Not Standing Still : Watercolour Washes 2014

 Colour Burst

 Watercolour Washes 2014

As artists we cannot stand still. There are always new subjects, new colours and new techniques to explore. And if we cannot find any that inspire us we need to find our own, which is exactly what I do each day. Yes I adore painting flowers in my garden. I love painting animals and wildlife and of course I am passionate about painting landscapes. But as each year passes I look back at how I used to paint and imagine how I could improve as an artist.  Having knowledge about how pigments  work as they interact, their flow on paper and what they look like when dry is vital to my results and career. Also, with a new  major solo looming in September of this year I really want to aim for drama, impact and the "Wow"  Factor in my next collection.

Which meant this morning I couldn't wait to race to my studio and get warmed up with my daily exercises of washes. Everyone who has watched my demonstrations or attended my workshops will know exactly what I mean when I say I take three pieces of paper and work on them, aiming to make each more stunning than the first. To everyone who saw me at Patchings, this is how I progress getting brighter, more exciting and bolder as time goes by. Some days I like quiet colours but right now I am experimenting with Daniel Smith colours and oh boy, am I in love with Daniel Smith Quinachridone Fushia! It is perfect for summer flowers.You can see it in the top corner of the colour experiment " Colour Burst" above. 

The following two colour experiments are alive and tempting to work further on, so I will be adding a subject to these later.

  Colour Distraction

A technique I often use.

 Obviously the more exciting of the results  are often repeated on large pieces of paper  in preparatuon for my show work. I have many fabulous ideas from this mornings  warm up to my painting day

Colour Distraction 2

Beautiful greens for floral work

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Artist Tip for the day : Be brave and try a brand new colour this week.  How about delving into the Daniel Smith Shade Chart and treating yourself to just one  vibrant colour and experimenting with it. See which colours it plays with well alongside  a shade you already know. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain by being adventurous!

Filming my next New Book : Launch 2015

 Atmospheric Watercolours

by Jean Haines

I had no idea how exciting  the launch of my book "Atmospheric Watercolours" was going to be. From the initial launch at the Mall Galleries in London so many wonderful book signing events have taken places all over the world including  Europe, Australia, USA and Mexico. I find it incredible and overwhelming that invitations are still flooding in for me to hold international workshops with bookings now leading me into 2017. 

I have always wanted to write a book to share my passion for watercolour and my first  cautious dip into being an author was a comission by Winsor and Newtion to write  " How to Paint Colour and Light in Watercolour" . Following the interest in this first book and my loose style, my dream of writing a hard back book came true but my expectations on whether or not it would be enjoyed were really taken aback, by the way it  became a best seller. I am really the most passionate  person when it comes to working in watercolour and to be openly honest, all I wanted to achieve was for others to love painting as much as I do.

A dream come true. Holding a copy of my book "Atmospheric Watercolours" at the Mall Galleries in London,  where a book signing event took place to celebrate its' launch

Following the launch of " Atmospheric Watercolours" I have been invited to tour USA and have held sold out book signing events there. My first trip was to New York and Texas. Last year I returned to USA to hold further workshops in New York , then I held workshops for two art societies in Texas followed by a workshop in Mexico. I also  held a book signing workshop in Brisbane , Australia which will be followed by an Australian tour this year which includes destinations of  Adelaide, Sydney, Tasmania and Brisbane again.  All sessions are fully booked.  Each international workshop has been sold out twelve months in advance and my own workshops in UK are also booked up within weeks of each years dates being released. My new book signing ,2015 tour of USA includes California, St Louis, West Virginia, New York and Washington DC. These dates will be released later this year.

 Signing books at the Art League of Long Island, New York

Recently my book "Atmospheric Watercolours"  was translated into Italian which led to my watercolour masterclass taking place in Italy this year at Arte Umbria.

 Italian tranlsation of "Atmospheric Watercolours"

So after a whilrwind of events all over the world , I have been quietly writing a third book on watercolour which is full of tips, techniques, demonstrations and many new subjects. I can't believe it is the time when I have to leave home yet again to film the step by steps already.  Today I am really excited.  I meet with my publishers in the morning and it will be a full week ahead of  discussions, design layout meetings and my painting under the camera recording each brushstroke to be shared in my new book. I already have a tour planned in USA next year and a wonderful launch arranged in UK. As soon as information is available on how to pre order a copy I will be sharing the news here.

