Christmas Card Painting

Every year I try to get my Christmas card painted early,  every year I get later even later.

I had several idea in mind but only managed to try out two.
I was pleased with both so have ordered some of each.
I only ever order enough for our own personal use, maybe next year, if I get them done early enough I will have more done and sell a few through my website.

Holly & Walnuts

Satsumas, Sherry & Grapes

Painting Clouds and Skies in Oils

Finally after two years of research and painting I have produced my very first (and probably last ) book. I was approached by Crowood Press and asked to write a book about painting skies. Something I had never even dreamed of. I thought about it for a while and spoke to other authors who were very encouraging.
I have put just about everything I have ever learned about painting into this so there are plenty of hints and tips, including a sections on social media, getting into galleries, using photos, travelling with paints and having your own website.
I have eight of my favourite artists showing their work and sharing their working methods which brings a new slant to the paintings.
So far it has been very well received by all that have bought it and Henry Malt from art book reviews had this to say:

This is easily the best book on its subject, probably ever. If you were to combine the spirits of John Constable and JMW Turner, perhaps with a dash of Edward Seago thrown in, I’m not sure you could better it.

The extent of the coverage is breath-taking. It’s a given that skies are infinitely variable. East Anglian based Mo Teeuw has, however, managed to cover just about every type you can imagine, from clear to clouded, cirrus to cumulus, in clear and overcast weather and in all seasons. And she manages this without repeating herself once or leaving the reader overwhelmed. If you care about skies and, as a landscape painter you must, this book is an essential guide. Even if you think you know the subject inside out, there will be something new for you here.

Although this looks a slim volume, it has a surprising weight when you pick it up and this is down to the 160 pages. Although the paper is quite thin it’s of excellent quality and the images are all superbly reproduced – to have not one dud among this many is an achievement worth celebrating.

The book has examples and demonstrations as well as practical information and extensive discussions of how and why skies appear the way they do. This is about more than just applying paint, it’s an in-depth study of its subject. I think you could even get quite a lot out of it if you aren’t a painter but just a lover of landscape. You should certainly also look at it even if you’re not an oil painter. As well as Mo’s own work, the book features a number of guest artists who add a welcome additional perspective.

I said that this is easily the best book on its subject. Skies in oils is, of course, a small field, but I really don’t see how this will be bettered in a very long time, if ever. It’s a true classic.

To buy a copy follow the link

click to buy

30 paintings

30 Paintings in 30 Days

Well here they all are, not necessarily in the right order but I have painted all these in the last thirty days and a few more to boot.
Thanks to Leslie Saeta for giving out the challenge.
I would encourage anyone to have a go. It is all to easy to say "I don't have time to paint". The last month has been a very busy time for me but I have managed to paint all but two days. One was taken up by Grandchildren and one was a whole day of travelling so I played 'catch up'
Why not go over to Leslie's blog and have a look at what all the other artists from around the world produced in their 30 days.

Thanks Leslie, I shall look out for the next 30 in 30

Days 29 & 30

Satsumas in Brocante bowl

Saturday was not such a good day in Sommieres weather wise but it was market day. This I have to say is a serious market. The whole town has stalls in the streets and squares. At one end of the town is a very large open space that becomes the place for the Brocante, the second-hand and antique market. Felicity and I found this delightful bowl so I bought some satsumas to paint in it as rain was forecast.

It did rain and after painting the blue bowl we then painted Julie's jug which was a birthday present from Tom & Mary

Julie's jug and Satsumas

This was painted in very gloomy light as we liked the natural light from the doorway.
First time I'd painted bread and cheese - will have to do that again.

Day 30
Much better weather so I went and painted in town again.

Lunch Time, Sommieres

This needs a bit of work on it, I painted in the shade looking into the sun and the buildings came out far too yellow.

It was good to finish my 30 day challenge in France. I shall make a collage of all the paintings I did there but also I need to put my 30 day collage on Leslie Saetas blog page along with all the other artists that took up the challenge - see next blog 😉

Day 28 of 30

Medieval Bridge, Sommieres 

  I had an earlier start today and decided to head for the bridge. I set up with my easel half on the wall so as not to block the pavement and got cracking. I had intended a free, loose painting but it kind of tightened up. 

Lunch was a delightful interlude with Tom and Felicity 

Yes, there is a carafe of wine, well we are in France.

In the afternoon I went off and found a quiet square and painted a pretty cafe. 

It turns out that it was the Italian restaurant that we ate in that evening.  

Day 27 of 30

Morning sun, Sommieres

Felicity and I arrived at our hotel Last night. We are knocked out by the place. It is very bohemian and quirky. We spent the morning exploring Sommieres, an old medieval town. There are paintings to be done everywhere you look. I settled on this view first and then went down by the river

Autumn Leaves on the River

Day 25 of 30

Lemon and Yellowish Green 

I should have been packing for my trip to France but couldn't help but paint this as I knew I'd not have a chance whilst traveling. I posted it on social media the morning I left.

