Showing posts with label Dedham Hall. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dedham Hall. Show all posts

Sunday, 22 September 2013

Dedham Hall Watercolour Course 2013




"Heaven Sent"
Sweet Pea 
Demonstration from my weeks' watercolour course at Dedham Hall 
September 2013

I have just returned from teaching a weeks course at Dedham Hall. I arrived there last weekend to be greeted by a large group of artists and the following days have been filled with exciting washes, fabulous subjects including hawthorn, florals, landscapes, portraits and animals. It has been a full on course but great fun at times too. I am always astounded by the enthuiasm and  energy on weeks like this from incredible people eager to paint from the early morning until late in the evening, never tiring of  creating and exploration into this stunning world of watercolour. Its' been brilliant.

This morning I am unpacking all my art equipment and  racing through emails , mentally making notes of who needs replies most urgently!

I am back online and look forward to sharing again on my blog. I hope you have missed me!


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Tuesday, 25 September 2012

Green Tomatoes : Dedham Hall 2012

Tomatoes ripening on the vine.

More images from my demonstrations at Dedham Hall last week. The afternoon spent in sunshine admiring green tomatoes ripening near the greenhouse led to a very inspirational session on colour flow, subject connection and capturing light. Now they will be a "new" favourite subject of mine!

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To everyone who knows me well, note the greens.  I seem to now love using green!


Laughter And Tomatoes!

Tomatoes from a demonstration
Dedham Hall 2012

It is amazing where a workshop day can lead you. Last week I started one of the workshop days at Dedham Hall with a demonstration on colour choices and washes. I  then suggested the artists choose their own subjects either inside the studio or outside  to bring a subject to life. As I wandered around the grounds of Dedham Hall I came across one artist enjoying painting tomatoes near the greenhouse in the garden. At this time of year tomatoes don't always look their best but the clusters of juicy red forms really were vibrant in the sunshine that afternoon. 

On the course, I had been looking at how subjects can connect via colour and how watermarks can be useful in creating interest in a finished composition. I sat on the ground next to the artist painting tomatoes and started playing with colour. I shared two techniques for painting, what seemed like a very simple subject, more interesting. Before long a small group of artists had joined us and also watched as I painted. The conversation flowed as questions arose and for some reason we laughed throughout the short demo. Sitting here at my computer I have no idea how the fun started but it was so wonderful listening to comments from the owners of Dedham Hall later, letting me know how much they had loved hearing everyone on the course having such a wonderful time.

I do love painting seriously for shows and galleries. And I thoroughly enjoy my more serious demonstrations. But there are times in life when painting, for some, can be a struggle. When the thought of moving a brush can be frightening and when expectations of  masterful outcomes can be daunting to the artist less experienced to working in watercolour or on a course for the first time.

We had fun and I loved that day!

First wash for a tomato demonstration
Dedham Hall 2012

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Louise if you are reading this blog post please allow your colours to flow energetically and make sure some of your subjects are larger. Cover that white paper with colour and have fun. I hope by now the poppies I gave you have been christened!

Sandra, I think red subjects like tomatoes flowing across paper could really be a fabulous subject for you,have fun with some!

Jennifer, I am still laughing at the duck!

Dedham Hall 2012

"Arab Face"
Demonstration by Jean Haines at Dedham Hall 2012

My blog has fallen quiet as I have been away taking a one weeks watercolour course at Dedham Hall which was a superb experience. In the past I have heard so much about this fabulous venue but as my schedule has been really hectic until now, this is the first year I have been able to teach a course there.

The days seem to fly by. There were wonderful people attending the week long workshop. Each day we looked at new subjects and I had time to spend individually tutoring everyone who came.  I have many highlights as memories that will stay with me forever including laughing whilst painting tomatoes by a greenhouse in the garden, a very funny duck story and paintings that flowed and improved with skill as the week wore on.

Because I cover many subjects on my workhops I never know what to expect during each session but a favourite demonstration has to be the face above,asked for by Valerie which held the groups attention while the character appeared from a colourful first wash.

Bookings are already being taken for my course there in September 2013 so if you would like to join me there next year, please get in touch via this link


To anyone reading my blog who came this year.it genuinely was fantastic meeting you and I hope your brushes are already moving this week!

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Saturday, 17 September 2011

Workshops,Books and Art Tours 2012

With Katie from Search Press
At a meeting in my studio earlier this year

This week has been the busiest of my life in so many ways. Just when I think I am on top of  everything new exciting opportunities come my way and I find it very hard to say no to them!

New Book 2012
I am going to the final photography session for my second book next week. Many paintings are now all ready to be included in each thrilling chapter. This is where I say goodbye to the huge box in my studio and favourite large compositions that will now stay with my publisher until they have been professionally filmed for inclusion.Until now I have been taking my own photographs and sending the layout and text for approval but from here my book gets the experience from specialists in this field.  I will also be at a meeting to discuss my book launch in UK and abroad so there is a lot to think about. For now I want to focus purely on what is included. I also want to savour the last few days when I alone know what is going into my book!  It is going to feel like Christmas giving so many ideas away that I truly hope will be enjoyed.

There are so many techniques and tips in this publication as I hope to inspire everyone who reads it to adore working in my loose style, painting every single subject in sight. I will keep you updated as soon as I have news of its' release next year and book launch for book signings.

Watercolour Workshops 2012
UK

I now have all the UK dates and  workshops for 2012  available. They are to be my next post on my blog today. As promised everyone on my email watercolour workshop list  has been forwarded a copy of the dates and sessions so I will be releasing the full information on my web site and blog today.There are some gorgeous new sessions and some wonderful favourites.

I am aware that many artists and friends from all over the world have been eagerly looking forward to their release so the best advise I can offer everyone is to please book early as places disappear very quickly.

It's going to be a very exciting year!


Watercolour Workshops USA

I am definitely coming to USA in Autumn 2012 and will be sharing details here later this fall.
I can consider one additional Art Society on my tour.

If you are interested in a visit to your State please contact your nearest Art Society or


Art Society Demonstrations  UK 2012

My Art Society demonstration schedule is now full for 2012 .
I will be taking bookings for 2013 next year so please contact me if you wish to book a workshop or  demonstration as my diary fills very quickly.

Dedham Hall  Autumn 2012

I am thrilled to have been invited to hold a workshop at Dedham Hall whose list of teaching artists include John Yardley and Ken Paine. Places will be strictly limited for the weeks course so please book early to avoid disappointment.



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Monday, 12 September 2011

Dedham Hall 2012 Watercolour Course


Dedham Hall 2012
I am delighted to share the news that I will be taking a weeks course on watercolour at Dedham Hall, U.K. in September 2012.


"An exciting week looking at how to work in a loose style minus the use of a preliminary sketch painting a variety of subjects in ways that seem to magically bring them to life. From the first decision of  choosing what to paint, to selecting a wide range of techniques along with dramatic colour combinations for adding impact to gain unique results, this workshop will aim at bringing the best out of you as an artist and have you leaving feeling inspired.

Following Jeans popular DVD “Amazing Ways with Watercolour” this is the perfect opportunity to stretch yourself and try something completely new with what can only be described as the most fascinating of mediums.  A highly in demand artist whose enthusiasm and passion for watercolours is well known, this is an opportunity not to be missed."



Places are strictly limited  so please book early to avoid disappointment!