For now though, I owe the biggest thank you to everyone who has bought a copy of my books. I had no idea if they would sell, and had my fingers crossed that they would. I think the latest figures were up to 20,000 sales internationally for " Atmospheric Watercolours" but I will check tomorrow. 

Thank you and I am trying really hard to make my new book, one full of surprises and information, plus tempting things to paint!

The launch will be in 2015.

 With the filming team for "Atmospheric Watercolours" 

Its a wrap!

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Softly Glowing Daffodils :2014

Daffodils softly coming to life in a pair of Spring watercolours

Works in Progress 2014

The weather is truly awful at present. The sky has been constantly grey and the wind has been howling outside my studio window. On days like these I immediately opt for working in Cadmium Yellow to bring instant sunshine and warmth into my studio and art world. I have several Spring exhibitions coming up so I am loving working on my new watercolour collections. And the first daffodils of the year are bravely facing the elements in my garden. I am fascinated in how the stems bow in the wind yet do not break. Theses flowers  add such a blast of colour to an otherwise dull season and are a  delight to wtach as they first appear every year. They make me feel good to see them and to paint them in glorious yellow shades.

Which reminds me. My feature and art competition in the Artist Magazine in April is going to shine a light on working in yellow shades so please look out for it. There are also wonderful prizes . More news and a link in a later blog post!

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Labrador Pup : January 2014

 "Labrador Study"

Yellow Ochre, Cobalt Turquoise and Winsor Violet

Winsor & Newton Shades

I am working on a new collection of watercolours for a spring exhibition in Hampshire this April. I am also creating exciting step by step demonstrations for my new book which will be launched in 2015 and on top of this I have been asked to paint a few pet portraits. This is where I have to confess that I don't accept commissions, purely due to the fact my time in my studio is where I paint from my heart, what I want to when I want to. This makes it very difficult for lovers of my cockerels, sheep, horse racing scenes or kingfishers for example if my paintings have all sold out in exhibitions. But I prefer to paint what I enjoy rather than what gallery sales dictate. In my world each of my paintings are of subjects I have fallen in love with and my imagination has leapt with excitement at the thought of creating each new piece. I have a beautiful collection of images that I can look through when time allows to paint as the mood grabs me and  right now my mood is drawn  towards painting animals. So if you have sent me an image please watch this space as I am curently working on a few pet studies.

My first lovely pet portrait is a rather worried looking, young golden labrador. The expression on their face is priceless. Either they think they are not going for a walk, or not going to have the treat in their owners hand. They are definitely looking at something intently with such a gorgeous face. They have tugged at my heart strongs and I couldn't resist painting them. I am sure if you own one of these  fabulous dogs you know exactly what I mean!

Because the coat on a labrador is smooth I am allowing watermarks in my painting to give the illusion of a sheen on their short fur. I am working in Yellow Ochre as my main base for the golden hue of  this labrador but to bring extra excitement to the shadows I have opted for a stunning Cobalt Turquoise by Winsor &Newton and heightened the drama with a touch of Winsor Violet for the shadows especially around the ruff section of the young dog.

As always I am not working from a preliminary sketch. My starting point was the right eye , closely followed by the addition of the left eye. Even at this stage I can feel the young labrador looking at me whilst I work.

My starting point, without a preliminary sketch,was the soulful eyes of the labrador

I have kept the "feeling" behind this painting very soft and gentle. Anyone who has attended my workshops will know that I actually " stroke " an animal while I paint,  meaning I use my brushes in soft sweeping movements as if I am touching fur following the directional line of the  dog hair.

This will be a very special painting and I hope to share it completed once I know where it is going, as in which gallery.

I love painting dogs. I love imagining the bond between each character and their owners. You almost feel as though you are painting "love" because the emotions from owning pets are so strong and very magical.

For now I need to get back to work but I hope you like this watercolour portrait so far!

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"Atmospheric Watercolours" Another Reprint!

 "Atmospheric Watercolours"

International best selling book on watercolour

 I am thrilled to hear the news from my publisher that "Atmospheric Watercolours" my latest book is so popular that it has had to go for reprint yet again!  If I wasn't on crutches at the moment following last weeks surgery I would be doing a happy dance.  As I can't I'm hoping you won't mind my celebrating on my blog and inviting you to celebrate with me.

Thank you SO much to everyone who has bought a copy . I promise the new book I am working on at the moment will be filled with as many tips and techniques as possible.

A HUGE thank you to my publishers for making my dream of becoming an author come true!

I am a very happy artist!

Books awaiting my signature before being sent, for online orders.