Day 24 0f 30

Lemon and Lime 8" x 8" oil on canvas covered board

I have fallen behind with my painting a day. I am not going to beat myself up about it because sometimes other things are more important like, having three granddaughters for the day. To be honest I did have time when they left but I was exhausted.
This painting was started yesterday morning but had to be abandoned to take the dog for a long walk as we were visiting friends for the day. I finished it when we came home at 7.30. It has a certain looseness about it which is probably explained by the fact that I was not the driver yesterday!±!!

Day 21 of 30

Going Out 5" x 3"  oil on canvas covered card

Playing catch up here as I have been rather busy. I managed this little subject just before going out last night. A simple but fun painting to paint.

Day 19 of 30

Norfolk Sunset 16" x 20" oil on canvas £690

This is bigger than I am used to recently. It was painted over two days in the studio from an earlier painting that I wasn't entirely pleased with. I'm much happier with this and have asked for it to replace the earlier image in my book. Hopefully the book goes to press tomorrow so not sure when release date is yet - I expect I will let you know 😉

Days 15 - 18 of 30

I have been painting every day - honest, but have slightly neglected to post here.

Day 16

Day 15

Two versions of the same subject. I felt the first one was too hard and wanted to try a different palette and softer edges

Day 17

It had got to the end of day and I hadn't done my painting as I'd been wiped out with some weird virus. This was hastily painted in fading light. Not sure cup shape is right but I like the looseness and colours.

Day 18

 A friend gave me a bag of mixed chillies. I used a couple in the evening  meal and did this quick study while it was cooking. Amazing shapes and colours.

Day 14 0f 30

'Gourd Company' 8' x 8"  oil

These little gourds are quite complex in colours . The dips are naturally darker and a different colour, the problem is to convey this while at the same time changing to tones to represent shadows to give the whole thing form, they also have little splodges of colour on them, difficult not to make them look spotty - eggs are easier!!

Day 13 of 30

Gourd 8" x 8" oil

• couldn't resist buying some gourds when I saw them on Spalding market yesterday. This is the first one, I started with the simplest one to ease myself in. The shapes are really interesting.
• 
  

Day 12 of 30 Three Sunflowers

Three Sunflowers. 8" x 8" oil

I couldn't resist having another go at the sunflowers. Having painted just the one yesterday, I painted three today and feel that the flowers are a little looser . 

I think I am generally happier with this but it maybe a tad on the small side. Perhaps a larger board would loosen me up even more?

Day 11 of 30

Sunflower 8" x 8" oil

I loved painting this beauty. As I finished the sun came out and shone through the petals. Wow, what an amazing sight. Hoping for sun tomorrow 😊

Day 10 of 30

Peaches on an Indian Dish  8" x 8" Oil

This was a hastily painted subject as we had our two lively (but lovely) grandsons staying with us. I snatched 1/2 an hour with they were allowed to play on an IPad.
I liked the perspective of looking down on the  subject. I felt that the fabric added a complimentary interest to the picture. This is something that I would like to explore more.

Day 9 of 30 or even more lemons

Lemons on Blue background 3" x 5"

Still exploring different colours for painting lemons. Would have liked to do a larger painting today but we have two lively grandsons on a sleepover.

Day 8 of 30 or More Lemons

Lemon halves 3" x 5" oil

                                     

In spite of my first impression looking at the lemons I didn't use any lemon yellow paint in the lemon painting.

Gold Green and Cadmium Yellow were the main colours. Mixed with white and sometimes a touch of Cad Red I was able the mix the colours I wanted.

Day 7 of Thirty, Playing with Yellow

Lemons 3" x 5" oil

Today I decided to try out some different yellows I had lurking in my box of paint tubes.
I found that Green Gold by W & N makes for an interesting colour in the shaded part of the lemon. I also used Cadmium yellow deep, Old Holland Golden green Deep, Michael Harding Yellow Lake, a touch of Cadmium Red and Flake White

Day 6 of 30 or why you should paint eggs

Eggs 8" x 6"

I put a couple of eggs in yesterday's painting and it made me think what a perfect thing they are to paint.

If you have never painted an egg before then, you should.

Here are some of the pros

1. you won't spend ages drawing it

2. It's a gentle curve so you can practice blending tones

3. You can paint several in a short space of time

4. You will have to look carefully for subtle colour changes and reflected light

5. Because it's not a big subject it's easier to experiment with edges, try blending and smudging 

6. Try using minimal brush strokes 

7. Play with different colours in background 

And then there are the possibilities of the cracked egg - I think I could go on but I won't because it time to paint eggs !

Day 5 of 30

Pancakes for tea. 12" x 12" oil

Decided to take a break from painting flowers today. I had these lemons in a bowl which were the inspiration for this picture 

Day 4 of 30 in 30

 

                                              Cosmos flowers 8"x 8" oil 

I had to rush this one this morning as I was taking some paintings to London today. Because I was in a rush I had to look extra hard to get the shapes and spaces right. It maybe a bit rough but I quite like it.

I now am playing the waiting game to see if any of my paintings are accepted for the Discerning Eye exhibition. Eek!!

