Portugal

I have been rather neglectful of my blog of late. Life has a way of filling your days, just when you hope to start taking things a bit easier.
I intend filling a few gaps of my activities over the next few posts.
so, to start.

Way back in April I was lucky enough to travel to Portugal as the guest of David Bachmann with 11 fellow artists. The weather was very kind to us and we went out every day to various locations in the Algarve.

From left around the table, Tony Dakin, David Pilgrim, Karl Terry, John Stillman, Andrew Roberts, David Bachmann, Me, Haidee-Jo Summers, Valerie Poirlot, Tim King and (still painting) Michael Richardson

Morning Light 8" x 10"

Ponte do Piedade

We were quite high up painting this but it gave a great perspective with the tiny figures

Lagos - It did rain whilst painting this but we all persevered in true plein air spirit

            As you can see there were lots of stacks in the water which I found fascinating to paint.

Arrifana

 

Praia da Cordoama

Praia da Cordoama 

 

We were very lucky to have an exceptional cook for the week. Li prepared some wonderful meals. One day on getting back to the villa, she had just prepped the fish for the evening meal. Two enormous sea bass. I asked how long before she put them in the oven - we were given 40 minutes - easels were up and brushes flew and this was the end result

Supper 8" x 10"

Li loved it so much I gave it to her. I haven't painted fish much before but now I always eye up the fish counter when I walk by looking for a likely subject.

It was a great week in great company. The work produced was astounding, not only in volume but in quality as well. We decided as a group to exhibit our work and have now booked a venue in London for 2018 - watch this space!!  We will shortly have our own web site britishpleinairpainters.co.uk

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