It May Be Winter Outside ( But in my heart its Spring )

Spring Collection .

It may be Winter outside but in my heart it is definitely Spring. I decided to work on my Spring 2014 collection today so my easel is full of wonderfully exciting Spring flowers in watercolour. I have new green pigments that I am exploring and thrilling new techniques, which have evolved over the last few months. It really is fascinating working in watercolour because you can never become tired of the medium. Each time you pick up your brush something new happens which takes your breath away. I am also aware that I haven't a single painting of primroses or daffodils in my cottage because each year that I exhibit them these cheerful subjects sell out.

Looking outside my studio window at  cold winter weather is not a problem with these gorgeous  creations coming to life inside.

I am loving painting and being back where I belong.

In my studio!

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Painting Roses in a Loose Style : Foliage

 Painting Roses in a Loose Style

Adding Foliage

 One of my most popular posts on my blog is "How to Paint Roses in a Loose Style" and I love that it is still viewed so often. But I have been asked to add another post on how to paint the rose foliage. So I am keeping a promise and here it is!

Once you have painted the simple first stages of the first washes with the roses in place and simple background colour it is time to strengthen the foliage building up the painting towards a full composition.  Here is  "How to Paint Roses Foliage"  in three simple steps. 

It really is as easy as 1-2-3 !



Stage 1.

Start by adding stronger green as an outline to only a quarter of your rose. NOT all the away around it! ( See image 1. )Notice how this green addition makes the main and lower rose stand out from the background.

 

 Image 1. Just a touch of dark green on two sides of the main rose to give hints of the outline

Stage 2. 

While these new green lines around the rose are still damp, bleed them away with a clean damp brush to make lovely leaf shapes. At this stage, drop in colour of the flower to the still wet leaf shape.  I have dropped in small amounts of Alizarin Crimson to my new,wet leaves. By picking pigment up from my palette with my sable rigger brush. This  addition of rose colour forms a subtle harmony between the rose and the foliage.

Image 2. Forming the first leaves and adding the rose colour pigment to them

Step 3. 

Now add some violet leaves in the distance,under the lower leaves. Next drag your rigger brush through the still wet leaves to give an illusion of branches.  Simple isn't it?

Image 3 Adding distant leaves and branches

If you study roses as they grow, painting them really does become easier. Observe leaf shapes, branches and how each flower connects with others. Have fun painting as many roses as you can and enjoy them.

There is a lovely saying "Take time to smell the roses". How often do we all take that time? And another saying is " There is no better time than the present"! Which is a suitable one as this demonstration is a gift to my blog followers who want to learn how to paint roses as I do.

My "How to Paint Roses in a Loose Style" demonstrations are given freely on my blog in the hope that readers will fall in love with painting them in a loose style and enjoy working in watercolour as much as I do. But if my blog posts do help you at all and you feel you would like to say thank you, a small donation to a Cancer Charity of your choice would mean the world to me.

Happy painting!

Jean

Hazel Nut in Watercolour 2013

Hazel Nut on Branch

Early Autumnal Study

At the close of my studio session I always pick up half finsihed paintings or studies and work a little further on them. My goal is to go as far as I can  by experimenting  to then throw the small pieces in the bin. I am relaxed,light hearted and having fun with colour at this point knowing I will be putting my brushes down, until the next day, shortly. This piece will not be going in the bin!

My blog redaers may know I started painting hazel nuts recently, as the hedgerows near my cottage are laden with the autumnal fruits already. One watercolour study in particular is my favourite. Today I gently added more background, to make the nut appear more obvious from the first wash. I have also added warm tones on the lower half of the paper to suggest that autumn may be on the way. This is a "mixed" seasonal painting as it is definitely still summer here with vibrant sunshine but these nuts are a clear sign of the season ahead. I am allowing colour to tell this story for me with light, bright colour at the top of the page  flowing into gold and purple further down.
 

"Nut" close up formed by a negative edge technique

I am really loving these early autumnal paintings which are a great break from my more serious compositions for a show later this year. 

Artists Tip: Make the most of nature and continually search for new subjects which can become your own new favourites too.

New Greeting Cards : Kingfisher Blue

Kingfisher Blue

£595

Dogs in Art Gallery

Stockbridge

Summer Sensations

Solo Exhibition 

Opening July 13th, 2013

There will be a fabulous new collection of greeting cards exclusively selected for my solo exhibition at the Dogs in Art gallery in Stockbridge. I will be sharing the new designs throughout this week on my blog and explaining why I chose each painting for the limited card collection.

