Open Studio 29th Nov - 1st Dec

Well for the last three weeks I have been busy unframing old work, sorting through work that has potential, work for galleries, work back from galleries (not many of those I'm pleased to say) and new work to be framed.
Then there were the frames to sort. Matching slips to frames and frames to slips. I have no idea how I could have managed to end up with so many odd ones. They all matched when I bought them (is it the sock fairy playing games with me?).
I spent three days repainting frames and another two framing.
Next job was to tackle the studio! Where to start??? I found all sorts of things I thought I'd lost or had forgotten about.
The last two days have been spent hanging and pricing - finally I'm ready.
This morning I made the mulled wine and now the house smells all Christmasy

There was a very good article in the local paper. I have put up posters and sent out invites. Now all I have to do is sit back and hope that I get a few visitors.
If you are in the Spalding area, do pop along for a chat and glass of mulled wine. Friday, Saturday & Sunday (29th -1st) 11am - 4pm   CHEERS

Brancaster Staithe 14th Nov

Once again through the powers of social media, ten of us met up to paint at Brancaster Staithe. The weather was kind to us but a rather chilly. I am enjoying using my Open Box M pallett but wish I'd bought the larger size. Guess I'll have to sell a few more paintings first though.

This was the first picture of the day which took me up to lunch time as I kept stopping to chat to other artists as they arrived. Off then to the Deepdale Cafe.

Unfortunately Tom had to leave before we took the photo. From the left Malcolm, Rosemary, Sharon, Jen, Linda, Me, Helen, Haidee, Mari.

Suitably refreshed and warmed up we were off to find another subject. It was a bit too cold for some, I think there were only five of us left.

I was amazed at how quickly the tide had come in and had to opt for a position where I wouldn't get cut off. There were a lot of boats in the foreground to start with but these two chaps were busy taking them away for the winter. I'd been hoping for a good sunset but the sky was clear , until I tuned round and realised the clouds behind me were turning all shades of Orange. I had to work very quickly on this one as it changed by the minute.

 

All in all a very successful day and I am looking forward to meeting up again on the 4th December.

Getting out there

What a wonderful week of painting I've had.
On Wednesday I met up with 9 other artists to paint at Brancaster Staithe on the Norfolk coast.

This was the first painting I did and struggled with the colour of the mud.

Up the Creek

 This was the painting I did in the studio from my sketch. I hope I have captured the feeling of 'being there'.

The next day I went inland and found this delightful scene at Glandford just asking to be painted.

Path at Cley Spy

 Then for some daft reason went to the beach at Weybourne. Boy, was it cold but I was lucky enough to catch the fishermen putting in their boat. had to be pretty swift to catch the moment

Putting The Boat In

 My third day in Norfolk I trotted off to Broads. Only an hour away but for some reason unknown to me, I'd never painted there. Well, it won't be the last time that's for sure. What a wonderful place to be.

The Broads

St Benet's Abbey