Paint Out Norwich 2015

I was lucky to be chosen again this year to take part in PON. In all 40 artists were selected. We painted over two days. A location of our choice in the in the morning and in the afternoon a different spot. Each time we were allowed three hours to paint.
The first day was glorious. I painted in the market place.

The Basket stall, Norwich Market 12" x 10" oil on board

 After handing in my wet painting I got the next canvas stamped and went off to paint in Pottergate. The sun was casting wonderful light across the road.

Pottergate, Norwich 14" x 18" oil on linen canvas

Unfortunately the next day, Wednesday, we had rain, not deterred  we all headed out into the city, I managed to find shelter under the canopy of Jarrolds department store. I looked towards the flower stall that I painted last year, a favourite subject for a lot of artists.

Reflections, Norwich 10" x 10" oil on board

As the rain eased off I went to Elm Hill in the afternoon, the light on the wet cobbles as a challenge.

Elm Hill 18" x 14" oil on linen

On Thursday we had a free morning and were then taken by bus to Mousehold Heath for lunch after which we painted from the heath which has wonderful views over the city. It was a special day as it was open to the public to join us in a mass paint out. Over 100 artists painted on the heath that day - what a sight!

After we framed our wet paintings they were taken to The Hostry at Norwich Cathedral to be hung for the Private view and auction on the Friday night. Each artist chose one painting for the auction with a reserve, I picked my painting of the flower stall in the rain. It's nerve racking seeing your painting going under the hammer but I was pleased with the result and met the lovely buyers afterwards. They asked me to pose with the painting.
After the auction, prize winners were announced, the last thing I was expecting was to win anything as the standard was so high so, I was more than shocked to win overall second prize and delighted I must say.

Second Prize!!!

Paint Out Norwich is one of the most organised and best put together events I ever been to. There is such a fantastic team of people that work so well together - and they are SO nice.
If you are even just a little bit tempted to apply for next years event, I would say - "go for it"

Keep an eye on their web site  Paint Out Norwich

Venice

2nd - 9th October I was in Venice with my dear friend Felicity, unfortunately Haidee that organised the trip had to pull out at the last moment. I was very excited as, although I had been to Venice twice before, I'd never had the opportunity to paint. A fine American artist, Wyllis Heaton, that we met in Morocco was also going to join us..
The first day we headed down to the fish market where we met Lori McNee & Cory Wright from the States. Two very talented artists. We hit it off straight away and from there on dined together in the evenings.

Fish Market, Venice 8" x 8"

The Vegetable Market 8" x 8"

A quiet Corner 8" x 8"

We had a couple of days of rain but were still able to get out. The next three paintings were painted from a sheltered spot

Umbrellas in Venice 8" x 8"

Venetian Doorway 8" x 8"

Green Door, Venice 8" x 8"

One morning we got up really early to paint the sunrise. You had to be very quick to capture it and I kind of missed it but it was really nice to be in St Mark's square without all the tourists.

My favourite squares were right near our apartment

I apologise for the poor quality of the photos. I still haven't got round to taking proper photographs.
In all I completed 18 oil paintings in the week we were there. I can't wait to go back.

30 in 30 completed

I did it, I managed to paint every day bar two this last month. I feel I have made progress as an artist. I have also learnt to discipline myself more. I have enjoyed the challenge in spite of it being a really busy month for me.
I am off to Venice on Friday for - yes , you guessed it - more painting.
here is a collage of some of the paintings I completed this last month.

Day 29 of 30 Dedham

This is a painting revisited. I had done it on the spot whilst at Dedham but it was too sketchy so as I was short of time yesterday I decided to rework it. It's better than it was and had I had more time I'd have started on a new canvas - always the better option.

Rowing Boats at Dedham 10" x 12" oil on board

I was delighted to find out yesterday that my painting of the Beach Cafe at Winterton won the first prize of £1000 at the final exhibition of Brush With the Broads. Quite a surprise as there were some very good paintings done in those four days by some very talented artists

Beach Cafe, Winterton

                                                                     And it sold!!

Days 24 - 28 Brush with the Broads

I have just returned from an amazing four days away, painting on the Norfolk Broads.
This is the second year that Norfolk artist Linda Mathews has organised A Brush With the Broads.
Unfortunately there has been little or no internet so have not been able to post here but trust me - I have been wielding those brushes. Mostly doing three paintings each day.

