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

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 😉

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.

Blue Bowl & Fruit

Blue Bowl & Fruit 8" x 8" oil on canvas card

 Another painting that I started at the Norfolk Creative Arts. I didn't get as far as putting a pattern on the bowl so found a bowl a similar size in the studio, set up to create the same light effect and finished it off. I have to say that the pattern has made all the difference as you can see from the original below.

Unfinished - Fruit and bowl

Day 1 0f 30

Last January I took part in Leslie Saeta's 30 day painting challenge. Well she's at it again so I thought I'd join in as I got so much out of it last time.

To be honest I'm not sure I'll be able to complete the task as this September is a bit manic, I've got a three day workshop, an art trip to Grantham, a weekend workshop, four days of Brush with the Broads, an exhibition at the end of month which means finishing off pics, painting frames, labelling, sending out invitations and framing, a few days child minding and several appointments. oh and did I mention, I've got Tendinitis, I've torn a tendon in the rotor cuff of my right shoulder and lifting my arm is painful!!

That said I got up with the sparrows this morning and painted this

Plum & Satsumas 8" x 8" oil on board

click here to buy

At least I started the month with a painting even I don't get to paint every day.