sheep and cockerel paintings have become so popular that at the moment they are very hard to find on a gallery wall.

This is a very up to date gallery with art by many fascinating artists.The work is unique and always,without fail, takes my breath away when I walk through the door.

I will be holding another major solo exhibition later in the year and this is the main reason why my blog has fallen quiet at times, because I am looking forward to showcasing my new collections for the first time later this year with many surprises.

I hope to share more art on my blog very soon though!

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http://www.theweygallery.com/artists

2012. A. New Years Challenge

2012-01-11T06:25:00.000-08:00

Building up a background behind a petal

Art should not be boring. It should excite not just the viewer of a finished painting but the artist who is moving the brush while the piece is being created.

Over the last few weeks I have come across friends and colleagues who have mentioned the dreaded words to me that they are either bored or are finding it very hard to feel motivated to pick up their brushes. Many of the artists have been painting the same subjects in exactly the same way for years. Other messages are flooding in from the beginner or amateur who desperately wants to paint or make a huge breakthrough in their painting results this year.

I always feel sad when I hear of anyone struggling when they paint, whatever their reason may be for feeling so low and despondant. Because working in watercolour is such a freeing sensation. Possibly too much pressure is placed on their shoulders to succeed in whatever their goal is that they are aiming for.

Right now it is the beginning of a new year and there is so much to look forward to. As each season approaches we can enjoy what nature has to offer, adore painting landscapes and architecture in the many fascunating lights to come and capture the animals we love via dynamic brushstrokes that bring them to life.

But not if a starting point comes from negative thinking or a despondant feeling of depression!

So my New Years challenge is for you to pick any subject, consider the true colours you see and then paint exactly the opposite. Especially in the background. Choose cheerful,vibrant pigments and place them as a backdrop allowing them to merge freely with each other. Next allow them to dry and see what the results are. Avoid muddy messes and aim for clean, fresh, exciting effects.

I have been painting gorgeous Christmas roses from my garden. From life in reality I see beautiful colour behind these snow white flowers and yet my photograph of them indicates a dark section that could be flat and boring.

I am opting for purples and pinks to shine against Cadmium Yellow for my background.

Christmas Roses from my garden

An unusual colour combination for my floral background.

Thinking differently, having a positive approach to working in watercolour, observing the beauty in all that we see and loving life can have such a huge impact on our work. So if you are having problems painting or picking up your brushes, consider why that is happening to you. Then throw all the negative thoughts out of your window and paint cheerful paintings full of vibrant colour and life.

Soon you won't be able to put your brushes down and if I have anything to do with it, you will be having a year ahead that is filled with fabulous paintings!

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A Vibrant Beginning

2012-01-10T09:58:00.000-08:00

Rowan Berries bursting to life in a watercolour

From a workshop demonstration in Autumn 2011

Life is amazing. Mine never seems to have a dull moment in it.

I have been completing my new book which will be launched in May 2012. This week saw the cover arrive for my approval of design and lay out. Seeing the idea actually in print is a very emotional moment that always lives with me. I felt nervous when I saw the cover of my first book over a year ago. I thought seeing the cover of my second book would be easier. If anything the nerves are this time far worse. Maybe I expect far too much from myself but I so want this next publication to be as loved as the care I put into bringing it together. It holds many of my favourite watercolour secrets given to me and developed over the years.

Working on this new book has seen me locked in my studio recently but gripped mainly with the proof reading and making decisions time after time. This has kept me away from what I love doing most of all.

Painting.

So today I have adored being back in my studio, holding and moving my brushes on a new watercolour collection that will be shown later this year. I delivered the first pieces for framing this afternoon. I have exhibitions lined up throughout the year and the first of my 2012 workshops starts next month. I can't wait as I have so much I wish to share with everyone attending.

I know this is going to be a very special year. I can feel it.The messages and requests coming my way are unbelievable and plans for 2013 are already in the pipeline with a workshop proposal for Australia.

For now all I want to do is paint,and enjoy the sheer pleasure of colour moving across paper.

At last!

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January 2012

2012-01-03T10:25:00.000-08:00

Christmas Roses in early stages of a new watercolour

It's here. A new year and like a fresh piece of white paper it is waiting to be covered with glorious colour and excitement.

The colour will come from my new watercolours and the excitement will build up gradually until the launch of my new book. It's very hard waiting for its' release but I know the wait will be worth it. Even now, there are still final decsions to be made before it goes to print. A couple of new pages have been added since my last post and I have now written the acknowledgements.

This morning the latest issue of the SAA ,Society for All Artists " Paint" magazine arrived and I was delighted to see I was featured in the " In the Picture " series which gives an update and insight into my art career.

I have many emails to reply to that have built up over the Christmas period and also a few engagments and projects desperately need my attention so I will be posting as and when I can during January.

Even so I wandered around my garden this afternoon and was thrilled to see a cluster of Christmas roses bursting into bloom. I couldn't resist just a few quick washes to relax from all the more serious work I have in my studio at the moment.And I loved the break!

Happy painting

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HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012

2011-12-31T02:35:00.000-08:00

" The A Team"

Filming complete on my new book

This morning I have shared several posts on my blog and while doing so looked back over last year. During the very last day of 2010 I had no idea how exciting 2011 was going to be. I knew I had so much to look forward to but I had no idea a best selling DVD was going to be a highlight or that in so many ways my life would be so rich via art and artistic friendships.

This moment in time sees a small Celtic artist trying to hide her inner excitement at the year ahead. Invitations are flooding in from all over the world to exhibit and hold workshops. And yes, on top of that wonderful bubble of sheer happiness at a book being completed, there is also a little fear of it about to be launched. You see, it is a very special book and for the rest of my life I know I may never write one quite like it again. I will be sad to let it go. That moment is nearing,when it becomes yours as well as mine.

I face a new chapter in my life and I face it with the respect for living and the knowledge each moment, yet alone day, we share on this earth is a privilege.

I am so very lucky. I looked at all the presents around my Christmas tree this year knowing without opening one, I wanted nothing. I looked at the love in my families faces over Christmas and understand I am one of the luckiest women alive.

Tonight know I leave a year that truly was amazing.

But my spirit tells me 2012 is going to be the very best of years. One to be enjoyed and treasured for what it is possible of bringing. With it doesn't just come hope, it heralds a whole new year of fresh white paper to be covered in vibrant exciting colour in ways we hadn't believed possible before.

We are all capable of achieving far more than we believe we can.

I wish you a colourful year ahead that is rich in love , excitement and enthusiasm.

I wish you a year that is like a fresh piece of white paper, just waiting to be covered in memorable brushstrokes and happy memories.

And I am so thankful to be a tiny part of it.

God Bless you and

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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And this small message is to all the wonderful friends and blog readers who have personal reasons for not wishing to stay in 2011.

Yesterday has gone, yesteryear is disappearing and your tomorrows are about to arrive.

I wish you , most of all joy.

At midnight your tears will wash away your sadness,and lead you fresh faced into a whole new year.

Hang in there, let go of 2011 and welcome 2012.

It's going to be a magical year.

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2011 A Year in Demonstrations

2011-12-31T02:05:00.000-08:00

Biscuit in my studio

Art Societies

Amazingly this year I have lost count of the number of fantastic Art Societies I have visited to give talks to and hold demonstrations. I really would like to say a huge thank you for the many invitations that have come my way and to everyone for making me feel so welcome. Jumping in a car and heading to an unknown destination to meet a room full of people you don't know seemed very odd a while ago. Now it is a huge part of my life. I seem to regularly walk into a room full of up to a hundred or more artists to smilingly share my joy for working in watercolour. I have far too many favourite societies to mention but many of you will know I would happily come back when time allows!

Demonstrations

My demonstration at the Mall Galleries during the SWA.Society of Women Artists 150th Annual exhibition has to be one of my best memories this year. I had arrived early to set up for the day so imagine my surprise to be met by artists already eagerly waiting outside the prestigious London venue before the doors had even opened. This was to ensure they had a good position to watch me while I worked. I had thought at this point there would be no chance of not seeing me in action but as the day passed the crowd grew bigger and I was once again stunned and humbled by the enthusiasm of other artists for my passion for watercolour and my style. Anyone who attended that will have absolutely no idea how happy you made me feel that day.Thank you so much for coming,watching and supporting me. I will be demonstrating again this year and as my new book will be launched by then I'm already planning a very special day and book signing there. I will also eagerly be sharing my new techniques which until now have been kept secret!

Enthusiasm and interest during my Mall Galleries,London Demonstration 2011

Just the beginning!

Workshops

My workshops have grown in popularity too and sadly I have to admit my sessions for 2012 have all, long since, been fully booked. Every time dates were announced places were immediately taken. I am very aware there is a long waiting list of artists who would still love to attend. For this reason I excitedly agreed when invited to tutor at Dedham Hall next year, this course too is fully booked.

I will be at various venues next year giving demonstrations so please try to attend if you can. I will be the guest artist at Banstead Art Festival and at Patchings later this year. I really would love to meet you.

2012 Diary

My diary for Art Society demonstrations is already full for 2012 and at this date I am not taking any further bookings for 2013. But I will be updating my blog with news of my activties and I will be sharing any possibility of new workshop dates later this year if they arise.

Art Magazines

I have also be shared demonstrations in print. My recent feature in the Artist magazine proved highly popular and there was a Jean Haines competition on Painters Online which closed in December,the winners will be announced in 2012.

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2012 will see me holding workshops in Texas and New York and my Australian friends may have some very good news soon also!

Watch this space!

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Time has flown in 2011!

To everyone I have met in the last twelve months on and offline,

I am wishing you the happiest of New Years!

2011 A year in Books and an Amazing DVD

2011-12-31T01:21:00.000-08:00

Amazing ways With Watercolour

Still flying off the shelves and being sent all over the world!

2011 has been amazing in many, many ways. I had been approached by Townhouse Films to create a DVD. At first I was hesitant but loved the filming days and the whole team when we met. Later I was completely stunned to learn that my new DVD, "Amazing Ways With Watercolour" immediately broke all pre sale order records as requests for copies continually came flooding in once the title was publically released. It became a best seller in record time and to this day is still flying all over the world to artists who are not only enjoying watching the film but continually sending me fabulous messages letting me know why they love it so much. Now I know I was right to make the decision to film and I have agreed to create a new DVD in 2012!

"How to Paint Colour and Light in Watercolour"

Over ten thousand copies sold and still selling!

But it wasn't only my DVD that did well in 2011. My first book " How To Paint Colour and Light in Watercolour" reached over ten thousand sales earlier in the year,having gone to reprint it continues to sell yet again to many countries all over the world. I was over the moon to receive copies of my first book in Italian this summer.

How does all this good news make me feel? To be honest I am overwhelmed, feeling small and undeniably stunned. I have always loved painting from the time I escaped as a child through my art to where I wished to be. As an adult I seem determined to aid others achieve their dreams via a brush and reach their own goals whatever they may be.

There is no doubt about it, but holding a brush and painting something that thrills your soul is the most highest of highs in life. I get this buzz every single time I paint and I have adored trying to capture that heady emotion in text and paintings throughout every page of my next book which will be available in 2012. It contains so much information, page after page of fascinating insights into working what has to be the most magical of mediums.

And I will be signing copies in many locations so please come and meet me and let this small Celtic artist enjoy meeting you too!

Its a Wrap!

Filming my new book is complete.

The team from Search Press at Roddys Photographic Studio 2011

Juan, Roddy, Gavin, Katie and Me!

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Roll on 2012, a new book and a new DVD!

