Be Exciting! 2018 Those Warm Up Washes.

 First Wash for Blackberry painting

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

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

 Why?

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

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

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

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

 Two dramatic Autumn first washes waiting to be completed!

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

 

 Favourite first wash for blackberry hedgerow painting.

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

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

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

So my artist tip for today is

" Go OUT"!

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

Have a great day! And happy painting

************************ 

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

A Christmas Miracle

Angels or Fairies?

 Sometimes things happen while you are painting that are completely unexpected. I took several pieces of paper this morning and created colour washes on them. As my theme for today was painting in cool colours to represent the cold wintry weather outside I opted for one purple and one blue shade and allowed these to flow across my paper fusing, merging and  making patterns as they evolved during the drying process.

I left my studio and headed for a coffee break in our cottage. When I returned to my studio over an hour later I was amazed to see how one wash, seen below, had dried.

Can you see what I see?

 Figures appearing in my wash.

 I see figures flying in the sky. To me they seem like angels on the wing. But they could also be taken for fairies. Both are Christmas symbols.

Either way, I loved what happened  so I added a few hints around  some of the figure edges and loved the painting as it is.

 So here is my "Angels on The Wing " painting.

"Angels on the Wing"

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

Actually I know a few of  my friends and contacts could really do with a huge hug or an angel on their shoulder right now. 

So from me to you, a Christmas Angel is now on your Shoulder and may she watch over you!

******************** 

Artist Tips for the Day?

1) Keep practising those washes.

2) Don't be in a rush when you work on a first wash, take your time and see what might be appearing in it.

3) Believe in the magic that can happen with watercolour!

About those Washes

Exciting colourful wash from my warm up exercises this morning

I am keeping a promise. I said I would check up on everyone who has attended my workshops, presentations and courses this year. So how are you doing with your "homework"?

It takes only ten minutes to carry out a few simple watercolour washes each day. And from these colour work outs, repeating one favourite is an ideal way to keep those brushes moving. For readers of my books there are plenty of examples in them to keep you inspired and energised  when working in watercolour.

I am happily carrying out my warm up exercises and I am delighted to share my favourite which is going to be repeated, as close as, twice on two large pieces of new paper now. I am painting foxgloves, breathing life and energy into each piece by creating a colourful first wash adding the background flowers immediately. So that these sections are complete before I add detail to my main flower in the foreground. This is such a heavenly way to work and start each day.

So, have you created any washes today?

And if your answer is no, why not!

Happy painting!

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

Colour of Friendship

A simple telephone call can turn into a creative few minutes if  scraps of paper are at hand. The childhood habit of "doodling" is evident even when I am on the phone especially when I am having a light hearted conversation with a close friend. When working on serious paintings  I shut myself in my studio and avoid any interruptions.But there are times when it is fun to take a break.

I think this collection of colour really does reflect the warmth and personality of the friend who had called me.The light really does reflect my mood. Carefree, happy and  so full of the joy of new life that surrounds me this Spring.

Colour of Friendship

I love how granulation creates texture interest and the way a mixture of pattern edges give the loose interpretation of flowers.

Granulation Effects and flower patterns forming

As primroses sit on my  studio desk in a pretty pot they are the main influence. I paint what I see as well as what I feel. Emotion is in this small piece as my  feelings for this particular friend shine so brightly.

She is caring, genuinely warm and  full of spirit.

Our paintings reflect our personality. Mine is gentle which often is evident in my brushstrokes.

I feel I have captured the colour of friendship in this unfinished piece.

And what a wonderful way to pass the time with a friend even if it is via the phone!

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

Monday,My Blank Piece of Paper.

Christmas Rose First Wash

How fast Monday seems to come around!  I have a week ahead which is my blank canvas. I can choose to paint it as beautiful, quiet or as busy as I wish. I was eager for my week to begin so placed a colourful wash on a large white piece of paper last night for me to look at this morning as the first thing I saw when I walked into my studio.

I have a variety of Hellebore ( Chritmas Roses ) that I am enjoing playing with in colour combinations so these inspired this loose fresh wash. I have also been experimenting with  ideas for an antique finish to my work. I am really thrilled with one experiment which will be included in my next book.

I loved how this wash turned out. I think of that word " control" and smile. With watercolour the joy is in the freedom of working with it. Not trying to be its master!

I am reminded of my hair as a child. The curls used to be constantly  shorn as they  always were difficult to handle. And yet left alone they were beautiful. In my teens I was too blind to see this. All of my life I yearned for straight hair when everyone around me was admiring the natural curl I was lucky to possess.

We miss the obvious. We often wish to change things that do not need changing in life.

Isn't watercolour exactly the same?

Enjoy it. Celebrate its magical way of forming patterns and allow it to show you what it can do.

 I am so eager to paint today..........I hope you are too!

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

Thank you to everyone who has contacted me to let me know how much my blog is inspiring them to paint. One small word of kindness  often starts a ripple that turns into something even more wonderful. I truly appreciate  your wonderful feedback.