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.