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Signed copies of my first book, and my first DVD are available from my web site after January 11th, 2012

wwwjeanhaines.com

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*News of how to pre order my new book and new DVD will be released on my blog soon*

2011 A Year in Exhibitions

2011-12-31T00:54:00.000-08:00

Celebrate Spring, The Frame Gallery 2011

I am starting my 2011 New Years Eve with a look back at the last twelve months. How incredible they have been. I seem to have been in so many fantastic exhibitions throughout the year including a burst of Spring colour at the Frame Gallery in Odiham to my exciting and successful solo at the Wey Gallery in Godalming,Surrey,U.K.

Watercolours With Life Exhibition,The Wey Gallery 2011

Later in the year I exhibited in the 150th Annual Exhibition of the SWA Society of Women Artists during which a Charity evening was held in aid of the Lady Taverners. I donated a painting called " Flying Colours" which was a main auction prize including a day at the races and an evening with Tom Jones in concert.

I was delighted to showcase my dogs in watercolour at the Dogs in Art Gallery in Stockbridge

And more recently I have been invited to show at the Lyndhurst Gallery in the New Forest.

The year has been full of Spring,Summer and Autumn Shows along with exhibitions in a number of locations. I have shown with some incredible artists and met friends old and new during the year at amazing Private Previews. And regardless of the financial climate sales have consistently been wonderful. My watercolours continue to be collectible and can be found in homes from all over the world.

With friends Nicholas and Annie Parsons

What is interesting is that my aim for 2012 is really unique in that regardless of how popular my paintings seem to be becoming I am not racing to my studio to paint as many as possible. In fact I am doing the exact opposite. My year ahead is going to be full of art that is in every way full of life,light and movement so that by the end of the year I can look back and know I achieved what was in my heart all along.

To be a good artist,one who paints from the soul to create art that is unique so that the selected galleries who represent me are proud to hang my originals and showcase my work.. And know that collectors are buying a piece of art that was not painted for the sake of painting but enjoyed via every single brushstroke during the creative process.

This is me,who I am and where I wish to be.

And I know where I am heading in 2012!

Happy New Year.

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A Magical Eve

2011-12-30T13:10:00.000-08:00

Bearded Collies appearing from a first wash

It has been a wonderful week without a minute to spare to add to my blog. This time last week was the evening before Christmas Eve. I had agreed to paint a commision of two Bearded Collies months ago but hadn't given much thought to the paintings collection date. My client couldn't get to me before Christmas Eve so a time was arranged for the pick up of the piece.

Christmas Eve morning arrived and like many mothers and wives from all over the world I was deeply engrossed in preparing for our Christmas meal the next day. My cottage was festively decorated in every room. Cards adorned every possible space from our wonderful family and friends who are now dotted in countries far and near My heart was happy and I felt the giddy excitement you would expect from a small child about to see Santa as if for the first time. Heaven knows why I feel the way I do at this time each year but "annoyingly happy" probably describes me best!

I waited for the stranger who was buying the commission to arrive and wondered if he would like the watercolour. He hadn't seen it yet. The doorbell rang and a tall man with a little toddler smiled at me as I opened the door to welcome them in. The cute little boy was thrilled to see so many Santa ornaments here and there in my hallway. Luckily my client adored my painting and we exchanged in a friendly conversation before he left. I learned that the toddlers Mum had given birth to a baby girl the night before and was still in hospital. For reasons I won't explain publically I soon realised this was no ordinary family as the love given to others over the years by my client and his wife was obviously endless.

Considering I had made my mind up to refuse any commssions over the last few months whilst my work load was so high I look back and realised why I took this one on. Something just made me instantly know I had to, as one of lifes instinctive moments in time.

My 2011 Christmas Eve was very special and my Christmas Day that followed was full of the family feelings that should be stirred at this time of year.

One week later I am sat looking ahead to New Years Eve and wondering what that will bring. I know my year ahead is already filled to the brim with wonderful events that I relish arriving, one after the other, throughout the year.

I have far too much happiness, luck and joy for one person. Life isn't fair in that way so my 2012 wish is to give as much happiness away as possible in whichever way that I can.

Starting with my wish for every blog reader that whatever you wish for, your own dreans come true and you achieve at least one impossible goal in the year ahead,because you can!

Jean.

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-23T07:37:00.000-08:00

Home made Mince Pies fresh from the oven

I start preparing for Christmas weeks in advance. I usually make everything from scratch including my own mince meat for my favourite mince pie recipe. When I was tiny my stepmother always told me that unless you loved who you were cooking for the results would be disappointing. I adore my family and friends and I know I am very loved. So each minute creating in my kitchen will see me imagining my family and friends enjoying what I have made for them.

All of my life,whatever I do I always put my my heart and soul into it. Especially when it comes to working in watercolour. And I am noticing a very valuable point.The artists who I meet on my workshops always seem to get far better results when they are painting either something they truly love as a subject or when they are absolutely passionate about moving their brushes.

I wish you a very Happy Christmas and an even more magical New Year to follow where your dreams come true with a time ahead that is full of many special memories.

Thank you so much for following my blog and I do hope to share smiles, inspiration and my passion for watercolour in 2012 which is already promising to be a very exciting twelve months!

And a very special thank you for the lovely email that brought tears to my eyes letting me know how much my blog is enjoyed!

Jean

By the way, I have just looked at my photo of mince pies and realised I wish I had time to paint them too!

Frosty the Snow...........

2011-12-17T06:09:00.000-08:00

Dog?

"Frosty the Snow Dog" makes an appearance in todays Bearded Collie Christmas Choir painting.

I have had so much fun adding daily to this fun Christmas watercolour. Today I can't help realising just how much I am enjoying painting sheerly for the joy of placing colour on paper rather than considering if a gallery needs new work or whether I should be writing for a book or a new art feature. I should be giving my focus now to next years exhibitions but when you are a professional artist you need a break from work just the same as in every other career.

But what can you do when your passion lies within your career?

I can't imagine a day where I don't enjoy painting.Or an evening when I don't look forward to picking up my brushes the next morning. I believe I have kept my enthusiasm so high because I have a sense of humour, a vivid imagination and a strong,pure love for working in what many call a very difficult medium to master.

I wish everyone could have heard me laughing when I added the snow dog to this painting today, or know what has crossed my mind as the next addition.

Painting CAN be fun!

It really is a good lesson in life to fully understand we shouldn't take ourselves too seriously for 100% of the time, especially in art. Relaxing brings its' own rewards.

Happy painting,happy Christmas and see you soon on my next post.

*************

N.B: It might be an idea to start counting the Beardies now !

How many are already in this painting?

"O Come All Ye Faithful"

2011-12-16T06:21:00.000-08:00

"O Come All Ye Faithful"

"We Three Kings" my three original Bearded Collies now have grown into a full choir!

There is plenty room for more fun on this ever changing painting so I will see what I feel like adding tomorrow. It could be more Beardies, a snowman or a complete surprise!

Watch this space!

*************

To all the possible "Grinches" out there, Christmas CAN be fun!!

But She Painted a Robin Last Year!

2011-12-16T01:55:00.000-08:00

That New Design

I posted the last of my Christmas cards this week. I smiled because only I knew the reason why a robin has been chosen as a subject the second year running for my 2011 Christmas Design. Every year, as a tradition, I aim to paint something new to bring a smile to friends faces as they open my cards when they arrive. It has now become a wonderful guessing game as to what each years new design will be.

Happy Memories

There was a snowy church scene one year which allowed the original painting to be auctioned to raise funds for our own local church. And it fast became a favourite seller. Another year there was my lovely Bearded Collie,Taffy, in a Santa hat which certainly did create smiles long after Christmas had past. Santa Taffy cards are now on sale at the Dogs in Art Gallery in Stockbridge, Hampshire this month. I painted this special card with Taffy as my subject the year before he passed away as I had an inkling that would be his last Christmas with us and I was right.

Last Years "Robin" Christmas Story.

Last year I painted a robin as my Christmas card design and there was a story behind the painting. We had moved into our cottage which had been lovingly renovated by an amazing man. Every detail in it was perfect. The care taken over the whole project as he patiently oversaw builders and craftsmen bring our cottage to life was outstanding. We lived nearby waiting for the completion date to arrive and visited daily to see the work progressing.

While our home was being restored this incredible man befriended a robin. " Rocky" became so tame he fed from the builders hands taking morsels of their lunch daily. Rocky would also come inside the cottage and sit on windowsills. He became a part of our new home. So much so that every builder and craftsman was sad to leave and know they would be missing him!

Rocky is still here with us and still just as tame.

"Rocky" 2010

To thank this very special man I painted a robin last year as my Christmas card design and aimed to give the original watercolour to him as a gift. Unfortunately life has a funny way of changing events because my painting as well as others sold in a hectic Christmas run up to the 25th December 2011 in a gallery. A gallery visitor had immediately fallen in love with it.

Rocky 2011

So this year I lovingly painted a new robin card design as a gift. Only the real Rocky at the moment is looking a little overweight! I painted him with his feathers fluffed up against a snowy sky. He was sat on a branch and I loved bringing his eye to life. The real Rocky watched me working in my studio with his head slightly tilted to one side. I felt he was letting me know this year the painting had to be a gift and reach his friend as a suprise.

A Special Gift

Yesterday I had a wonderful day with friends including a fabulous artist I have known for years who lives in Dubai. They always visit me when they visit their family in London each year. After a fabulous day together I drove my friend to our tiny village train station so that they could return to London. On the way home I dropped into the house where my robin painting was going to live. It was wrapped with a red,shiny ribbon, the original painting from this years card design.

I stood by the beautifully lit Christmas tree outside the house and was met with a warm welcome. I was delighted to hear my posted Christmas card with this years robin on it had arrived and was very much loved. I listened happily as I heard it had been placed in a frame. I smiled widely as I heard there had also been a recent visit to the local gallery to see if another original painting of Rocky Robin by me was there for sale this year at Christmas, as the family wanted one so much.

Imagine the scene, as I knew in my hands was the painting they had been looking for recently and hoping to buy.

To explain I was holding the original painting from this years cards as a gift was a wonderful feeling. And looking at their faces as it dawned on them as to what was in my hands was a moment I shall remember forever.

The Gift Of Giving

I drove home feeling brilliant.

This week I have given three paintings,all original new watercolours to very special people in my life who have touched my heart in ways I cannot type about. There are times when giving a painting away to a home where it will be truly loved and enjoyed, with the special meaning from the heart when it was given, far outweighs any huge fee a sale from a gallery can bring.

This is a special time of year and I love every second of making everyone I know around me feel happy, loved and included in my life. I wish every month could hold the magic that December carries. Maybe it could if we allowed it too.

We should feel the Spirit of Christmas all year around!

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We Three Kings

2011-12-14T08:13:00.000-08:00

"We Three Kings"

Bearded Collies in the snow

Goodness time is really flying at the moment! I am working on the last of my Christmas commissions and delivering gifts to special friends and colleagues. Yesterday I visited The Frame Gallery in Odiham and was delighted to see the wacky reindeer from my "What Is It Challenge" on my blog beautifully framed and ready to be given as a gift to a gorgeous little boy.

I had a meeting yesterday afternoon, looking ahead to 2012 which is going to be a very full and exciting year.

I am going to gradually add details here on my blog but for now I must get back to my brushes.Otherwise there could be asome disappointed faces next week when Santa does not deliver what he was expected to!

**************

A huge thank you to the Fleet Art Group for a wonderful Monday afternoon. I loved seeing everyone and demonstrating for friends old and new.

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That Time Of Year

2011-12-11T23:57:00.000-08:00

The Christmas Card List

I have always written our Christmas cards. Each year a list comes out with all the names of wonderful friends, business contacts and loved ones who now live all over the world Every year the task seems greater as the list of names has grown so very much.

I tend to find quiet time to enjoy writing them because at this time of year I can be in touch with everyone I know and let them be aware that I haven't forgotten them. When I open each card I recieve I feel I am loved and remembered too. So it is really important for me to carry out this very special Christmas tradition.

