Racing Colours : Jean Haines Daniel Smith Watercolour Sets

 "Racing Ahead"

Aussie Red Gold takes the lead 

I am currently working on a gallery collection and I am delighted to share the news that this year my own Daniel Smith Watercolour Sets will be launched and they include my favourite dynamic colours. In fact, shades that I cannot live without. 

I will be sharing more news about my sets soon but for now my favourite colours are acting as silks on jockeys in my latest horse racing paintings.

Everyone knows I adore Aussie Red Gold from the Daniel Smith Watercolour Range so it is no surprise to many that it should be my choice for the the winning jockeys silk however Lunar Blue quickly came into play as not only the dramatic background colour choice but it became the silk of the jockey that may just take the new lead position. It is so hard for me to choose a favourite colour as I love them all !

 Lunar Blue coming into the lead

My Daniel Smith master set colours can interact with each other, give glorious effects when used and they are beautiful for adding punch and drama to any painting. The word boring is not in my vocabulary in life or whilst painting, so I only opt for the most exciting choices when it comes to selecting a product range. And I have been invited many times in the past to have watercolour sets in my own name. Until now I have always refused. But the quality of , the incredible colours, and the excitement I feel when working with, Daniel Smith shades is outstanding. To be invited to have my own sets created by a manufacturer that to me is the best in the world is a dream come true. I leapt at the opportunity and I am hoping these sets will help other artists see how exciting working with this range can be,.

 The first wash stage of my horse racing painting.With my set colours lined up against the appropriate jockeys silks.

Below you can see the painting so far. It is building up well and I am taking my time as I really love this piece. The horses look almost 3D in places and the depth of the background pushes each rider forward  creating a sense of movement which is much needed in any action composition.

Racing Colours Work in Progress so far.

Artist Tip.

When I am teaching I come across so many artists who race to finish a painting in one go. Sadly they often miss the beauty of what the painting itself is screaming to the artist to add in the way of brushwork or colour additions as the painting evolves during its creative journey.

I find if I work on an action piece like the above, taking my time adding dots of colour or single brush marks  gradually rather than in one sitting the painting is often far better. Not only that I then don't risk over working. I also avoid making the mistakes that are often easy painting  traps to fall into when rushing a painting.

So try painting something over a course of three days, each day looking at each stage in progress taking your time to consider what is needed to be added next.

You may find you learn so much  in the process and become a far better artist!

Have fun creating.

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Race Against Time : Gallery Collection

" Race Against Time"

Close up of a new painting 

There is no way I can leave my favourite subject of horse racing scenes for far too long. And I seem to paint them with a stronger sense of action when I am raced for time, meeting deadlines. Right now I have so much on but having been contacted by several new galleries recently who wish to represent me the urge to "get back in the saddle" with a favourite subject and paint a whole new collection using my new techniques and colours . That urge is too hard to ignore.

I have changed in style. I do constantly which is natural as an artist grows and their work evolves. Some of my work is soft and ethereal, other work is bold and daring.  It really depends on the chosen subject in which form of colour I will use or indeed its' application.  Lately I have been experimenting with colour application on paper. Preparing the surface using many forms of products and liquids other than water. I am really excited with this new work because it is extremely bold  and does carry an energy. A sense of drama that is lost when the images are shared on line. 

The colours are loud. The action undeniable.

 Bold and dramatic colour application

Watercolour

I am sitting here thinking of all the times in the past I have heard comments such as " I don't like using watercolour because it is so " wishy washy" "

Seriously?

Watercolour is the most magical of mediums when handled with respect for what it can do as a medium. It doesn't have to be pale and insignificant. It can sing as loudly and as beautifully, if not more so, than any other medium. But then I am biased!

 My new horse racing collection isn't ready to go on show yet. But when it is I will be sharing where it can be viewed. For now I am racing against time trying to complete my book before I leave for USA this Autumn, and looking forward to my solo exhibition which opens this Friday in Hampshire , U.K.  .

 "Racing against time"

A work in progress.

Gallery Collection

Watercolour

Close up of the winning jockey. At least he is winning at the moment.

As always, in life  and in races anything can change in a heartbeat!

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Colour Fusions : Solo Exhibition 2014

"Colour Fusions"

Atmospheric Horse Racing Scene on my easel

( Copyright Jean Haines )

I have a fabulous solo exhibition coming up in Godalming, Surrey at the Wey Gallery in September. I always love showing at this fabulous gallery as my work is displayed so beautifully there.

In the collection will be my new horse racing scenes and many more favourite subjects. The above painting, a work in progress, has been a sheer delight to work on. I can feel each horse coming to life as it races towards me. I feel as though I am standing directly in front of the winning line and the determination to win by each jockey means I am  in the way, needing to move as fast as I can.

