An Artists Journey: June 2012

An Artists Journey

"Atmospheric Watercolours"

Exhibition

 The Frame Gallery in Odiham,Hampshire.

June 1st - 24th, 2012

 The Frame Gallery in Odiham has selected me as Artist of the Month for June,2012.

A wonderful collection of new watercolours and paintings from my new book " Atmospheric Watercolours" will be on display until June 24th.

For full details on the Private preview and events regarding book signing please contact the gallery directly or visit their web site via this link.

http://www.theframe-gallery.co.uk/2012/04/30/beautifl-britannia-june-20122332861/

Blanche Odin

Blanche ODIN,

"La grande dame de l'aquarelle"

1865-1957

When I left Dubai  I moved to France before  my next destination which was returning to Hong Kong at that time in my life. Only a pet owner would understand my fear of placing two beloved pets in quarantine due to a move from one country to another. My decision meant I would be living in rural France with just my dogs for company in an area in  Le Gers for six months until they could  travel to China.

   Spring Posy.

Watercolour Study by Jean Haines.

Here I met many amazing new friends and artists. It was here I was given a book by Jean Louis Morelle but that is another story yet to be told. And here I fell in love with painting flowers. Roses surrounded my wonderful farmhouse and I painted them in oils mainly as that was my passion then.

Whispers of Spring

A gentle first wash capturing the essence of these  sweet small flowers.

A part of me will always remain in France. My spirit feels at one there and my life became  so blissful as I  embraced the French way of life.

A friend  and fellow aquarelliste  introduced me to the work of  Blanche Odin. I fell in love immediately with her beautiful technique and obvious knowledge of each subject she captured in  brilliantly gorgeous watercolours.

She has effected my artists soul as well as my work.

Spring Bouquet

An original watercolour by Jean Haines.

All artists are inspired by masters. The story of Blanche Odins life is one worth taking time to discover.For inspiration and an insight into an artists life at that time please click on the following link.

http://www.museesbagneres.fr/blanche_odin_013.htm

Here you will find  the history of a remarkable artist. And here you will find the true inspiration behind my floral work.We may be worlds apart in style and technique.But our passion for the beauty of flowers and watercolour are in harmony.

My heroine......and true inspiration.

Madame Blanche Odin.

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Further Link

http://www.ladepeche.fr/article/2009/09/26/680912-Bagneres-Les-aquarelles-de-Blanche-Odin.html

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As an artist giving credit to those who have inspired you goes hand in hand with holding a brush. A kind word,a gesture of goodwill may just inspire others in their art journey.  Giving back as well as taking the gift of inspiration is a sign of respect shown by many honourable artists. I choose to pass on this incredible  heroine in my art life.  I hope she inspires you too.

On this note I would like to take a minute to thank everyone who has sent me cards,emails and messages letting me know how much I am inspiring them. 

These kind words encourage me to share more...............thank you so much and may your own art journey always be  wonderful.

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Making Brushstrokes Count

                                                            Leopard  Stage 3.

"Patience is a virtue,possess it when you can"

Slow Down are two words that will focus highly in my art work and life this year. I am totally enjoying painting this subject so I really don't wish to race to the completion of the painting. If I do I will miss so much that is important in learning about how pigment interacts and how colour placement in each brushstroke is vital.

In 2009 I wrote my first book on watercolour which will be published in 2010.  I started 2009 thinking I may know certain techniques but realised I still had a lot to learn about this wonderful medium. Through writing each chapter I explored every single process of my style and I am shocked that the outcome is that I have taught myself to be a far better artist. Each new section of my book seemed to draw me closer to my goal of improving to a level where I feel better as an artist. I have grown from the experience and feel  very excited that my growth is really just beginning.

To share my journey via this blog is a privilege that many artists  did not possess years ago. They had to learn silently in thier studios or from fellow artists who would generously share.

Our timing on this planet is a brilliant one if we really wish to absorb all there is to inspire us to paint........my leopard is growing and so is my joy and outlook for 2010.......

Watercolour Magic!

 Leopard Stage 2

I am absolutely loving painting this subject. One of the most important lessons I learned in 2009 was not to rush. I have learned to slow down at last. Life isn't a race and the joy in a painting while it develops is often  too beautiful to be missed. Each stage and brushstroke is magical in its own right.  Imagine taking a long journey and missing all the wonderful sights along the way. Just going from A to B but not having the time to notice landmarks or gorgeous scenery.

Every single brushstroke tells a story. Working minus a preliminary sketch it is vital for me to think  very carefully about each one.

My painting is developing but already I am falling in love with the forms of colour taking shape.

 Life is great!

A Christmas Wish Come True.

" All I want for Christmas is..........." 

Taffy our Bearded Collie in Santa Hat!

While I am recovering from surgery placing gifts under the chimney to make our cottage feel as though Santa has  paid an early visit a brown envelope arrived by post. I knew immediately what was inside.This year I recieved the most exciting gift of all as a dream I have long carried is about to come true. I have always wanted to write a book on watercolour. Over the years so many people have asked me to do just that sharing my  way of working and ideas. At the beginning of this year I was in touch with a publisher who started the magical journey to this dream coming true.