But I am surrounded by people who complain about having to write their cards. They can't find the time, have too many to write, dread doing it and even put if off until it is that last minute when they have to be done.

I met an elderly lady a few years ago who I will never forget. I asked her if she had written her Christmas cards yet. Her reply was " My dear, I have no one left to write one to". I can't imagine having no one in my life who is dear to me and so writing my cards has become even more important now.

So if you are reading my blog and having to take time to send your greetings to everyone you care about,with each new card you write please be thankful. How rich your life is because you have someone in it to wish a Merry Christmas.

It is that time of year.

Merry Christmas to all my blog readers!

*******************

Search Press Annual Conference 2011: Guest Artist

2011-12-11T23:44:00.000-08:00

I have had a wonderful few days yet again A while ago I agreed to be the guest artist at my publishers Annual Sales Conference .Time has flown since the initial invitation and I found myself demonstrating to a room full of non artists last Friday, describing my style,attitude to art and my new book which will be launched next year. I gave a demonstration which was followed by enthusiastic applause and recieved by a room full of smiling faces. It was a terrific day followed by a Bollywood themed evening at the hotel venue.

It was a brilliant way to see the other side of writing,meet the representatives from all over the world who will be selling and promoting my book along with enjoying the company of the amazing team at Search Press. My publishers are unique and I am so thrilled to be on their list of authors.

I have returned home to a really special weekend with my family and this afternoon I will be giving my last demonstration of the year to an art group in Fleet, Hampshire. The following few days I will be meeting with friends for the first of many Christmas events and lunches, again I can't help but think how very lucky I am in life

The Frame Gallery in Odiham,Hampshire Christmas Show

2011-12-07T06:07:00.000-08:00

This morning I delivered new paintings to the Frame Gallery for their Christmas Show. Every time I go into the gallery it appears to be different as paintings are regularly disappearing over the December period which is wonderful news.

Jan the owner was delighted with her Reindeer Christmas Card and now I am back in my studio working on a gorgeous new collection of watercolours which will not be released until 2012.

I also have a commission to complete as someone will have an amazing surprise when they open their painting on Christmas Day. This is one watercolour I would love to share on my blog but I know it could be read and seen before Santa has a chance to wrap and give it as a present so I will be really good and keep it hidden!

I mentioned recently that I rarely accept commissions. I completed a very special giant painting recently because I had met the new owner at an exhibition,was impressed with what they saw in my art and agreed to take their request on. This current commissions is emotional and pulling at my own heart strings so when it is complete I will be delighted to contact my client.

It is time to paint!

December Challenge plus Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer!

2011-12-06T09:00:00.000-08:00

Wacky Rudolf!

This is my Christmas Card to the owner of The Frame Gallery. They gave me a gift of a reindeer last Christmas so this year I am giving one back in my own style!

Happy Christmas Jan!

Thank you so much to everyone who tried to guess what my mystery painting was, I loved reading all the suggestions.

Now it's your turn!

Take one of your most unusual Christmas decorations and paint it, bringing it to life as a Christmas card design. But don't stop there! The aim is to give it to someone who made you smile this year.

Have fun,be unique and aim to have a touch of craziness in your results.This is not a time of the year to restrict your energy or happinness from moving your brushes,

Have fun

I dare you!

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What is it ? Rudolf!

2011-12-06T08:54:00.000-08:00

Here is the inspiration for the What Is It Challenge this week!

I seriously do find beauty in all around me,everything I see is either a serious or fun challenge to bring to life in watercolour in a unique way. As artists we often take our art far too seriously. I listen regularly to many who feel like throwing their brushes away because they , in their own eyes,aren't getting anywhere.

I have to ask this question.Why ARE you painting? If it is to enjoy the experience of seeing colour flow on paper and learn to master a medium I take my hat off to you. But if you are aiming at being a famous star in the art world, the pressure you are putting on your shoulders to achieve is tremendous. The wieght of your expectations alone could bring you down!

My philosophy in life is to enjoy every minute. Especially when my brushes are in my hands but I won't restrict myself to very serious art. My career is one part of my life but the joy from painting something as funky as this reindeer has lightened my mood, made others around me smile and even opened imaginations. I am still laughing at the guinea pig suggestion!

Your challenge is about to be set on my blog so please read my next post!

And smile!

*********************

If you live in Hampshire and wish to buy one of these wacky reindeer you need to race to the Frame Gallery in Odiham but I fear they may have already sold out!

What Is It ? Continued!

2011-12-05T09:56:00.000-08:00

Mystery painting?

I am really working very hard proof reading the final chapters of my new book but every now and then have popped online to check my messages. Amongst bookings for demonstrations next year wonderful emails are heading my way with guesses of what my mystery painting so far could be.

So far I have had the following suggestions

1) A Christmas Bauble with Holly

2) A Christmas Elf

3) Santa with his sack

4) A Christmas Pudding

5) A Reindeer

6) A Donkey in snow

7) A Rabbit

.....and my favourite of all

8) A Guinea Pig!

All will be revealed tomorrow as today I desperately needed to continue proof reading!

What Is It ? Second image and Clue!

2011-12-04T09:45:00.000-08:00

What is it ? Clue 2.

This surely is easier now to guess what it may be?

Or maybe not!

I have been in fits laughing at some of the suggestions that have flown my way since I posted an image earlier today on my blog and asked you to guess what it was.

This is not a Christmas pudding,or start of a painting of a mince pie or Christmas cake but there must be some very hungry readers of my posts as most of the suggestions have been related to food!

First stage and clue.

Gill Fox however was very quick as she guessed immediately what it could be,way to go Gill!

I will add the finished painting and a photograph of what this really is on my blog tomorrow,

It is a fun painting and has raised quite a few smiles today!

******************

October Watercolour Challenge 2012: Lion

2011-12-04T07:01:00.000-08:00

It really is taking me a long time to look at the many paintings of lions forwarded to me for the October 2011 Watercolour Challenge and they are all,every single one of the entries superb!

I am finding it impossible to pick a favourite but wanted to share a few watercolours before I announce who forwarded the winning painting.

This first lion painted by Linda Cullen took my breath away when I opened it because of her superb use of the medium. She has taken my request for Autumnal colours into consideration and also seems to have caught the character and personality of the lion. His expression is priceless!

Congratulations Linda for being one of my favourite artists.

Superb Lion by Linda Cullen

Next I fell in love with a painting by Mo Teeuw. I adore the use of directional brushwork in the mane and the use of a cool blue to contrast in the background against the warmth of the lion as the subject. This is a brilliant painting.

Well done Mo and thank you so much for taking part in my challenge!

Beautiful Lion by Mo Teeuw

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What Is It? December Challenge

2011-12-04T05:07:00.000-08:00

What is this going to be?

I am having the most fantastic week . Whilst I am locked away in my studio today proof reading my new book I have taken a break and painted something just for fun. It made me laugh so much that I just had to share it. Can you guess from the first above image what the painting is going to be?

I realised if I add the next stages of this painting here it could lead to a really fun December Watercolour challenge,raise smiles and hopefully inspire everyone to paint something they might not have expected to paint in the first place!

I find inspiration to move my brushes in absolutely everything I see. In this new challenge I am going to see just how amazing your imagination is and what you can paint as a result of my new fun watercolour!

Please share your ideas on what this is either by emailing me on jeanhaines@hotmail.com

Or you can reply on my facebook page or here on my blog by leaving a comment.

Pop your thinking cap on!

Your Personal Olympic Medal in 2012

2011-12-03T00:46:00.000-08:00

The last year has been so hectic and amazingly exciting at the same time. I have leapt from one fabulous event and exhibition to another only to be invited to show again time after time. I am in a wonderful position of having to turn many offers down. I also now open emails on a daily basis inviting me to demonstrate or hold workshops in incredible locations. My year continues in the same heady vein as next week I am a guest speaker and I am also at a meeting for a fantastic venue with wonderful possibilities for 2012.

In 2011 I have adored writing my new book. I believe this helped me become a far better artist purely by practising the demonstrations and technique information it holds within its pages. At the moment I am thoroughly enjoying working with the fresh inspiration that I was hoping to give to readers of my new book. The energising motivational chapters held inside this publication is having a profound effect on my own watercolours. I wake each day with renewed passion for moving my brushes. I feel I want 48 hour days and ten day weeks to fit everything in that I want to achieve.

And this leads me to this mornings blog post.

I know so many new artists and amateurs who seem to be in a huge race to get to a successful level in their careers where they are selling well in galleries or they wish to become well known.

My advise is to take things slowly. Don't rush to get anywhere. Take your time and enjoy every single step of your art career and let things take their course . If you have talent and are original things will happen. Bear in mind many venues are looking for new ideas so showing them anything that looks remotely like an artist who is already established may not gain you a warm welcome. Galleries will be interested in what you achieve as an individual and in time one wonderful event can lead to another. But when it does be prepared.

Being a professional artist is a full time occupation. Often the drawback is that you don't get as much time to paint as you would wish to and you can lose sight of your personal life completely. For example I owe so much to my wonderful friends and family who have patiently waited for me to complete my new book as it has absorbed so much of my life this last year. I work hard for exhibitions so often disappear at these times.

You need to prioritise what really is the most important thing to you. Do you enjoying painting or are you more concerned with what happens to your work once you have created it?

I enjoy painting. If the day ever comes where it turns into a chore I will put my brushes down and quickly.

Before this year ends I would suggest looking at what you have painted and achieved in 2011 and decide where you wish to be in 2012 and go for it. Next year is an Olympic year so you could aim for your own gold medal! Award it to yourself if you achieve your goal but set a realistic one that you feel you will love working towards. Maybe it will be your first ever successful painting, or your first sale, you may be in your first exhibition.

Whatever your dream is, aim for it.

Believe in yourself and it will come true.

Only you have the power to hold yourself back

Earn your personal olympic medal in 2012

Because YOU can.

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A Full Week 2011

2011-12-03T00:14:00.000-08:00

It is no wonder my blog has fallen quiet because so much is happening.

Gallery Commission

This week I arranged delivery of a large commission to a gallery for one of their clients. I had worked on the piece over the last few months and found the experience of watching it evolve over time really energising. I rarely accept commissions but following an exhibition had visited the clients home to see where the painting would be shown. I fell in love with the location which in turn effected my brushstrokes. My first task was to source the paper needed for the giant painting and then I needed to feel the energy for the movement that was to be held within the composition. It has been a truly uplifting experience.

Charity Auction

I also donated a painting for auction at a charity event in aid of the Lady Taverners this week and was thrilled to see the winning bid go to a wonderful member who I know will enjoy it greatly. This has become a regular charity activity of mine. This particular venue and Christmas event celebrates my first ever donation to the charity some time back. I have continued with the cockerel theme ever since.

New Book Proof

The most exciting news is that I have recieved the first final proof of my complete new book which is so exciting that I will type about it on a seperate post!

Studio Collections

In between exciting administration and diary organisation for 2012 I have begun a new watercolour collection which to me is my best yet. I will be unveiling the paintings in a show next year. They will stay safely under wraps whilst I enjoy them. For now!

Workshop and Demonstration Bookings

Requests for demonstrations and workshops are flooding in at the moment and for Art Societies I am having to look into 2013 . The popularity and demand is so high and I would like to thank everyone for getting in touch with me.

*****************

Snowdrop Snow

2011-11-30T07:49:00.000-08:00

Facing Winter

What a wonderfulseason this is with so much excitement surrounding us. I am one of those annoying people who adores Christmas. The months leading up to it mean fabulous Christmas shows in galleries and meeting up with friends old and new to celebrate this very special time of year.