The first day we went to Winterton on Sea. Lovely stretches of sand and a convenient cafe for coffee.
this is the first one of the day which I was most pleased with

Beach Cafe, Winterton 8" x 8" oil

Second picture I was going to scrape off but just might try to rework it

Winterton beach

Leaving there I drove with my friend Naomi to Horsey, didn't fancy that so went to How Hill, painted by the river Ant, was a bit tired by now and wasn't pleased with results but here it is

River Ant at How Hill 12" x 12" oil

 

Next day I got up early and went out because I wanted to be back in time to hear Adebanji Alade give a talk, I went down to the nearest boat yard.

Acle Boats 8" x 8" oil

I obviously han't had enough coffee, the tree looks like a bad haircut.

Not being too disheartened I went off after an excellent demo and talk by  Adebanji down to St Benets Abbey, This view stopped me in my tracks. It had everything Norfolk could offer, big sky, river, cows, a windmill and boats.

Nr St Benets Abbey, 14" x 18" oil

I then painted this of the Abbey, although it was getting late the sky hadn't quite turned the beautiful colours that I saw on my way home

St Benets Abbey 12" x 12" oil

Next day was Yarmouth day. I started it off by leading a workshop for the public. Here is my completed demo which the participants then had a go at their own version with very good results.

Demo at Yarmouth

At 1pm Linda sounded a claxon which commenced the start of the quick draw. Artists had two hours to create their painting. I was quite pleased with mine and stopped an hour and a half in before I overworked it.

Yarmouth Pier 12" x 12" oil

I then nipped off and did a quick sketch of a fine building on the seafront that had caught my eye earlier.

Sea Front 8" x 8" oil

When I got back to to base (a marquee on the front) the public had already turned out in force to look at the paintings and cast their vote for the favourite. They would have had a hard job to choose as the standard was very high.

We are already talking about booking for next year. We all had so much fun.

Day 23 of 30 Riverside

Have been busy getting ready for 'A Brush With The Broads" today and little time to paint.
 I re worked this one that I painted in January. I felt that the composition was good but didn't like the sky or the colours I'd used, still not sure about it but at least I painted.

Riverside Walk 12" x 12" oil

Paints are now all packed up and in the car ready for four days of painting on the Norfolk Broads.
I shall be holding a free workshop for the public in Great Yarmouth on the Sunday. Come and say hello if you are around

Day 22 of 30 More Sky

I so enjoyed yesterday's sky I thought I'd have another go. It's still not free enough and maybe a bit too yellow, but - hey, I had fun.

Sun Breaking through 12" x 12" oil on board

Day 22 of 30

Day 21 of 30 Early Sun

I can't claim to have been on the beach at sunrise but it was early and, I have to say, pretty spectacular.
Not sure I've done it justice but had fun trying

Sun & Clouds 8" x 8" oil on board

Day 20 of 30 East Runton

Up good and early this morning to get to the beach. The light was amazing and the beach deserted. I loved the way the sun broke through the clouds and caught the cliff. This was a very quick painting to capture the moment

East Runton 8" x 8" oil on board

Day 19 of 30 Flowers

It's been a very hectic day. Managed to finish framing for exhibition with the help of Frank. Popped in see to see my Dad to wish him a Happy 91st birthday, had lunch and packed our bags and headed to Norfolk. Found a few random flowers in the garden and just had fun putting paint on with the help of a G & T.

Looking forward to a relaxing evening before heading home tomorrow to prepare for A Brush with the Broads. A four day painting comp.

Day 18 of 30 Venice

Still cracking on with framing but managed to squeeze in a quick palette knife pic of a doorway in Venice. Trying to get in the flow for my painting trip there in early October.

Venice, doorway 8" x 8" oil on board

day 17 of 30 High Bridge

Bit late with this one, I had been painting and hand finishing frames all day yesterday in readiness for my solo exhibition at the end of the month.
This is view of High Bridge in Spalding with the water taxi in the foreground.

Spalding Water Taxi 12" x 12" oil on board

Day 16 of 30 The Poacher

Back on the Spalding theme, I painted this rather attractive looking pub by the riverside

The Poacher 12" x 12" oil on board

Day 15 of 30 Morston Quay

Working a bit bigger today. This is a studio painting using an oil reference sketch.

Morston Quay 14" x 18" oil on board

I love this place when the tide has just gone out

Day 14 of 30 Spalding

I enjoyed painting the river yesterday. Here is a view from almost the same spot, looking the other way

River Welland, Spalding 12" x 12" Oil on board

Day 13 of 30 Spalding

Went into Spalding today to check out the gallery where I'm having my exhibition in October. Needed to see how many pictures I could hang - lots!!! I may have to quickly paint some large ones to fill the walls.
I went for a walk along the river and thought that the bridge would make a good subject. This is a quick oil sketch to try it out

High Bridge, Spalding 8" x 8" oil on board

Day 12 of 30 Another demo

I"ve covered some miles this week!
It was back Sleaford way today,  another hour's drive, for a workshop with the Carlton le Moorland art group. This painting was the demo I gave using acrylic paint

Boats at Morston Acrylic on board 14" x 18"

Day 11 of 30 Wells

Today was the last day of the Wells Next the Sea Paint Out - a three day painting competition organised by the same lovely people that did Paint Out Norwich. I would like to have joined in but you can't do everything.
I did pop along today to see everyone  and managed to squeeze in a very quick painting.