Kingfisher Blue, above was such a fabulous painting to work on. It is one of those paintings that carried a wonderfully magical feel about it. I live by water so I see a Kingfisher here almost daily and it has the most stunning colouring. Quite often when you walk alongside the canal near our home you will see a glimpse of turquoise. If the bird settles you can be lucky enough to observe its beauty. But these birds are so quick!  The colouring and movemnt suits my style and technique so I fell in love immeditaley with what I had seen as a new subject to paint. The watercolour above is intended to give the illusion of the kingfisher just settling onto a twig or it could be about to take flight.

Unfortunately my photograph does not do the colouring justice so an early visit to the gallery to see this piece is advised.

http://www.dogsinart.com/pages/Exhibitions.html

Kingfisher Blue, Dogs in Art Gallery

Kingfisher Blue

£595

From my new collection at the Dogs in Art Gallery, Stockbridge

This Kingfisher is part of my new collection of watercolours that will be on show at the gorgeous Dogs in Art Gallery in Stockbridge during my solo exhibition which opens on 13th July. Please view the exhibition early as favourite subjects have been sold very quickly in previous shows this year.

http://www.dogsinart.com/

The Frame Gallery, Odiham, Hampshire Solo Exhibition

"Good Day Sunshine"

 Essence 

Solo Exhibition

Jean Haines Watercolour Collection

THE FRAME GALLERY

ODIHAM

HAMPSHIRE

I have just delivered new work to The Frame Gallery in Odiham, Hampshire where my solo exhibition "Essence " is currently  running. The exhibition was due to close this Friday but as it has been so popular with many visitors, the gallery has invited me to extend the show which I am happy to do.

I was delighted to visit today and see my work hung differently due to the missing sales pieces The collection looks very vibrant, full of energetic colour and vibrancy.

So if you have missed the show you still have time to visit! 

It is a very varied collection.

Please ring the gallery for full deatils

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

Atmospheric Watercolours : Selling Out Internationally

Atmospheric Watercolours

Selling Out Internationally

I have recieved several emails asking me why my latest book "Atmospheric Watercolours" is  not available on Amazon.com USA.  I made enquiries and was told that "keeping this book in stock in USA has become a full time job!" This is great news for me but not wonderful news if you are wishing to buy my book and can't get one.  At the time of my typing this blog post there are currently only nine copies of "Atmospheric Watercolours" left available on Amazon.com  in UK  too.

If anyone would like a copy there are several stockists who can help. The Book Depository.com are selling my book at a reasonable price with free shipping worldwide. You can buy a copy from them via this link

 http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Jean-Haines-Atmospheric-Watercolours-Jean-Haines/9781844486748

I am sure it will be in stock with Amazon very soon too. I can't begin to describe how wonderful it is to hear that the passion I poured into writing "Atmospheric Watercolours" is being appreciated and loved all over the world. Thank you so much to everyone who has taken the time to send me such wonderful emails about "Atmospheric Watcerolours". I have read every one and feel overwhelmed by the kindness in each message. I adore working in watercolour and my only goal from writing and sharing is to ensure everyone who wishes to use this fabulous medium enjoys it as much as I do. And I will be working even harder on my next book, I promise!

I will be signing book at Patchings in UK this year and on my USA tour in Autumn. 

For now, if you haven't a copy of my latest book and wish to buy one stocks are running low so please buy while you can.

 

"Fur and Feathers" Workshop 2013

Gosling which was so soft to touch!

 Fur and Feathers workshop 2013

Last year I took a one day watercolour workshop on how to paint animals in watercolour. As the day drew to an end I realised one day was not long enough to fit in what I wanted to achieve. So I planned ahead to this year allowing two days for my animal workshop and it was far more enjoyable taking time to look at how to paint eyes, texture and aim to achieve unique results.

I plan  my workshops well in advance and love the artists who attend them so much, that I often find myself working out ways to make each session even more memorable. I think this years animal workshop will take some beating but I will try!

I started on the very first day with live animal models visiting the venue where I teach so the artists could touch and connect with them. This meant from the minute we started working we had animals on our minds, knew what they felt like, looked like and also connected with the emotions they drew from us.

At the end of day one I had also arranged a trip to a local farm so the artists could take their own photographs of  subjects they loved. This meant that when they left the workshop, the next day,they would have exciting animal resource images of their own to work fromo at home. I absolutely loved seeing how happy  everyone was seeing so many cute young animals  on the farm. I also know I am inspired to paint these new subjects myself when I return from Australia as I leave to teach there next week.