Day 3 30 in 30

Cosmos 8' x 8' oil

Well, I thought I enjoyed painting the Marigolds but these are even more fun. They are self sets in my garden from last year. I will definitely be spreading a few more seeds around in Spring.

30 in 30 Day 2

Marigolds in Quimper jug 8" x 8" oil

These little marigolds are a delight to paint and a perfect companion to the little French jug.

30 in 30 Day 1

Leslie Saeta has once again invited artist to join her in the challenge '30 in 30' where artists paint and post their paintings on her blog for 30 days. I have joined in a couple of times before and find that not only is it a good discipline and motivation but it is also fun to see the work of the other artists around the world. This year there are over 1000 artists taking part.
To see their work go to Leslie's blog 

This is the first one for me

Imari Bowl with Grapes & Satsumas 8" x 8" oil

I love painting this Imari bowl . It isn't just the colour but I love the shape too. It goes so well with various fruit.

A Week at Dedham Hall

It is always a pleasure to teach at Dedham Hall in Suffolk. I often get people coming back and over the years many of the students have become friends. This year I had 10 lovely students. Two had never been to Dedham before but very soon fitted in the routine.
We start on Saturday afternoon with a cup of tea and some of Wendy's delicious cake at 4pm when we all introduce ourselves and I have a quick chat about the week to come.
On the first evening I always give a talk and demo in the studio.

Clouds at Blakeney, demo. 14" x 16"

Sunday is always busy in town so we stay in the grounds of the hall, there is so much to paint there one really needn't venture further afield. I started everyone off with a quick demo of the glasshouse

Glasshouse at Dedham Hall  8" x 8"

Monday we took advantage of the good weather and went to Woodbridge. It's been a few years since I took a group there. I'd forgotten how good it was. I did a painting while I was waiting for the group to look around and decide what they wanted to paint. The tide was out but coming in fast, by the time I'd finished 1/2 hour later there was no mud to be seen.

Woodbridge 14" x 16"

I planned to go to Pin Mill so that evening I gave a demo on painting the barges which I hoped we would see there.

Barges at Pin Mill 14" x 10"

Demo at Pin Mill

I don't get much chance to do my own painting at Dedham so I often will go into the studio before breakfast. here are two of the paintings that I got up early to paint.

Cherries and Imari bowl 8" x 8"

Quimper jug and Asters with Satsumas 8" x 8"

The weather turned on us a bit on Tuesday so we went to the river to paint before rain set in. Most managed to get at least some sketching done. I got a quick demo of the cows before they disappeared

and then they were gone!!

Study in White 12" x 12"

Another evening I gave the above as a demo to illustrate light against dark in a still life. I thoroughly enjoyed painting this in spite of all those ellipses I had to deal with.

The week seemed to pass very quickly and all too soon it was time to clear the studio and set up the final exhibition. I like to take time and care over this , to display the students work at it's best. There certainly was some good work done. At 6.30 Jim & Wendy come over with drinks for out little PV and after dinner we all head back into the studio where I go round each persons work and give a constructive appraisal. This for me is the hardest bit as I try to be encouraging yet honest without upsetting anyone - so far I think I have got away with it . We'll see if they come back again next year!!

Visitors From Holland

Last Wednesday my dear friend Corry and husband Ted paid us a visit.Corry had a painting in the Artist exhibition at Patchings. So on Thursday we went to the show. So many artists offering their wares and there were demonstrations in every media. The exhibition itself  was a very high standard as usual. Corry was delighted to win a prize for her pastel of a new born calf. Well deserved too.

It was a good day out and I can home with a new supply of Rosemary brushes and Michael Harding paint.

The following day Corry & Ted went to Norfolk to stay for a few days. .I Joined Corry on the Saturday to go and paint at Felbrigg Hall

Felbrigg Gardens 8" x 8"

The Dove Cote. Felbrigg 8" x 8" oil

The gardens were full of visitors but I managed to stay tucked in out of the way. I returned home early Sunday morning (before either Corry or Ted were up) as Frank and I were visiting friends in the North of the county for lunch. I managed to sneak into the studio first and got another painting done for my forthcoming exhibition.

Monday morning I was back on the road for Norfolk. Corry and I went to Blakeney as the tide was high 

High Tide, Blakeney

From here we went to Wiveton Hall of the 'Normal for Norfolk ' fame (BBC series) I painted chickens whilst Corry painted Chloe 102 year old mother of Desmond, the Halls owner.

Wiveton Hall, chickens. 8" x 8" oil

Tuesday was much cooler. Our first stop was Salthouse. I had to tape my pallet to my easel as it was so windy 

Salthouse 10" x 12" oil

Coffee time took us back to Wiveton Hall. It was very busy as the TV program had aired the previous night. We met Chloe and Charlotte walking back from the cafe and made arrangements for us both to paint her.

Corry managed a brilliant portrait in between her nodding off. I chose to paint the sleeping position as it was more constant 

102 year old Chloe enjoying the sun

Charlotte that cares for Chloe liked the picture and as she was such a kind and generous lady I gave her the painting. 

I look forward to going back to paint at Wiveton. I was made to feel so welcome. Looking forward now to the next episode of Normal 4 Norfolk