Saturday 5 March 2011

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.


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





4 comments:

Edith said...

This sure is a special painting!Yesterday i received your dvd and saw you paint her. So great!
I want to thank you for sharing your wonderfull painting technique Jean.

bazza said...

Jean, this painting is a masterpiece and you are very generous to donate it, especially as you love it. It is perfect in every way and shows the wonderful aspects of watercolour painting at it's very best.
Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

Anonymous said...

Very beautiful as always!

Anonymous said...

Very beautiful as always!