I thought my blog followers may like to see a few of the animals that caught my eye. I wanted to see a young white lamb and my wish was granted!

Very sweet lamb, adorable to paint for texture and emotional cuteness!

 We were all amazed at how "affectionate" a particular young kid was at such an early age!

Young kid from farm visit 

Ducklings

It has been an amazing week and truly memorable. I will be planning next years animal workshops and looking forward to repeating this next spring!

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The reason I put so much effort into planning my workshops and making them as fascinating as possible is because I know what it is like to travel and be disappointed. We often have high expectations of a tutor or high expectations of ourselves when attending art classes. Workshops can also  be exhausting or stressful if things aren't going the way you expect them to. So for me, to add something as unusual as a trip to see animals at the end of the day not only gives attending artists inspiration on what to paint in future. It also alleviates all the hard work of the day and adds zest for the next.

I am now thinking of how I could do a workshop with an African theme. Fitting an elephant into a hall might be a problem so I guess I am going to have to think about that theme for now!

Artist tip : Do go out for inspiration from life. Please don't fall into the rut of continually painting from photographs of subjecst you haven't personally seen. Visit farms, wildlife centres,  gardens. Anywhere that is full of colour, life to inspire you.

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My workshop programme for 2014 will be released in October 2013

Animal Workshop UK 2013

"Blushed"

Today was the last day of my  Spring 2013 Animal Workshop course and it was wonderful. 

 Sometimes as a teaching artist you leave a session and  think about obstacles some of the artists are struggling with. Last night was such an occasion. I always listen to questions arising in workshops and concerns. One of the main hiccups is keeping colour alive and fresh in watercolour. Choosing colours at all can be a nightmare at times for some.

Everyone who knows me  is aware how much I adore colour. I always strive to make each new painting unique. So today I started with a demonstration on how to take an ordinary subject and paint it in colours you wouldn't normally choose. Colours that didn't relate to what you actually saw. I already knew I was going to exaggerate my point by opting for vibrant purples or pinks but as my demonstraton progressed I was fascinated listening to the comments coming from the class behind me, who were watching each new brushstroke. Everyone loved this  "blushing" elephant.  I must admit its a favourite of mine now because that "pink blush" is unexpected. Especially when you see the subject is an elephant.

Maybe tomorrow I will paint a green one!

Artists tip: Whatever you are painting , please don't fall into the trap of always painting exactly what you see. Add excitement, drama and an element of fun into some of your pieces. You may get pleasant surprises and brilliant results that you are proud of.

"Essence" New Solo Exhibition May 2013 ,Hampshire

Kingfisher Blue

Original Watercolour

£595

ESSENCE

An exciting collection of Jean Haines original watercolours including many new subjects will be shown for the first time.

at

THE FRAME GALLERY

Odiham

Hampshire

Opening on 10th May, 2013 with a Private Preview strictly by invitation only. 

To reserve an invitation please contact the gallery directly. 

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

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I am finalising the catalogue for my next solo exhibition which opens in Hampshire on 10th May.

The show will include a selection of  completely new subjects which will be launched at the Frame Gallery.   Paintings include my new paintings of Kingfishers,  a very sweet hedgehog ( one only! ), Koi Carp, ballet, new elephants and there is , of course, one new lucky hare as is my tradition when exhibiting a solo show.

Please note: I am finding that favourite subjects disappear on the opening evening so if you are interested in  a particular watercolour  please ensure you visit the gallery at your earliest opportunity.

"Dancing Koi" Fish in Watercolour

"Dancing Koi"

I have had an incredible week taking, daily, one day workshops to a large number of artists who have attended my UK seminars. Its' been brilliant. Every single day I have loved meeting everyone. I have felt consistently fantastic enthusiasm around me and room full of positive energy  to create.

The subjects this week have been so varied and I am really looking forward to personal painting time in my studio over the weekend. As I left at the end of todays workshop one artist asked me  if I was going to come home and rest after such a full weeks teaching. Well no, I didn't come home and  rest because I was so energised that I simply had to paint as soon as I got in! The above painting is the result. It still needs detail but tomorrow morning it will gain the final details and I  will happily sleep dreaming about adding them.

It has truly been a fantastic week and I am looking forward to my next sessions which start next Tuesday. Thank you to everyone who came and I look forward to seeing you on future sessions!

Happy painting.