I enjoy looking forward to opening the stored Christmas decorations. As I hold each one it always without fail reminds me of special memories over the years. I can look back and smile at the many times certain ornaments have adorned our trees. I think about my life journey while I do and where I was when many were bought or given to me. I have a tradtition of giving Christmas tree ornaments to friends so that when they hang these on their trees each year they will think of me. I have already bought this years gifts for wonderful friends who have come to mean the world to me over time. In fact I couldn't imagine my life without them in it.

And just like dear friends some painting subjects come to life at this time of year. Painting them brings a feeling of magic that just doesn't seem to hang around in any other season. So I am painting with blues and frosty white snow effects. Robins have been on my easel more than once this week and gorgeous clusters of snowdrops.

I am working on a new horse racing collection which won't be on show until 2012 and the fast sense of movement in each is really making me think of all I have to do to makethis season brilliant for everyone around me.

Whatever you are creating I hope you are having a fabulous time doing so,and I hope your sesason is fantastic as well!

November Watercolour Challenge: Derwent Watercolour Pencils

2011-11-29T03:43:00.000-08:00

Leisure Painter and The Artist Magazine

Rabbit created using Derwent Watercolour pencils on top of my usual watercolour techniques

November Watercolour Challenge and Prize

I haven't shared a watercolour challenge for November as I have been really busy working on Christmas Exhibitions and looking forward to reading the first final proof of my completed book which has been a full project for me this year.

For those who are missing submitting paintings I have a wonderful opportunity for followers of my blog to participate in an online challenge with the Leisure Painter and The Artist Magazine who are running a feature of mine with a fabulous prize of over £100 worth of Derwent Watercolour pencils for the winner.

I have been working with various ways of creating texture for a variety of subjects over the last few months and loved creating fur over my usual watercolour results by adding final touches with watercolour pencil.

For full details of the competition please follow this link and forward your own original art and ideas to win this fabulous prize. I will be selecting the winning painting and look forward to seeing what you come up with.

Good Luck as this is a really great way to stretch your creative imagination!

http://www.painters-online.co.uk/categories/newsitem.asp?item=536

Stockbridge Dogs in Art Gallery, Hampshire

2011-11-27T00:09:00.000-08:00

If you are near Stockbridge in Hampshire it really is well worth visiting the Dogs in Art Gallery in Stockbridge. The art on display is out of this world for dog lovers of all breeds.

My Cards are also on sale at the gallery including my Christmas Bearded Collie in his Santa Hat.

This is a beautiful gallery in a gorgeous location and a perfect place to find that slightly more unusual Christmas Gift!

The Wey Gallery: Christmas Collection 2011 Opens Today

2011-11-27T00:02:00.000-08:00

With Celebrity Angela Rippon at the Lady Taverners Charity Event during the

SWA 150th Annual Exhibition 2011

Today is the opening of the Christmas event at the Wey Gallery in Godalming. I am delighted to have an exciting watercolour collection in the show including new horse racing scenes. This has been such a wonderful year for me in many ways and I am delighted to have on show favourite large pieces and watercolours that have been a thrill to create.

If you would like to view the paintings or see this outstanding gallery you can find more details on their web site.

http://www.theweygallery.com/artists

Fabulous Opening; The Frame Gallery

2011-11-26T23:51:00.000-08:00

Last night I arrived at The Frame Gallery to find it absolutely crowded and full of festive cheer. It was wonderful to meet up with my friend and fellow SWA member Soraya French who also has a collection of work in the exhibition. There were so many people it was almost impossible to enjoy the art on display but that didn't deter sales by any means. It will be easier to view the paintings next week when the gallery may be a little quieter although at this time of year that isn't always the case! Especially at The Frame.

It was a terrific occasion and so great to meet up with old friends and new .

Dreaming of a White Christmas?

2011-11-25T08:08:00.000-08:00

Christmas seems to have spilled over into my art as everything I paint gets the snow treatment!

Swans dusted with sprinkles of snowflakes,robins sat on icy branches and snowdrops galore. All my paintings at the moment have beautiful hues of blue and textural effects that are really enjoyable to work with.

I really am finding less and less time for my blog but when I do have a minute it seems like heaven to share here!

Two deliveries of collections to gorgeous galleries for their Christmas Shows took place during the week with the first opening tomorrow night.

It is certainly a magical time of year!

Christmas At The Frame Gallery: Invitation

2011-11-24T00:31:00.000-08:00

"Elegance"

WIP, Work in Progress.

The finished painting is part of the Christmas Show at the Frame Gallery

My new series of swan paintings will be on view for the first time at THE FRAME GALLERY in Odiham, Hampshire very soon. I delivered my Christmas collection of beautiful white swans and a snowy series of snowdrop paintings yesterday as they will be part of their fabulous seasonal event.

Other artists in the show include fellow SWA member Soraya French and fantastic wildlife artist Pip McGarry.

As this is a running exhibition any paintings sold will be taken on the day of their sale so if you would like to see the whole collection it would be wise to visit the gallery as soon as possible.

Friends and colleagues of mine will recognise the beautiful model for my paintings as it is the incredible swan who has adopted our garden as his home for the last few years. " Sydney" has become a regular part of our lives and often surrpised one or two visitors with his antics. He even disrupted a meeting with my publisher for my new book when he decided he would like to join our lunch party. He demands feeding by running his beak noisily along our french windows and raps on the glass impatiently for food. Many a time I have knelt gardening thinking my dog was sat at my side only to look up and find Sydney there instead calmly watching and sat quietly alongside me.

When he first appeared I was nervous of him. His size out of water is rather impressive. I also feared him being too near my dog Bailey, a bearded collie. But the two have a very wierd relationship. At times they ignore each other, at times Bailey plays a harmless game of herding Sydney into the water which the swan seems to enjoy because seconds later he will be on the lawn again almost daring bailey to do it again. I have watched while they both sit enjoying sunshine as if it is nothing new for a dog and swan to be companions.

Sydney was even my chosen subject for a challenge I set in a recent workshop.

In many ways he has added to the magic in my life.S o it only seems fair he should add to the magic of Christmas in a gallery show.

I will be at THE FRAME GALLERY this Saturday to celebrate the seasonal event which will open at around 5.30 pm.

Everyone is welcome .

I have heard there will be carol singing in the village as several shops are opening for the occasion. The evening looks to be a wonderful way to enter this very special time of year. I have loved painting Sydney so much that I think swans will fast become my new favourite subject.

In fact they may have already done so!

" Sydney"

Sneaking the duck food!

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Christmas Cards 2011 , Only a few sets left!

2011-11-22T07:34:00.000-08:00

Waiting For Santa!

A short time ago I shared the news that I have a new sales page on my web site. There are Christmas cards available on my sales page but only a few sets are now left so please order soon if you don't wish to be disappointed.

I think everyone appreciated my comment that they would make a lovely surprise as a special card to your artist friends.

Please order directly from

http://www.jeanhaines.com/

Christmas Exhibition 2012 , Hampshire , U.K.

2011-11-22T07:29:00.000-08:00

Christmas Magic 2012

CHRISTMAS EXHIBITION

THE FRAME GALLERY

ODIHAM

Hampshire

http://www.theframe-gallery.co.uk/

This year has been one of the most magical in my life. I have met the most incredible people on my workshops and at art society demonstrations. I have loved writing my new book and am thrilled to be working in my new studio.

At this time of year I always love to paint for Christmas Exhibitions and I am delighted to share the news that I have a collection of new watercolours available at The Frame Gallery in Odiham during December while their Christmas Show is running. I will warn everyone who likes my work in advance that this is not an exhibition so paintings will disappear as and when they are sold.

I have a lovely selection and am launching my new subject of "Swans" at this event. The atmosphere is perfect with paintings of snowdrops in falling snow so a visit to the gallery would be really worthwhile.

My paintings will be delivered this week and on show very soon.

If you would like to have more information on prices and when the collection will be displayed please ring the gallery

Tel No. 01256 701082

"Carys" Especially For Wongaling News

2011-11-22T06:37:00.000-08:00

Carys being her usual adorable self!

Not so long ago I held a watercolour workshop on how to paint dogs in a loose style. To start the session and to open emotional channels with the artists attending, a gorgeous puppy called Carys came to the introduction section of the day. Just for a few minutes and the welcome she recieved was terrific.

The day followed with many fantastic paintings and a great time was had by all. I later shared a photograph of Carys on my blog.

I was thrilled this morning to read a really moving email from Queensland, Australia letting me know that the image of this very sweet character helped cheer up the community there following the devastation by a cyclone 5 , "Yaris".

As a screensaver this wonderful dog has brought smiles to people so far away and little known to me at the time.

"I just wanted to tell you that the photo you posted has travelled across the world and brought so much joy and laughter to many people who have been struggling."

It struck me today how we never know just how magical sharing a few memories online can be. And to make things even more interesting I have not had time on post on my blog for a while. Each time I have recieved fabulous art news which I would normally share here I found I had priorities which kept me very much off my computer. To the point I almost felt like giving up my blog altogether.

However I constantly read wonderful messages from all over the world letting me know my posts are often not only enjoyed but looked forward to.

So Sue,thank you so much for getting in touch with me. I hope this wonderful new photo will become a favourite screensaver too. And I hope this post is a wonderful surprise as it is aimed directly at you and your colleagues,

Huge hugs and smiles from

Jean

Watercolour Workshops 2012 News

2011-11-22T04:27:00.000-08:00

FULLY BOOKED

All my watercolour workshops including my new Motivational Masterclass are fully booked for 2012.

Unfortunately due to their popularity and the heavy demand for places on each session even the waiting lists for places on many have now had to be closed.

I really do hate disappointing those who are eager to come to my workshops and I will certainly be looking into the possibility of holding a few new sessions later next year so please contact me if you would like your name to be added to the contact list.

jeanhaines@hotmail.com

I will be demonstrating at many art societies next year so will share my programme monthly on my blog showing which societies I will be visiting. Sadly I cannot take any more bookings for society demonstrations or workshops in 2012 as my diary is now full.

USA Watercolour Workshops

I will be sharing news on my USA workshop visit in Autumn 2012 and booking contacts but please book early if you wish to have a place once the information is available.

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I am now already preparing for the 2012 watercolour Workshops which because my new book will be launched next year are going to be really memorable with a few surprises in each!

Please keep watching this blog for updates.

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November 2011

2011-11-22T03:53:00.000-08:00

A festive robin making an appearance for an early Christmas painting.

WIP. Work in Progress

My blog has fallen quiet and I have recieved some wonderful messages letting me know I am being missd.Thank you so much to everyone who has contacted me.

My life has become so busy of late with so many projects to manage including painting for Christmas Exhibitions coming up. I have so much news to share I really don't know where to begin but I will slowly catch up over the next few days.

For everyone eagerly waiting to see who won the October Watercolour Challenge, you may like to know a winning painting has been seleceted and will be on show here very soon.

Watch this space!

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Days Gone By

2011-11-09T12:28:00.000-08:00

First wash of an old man from Dubai.

Working in my studio this afternoon I grabbed a half finished portrait and decided to try out some of the techniques from my next book on it just to see what would happen. I expected to throw my experiment in the bin as I was only painting for fun but I know once eyes have been added it could be quite interesting.

I have no idea why I have this fixation for painting portraits or small studies of people from all over the world. It has been a long time habit of mine to paint on scraps of paper to unwind at the end of the day often working from my imagination bringing a familiar character to life.

Sometimes it will be a gentle watercolour wash hinting at a face,sometimes it will be a complete painting. This all started when I lived in Dubai and fell in love with how a fabulous artist painted faces there. Tina Siddiqui to this day still inspires my portraits as her knowldge and skill at the time was amazing to observe when she demonstrated in art classes.

I was working in pastel mainly back then for portraits, later I moved to painting them in watercolour.

I don't think I will ever outgrow this passion, or addiction as it seems to be and this week could just be the week for painting faces!

