Feeling Sheepish?

I am working on a new exhibition collection and preparing for my Spring 2010 Workshops. Working on challenges to interest artists attending each session and at the same time exploring techniques into creative use of colour. What started as a fun exercise has led me not only into a wonderful adventure but into discovering exciting results too.

  Two Sheep, a colourful first wash.

I have enjoyed this painting at every stage.

You may think I have worked on the background next but think again!

Building up my painting and strengthening colour combinations. This is a base for a large original painting at this stage because I like it so much  but I need to explore further to gain more paintings for the series.

Exciting creative use of colour.

At some point the painting took over  letting me know exactly what should be where. More sheep started  magically appearing in the background and foreground as the colour became more intense. The large painting which is purely an experiment is  full of energy and life so far and I am really excited as to where the whole series could now be heading!

Foreground and background drama!

 Interestingly if you stand well back from this large painting you can clearly see sheep and form. However when you look closely at this piece you can easily see the subjects haven't actually been painted at all. Each one is made up of a collection of brushmarks and patterns. By working in an abstract manner I am slowly bringing my subjects to life.

 Abstract Patterns within a Painting.

My favourite section is the sheep whose legs are hints of colour as they give a suggestion of the fact they could actually move and walk away.

There is always one favourite section in every painting!

Now to paint the whole series from this  exciting  beginning.

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A Special Day as an Author.

Yesterday a large brown envelope arrived in the post. I knew the minute I read the name of my publisher what the content could be. Holding this  in my hands was a moment I will never forget.

Over the last  year I have been writing and painting for my first book on watercolour which will be available later this year. During this time I have communicated regularly with my publisher and discussed the various stages of putting my ideas  in print for the very first time. It has been such an incredible experience.

The cover of any book is  very important as it is the first image readers and public will see. The decision of which painting to have here has been thought over and considered very carefully.  I paint so many subjects that there was a huge variety to choose from to place  here. My work appeals to a wide audience and my workshops are attended by artists of all age groups,art levels and also by male and females. My favourite  area to work in is colour and light.

I needed an image that showed all of this.

I have been asked to write on painting portraits, animal lovers want me to write about painting pets or wildlife. Floral artists want a book on flowers.And yet when I paint landscapes I recieve so many comments asking me for more.

This made the decision of what to have on the cover even more difficult.

I thought about my exhibitions and how successful they have been for  a clue as to which painting could be the most exciting  to feature on the cover.

Galleries carry a wide range of my favourite subjects. Over the last twelve months I have sold each and every one so there has not been an indication of which is my best or most popular. All of my subjects seem to sell well.

Finally a decision was made and I was about to see in print the cover of my book for the very first time.

I felt nervous and excited.Would I like it or change my mind. More importantly would others like it.

I felt emotional.

I had put off opening the  envelope for as long as possible. Now was the moment to see how my book was going to appear  when it is published later this year.

My hands were probably shaking as I gently opened what was probably the most special of envelopes I have ever recieved in my life.

I now have the cover in my hands.

I know what my book looks like.

This morning I looked again  to see if this was all a dream. I am waiting to wake up.

I like my cover.....I so hope you do too as I will be sharing it on my blog as soon as it has gone to print and is ready to be launched publically.

And I think there should be a virtual party when this happens connecting with all my friends from all over the world.

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