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More Than Watercolour Workshop 2013

Koi Carp

"Chasing Tails"

First Stage.

Today was the second of my UK Watercolour Workshops this week, called "More Than Watercolour"

A fabulous group of artists attended and the goal was to  inspire, stretch imaginations and work with vibrant colour. The group laughed when I said, for the second day running, that I was jealous as there was so much going on demonstration wise that I wanted to sit in on the workshop and watch too!

We started with colour exercises and the room yet again was very varied in subject selection especially in the afternoon which for some reason always seems to fly by  far too quickly. Todays favourite subjects for me were the Kookaburra, the  fish and the "Lady from Peru"!

It was wonderful talking to everyone as they left, letting me know what a great time they had today. The problem is, I had a great time too  and can't wait for tomorrows workshop which is themed on flowers. Time is really going too soon this week!

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The exercises in my workshops are on my latest DVD "Watercolour Passion"  which can be purchased from my web site online shop

http://www.jeanhaines.com/shop?id_group=2

I  am afraid I don't have any places on workshops in UK this year but I will be demonstrating at Patchings Art Festival in June so please feel free to meet me there!

Spring Appears 2013

 Spring coming to life on my easel

Easter 2013

I have been visiting my studio every day and quietly collecting colour for a collection of Spring Florals. Taking my lovely dog Bailey for a walk I often see nature at its' best in nearby woodland. But at this time of year my own cottage garden is beginning to come to life.  In my studio I also have a box  full of gorgeous new shades given to me to try by a fantastic watercolour company. As my workshops start next week I thought I would look at which ones are best to portray "Spring".

I have always mixed my own greens until recently but now I find I am loving the  fabulous shades available. This section of primroses shows how valuable a selection of pigments at hand on your palette can be.  I am still heavily influenced by Madame Blanche Odins work in watercolour and feel this corner of the larger painting is definitely an area where my mind wandered to thinking how she would have painted had she still been alive.  

 

 Fabulous section of primroses with soft and hard edges.

"A painting within a painting" J.H.

 You see I am gaining such intricate patterns in my results but  I am still being totally true to watercolour as a medium by not using additional acrylics or inks. And by consistently experimenting I am finding even more beauty held within this challenging and magical medium. I haven't used salt or cling film on this painting as I am deliberately setting out to see how varied I can create the appearance of texture minus any aids.

 I have two paintings now side by side on my easel, as I have worked on them at the same time. One I decided was to be heavy in colour, with many layers gradually built up using opaques quite thickly in places. As a contrast to the softer upper section of the same composition where the flowers are in sunlight. The second painting is softer and full of Spring light. This so far is my favourite of the two although the drama on the heavier piece does have huge impact when seen from a distance.

 Different paintings with different moods of the same subject

Primrose clusters

I left the two paintings upright on my easel for easier photography shots and walked in this morning to a heavenly sight. Two paintings that are almost complete, bar a little definition in places.

What a great way to start the day!

Artists Tips: 

1) Do try new shades as often as possible. Its' like going on holiday and adds to the excitement of working in watercolour. 

2) Be brave and aim to stay working purely with the medium minus  additions of other products. This way your results will sing with life and energy and give viewers who look at your finished results the knowledge that you can work in what is classed as the most challenging of mediums.

Ballet in Watercolour

Ballet Series Coming to Life in watercolour

I have a wonderful new collection of watercolours in progress for a Summer Show. Ballet has long been a favourite subject of mine  as my first paintings of figures were always of dancers. So here I am returning home to a subject that captured my heart so long ago.

I will share details of where these paintings will be exhibited later on my blog.

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Airedale Terrier : Dog Magazine Feature USA

Airedale Terrier coming to life in a watercolour on my easel

I am writing a feature for a Dog magazine in USA and working on a new series of dog paintings.

I couldn't resist sharing this stage of an Airedale Terrier in watercolour. This wonderful dog has a character that is larger than life. Amazingly as I worked on this painting a fabulous real airedale walked past my studio. It was so young and almost bouncing on its paws, excitedly pulling its' owner for a walk on the lead. The enthusiasm and energy in that dog has leapt into my brushstrokes as they are now going all over the place and in every single direction!

This piece is made up of  several layers because the breeds coat has superb texture. The head shape is quite square compared to the breeds I usually capture . And that gaze is to die for. Whatever this beautiful dog is looking at they aim to get!

Have a wonderful time painting a subject that you love and enjoy a variety of textures too in your work. Don't forget to always look for a section of light to play around too.