Days Gone By

Watch The Birdie

2011-11-07T09:26:00.000-08:00

Chaffinch

First and Second wash,waiting for the finishing touches.

Working minus a preliminary sketch as always.

The beginning of the week is always my best time to paint. I feel exhilarated and eager to move my brushes. Today I have been working on two upcoming exhibitions and a fabulous new collection is already beginning to take shape. I am thrilled and cannot wait until tomorrow when I will be positively racing into my studio to work. I can't help but realise how lucky I am to type those words.

How many people in this world can honestly say they can't wait to work!

The workshops I held recently really sparked the already lit "on button" for enthusiastic painting but completing my new book over the weekend has also pushed my approach to many new subjects with fresh eyes and wonderful new colour combinations.

I always wind down at the end of a painting session with something just for fun or sometimes to share with an artist who has been on one of my workshops. Recently a really terrific lady brought in some beautiful resource images to work from during one of my Autumn workshops. During each of my sesssions I aim to give as much personal tuition as possible so that everyone attending can leave with ideas to work on when home. I didn't get a chance to work very far with this chaffinch demonstration so here it is hoping the artist can gain some further techniques to master from the personal beginning I gave in class.

I had fun painting this little study which I will complete tomorrow although it is now coming from my imagination more than a particular image. We are feeding the wild birds daily since the temperature has started to drop for winter. Already we are noticing how greedy some species are becoming. It is a few weeks now since a chaffinch has visited us so this painting will have to keep me going until they return!

If you were in the classes you may remember the hawthorn berries we painted? I have decided to add some to my painting of this little bird as a background. No exercise is ever without value at a later date and pulling everything you have seen in one workshop can be quite interesting.

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Watercolour Workshops UK 2012

My Watercolour workshops were so popular I am afraid all my sessions for 2012 in UK are now fully booked. Waiting lists have been closed on some of the dates whilst others remain open. If you would like to add your name to my email list for future booking availablity please contact me on

jeanhaines@hotmail.com

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Watercolour Workshops USA

I will be releasing information as soon as possible on my sessions in New York and Texas 2012.

Enquiries and to be pu ton the workshop list of contacts please email me on

jeanhaines@hotmail.com

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My next exhibition will be in France starting in December 2011 and I will be sharing news on this event very soon.

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That Important Moment

2011-11-06T07:45:00.000-08:00

That is it.

I have just pressed "send" to attachments that hold the very last chapters of my new book and the feeling is very strange. From here in all my paintings and text are in the hands of my publisher. The next time I see it will be in the form of a proof in my hands of the final layout,design and all the pages will have my images in place.

Part of me feels really sad that this time has come because the journey in writing this publication has made me a far better artist. I have been quieter online over the last few weeks as the value of what I have been typing about has sunk in, inspiring me to work on my own collection of new watercolours which are far more alive than they have ever been in the past.

I feel as though I have taught myself how to improve, observe where I needed to change my ways and I have looked with very new eyes at what I am hoping to achieve in my results. My new book will be out next year and I am now going to thoroughly love painting with the new techniques I have discovered and shared within its pages.

Will this be a time to relax?

I am afraid not as I now must work on my upcoming exhibitions and also write magazine features that have been very few on the ground since I took up this project. Apart from that I have a long list of emails I need to reply to with some very wonderful invitations. I am so sorry if you are someone reading my blog who has been waiting for a reply but I have shut myself away from the world to close my book. My emotions were running very high and that positive energy I needed to flow into my written words. I knew my goal and I have reached it with every single page.

A memorable day in my life and that moment I pressed send cannot be taken back.

My book is complete. Like a painting that could need one more brushstroke I have had to make a decision.

It really is finished!

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My new book : Update

2011-11-04T14:03:00.000-07:00

This week I have been working on the final text and chapters of my new book. All the paintings were delivered to my publisher a short time ago and now it is the text that is vitally needing attention with proof reading on my part and any last changes I feel I need to make.

At this stage in my books development it will soon leave my hands and go for approval with my publisher. Decisions will have to be made regarding the cover image ad this is something very much on my mind, I can already see a vision of how I hope it will look.

I will need to write the dedication which is easy and written from my heart.Then I must add acknowledgements and I have so many people I would like to thank for supporting me and making this dream of mine come true. You may not realise this but every single positive comment I have received from wonderful artists attending my workshops, amazing people sharing replies on my watercolour facebook page and here on my blog have made me feel so inspired and encouraged to share even more than I already do. So if you have spoken to me even if it is purely by a small typed message I need to thank you too for being a part of my art journey and sharing every step of the way with me. It is people like you that help artists like me reach out for where we want to be and I am very grateful.

I am reminded of a wonderful old woman saying to me when I was a child that I had a beautiful singing voice and should use it to give others pleasure. I was a shy and quiet little girl so found this very difficult. She told me there was no point in singing a beautiful song if there was no one around to listen to the sound. I wish she could have known I later sang as an adult to a crowd of 2000 in the audience and in Japanese. I am sure she would have smiled! I suppose this could be likened to painting a gorgeous watercolour but then not having the courage to show it to anyone.

I really cannot wait for my book launch next year which at this moment in time seesm so long away.

I will feel anxious before my books release, I will worry about it even though I know it contains my heart and soul and all I know about watercolour. I have been advised to hold things back rather than share every fabulous tip given to me but I do know life is short. I want to give everyone who loves watercolour all the techniques that have been passed on to me from all over the world so that they can be passed on in turn to others. When it is my turn to leave this wonderful world I hope this new book will live on long after me and give pleasure to many who simply wish to adore this magical medium.

It has been a very amazing week with many wonderful emails,contacts,requests and invitations.

Gradually when my time is more free I hope to share more again on my blog and for now I am simply looking forward to enjoying all the watercolour paintings of lions!

October Watercolour Challenge 2011 Deadline

2011-11-04T13:44:00.000-07:00

My blog has fallen quiet because this week has been more hectic than usual. But I just wanted to remind my blog followers that the deadline for submitting your lion painting in Autumn colours for the October Watercolour Challenge with a prize of one of my palettes and a favourite watercolour shade is at midnight on the 5th November so by Sunday the deadline will be closed.

I have received so many wonderful paintings and I am thrilled with the response. What has hit me so evidently is that working from a monochrome photograph has really captured the imagination of many artists and it will be a fascinating experience sharing all the favourite paintings later this month.

Thank you so much to everyone who has forwarded your lion watercolours and if you are still planning to time is beginnig to run out!

Happy painting!

Jean

"Angels In Sunlight" : New Hydrangea Painting.

2011-10-31T09:22:00.000-07:00

"Angels in Sunlight"

The beginning of my new large Hydrangea painting

I have gorgeous white large flower heads on my hydrangea plant in the garden at the moment and I am terrified they will fade before I have finished enjoying working on them from life. The beautiful morning sunshine hit the top of their heads in such a stunning way this morning that painting them was a must!

This week I will be completing my new book,working on paintings for an exhibition in France during December and beginning a new project which will be very new to me.

All the time I have been planning my scehdule for the next few weeks, the white hydrangea in my garden have been calling to my brushes. There are times in life when, no matter how busy you are, you need to listen to your heart and do what makes you feel great. So despite deadlines and commitments I found myself painting at my easel, listening to relaxing music and the results on my paper are magical. I have caught my mood of enthusiasm,hope and excitement with each brushstroke and I know I can't wait for tomorrow to arrive as my new paintings then will be very unique.

About Those Washes?

2011-10-31T08:47:00.000-07:00

Berry-licious

A small demonstration piece from last week looking at how to create gorgeous colour effects from a simple first wash. This will be a doddle to turn into a juicy berry painting.

This is a little reminder to all the artists who came on my workshops last week. How many of you have continued to practise the exciting and varied washes I demonstrated?

At the side of our long drive there is the most amazing large holly tree that is fully laden with very heavy berries at the moment. Last year birds swooped and devoured the lot before I could paint any so by this time next week I hope I will have had a chance to pant a few holly sprigs before they all disappear!

Please keep practising and please keep moving those brushes. Make using them fun and consider which colours can make a more vibrant result!

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Whispering Angel

2011-10-30T10:06:00.000-07:00

"Whispering Angel"

New floral Hydrangea watercolour taking shape in its early stages of development.

Having picked several bouquets of flowers from my garden this morning to decorate my cottage I couldn't resist taking time out to enjoy painting a few favourite floral subjects this afternoon. Last year I purchased a gorgeous, snow white hydrangea for one of the flower beds and I am delighted to see the blooms still appearing despite the cooler Autumn weather.

I took a spray into my workshops this week and it came as no surprise that artists attending fell in love with the shape of the large flower head and clusters of blossoms within its form. It has stayed in my mind and I have really looked forward to painting it further.

Tomorrow I can see a larger painting of the same subject and this leaves me looking forward to a new day and exciting new week full of fabulous watercolours!

Time to Reflect

2011-10-30T02:02:00.000-07:00

A Spanish Dancer coming to life in my " All Fired Up " Workshop which took place this week.

The first placement of colour and brushstrokes indicated where she would appear. Gradually the first signs of a figure moving came into sight. It was a magical moment.

At the beginning of last week I was looking forward to my Autumn workshops and knew everyone attending had been really eager for their date to arrive so that we could all enjoy painting and trying out new ideas. I can't believe how quickly the week has disappeared. Time surely does fly when you are having fun!

Each day I "dressed" the room before the worshops to set the mood, gave thought to the subjects we would be painting and sourced the materials I needed for the session. I covered my equipment and explained how I see things at each introductory opening to the one day workshops. Then gave demonstrations to show how I begin and build up a painting. Each is unique and is intended to be so.

On Thursday I stood in front of my easel and began to paint a Flamenco dancer. I started with a small amount of colour for her head, added her dress and worked downwards towards the full skirt that would be swirling as she danced. There was complete and utter silence behind me as the artists in the workshop watched each brushstroke and placement of colour.

I understand when an artist has a preliminary sketch to paint and fill with colour it is easier for those watching and learning to see where the demonstration is going. However when I work a simple touch of colour means absolutely nothing to the viewer without some hint of what is about to occur. It is such an amazing experience when finally the audience watching you can see exactly what the subject is as it begins to appear. Often this happens as if by magic from soft colour runs or beautiful pigment fusions.

The theme for Thursday was "All Fired Up" and it certainly left me eager to paint non stop when I returned to my studio.The problem is I can't see to find the "off switch" having turned the "on switch" on so enthusiastically!

At one point in the day I laughingly turned around and said I was checking to see if everyone was still awake as the room was so quiet. But I was met with a sea of faces all mesmerised by what was happening on my easel. Only now has it hit me how much fun painting in this way really is. I try to share what I see in my head when I am moving my brush. But physically demonstrating how I think as an artist and build up a creation is the most wonderful of feelings. Especially when the room is full of enthusiastic artists as this weeks sessions were every single day.

My new book which will be launched next year gives wonderful insights into why working without a pencil sketch can be so addictive,it shows how I freely approach many subjects and it introduces many techniques including new ways to work in watercolour. I will be on pins until its release but I do hope you like it because if you love the idea of working in a loose style you are going to fall in love with this publication!

And hopefully you will be " All Fired Up" addictively also!

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Workshops 2012

I am afraid all my workshops in UK are now fully booked but a few waiting lists are open should any unexpected cancellations occur.

I have a few places available in April for a Motivational Masterclass.

I will be in USA in Autumn 2012 and I hope to share details of these workshops soon.

My 2012 Art Society demonstration calender is also full but I will consider contacts and bookings for 2013.

Amazing Ways With Watercolour DVD

2011-10-30T00:48:00.000-07:00

Amazing Ways With Watercolour DVD

Now available from my web site

www.jeanhaines.com

The sales page on my web site is now open and the first orders have been received. It's wonderful to know my DVD "Amazing Ways With Watercolour" is so popular and selling so well.

