Remembrance Sunday : Poppies

Remembrance Poppies

Today is Remembrance Sunday. I respected the two minute silence at 11.00  this morning, in respect for those who gave their lives for their countries. I thought  of all the parents who have lost their sons knowing mine are safe. Watching the service was emotional on so many levels especially witnessing servicemen  remembering their comrades on this day of all days and honouring ultimate sacrifice they made.

As a child, my father talked often of the war, his father also shared memories and as a young teenager I couldn't see any value in looking back at yesteryear or living in the past. I was so tired, then of all the war movies and stories of heros who fought for their country. But I am an adult now and my  feelings have changed. Now I admire everyone who serves their country, in the hope that one day there will be peace.

If only the world could unite through learning from the past and move towards a future where their would be no fighting, no greed or thirst for power. Just compassion and understanding of our fellow man.

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them." 

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 Copying: I have received several emails  letting me know my "Remembrance Poppies" watercolour has been copied and  is even for sale online since I first posted it. Can I ask that all proceeds from the copy if it is sold goes DIRECTLY to the British Legion..

Raymond Blanc Charity Event 2012

With Raymond Blanc and Lorraine Chase at Brasseric Blanc London

 A charity event in aid of the Lady Taverners

This week the cover painting of my latest book "Atmospheric watercolours" was auctioned at  the Brasserie Blanc in St Pauls, hosted by Raymond Blanc.

My original cover painting  went to the winners of the highest bid at £5700 and I am thrilled.The funds raised from the night will go towards buying mini buses that are especially equipped for children to enjoy for years to come. It was a superb evening and  thanks to Raymonds generosity everyone had a great time while supporting a very worthy cause.

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Remembrance Day Poppies 2012

Remembrance Day Poppies

(This will be in a gallery this week with  proceeds going to the British Legion)

Growing up with my Grandparents I often heard stories from my Grandfather, of how he was in the war. He would show me photographs if him riding oi a splendid uniform on a stunning horse. As a little girl this didn't mean very much to me but as an adult the full impact of him being on horseback at that time hits me very hard. He gave for his country and  never questioned  his duty to serve.

I would love to  continue to believe that one day there will be world peace and that those who gave their lives so long ago did so for a purpose. Many people from all walks  of life are still giving selflessly in order that others may live in peace.

Every year I aim to paint a watercolour of a poppy. This year my watercolour is of a row of gloriously red flowers connecting through flowing colour as we unite across the world in the hope of peace one day. And recognition for  all who are in service now and who have been in the past.

It will be Remembrance Day this month and we shouldn't forget.

http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/remembrance/?gclid=CLXUtbO3vbMCFUfJtAodRSgA6A&mpch=ads

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How to Paint Colour and Light in Watercolour: Out Of Stock!

My first book " How to Paint Colour and Light in watercolour " is currently out of  stock  at my publishers. I have heard that it has gone into reprint again but the new stock will not be available until mid December. If anyone would like to buy a copy of this book I have none available on my web site at the moment. But you can still buy from other sources such as Amazon.com. Unfortunately if it sells out before the  new prints arrives there will be a wait so please get your copy now if you want one for Christmas!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Colour-Light-Water-How-Paint/dp/1844484882

"Atmospheric Watercolours" Cover Painting Raises £5000 For Charity

" Morning Light"

Cover Painting of

"Atmospheric Watercolours"

Last night I was a guest at Raymond Blancs charity event in aid of the Lady Taverners held at  the new " Brasserie Blanc"  restaurant in Watling St, London.  I have donated several cockerel paintings for  these evenings hosted by Raymond. Each time their popularity has seen wonderful bids coming in during the auction section of the occasions.

Raymond is an incredibly generous personality and  gives so much to the Lady Taverners so it is  an honour and pleasure to be linked with him in this way. I had saved the cover painting of my latest book so that it could be donated for  auction and last night  my husband and I made our way to London carrying the original painting and an accompanying book, which was to be personally signed by me for the winning bidder.