I actually have to take breaks every now and then because I get a true sense of movement as each painting begins to come alive from new brushstrokes!

I do love painting these pieces for my shows. I started showing at the Wey Gallery some years ago now and each exhibition has been a wonderful success. And I always, without fail, look forward to returning each year.

 With the sold invitation painting of my show in 2012

 (Sold ) Horse Racing Collection 2012

Window display at the Wey Gallery 

Godalming, Surrey

Full details of my new exhibition will be shared on my web site shortly. For anyone wishing to attend the  Preview event could you please contact me on jeanhaines@hotmail.com for an invitation.

Its' going to be a wonderful show!

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Copyright Questions.

I have recieved several requests from artists asking if they can copy my gallery paintings and also asking what copyright  means.  Many teaching artists write books and  create DVDs to teach their painting techniques. I am one, and I adore sharing my passion for  working in watercolour. Every step by step and demonstration is meant to inspire others to enjoy painting as much as I do. However there is a difference in copying work to learn from, and copying another artists work with the intention of selling it as your own. So when I share my gallery paintings online I do put the words  "Copyright Jean Haines" with them. So that there can be no misunderstanding that I have shared the collection paintings for any other purpose than to show what I am exhibiting. 

I do hope this answers the questions I have been asked.  

Thank you so much for contacting me.

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Wednesday : Day Three : Getting Into My Art

 Adding Horses to one of my horse racing paintings

( Copyright Jean Haines ) 

I had the best day ever painting yesterday. All the stress from worrying about my wonderful dog Bailey, who was very ill ,has left me. I am playing lively music with sparks almost flying off my brushes as my new gallery collection comes to life,for my next solo exhibition at the Wey Gallery in Godalming, Surrey.

I have to move when I paint action scenes. And I get far better results if I play music full volume which helps to drown out the imaginary noise of the horses hooves as they race towards me. I do tend to get so involved while painting these pieces that, at times, I genuinely feel I can hear the thunder of the hooves hurtling towards me at great speed. So much so I need to take breaks now and then when working on a particularly lively painting. I am alright while painting the jockeys but as soon as the horses appear  I get the incredible sensation I am about to be knocked over by them! There comes a point when I have to leave my studio just to gain a stationary feeling once more.

How is that for getting into your art?

More to follow!

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Tuesday : Day Two of the Race

A second jockey appears on my new large painting of a horse racing scene

I must admit last night I couldn't wait to return to my studio this morning, to continue working on my new horse racing scene. I have now added the second jockey.  At this stage I haven't decided how many will be in the race. Whether there will be a strong lead with just two  horses out in front and several  trying to catch up in the distance or will I make this a photo finish with an exciting dash to the finishing line?

The painting will guide me as it evolves. This is such an exciting way to create. I'm not telling the story , the pigments are and they will make this drama unfold as my brushes move across paper!

More soon!

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Wey Gallery "Essence of an Artist" Solo Exhibition 2013

"Favourite Winner"

£2795

SOLD

Last Friday was the Private Preview of my solo exhibition "Essence of an Artist" which opened at the Wey Gallery in Godalming, Surrey.  The show looked wonderful when I arrived early before the doors officially opened. I knew this could be my only chance to gain a few photographs  on the night, and I was right!  The wall on the right as you enter the Wey Gallery showcased some of my horse racing scenes whilst opposite on the left there was a display of floral paintings including geraniums and Spring daffodils. Once inside, the variety of subjects displayed led you through to owls, hare, dogs and pheasant and then further into the gallery there is a further selection of  my watercolours including Cyclists, Venice and people were in the  next room of the gallery.

"Essence of an Artist"

Solo Exhibition 2013

The champagne flowed, so much so that I am still suffering a little today from enjoying myself on the night. The party that followed the opening went on until one in the morning so it was amazing that I made it to the demonstration at the gallery that I gave the next day! Thank you so much to everyone who braved the snow to visit the gallery and watch my demonstrations that day.

Unfortunately the key piece of the show  " Favourite Winner" shown at the top of this post, sold before the exhibition  had even opened so I am afraid the cover painting from the catalogue is not on display. The owners were at the Preview and as they love it so much I know it will be in a great home. It will be flying to Australia in the near future.