Thank you to everyone who has been amongst the first to make orders this week activating the sales page on my web site!

Autumn Workshops

2011-10-29T10:39:00.000-07:00

Owl,part of a demonstration for this weeks workshops

It struck me just how lucky I am this week when each day my workshop sessions were filled with the most enthusaistic and wonderful artists anyone could ever wish to meet. I don't know whether it's the style or medium that draws people to these groups that are so pleasant to be with but I have had the most glorious of weeks.

I am going to confess I wasn't feeling too great at the beginning of last week as a health problem arose that was completely unexpected, but I knew I couldn't let anyone down. So after begging the Doctor for pain killers I managed to smile,laugh out loud for most of the time and continue to be amazed at the talent in the room each day.

I feel energised,exhilarated and eager to move my brushes next week after I have caught up on my business emails and administration.

Thank you so much to everyone who came this week and added to the fantastic watercolour days.

Happy painting!

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"Watership Down" My new painting at The Frame Gallery in Odiham

2011-10-29T10:30:00.000-07:00

"Watership Down"

Watercolour

My new painting was delivered to the Frame Gallery this afternoon and will in placed in a gorgeous frame that brings out the colours of the subject perfectly.

" Watership Down" will be available for sale from next week but if you are interested in purchasing this piece please contact Jan directly on

Tel no: 01256 701082

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Current Exhibition at The Frame Gallery

2011-10-29T09:58:00.000-07:00

I visited the Frame Gallery in Odiham this afternoon to deliver two new paintings and was thrilled to see how warm my new collection looks as Autumn colours filled the walls with a fabulous feeling of energy and bursts of vibrant colour.

I met a wonderful couple who had missed my recent demonstration at Fleet Art Society and it was lovely to hear how much my use of watercolour is enjoyed.

I took several photographs of a few paintings to share on my blog for artists and friends who have been unable to visit the gallery. The display has changed periodically due to sales where paintings have had to be taken immediately so the show is evolving each week.

"Autumn Gold"

The warmth and light in this watercolour of honesty seedheads sadly isn't captured in this image.

"L'Energie D'Automne"

Unfortunately there was a delay in this piece being exhibited but it is now on show and looking wonderful!

"La Danza"

This lively painting greets you as you enter the gallery.

It has been so wonderful to hear the feedback on my current show. I love that comments have included the diversity of subject matter as I do love painting absolutely everything!

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The Frame Gallery,Odiham: New Hare

2011-10-29T06:20:00.000-07:00

"O'Hare"

Magical new hare to be on show at

The Frame Gallery

Odiham

Hants

Now that my workshops which took place this week are over I have been in touch with The Frame Gallery in Odiham to dicuss my current exhibition and the delivery of new work for their Christmas Show.

Sales during the first week of my being "Artist of the Month" at the gallery have been so successful and there have been many requests for subjects that sold out as soon as my show opened.

For this reason I am going to release new paintings. Two are gorgeous hare which will be delivered to the gallery and on display by the end of next week.

"O'Hare" is beautiful. Unfortunately my photography does not do him justice! His magical eye and expression have really made me smile as he appeared during the creative process. This is definitely a painting that I would wish to see on my own wall but I will be allowing the hare to make visitors smile at the gallery and I hope his good luck rubs off on all who pass him by!

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If you are interested in this new painting of a hare please contact Jan at the gallery on

Tel no: 01256 701082

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SFP: The Society of Floral Painters

2011-10-29T01:43:00.000-07:00

"Beauty Of Spring"

The Society of Floral Painters

I am delighted to share the news that I have been offered full membership of SFP, The Society for Floral Painters following the assessment day which took place this month.

It is amazing how my art world turns because during one of my Spring sessions an artist attending one of my own workshops discussed the SFP with me as they were a member. My year has been so hectic but as I knew the next assessment for membership was taking place in Autumn 2011 I decided to submit and I am thrilled to have recieved a letter this week to tell me the good news.

I have always adored painting flowers and my first style that drew me into my passion for watercolours was botanical art. In a way I feel as though I am going " home", to a society who loves a subject that is so deeply held in my heart. Working on paintings for exhibitions purely to showcase the beauty of floral subjects is going to be heaven for me and I cannot wait to join in as a new full member.

2012 is going to be even more magical now!

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Autumn Madness

2011-10-26T09:53:00.000-07:00

"Blackberry Way"
First wash with hints of berries added ready for the final touches to complete the painting.

Today was the turn for "Autumn Madness" to hit my workshops as berries of all kinds became subjects for autumnal washes. The room looked fantastic with arrangements of reds and golds from leaves to flowers that gave inspiration for working from life and creating energy within a unique painting.

There wasn't a single photograph in sight to work from as each artist leant on their own vision,creativity and imagination to build paintings that were completely unique.

I must admit it was one of those sessions where I have come away desperate to paint and explore the ideas that flowed throughout the day even further.

Thank you to everyone who came today for making the event a very memorable occasion and I hope you will be painting non stop once you leave the session. I know I will be!

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NEW: Sales Page on my Web Site

2011-10-25T23:05:00.000-07:00

"Almost There"

Finalist in the david Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year Exhibition

Part of a new card collection

I now have a sales page on my web site which means anyone wishing to purchase my cards, own a signed copy of my book or buy a DVD can directly through my site.

Greeting Cards

Until now my cards have been aailable through my workshops and demonstrations and through a few galleries.Now you can buy popular sets of four designs from my web site. These make wonderful gifts to other artists or look brilliant in small frames. A collection together looks even better framed and on show.

"How to Paint Colour and Light in Watercolour"

Signed Copy

You can now own a signed copy of my first book "How to Paint Colour and Light in Watercolour". This makes a great gift for artist friends and anyone interested in working loose in watercolour in my free and relaxing style.

Amazing Ways With Watercolour

DVD

My latest DVD which is selling really well all over the world and gaining such wonderfully enthusiastic feedback can also be pruchased through my site.

Christmas Cards

A limited number of Christmas cards sets are now for sale via my web site

Full detail of all prices can be found on my web site.

This is a lovely way of being in touch with everyone who can't personally get to my workshops to buy merchandise.

www.jeanhaines.com

Watercolours With Life Autumn Workshop 2011

2011-10-25T22:55:00.000-07:00

Soft owl coming to life in a transparent watercolour

Working with brushstrokes,pigment and water to create a feeling of downy feathers and a beautiful eye that feels real

Yesterday saw the first of my Autumn workshops in Hampshire and artists eagerly arrived in the morning for the day ahead. The full group consisted of a varied mix of art levels and were full of the enthusiasm I now expect when I hold a session.

We started the day with an introduction to my techniques and then moved on to painting a variety of subjects, many were fascinating. I closed the session with a painting that could help me cover tips and ways to overcome problems that had been discovered during the working day.

This very soft owl wash was my favourite demonstration as the eye is full of warmth and the fluffy feathers are delightfully appearing as the colours flow and fade across paper.

Thank you so much to everyone who attended the session. It was a delight to meet artists I have met on facebook, see artists returning who have loved previous workshops and meet new friends. I do hope yesterday was the start of a whole new adventure for one particular gentleman and I have a feeling another is about to fly with their work having grown so quickly in one short day over a gorgeous painting of a kingfisher.

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To the wonderful readers of my blog who have let me know they look forward to seeing new posts daily and miss me when I am away working,this is blog entry is for you!

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This week continues with the "Autumn Madness" workshop that commences this morning and I can't wait as it is such a favourite session of mine. Next year at this time I will be holding workshops in USA which seems such a long way away but I know I am going to meet some very wonderful artists there also!

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Artists Tip of the Day

No matter what you are doing or aiming to create, have the confidence in yourself to be able to achieve it. Remove all negative doubts and set out with a positive attitude.That will bring you more success than you can ever imagine as you will be giving yourself permission to succeed rather than accepting a personal decision to fail.

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Please check my web site for availability on my 2012 workshops as I believe only a few places are now left for the whole of next year.

www.jeanhaines.com

Luck of the Irish

2011-10-24T09:02:00.000-07:00

O'Hare

Knowing that the two hare from my new exhibition have been sold as soon as the show opened left me concerned there will be no lucky painting in the collection for the rest of the month.

As I am preparing for my workshops this month which begin tomorrow a vision of a new hare has been playing on my mind. I took the quiet opportunity to work on him and bring him to life before my week turns into one where I happily share my techniques with others via demonstrations rather than the solice of my art studio.

"O'Hare" will soon be completed and find a place in The Frame Gallery in Odiham.

I do hope everyone reading my blog has a fabulous week ahead full of amazing paintings. I will be meeting all the artists who are booked on my Autumn one day workshops and I am so looking forward to each day that will be filled with colour, ideas for new compositions and colour combinations.

It is going to be great!

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Learning from Observing

2011-10-23T00:28:00.000-07:00

Echinacea Flowers from my garden

I can't believe that even with hard frost this week the way my garden is still full of glowing colour. I have loved the form of Echinacea flowers. Their seedheads are to die for as an exciting subject for artists to work with in watercolour.

I love how the morning Autumn light is hitting their heads and the way the petals fall downwards as if giving the flower a skirt which adorns their centre. They are fascinating.

Echinacea flower starting to form in a watercolour

I know this will be a fabulous base as a flower painting to come in a large piece.

I may be racing to paint all the flowers still braving the cold weather before Winter finally arrives forcing them into hibernation for the next few months.

Sometimes we have to paint what we see when we see it. If you think about it naure is an incredible teacher. It shows us we must value what we see for the short time it is in our vision. It teaches us to appreciate colour by consantly changing seasons which draw new ideas from our selected palettes. It gives us hints on textural additions in how they can totally change or add drama to a composition. There are many reasons why not always being in front of your paper brings the best out of you as an artist so get out today and enjoy being taught by all you see around you,

I am going to do just that!

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Horse Racing Paintings

2011-10-22T01:13:00.000-07:00

I have made a decision regarding my new collections of horse racing paintings.

Recently at a gallery opening I met a collector of my work who now owns several paintings of mine covering various subjects. The discussion arose as to how popular some of my subjects now seem to be getting. Cockerels are amongst many artists collections as a favourite subject so I don't claim these as mine nor should I. But I have a defined style especially when it comes to a sense of movement in my work and my horse racing paintings are classed as unique.

The collector explained that he had noticed my work is being copied by a particular artist who may have originally felt they were learning from me. But they are also sharing and selling online pretending the paintings/style are their own idea and creation. This isn't ethical or wise. Their effects cannot result in exact copies but the appearance of their work screams of my influence.

I listened and completely understood. If you pay thousands of pounds for a painting you want an original piece of art. You may also be able to afford to take legal action if you feel the painting you purchased has been copied. Which is the situation my client felt able to do as a lawyer and in the legal profession. I hadn't fully taken in this side of the complicated issue of copyright. The owner of an original piece of art has rights too. We had such an insightful conversation and I am really grateful that we not only met but took time to think about how copying artists can really effect other artists,galleries and art buyers.

It isn't just art that is being copied as actions are also. I do understand the artist who is so desperate for a sale that they eagerly watch what others are exhibiting and race for their brushes believing if they too paint the same subjects they will be successsful. But they are missing the point. It is the individuality of an artist,the one who paints new subjects or finds new ways to paint old favourites that gets attention.

I have alway encouraged artists to create their own work. I have felt strongly about those who consistently paint from photographs that they have found online that could easily be painted by many other viewers of the very same image. I have shared and advised new artists to learn from as many books and workshops as possible to help them grow and gain more technical experience. However once you learn to depend on copying as a constant way of working it is very hard to let go of the "crutch" and find out what you are truly capable of as an individual.

I love originality. I love seeing what every artist of all levels is capable of , bringing life into a composition drawing from their own creativity not others.