Wells Next The Sea 8" x 8" oil on board

It was so good to see the artists, some of whom I painted with in Norwich last year and some I knew of but hadn't met before.

This was also a trial run for painting out with Barney. He is now 8 months old and getting calmer. I had to leave him on his own while I did the workshop this week and although he was good I don't think he likes being on his own too much and I don't like to leave him
He was brilliant and sat by my easel as I painted. He sat by my feet when we went aboard the boat which was the hub for the artists. (Had to carry him up the gangplank though) Also, he was good and quiet in the car, it's over an hours drive to Wells and I didn't hear a murmur. Barney is the reason I have been painting so many still life pics, now I know he's ok I may be able to get back out plein airing again.

Day 10 of 30 Demo 4

I enjoyed running the three day workshop but today have had an awful lot to catch up with. Preparing frames was a priority as I have only a few free days to get ready for my exhibition at the end of the month. Not to mention the domestic side of things, The wash basket was overflowing for a start and I hadn't been to visit my dear ol' Dad for a few days, plus the cupboards and fridge were a tad on the empty side!!
I have to confess, I am pulling another painting from my workshop. i did this on the first day, it's the view from the garden. Quite stunning. I was demonstrating the use of the Zorn palette - Red, yellow, Black & White

View from The Red House

Day 9 of 30 Demo 3

Last day of workshop today and am claiming yesterday demo as a pic for today

Demo 3 Lemon & Knife 8" x8" oil on board

I have had the most amazing three days running a workshop for some lovely people. it wasn't so much a workshop, more of a house party. Today everyone painted a tonal still life's using Burnt Umber after my demo using the same.

Out of focus tonal demo!

 Then, before yet another amazing lunch everyone sat around drinking Prosecco while I did a painting of the lovely pine trees surrounding the property.

Demo, with Prosecco!!!

 

Not the best picture I have to say and would like to have another crack at it sometime.

All seemed to have a good time and I could definitely see a lot of progress that people had made. Down to me??? Maybe not, just the fact that they had had three days concentrating on painting oils (a first for some) but great for me to be there and hopefully aid their progress - I LOVE my job.

Day 8 of 30 Demo 2

Second day of workshop today. I did this demonstration using three colours and white. The idea was to not use green in the landscape.

Demo 14" x 18" oil on board

Not a good picture as using my phone and difficult to edit

Day 7 of 30 Demo

Quite a long day today. Up at 6.45 to give the dog a long walk as I was to be out all day. (trouble is, it wears me out too) Then off to near Grantham an hour's drive away. Lovely venue, lovely group and a splendid lunch laid on.  I did a couple of demos during the day so I am claiming one of them to be one of my daily paintings.

Towards Cromer from East Runton 10" x 12" oil on board

 I was pleased to find that Frank had prepared dinner for us when I got home at 7pm. The trouble is that Barney (the puppy) was not quite as tired as I was and needed another long walk (thank you Frank)
I have realised that it is a year ago today that I broke my ankle - I think the fact that I have been on my feet all day reminded me - Ouch!!

Day 6 of 30 Figs

Got into the studio with all good intentions, started to paint then got side tracked into framing and then The village show. To be honest I couldn't get excited about this painting at all. There are so many colours in a fig!! I found that, surprisingly, Viridian & Magenta with blue made a good mix.
Any way I finished it off half heartedly and prepared for my three day workshop next week.

Figs 8" x 8" oil on board

Day 5 0f 30 Odd Mug

Can't even think where I bought this funny looking mug, I've had it for ages. I just love it's quirkiness and colours. I think it's Dutch, definitely hand thrown and painted. If it looks a funny shape - that's because it is - honest!!

Odd Mug 8' x 8" oil on board

Day 4 0f 30 'I've got the Blues'

I love painting my tubes of paint and as I was using these three in the painting, I decided to include them. The only trouble was, putting them back in the right place after I'd squeezed out more paint.

I've got the Blues 8" x 8" oil on board

This is the last of the plums because I have now eaten them (just as I'd got the hang of painting them.)