And so I came to hold the first proof in my hands and read the text along with seeing the images in print for the very first time. I held the package for the longest time before I opened it as the feeling of knowing what the contents were was so wonderful I simply  wanted to hold on to that sensation for the longest time. The feeling of excitement and  joy from putting it all together over the last twelve months is so hard to describe but this will be my happiest Christmas. In another way I also feel as though I am giving gifts to friends all over the world who I already know and those I have yet to meet via sharing my ideas and thoughts on watercolour. To all the artists and students along with friends who have told me I MUST write a book on watercolour I owe a huge thank you.

I know I am so very blessed with wonderful people in my life who encourage me and enrich my life in so many ways. Sometimes I feel I live a magical dream so that even a minor blip of having to go into hospital at this time of year is nothing other than an excuse to rest before the next exciting adventure.

2010 will see a huge dream of mine come true along with many other exciting experiences from teaching in new locations and countries as well as continually sharing my passion in painting with watercolour.

I wish everyone reading this blog the happiest of Christmas and a wonderful New Year to follow!

Love Via Brushstrokes

                                                
"Sleeping Angel" inspired by Amy, my God daughter.

There are times when it genunely feels as though love touches our paintbrushes. Either we have completely fallen in love with our subject or we want to create a piece that captures our emotions whilst we are painting. A very dear and close friend of mine passed away some time ago and I still miss her terribly. Her daughter is like my own and her children especially Amy look like an angel. But don't all little ones when they are sleeping?

Porcelain skin tones and a sweet innocent face sinking into soft bedding. My interpretation of a familar pose left me feeling peaceful as lullabyes long forgotten flooded my mind.  Bringing back many happy and sad memories as I felt that tug of love in my brushstrokes throughout painting this study for the larger piece.

Painted for the love of Amy.......for Amy........and thinking of Anwen my own daughter at the same time. An emotional painting capable of tugging heartstrings and definitely  full of love.

House Of Lords and Africa?

What an amazing life I lead. I had started a blog with the intention of adding on a regular basis but my life is so busy I find it impossible to share online in any form lately. But here is an update of all that is happening with me at the moment and a tiny clue as to why I am "quiet" as a blogger!

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Last week I was invited to the House of Lords. I met so many fascinating people and my heart was touched by the charity organizing the event in such an incredible venue. International Childcare Trust.......helping children in need from all over the world. You can find out more about the charity via this link.
http://www.ict-uk.org/


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SWA Society of Women Artists and FAS Farnham Arts Society.

My week was full as I had two committee meetings. The SWA Society of Women Artists and the Farnham Arts Society. This meant I was in London on Remembrance day,observing the two minute silence after witnessing the scenes of the day which were very emotional.

http://www.society-women-artists.org.uk/Society_News.html

http://www.farnhamart.org/Exhibitions.htm

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SAA Society for All Artists Paint Magazine.


This week is full yet again with the last in the series of "How To Paint Dogs in a Loose Style" for the SAA needing completing and I have work to complete for my book which is to be published next year. I am looking at members paintings that have been sent in following my series and I feel so in awe of art from working minus a pencil and just working with colour directly. I am thrilled by the response and in love with many of the paintings.

My painting of "Mans Best Friend" inspired by the series is now in my studio, framed and almost ready to leave home but I am enjoying him so much. He reminds me of our own rescue dog from China so much it is hard to part with. Maybe as artists we all have a piece that tugs at our heart strings just that wee bit more. "Mans Best Friend" original watercolour by Jean Haines

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David Shepherd WildLife Fund


Talking of heart strings this week I also have a meeting for the David Shepherd Wildlife Fund which I am really looking forward to. My recent "Africa" Watercolour Workshop helped adopt a moon bear and a baby elephant. However next year sees the 2010 Wildlife Artist of the Year exhibition. Please if you are an artist reading my blog get involved and submit a painting. Through your brushstrokes you can do so much so please help. For more inspiration and details please see the following link.....

http://www.wildlifeartistoftheyear.org/

A colourful wash from an "Africa" workshop session.......this painting will also be donated to charity.






Watercolours With Life Workshops


Every Monday sees me start the week with Administration and requests for my Watercolours With Life Workshops are really taking over my inbox along with requests for demonstrations. Life is so wonderful and I know I am blessed to not only see and live as an artist but also have the opportunity to help charities I feel passionate about with my work.

Once upon a time it was enough to paint an image,feel the result was successful and frame the piece. Then it was exciting to sell. to know someone loved your work so much they wanted to own it. Now that isn't enough. Now there is more of a challenge to see how much I can achieve to help others with my art. Life is to me about giving........and if what we give is genuinely from our hearts our lives really are worth living.

I wish everyone reading this a wonderful week ahead with many fabulous paintings in it or special memories created.