What you paint does depend very much on where you are in your art journey so learning from masters or artists who are far more experienced than yourself of course is only natural. But there is a obvious line between copying to learn and copying deliberately to pass off as your own work ,style and sell.

I will not be sharing future paintings from my horse racing collections as I believe it isn't fair to the collectors who wish to purchase my original art. I know this is a sad move because my new paintings have far more energy and life in them than ever before as they have evolved with my style. But I owe loyalty to those who are looking forward to seeing and owning my new work.

I am joining and following the advise of experienced and established artists who show very limited paintings online. Whilst I am very generous with my teaching and techniques which I adore sharing and will continue to do, my main gallery work will now be kept in the galleries. This news will come as a blow to the particular artist who will now have to depend on their own ideas for new work or they can continue to repeat and copy their previous "copies".

It is a shame as I am very excited about where my new collections are heading but I am aware of an area of my art life I am moving into that warrants serious decisions.

Original art needs to be just that.

Original.

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La Danza

2011-10-22T00:20:00.000-07:00

La Danza

£695

Autumn Exhibition

THE FRAME

Odiham

Hampshire

I will be sharing paintings from my Autumn Exhibition at the Frame Gallery in Odiham on my blog from time to time. This Flamenco dancer I loved from the minute I saw her in my imagination to the second my brush first touched the paper when I created her.

There is a fabulously magical flow of colour in this watercolour and the sense of movement is very strong. It is in an unusual frame that seems to harmonise with the design of the dress.The minute I saw the painting as the wrapping from the framers was removed I knew I could happily keep it!

I also know, no matter how many times I may try the magic in this watercolour cannot be repeated.

The heat of the dance,the passion in the movements taught from childhood to the experienced dancer. This to me captures the mood and atmosphere that I have felt when watching Flamenco dancers in Spain. I can hear the music and sound of feet tapping the floor, those watching are spellbound by the swirl of the skirt. So much can be said by a painting, far more than just what we see with our eyes.

Details of my Autumn show can be found on my web site

www.jeanhaines.com

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Sold! "Lucky" sale.

2011-10-22T00:08:00.000-07:00

"Lucky"

SOLD

Autumn Exhibition at The Frame Gallery

Odiham

Hampshire

Full details on my web site

www.jeanhaines.com

I try to avoid selling paintings before an exhibition opens. I have received emails in the past asking about certain pieces and collectors have wanted to reserve favourites.

Yesterday I met a wonderful lady at the gallery when I delivered my work for next weeks show. The owner and I were discussing the character of the hare painting which stood proudly on an easel at the entrance. We both loved it and it had that wonderful keen eye that hares possess. It had only just been unwrapped from having been framed and it looked wonderful.

Sometimes when you are asked about a piece you just know as an artist your painting has found the right owner or home and this was one of those occasions. Last night the buyer contacted me explaining they would like to own the pair of paintings. I agree,they do look wonderful together.

So " Lucky" has now been sold. In the circumstances I know there was a reason to yesterday taking place and the sales. To the buyer who may be reading my blog, I hope last night wasn't too painful and I wish you all the happiness and good luck with the blessings that come with these paintings. There are many!

Three paintings have now been asked for before we officially open the show and my Autumn pieces will be revealed as from today. If you are passing Odiham or are interested in my work please visit the gallery early.

Things really do move at a fast pace with this particular collection!

Workshop Place Available: 26th October 2012

2011-10-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

Due to a cancellation there is now one place available on my " Autumn Madness" Watercolour workshop next week. This is very short notice but if anyone is free and would like to attend next Wednesday the session will be full of Autumn colours, a variety of subjects and fun techniques aimed at stretching the imagination.

The workshop will be held in Winchfield , Hampshire. Full details are available on my web site.

Please contact me as soon as possible if you would like to take the cancellation.

jeanhaines@hotmail.com

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Lucky Charm

2011-10-21T05:32:00.000-07:00

" Lucky "

The Frame Gallery

Odiham

Hampshire

http://www.theframe-gallery.co.uk/

Being a Celt I am very superstitious and have my own way of approaching exhibitions. In each show I have a few lucky paintings that carry a special blessing. This is for both me and buyers of my watercolours. I have done this quietly for years following advise from a very old Feng Shui master from China.

This " Lucky" painting will be in my show which opens next Monday.

I think the good luck will be for me if this piece is actually still in the show when we officially open!

Sold! Show opens on Monday.

2011-10-21T05:18:00.000-07:00

"Hip Hare"

Almost finished

SOLD

I knew today was going to be really busy. I had to deliver work to The Frame Gallery in Odiham for my new Autumn show which will opens officially on Monday although it is in the process of being hung at the moment. Larger paintings will arrive there later today.

Smile 1.

I love making people around me smile and I am having such an exceptionally brilliant week.So after delivering my work this morning I decided to give Jan,the owner of the gallery a surprise with a bouquet of flowers. A quick visit to the florist meant a fleeting return to the gallery to give my gift of flowers to the wonderfully surprisd face of the owner there. In this very short time a visitor was already admiring one of my paintings that had only just been unwrapped. I left feeling really happy that my work was being enjoyed.

Smile 2.

I have two wonderful young men working on my studio this week so decided to quickly pop into a fabulous shop to treat them to some gorgeous cake for their break. They deserve it. While there felt a tap on my shoulder. Jan from the gallery asked me if I would mind selling one of my pieces before the show opened next week. When I heard the circumstances I could only say yes.

Smile 3.

And so there will be one less painting in my exhibition but this one will be going to a very good home of someone who absolutely fell in love with it.

I do hope I have a collection left to view by next week!

I think the record that still needs to be broken is of the time I left a painting to be framed and recieved a call on my mobile asking me if it could be sold immediately as a gallery client had seen it before it had even reached a gallery wall.

If you are intending to visit The Frame Gallery in Odiham please make it early next week, things happen there very fast!

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À Corinne : Gagnant de défi de Septembre 2011

2011-10-20T11:12:00.000-07:00

Bailey a peint par Corinne de France

Je suis enchanté pour annoncer le gagnant de mon défi de Watercolour du Septembre 2011. J'ai regardé beaucoup de peintures qui étaient absolument renversantes et beaucoup étaient totalement uniques. Mais celui que continué à m'appeler en arrière à maintes reprises qui a tiré avec effort sur mes cordes de coeur a été peint par Corinne qui vient du nord de la France.

Pourquoi est-ce que j'ai aimé ce halètement ?

Premièrement, quand vous peignez un animal familier vous ne visez pas simplement peignant un tableau. Vous visez à capturer le caractère, l'émotion et l'expression de l'animal qui serait chèrement aimé par le propriétaire. Bailey a une expression quand il veut quelque chose si ce soit mon attention, une promenade ou un goodie. Il s'assiéra et regardera fixement moi jusqu'à ce qu'il soit impossible d'ignorer sa réclamation expressive. Quoiqu'I can' ; t voient que ses yeux sa bouche donne réellement à son humeur loin. Corinne a repris sur la pose parfaitement, le détail de bouche est superbe mais ce qui prend vraiment mon souffle loin est comment elle a capturé l'écoulement, fourrure souple d'un colley barbu. Plus que ce là est la vie dans ce morceau. Une énergie dans ses traçages qui apporte mon chien sembler étonnamment comme s'il est vraiment sur le papier comme animal complètement de la vie, pas simplement une composition peinte.

Félicitations Corinne ! Je suis captivé et dans l'amour avec votre peinture ! Je dois admettre hors de ainsi beaucoup d'entrées pour Septembre étant le gagnant est vraiment un accomplissement énorme. Je t'enverrai le prix et vous contacter par l'email.

À chacun qui m'a envoyé des peintures, merci tellement. Une chose ces défis m'ont montré qu'est juste combien mon blog est apprécié. Et encore plus important je me sens plus près des artistes qui l'ont lue par la communication personnelle par des réponses et les peintures m'ont envoyées. J'attends avec intérêt d'envoyer le prochain prix d'une de mes palettes pour le défi de l'Octobre 2011. Pour maintenant des félicitations encore Corinne et moi espèrent chacun lisant mes amours de blog votre travail autant que je fais.

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Winner of the September 2011 Watercolour Challenge

2011-10-20T11:05:00.000-07:00

Bailey painted by Corinne

from France

I am delighted to announce the winner of my September 2011 Watercolour Challenge. I looked at many paintings that were absolutely stunning and many were totally unique. But the one that kept calling me back time and time again that tugged at my heart strings was painted by Corinne who comes from the North of France.

Why did I love this panting?

Firstly, when you paint a pet you are not just aiming at painting a picture.You are aiming to capture the character,emotion and expression of the animal that would be dearly loved by the owner.

Bailey has an expression when he wants something whether it is my attention, a walk or a goodie.He will sit and stare at me until it is impossible to ignore his expressive plea. Even though I can't see his eyes his mouth actually gives his mood away. Corinne picked up on the pose perfectly,the mouth detail is superb but what really takes my breath away is how she has captured the flowing,floppy fur of a Bearded Collie. More than that there is life in this piece. An energy in her brushstrokes that brings my dog to amazingly seem as though he really is on the paper as an animal full of life,not just a painted composition.

Congratulations Corinne! I am thrilled and in love with your painting!

I must confess out of so many entries for September being the winner really is a huge accomplishment. I will be sending you the prize and contact you by email.

To everyone who sent me paintings,thank you so much. One thing these challenges have shown me is just how much my blog is enjoyed.And even more importantly I feel closer to the artists who read it by the personal communication through replies and paintings sent to me.

I look forward to sending the next prize of one of my palettes for the October 2011 Challenge.

For now congratulations again Corinne and I hope everyone reading my blog loves your work as much as I do.

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L'Energie D'Automne Exhibition : The Frame Gallery,Odiham

2011-10-20T07:56:00.000-07:00

L'Energie D'Automne

An exciting new collection of watercolours will be exhibited at

THE FRAME GALLERY

The High Street

Odiham

Hampshire
23rd October 2011- 18th November 2011

The exhibition will open on 23rd October 2012 and include many favourite subjects including new,vibrant Autumn scenes, Horse Racing scenes,Hare,Cockerels and many more.

Autumn Splendour

On show at The Frame Gallery from 23rd October 2011

L'Energie D'Automne : The Frame Gallery,Odiham

2011-10-18T08:15:00.000-07:00

L'Energie D'Automne

I wish I could share my new collection for the Frame Gallery in Odiham, Hampshire offline and not via a computer screen.The fluidity in some of the pieces has left me feeling so wonderfully happy and relaxed.It's impossible not to see the Autumn light and not wish to paint the gorgeous subjects that are facing me each day.

I have blackberries growing in the lanes by my cottage, hawthorn berries hang from laden branches and beautiful Honesty seedheads just seemed to magically fit into this composition. The piece has an energy to it which is hard to define hence the title.

I will complete this painting and deliver it to the Frame gallery to be part of my Autumn Show which opens next week.

I will share more details and paintings on my blog and my web site soon

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I will be sharing the winning painting of the September Challenge soon but needed to catch up on my gallery work first!

Watercolour Workshops 2012 UK

2011-10-18T05:51:00.000-07:00

Floral Fusion

I have the latest update on my workshop schedule for 2012 and need to share the news that there will be no Hampshire, UK, Autumn programme for workshops held by me in UK next year. This is due to the fact I will be travelling in USA and France and running a weeks course at Dedham Hall in September 2012.

At present there are only a few places available for my sessions next year.

June Watercolour Workshops 2012

Only two places available on each one day session

I have spaces in June and a few places on the Watercolour Masterclass which will be held in April next year. Please check my web site for full details.