The show will run through until April so please visit if you can. For those who live further away there is an online catalogue available from the Wey Gallery web site. Many of my pieces are shown in the  online display so  you can visit the gallery to see my show, virtually via this link.

http://www.theweygallery.com/exhibition_catalogues/jean-haines-essence-of-an-artist.htm

Montpellier Gallery, Cheltenham Exhibition 2013

Winning Streak

Montpellier Gallery

Cheltenham

Spring Exhibition

 12th-30th March, 2013

I am delighted to have been invited to show at the Montpellier Gallery in Cheltenham.

Opening Tuesday 12th March 2013

During Cheltenham Race Week Festival, there will be a

Champagne & Oyster Bar in the gallery, every evening from 6pm until late. Sponsored by Bollinger & Ayala Champagne Houses

Full details can be found via this link

 http://www.themontpellier.co.uk/gallery/

Wey Gallery Solo Exhibition and Demonstration

Leading by Light

WIP for my solo exhibition at the Wey Gallery

I am completing my collection for my solo exhibition at the Wey Gallery in Godalming, Surrey which opens in March. This afternoon in strong sunlight I painted a horse racing scene that sprang to life, mainly because of the vibrant colours and the passion for my subject. I am loving working on this new collection. Not a day passes where I am not thinking of what I can add to it next, to make the show an exhibition that fascinates as you walk around the gallery. Each new piece seems to become my new " favourite" and the above really is eye catching offline.

Dates for my exhibitions can be seen on my web site

www.jeanhaines.com

I will be demonstrating at the gallery on Saturday March 23rd, it is advisable to contact the gallery to let them know if you are attending.

Details of the Private Preview, exhibition dates and opening and closing times can be found on the gallery web site.

http://www.theweygallery.com/

Lyndhurst Gallery,

 

Lyndhurst Gallery

 

 "Sheer Gold"

Lyndhurst gallery

Lyndhurst

New Forest, U.K.

I am delighted to share the news my painting entitled " Sheer Gold" is  now on display at the Lyndhurs Gallery in the New Forest. It is a very large painting that is full of movement and life and definitely one of the favourite horse racing scenes I have ever worked on. I had to stand to paint this scene and for most of it danced to loud music to get the sensation of thundering hooves.

The gallery and I agree the photographs sadly do not do this watercolour justice so if you are in the New Forest please visit  Lyndhurst Gallery as it has a fabulous collection of art on display by many leading contemporary artists.

 

"Sheer Gold"

Close Up

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http://www.lyndhurstgallery.co.uk/

Racing Against Time

" Getting Ahead "

My life is a blur. I  have finally realised how much I was working on and how it is affecting my soul and art. I am constantly seeing Spring flowers which somehow flow into my subjects regardless as to what they are. In this study of horse racing I feel my recent  paintings of primroses are almost there in the distance. If you study this you will see what I mean. It is the colour selection in the background. I believe I could turn sections into small flowers if I wished and what an unusual abstract that would be!

I am working on light,movement and flow in my work. I am racing to display excitement in my brushstrokes and the energy that I feel in my spirit.

I want a part of me to show in each new painting which means I need to rest my artists soul from time to time to regenerate my existence in the art world.

Today I aim to enjoy the beauty of nature and bring this into my paintings next week. But it is so hard to  come down to earth when my heart is singing with life from an exciting new series that is magically appearing in front of my eyes.

I am on what they call "A roll" and I don't want to sotp but I feel I should at least for one day. I will see how long I can last without picking up my brush this Sunday!

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Taking The Lead

"Taking The Lead"

Following my leap back into action paintings I spent a wonderful session in my studio yesterday creating this racing scene.

From a few placements of pigment while working with a sense of excitement figures rapidly began to appear. As I worked away from my main rider I really had to depend totally on my imagination to allow the scene to come to life. 

At this stage I didn't want to be "dictated to" by what I saw. I had the desire to paint what I felt instead which is a far more powerful way of creating.

From my soul as an artist. 

 " Taking the Lead " First Stage.  

Even now there is so much of the story already told.

Why does this painting work? I knew from the beginning it would bea good result because I could see the finished piece in my mind. It isn't enough for me to look at an image and want to paint it. 

I want more. 

I want to capture the very essence of every single thing I am working on and bring it to life so that viewers of my creations feel they are involved in each scene. In this painting I want them feeling as though they are there at the races. I want them guessing who will win and almost hearing  the noise of hooves on the ground  creating a flurry of mud and dust rising from the movement and speed of the racing.

This is an exciting scene to witness in reality. Therefore it has to be an exciting scene in a painting. It has to be rich in all aspects.Colour,brushstrokes,composition,technique. Everything has to work.

And for me in this piece it does.

I am happily working on a new collection and really loving the series!

I hope you do too.

By the way, I really think the  rider in green on the outside is about to take the lead, take a look and see if you agree!

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