It was a fabulous night, champagne flowed and the  canapes were incredible which is what you would expect from a master chef such as Raymond.  The wonderful auctioneer was Niel, husband of  TV personality Judith Chalmers and he suggested I said a few words about my painting to the attending guests in the audience.   As I did so Lorraine Chase displayed the painting beautifully so that everyone in the room could see what they would be bidding for.

On stage I couldn't say this is one painting I hadn't really wanted to let go of.  It means so much to me and will always be one of those pieces that touched the artists' heart. I had even put it on show in an exhibition earlier this year but with a Not For Sale dot on it , because I knew it would be hard to part with. I loved the day I painted this piece. The eye is magcially full of life in an almost mischievous way. I also knew immediately that this was the piece I would want as the cover for my latest book because it just sings of energy, life and does seem full of atmosphere. And I love the feedback I am  now getting from all over the world about  this particular cockerel.

The bidding began as soon as I left the stage and the figure of two thousand pounds was  very quickly reached. But the bidding continued as the final and highest bid  was well over £5000, in fact I believe the final  amount was £5600 but I couldn't hear due to the noise in the excited room at the time.

I am absolutely thrilled to now part with my  special cockerel because it will bring so much joy to  children who need help  and their parents also who will know how much this will mean to the charity. I do believe  there is a better purpose in giving than recieving. The  knowledge that this painting will keep giving with a specially equipped bus will keep me happy for years to come too!

My book is still selling internationally and  is now classed as a best seller which is fabulous news. It will  be published in Italian next year and I hope to repeat my book signing tour of USA in 2013 so please watch this space!  

For now my book is selling very quickly so if you would like a copy please get yours as soon as possible from my web site or Amazon.com!

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Texas Watercolour Workshops 2012

Cowboy coming to life during a watercolour demonstration in Texas 2012

I am hoping to catch up on my blog next week with wonderful photographs and news of my recent trip to Texas for my USA book signing and workshop tour.

I did have a fabulous time and I met so many incredible people. The warmth and kindness shown by everyone making me feel so welcome will never be forgotten and I am looking at my dates now for my return, next year to the States. I will be building on my experience from this visit and putting  together a special programe of events so please watch this space.

I will add that I am looking ahead to 2013 and 2014 and will be visiting two destinations each year so please get in touch still if you would like me to visit your Art Society in USA. Until my plans are finalised I will still be considering options.

For now I am going to look back and share my 2012 trip on my blog over the next few days and give special mentions to the  incredible people and artists I met  during my travels!

jeanhaines@hotmail.com

Judi Meadows Memorial Fund Art Auction 2012

The Judi Meadows Memorial Fund

Art Auction 2012

There is a reason I was so desperate to get back to UK from my USA trip. I had promised to donate the above watercolour of a nude to the Judi Meadows Memorial Fund Art Auction  and hadn't had time to take it in for framing before I left for my book signing tour in America. I thought I would have plenty of time on my return.

But of  course Hurricane Sandy interrupted my plans and I was not only stranded in NY but unable to deliver my painting to the charity.  From New York I was able to arrange the collection of one of my horse racing scenes from a gallery instead but the thought that Judi herself loved paintings of nudes has been playing on my mind. As the days went by I became even less optimistic that I would be home in time to donate this piece and it was so important to me to do so. For Judi, Roger and Amy.

The good news is that I am now back in UK, have managed to take the painting for framing and it will be online for auction as soon as possible. As well as my horse racing scene which I am keeping in the auction. You can look at this link to see my work already on the web site for online bidding amongst many other generous artists work.

Amy, the daughter of Judi is doing such a great job in the name of her Mum and I wish her such great success in her mission to help others.

Thank you to  everyone who is helping or making bids.

 http://judimeadows.com/art-auction-2012/jean-haines/feeling-the-heat/