Watercolour Masterclass

Only Two Places Available

For anyone interested the Masterclass is deliberately being run as a very small group. The timing allows artists attending to arrive on the first morning and stay over for the second day. This means accomodation may only be needed for one evening. Whilst it commences at 11.0 a.m it will close at five on the first day followed by a meal in the evening to get to know each other and discuss where we all are in our art journey. When I demonstrate I rarely have the luxury of time to get to know everyone individually which is why this special class is being arranged. The second day starts early but closes at three to allow artists time to return home. There is work to prepare before attending the session and after class attention with work to carry out in the comfort of your own home or studio. The seminar is aimed at stretching the artist in a way to not only set, but achieve goals also. At the time of typing this blog entry I have two places available and further details can be found on my web site.

Evening meal and working lunch provided in the fee.

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I would dearly love to hold more workshops to accomodate everyone who wishes to come to one of my sessions.The problem is that unless I allow myself time to paint and experiment consistently my own art loses momentum. As I write,demonstrate and exhibit I need studio time for my own art career.

I have become aware that the interest in my workshops has continually grown over the last few years and is beginning to grow even more which is so wonderful. I really appreciate everyones' enthusiasm in my style. I am aware as my exhibitons and gallery work becomes more demanding the time I have to share in workshops is growing less and less.

So please if you want a place on one of my workshops in 2012 take the opportunity to book now as once the places have all gone there is will be no other dates now until 2013.

My Art Society bookings for 2012 are also fully booked but I am taking details of Art Societies who wish to book for 2013.

It seems amazing that with no major advertising I am at a point where I have very little workshop places available for 2012 before the end of this year. If you are interested in being contacted with dates for future events and the 2013 schedule when it becomes available next year please email me on

jeanhaines@hotmail.com

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The Frame Gallery,Odiham : New Collection

2011-10-18T03:29:00.000-07:00

Autumn Splendour

The Frame Gallery

81, High Street

Odiham

Hampshire

My new collection of watercolours will be on show at The Frame Gallery in Odiham ,Hampshire next week. The gallery is situated on the high street of the village and Jan the owner will be delighted to see you should you wish to visit and view or purchase my original paintings.

Full details can be found via this link

http://www.theframe-gallery.co.uk/

Autumn Splendour

2011-10-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

Autumn Splendour

Today I put my paintings together to be delivered to The Frame Gallery in Odiham next week. Autumn Splendour is part of an autumnal series and as the light was wonderful this afternoon I thoroughly enjoyed adding the berries and seeing how the light hit each one.

Working from life is so much more rewarding than working from photographs and I think in this piece my lightness of mood showed too!

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Thank you to the caring artist who sent me an email letting me know my work has been copied. A painting of a cockerel in the exact pose and a " version" of my horse racing scene with a few alterations is being shared by the copying artist and passed off as their own creation. Changing a few colours doesn't always detract from the fact the work has already been seen. The sad thing is with the internet making the world a far smaller place trying to pass off someone elses work as your own only puts you in a very bad light.

To the artist who has blatantly copied my work, you've been found out!

And to the artist who contacted me,thank you so much.

Copying to learn is a wonderful way to grow. But when you make a decision to not only copy someone elses ideas as well as pretend you came up with them be prepared to be questioned in not only your ability as an artist but your honesty too. Sadly once you gain a bad reputation as someone who lies about their art it tends to stick with you!

Autumn Confusion

2011-10-16T01:10:00.000-07:00

Foxgloves in watercolour and from my garden

With only one week to go to my Autumn workshops I find I am still painting summer flowers from my garden due to the confused weather this year. As the seasons change I often store images of painting from life in my mind so that the light and bright colours I use in summer stay with me while I paint during the winter months.

I have this feeling I desperately need to paint the last rose of summer before they are all long gone from my garden!

Whatever you are going to paint in the week ahead of you I hope your joy in creating the painting is an all time high and I hope your results hsow just that fantastic feeling.

We are so lucky to be artists. We see in a unique way and have that inner sense of enthusiasm often lost since childhood.

Happy painting!

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To everyone attending my Autumn workshops please bring all your favourite gold shades and be prepared to have fun,work hard and create in a way you may never have thought you were capable of before!

More Baileys from the September 2011 Challenge

2011-10-16T01:00:00.000-07:00

I received so many wonderful paintings of Bailey for the September Challenge so did not want to race choosing my favourite which I have finally managed to do.Trust me, the decision this time was a very difficult one but I will shortly be sharing the winning painting. Before I do I wanted to post a few more gorgeous paintings here and explain why they appealed to me.

Being Unique as an Artist.

Lindy Cullen

We are all very different. Aiming to be unique as an artist really is so important especially in a challenge such as this when everyone is painting from exactly the same photograph. Which is why Lindy Cullens Bailey stood out from all the paintings I recieved. It is very unique, shows creativity and wonderful use of the artists imagination. The detail is not all there, a sense of movement is evident and as a viewer I can clearly see the painting is of a dog but I am drawn into the composition by suggestive brushstrokes and placement of colour. Bailey has his head poised ready for action or could be looking inquistively at me waiting to see what I would do next.This painting makes me think about it which is brilliant!

Bailey wonderfully painted by Lindy Cullen

Unique composition,movement and exciting use of colour.

Bold use of Colour

Patty Schwarz

There were many paintings painted using very soft use of watercolour which were really fabulous to see so when I opened a composition that showed the artist knew how to use the medium with strong bold use of pigment it made a terrific change. If we all painted softly, viewing watercolours could become very boring.We need these changes to show our own style. Out of interest I often find in my classes that blondes tend to paint paler and gentler watercolours whilst brunettes and artists with dark hair often paint with stronger shades. This has become more evidnet from living all over the world and learning from international artists.

This painting is by Patty Scwharz who caught my eye by her use of depicting fur and great strength in the shades used. Well done Patty.

Bailey by Patty Schwarz USA

Patty Swharzs Bailey looking right at you with strentgh of colour and character of my dog! I love the shadow area under the chin which is beautifully painted.

Contrasting backgrounds

Mo Teeuw

The photograph for the challenge showed Bailey sat in the garden so the green grass of the background led many artists to painting what they saw. Green as a background. Quite a few clever artists chose not to follow the photograph and added new shades to contrast with the subject. Artist Mo Teeuw was one who created a great effect with not only a warm background but use of textural effects which added contrast to the directional lines of the fur in the foreground on the dog.

Bailey by Mo Teeuw

Cling film textural background gives a 3D effect which in turn makes the longer fur seem more effective. The warm background shade also harmonises with Baileys beard section bringing connection throughout this piece. I love the variety of colour in this painting as the pink/violet in the lower section also tells a beautiful story of what is happening.

Use of White Paper.

Sharon Whitley

Soft watercolours do work very well on animals such as cats and dogs because they lead us to seeing the gentle side of the pet. This next painting by Sharon Whitley also caught my eye. It isn't so much just the way Sharon has painted Bailey as the fantastic idea of his head sitting above white paper space hinting at the lentgh of his body which is left to the viewers imagination. When you look at this painting you may not see what I do but the very clever position of the dogs face and brushstrokes leading into the white space says so much is happening in this piece. More than if the whole paper had been covered with colour. The pose is brilliant and captures Bailey perfectly.

Bailey by Sharon Whitley

With clever use of white paper.

Notice on this painting how the artist has kept the white of the paper for the white fur and it looks clean,fresh and stunning!

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When I teach I always see the very best in an artist and ask them to focus on what they can do well, stretching their imaginations and aiming to create paintings that are 100% unique. I also give tips away constantly that can make all the difference to an artists results.Writing my new book has been such a pleasure as all the tips given to me over the years from all over the world are going to be held within the pages and I cannot wait for its release next year.

Everyone who joined in the September Challenge forwarded such amazing paintings and I am thrilled with them all.To share every single one would take far too much time so selecting a few that showed great skill I thought would be more beneficial.

There are some great tips in all of the above paintings and comments.

Artist Tips

1) When painting from a photograph don't paint just what you see,

2) Choose colours effectively

3) Think about composition

4) Be unique!

I am aiming to write a personal message to everyone who forwarded me a painting because if you took the time to join in I feel it is only fair I should take the time to reply. I also feel, as the standard of work was so high, rushing to choose the winning painting would not do justice to the gorgeous paintings of Bailey that were sent to me.

Again,thank you so much to everyone who sent me their paintings and I will be sharing my favourite soon!

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The October Challenge of the lion has been set and I have recieved the first of the paintings already! Have fun with it and maybe if you haven't started painting it yet the tips in this blog entry may inspire you!

Most Popular Blog Post.

2011-10-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

Roses from a demonstration during my "Painting Escapes" seminar held at the

Four Seasons Hotel 2010

I am thrilled a blog entry I shared some time ago is still proving to be very popular.

"How to Paint Roses in a Loose Style" has been a favourite subject during most of my workshops and has evolved from my time in France, again inspired by an incredible artist who could almost breath life into her work so that her watercolour flowers seemed real.

Madame Blanche Odin.

Our painting styles couldn't be more different but how I adore how this amazing french artist captured flowers so beautifully.

Thank you for enjoying this post and you can read more via this link if you have missed it.

http://watercolourswithlife.blogspot.com/2010/04/how-to-paint-roses-in-loose-style.html

Madame Blanche Odin

2011-10-14T09:31:00.000-07:00

Grape Hyacinth Flowers in a simple watercolour wash.

I mentioned in a previous blog post how much artist, Madame Blanche Odin, had influenced my work whilst I lived in France. I have met many wonderful floral artists but this particular artist stole my heart in a way that no other can. She caught more than just the image of the flower in her work.

You knew she loved roses when you saw her paintings of them.vI have yet to see wall flowers or delphiniums painted in such a quality that made you feel you were seeing the real flower.

I was surrounded by villages at that time which held weekly markets and there were always glorious flowers stalls amongst them selling vibrant arrays of colour that took your breath away.As a botanical artist originally I couldn't resist the subjects that faced me each day and my passion for painting flowers grew continually. It does to this day.

So whenever I take a break from writing or painting of my many other subjects you will always see me revert to painting what tugs at my heart.

Flowers.

And many of them!

You can read my original post about Madame Blanche Odin via this link.

http://watercolourswithlife.blogspot.com/2010/01/blanche-odin.html

Glorious Autumn 2011

2011-10-14T09:07:00.000-07:00

Rudbeckia forming in a golden watercolour wash

It was impossible to ignore the sunshine today and paint flowers again from my garden. This time I fell in love with the huge clumps of Rudbeckia that stand out in the flower beds with their vibrant colours, merging into the surrounding foliage and blossoms. It is hard to believe it isn't mid summer when so much is to still be enjoyed in the way of gorgeous blossoms and shapes bursting to life giving a wondrous display.

It is difficult not to enjoy painting flowers and there are so many ways to paint the simplest and most complex of formations. I have simply allowed colour to flow to suggest my subject and then chosen which area appeals to me most in the compostion. With so much work on it was really freeing to just relax,let go and paint what I felt like painting!

Rudbeckia flowers taking shape in the composition.

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I have many emails to reply to and I am currently working on my latest book which will be out next year.

So much to do and not enough hours to enjoy painting!

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Autumn Primroses

2011-10-13T10:05:00.000-07:00

Primroses appearing in a first wash.

Cling Film is used to create texture for leaves in the foreground.

I wandered around my garden again today and am amazed at how many flowers from all seasons seem to be enjoying the Autumn weather this year. I couldn't resist a few paintings of primroses because I know I eagerly wait for them to show their heads in Spring. I am seeing so many golden leaves so the foreground in this painting will be autumnal. In my woodland I can see these beautiful lemon flowers peeping through fallen oak leaves that have already turned gold.The colour combinations are incredible and far too good for this artist to miss as an opportunity to move my brushes.

I am very much inspired by the floral work of Madame Blanch Odin and living in France gave me time to admire her passion for watercolour.Whenever I paint flowers she is always on my mind. I doubt I will ever capture their beauty as she did but my aim is to keep trying!

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