Giving in Love

A Special Painting

The Herb Picker

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

Every artist has one now and then. A very special painting they they feel right from the beginning is going to lead to a result that is magical for whatever reason it might be. For the beginner it is often their first success. For the more  advanced professional it could be a new break through in technique or a piece that stands out from the rest. This painting is one of mine.

I adore holding workshops and sharing my  ideas . I often have favourite subjects which inspire my demonstrations. This herb picker is one of those favourite subjects. The original from my first book " How to Paint Colour and Light in Watercolour" has stayed with me in my studio. Mainly  because I simply haven't been able to part with her. I have taken her to art demonstrations for a number of art societies and shown her in my own workshops.

Everyone loves her.

Without too much detail the face is there, sunlight plays upon her clothing as she takes a well earned rest before taking the herbs she picked from the nearby mountains to the local market to sell.

I was in Turkey on a sailing trip when I  visited a village. Here I passed   figures on the mountains gathering herbs which make tea. I was lucky to see this peasant placing her herbs in a huge sack which she then placed on her back. Next she set off to have the herbs weighed for selling. It was a wonderful sight for an artist as  even her clothes worked in terrific colour combinations. 

This painting is  very dear to me as it is a firm favourite from my first book and one I have intended to keep.

 But I am donating it to charity. On 21st March, 2011 in London this piece will be auctioned in aid of a favourite cause. Children with special needs. The cockerel I donated  for the chariuty event hosted by Raymond Blanc in aid of the Lady Taverners raised a four figure  bid. I hope this does the same as I am working towards buying a mini bus which will bring joy to faces of those who use it.

Some decisions are harder to make than others. Some are definitely the right ones.

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

" How to Paint Colour and Light in Watercolour " is available from Amazon.com, Search Press and the SAA Society for All Artists.

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