Life's a Bowl of Cherries

Before I eat the cherries I decided to have another paint of them. This arrangement is a bit more formal. I had to include my tube of 'Rose Dore Madder Lake Antique Extra' Old Holland paint.
I love the names they have.

Life's a Bowl of Cherries 6"x 6" oil on linen panel

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Cherries

I saw some lovely plump cherries in the shop, couldn't resist them. I tried out a couple of compositions before deciding to try this random grouping.

Cherries and Stones 6"x 6" oil £75

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As you can see - I just had to sample them mmm!

Stamford Brush Off

Today I took part in the first of what I think will the first of many "Stamford Brush Off"s
Only 15 artists, members of the Welland Valley Art Soc, partook. We arrived in Stamford to our chosen location from 9am and handed in our offerings to the Art  Centre at 3pm.
 Needless to say I was late because of the railway crossing at Tallington and only started painting at 10am. I had intended painting on the water meadows but as I'd procured a parking space right outside the art centre, decided to stay in Stamford town. Hmmm? parking space, two hour limit? Its Sunday all parking is free - wrong!! £50 fine!!
Managed to paint two 8"x 8" little oils by 1.30 intending to go down to the meadows but having had no lunch or water, spent entire time standing (broken ankle still giving a bit of bother) and discovering the parking fine, I kind of lost heart so framed up and dropped them off at the Art Centre.

Towards High St, Stamford, 8" x 8" oil £75

High St Stamford 8" x 8" oil £75

More Yellow

I enjoyed using that lovely Old Holland Yellow Green so thought I'd have another crack at it today

Lemons and Paint 6" x 6" oil on board £75

Back in the Studio

Having had a hectic fortnight, looking after various Grandchildren, hospital visits with Dad and getting garden ready for a joint birthday party of son and Granddaughter,  I am finally back in the studio.
I resisted the temptation to tidy (procrastination is a big problem of mine).
One of my Dedham students sent me two tubes of Old Holland paint as a thank you for an enjoyable week. I was keen to try out the 'Yellow Green' so bought a couple of lemons.
I love the colour and decided to include the tube in the painting

Indian Yellow Green Lake Extra with Lemons

Olives

After an exhausting week teaching at Dedham I had a lovely weekend chilling out in Norfolk with Frank and the dog. I do love olives and so had bought some nice ones with chillies to enjoy with our little tipple. I should have known better to leave them on a low table - I caught the dog with his head in the bowl so rather than waste them I thought I'd better paint them.

Olives & Lemons 8" x 8" £75

Olives & Chillies 8" x 8" £75

I enjoyed painting these and you will be pleased to hear that the dog didn't suffer any ill effects.

A Week at Dedham Hall

I find it hard to believe but this was my 24th year teaching at Dedham Hall. I look forward to it every year and have made many good friends along the way.
This year I had 10 in the group, two that have been quite a few times and a couple that I met in France. The rest were all new to me and what a great group it turned out to be.

I kicked off the first evening with a demo. I only used three colours and suggested that the next day that the group try this approach. Which most of them did and some stuck to the same pallet for most of the week having found it so successful.

Landscape using three colours 9" x 14"

In general the group were very enthusiastic and keen to try out any suggestions. They even had a go at using the Zorn pallet which consists of Cadmium Red, Yellow Ochre, Black & White. Quite a challenge even in the hands of an experienced artist. Here is my effort

Across the Field  8" x 8"  SOLD

I have to say too that everyone else's paintings were good too but I neglected to take photos.

 We were unlucky with the weather and had to stay local to the studio which in the case of Dedham Hall is no hardship so, during the week we did several still life studies.
Here are a couple that I did in between going round

Cherries 6" x 6"  SOLD

Lemons 6" x 6"  SOLD

Lemon & Egg Cups 8" x 8" £75

On the Thursday we ventured out to the end of the village where there is a National Trust farm. So much to paint! Allotments, views across fields, tractors, sheds, barns........
I could also see very easily where Constable had his inspiration. The clouds were straight from one of his paintings. The group were well spread out and having seen everyone settled I stayed with the majority of the group and started a little painting of a farm vehicle nestled against a dark shed. I loved the shadows falling across the track. I would like to finish this sometime.

On the Farm 8' x 8" unfinished

Friday was, as promised, much better and we finally got to Pin Mill, one of my favourite locations. Some found it a little daunting not having painted outside much but, again, all did very well and I was able to squeeze in a quicky myself

The Butt & Oyster, Pin Mill 8" x 8"   £75

When we got back to the studio I asked for everyone's paintings and set up our final exhibition. Jim & Wendy our hosts come over with drinks and we have a little private view before dinner. After dinner it's back to the studio where I give a final critique - that's the hard part for me as I like to be honest as well as give praise, no one has gone home in tears yet.

It was a brilliant week and I am happy to say that so far, half the group have re-booked for next year

The end of a good week