News From Mulberry House, Garden & Studio

August Newsletter Well I have to say July was a month to remember or maybe forget. Disappointingly I had to postpone my course in Harwich as I had only just broken my right arm and it was too painful to travel.   Two weeks later I did manage to run a very successful painting course for Big Sky Art in Norfolk staying at the White House, Burnham Market. I had a really lovely group and was even able to manage a couple of left-handed demonstrations. I did promise you last month that I would show you any paintings that I managed to do with my left hand I will post these below. Some of you may know, I have been coordinating the next exhibition for British Plein-Air Painters. We had got the smaller North Gallery booked at the Mall. Whilst standing at Brancaster Staithe painting with my group, I had a phone call from the Mall to say that the proposed exhibition in the main gallery had pulled out and they offered us the chance to have the main gallery. I had to make a snap decision on behalf of the group and so I said "yes" - then the reality set in, my goodness what a big space to fill. I’m sure we can do it we have some excellent artists in the group.

Mulberry House & Garden Very little has happened since breaking my arm. I could almost weep when I walk down the garden. With recent rain and warm weather, the weeds have gone crazy, some of the dahlias which I hadn't got around to staking have fallen, the lily beetles have had a field day, most of the apricots dropped off in the heavy rain and the plum tree seems to have some kind of fungus. Frank has been going into work as we are starting to get bulbs in now at Gee Tee so he hasn't had time to help.  I did try to to pull a few weeds out with just my left hand but had to give that up when I put my back out!! It's a bit disheartening after all the hard work we put in at the beginning of the year Anyone know a good gardener?? On the upside, we've had a brilliant crop of French & Runner beans and the tomatoes are beginning to ripen. weeds are taller than the flowers Studio I was delighted with my one off Open Studio Norfolk weekend, I had a constant flow of visitors, friends, followers and buyers. Thank you every one that came to see me. I shall be taking part in the wider Norfolk Open Studios in September & October You can see who is taking part here I shall give more information nearer the time.  studio clearance                                                   one happy buyer & artist IEA Painting Day On 29th July I was picked up by fellow member of the Institute of East Anglian Artists, Jim Power, to take part in a Painting Day at King's Lynn. I optimistically took my paints and decided to give it a go. This was my first attempt at painting left handed room for improvement? There was a very good turn out and the predicted rain stayed away until the very end of the day, mind you it was very windy on the quay sideband I had to use my body to stop easel blowing over as I couldn't hold it    chatting with Ian McManus                                     enjoying a midday coffee Big Sky Art I have just returned from a wonderful week in Norfolk running a painting course at the White House. I had a group of 15 enthusiastic painters. On the first day we painted within the grounds but after that we went and painted at Brancaster Staithe, Burnham Overy Staithe I did manage to do a couple of left handed demonstrations and paintings. A lot of the group have rebooked for next year but there maybe a couple of places left if you are quick Big Sky Art. Phone +44 (0) 7785 439727 Burnham Overy Staithe                                        Brancaster Staithe            The White House                                                My bedroom                                                                             (shower room downstairs) I was very pleased that I managed to get special permission to paint in and around the grounds at Wiveton Hall. There is a wealth of subjects everywhere you look. The group were very pleased to meet Desmond from TV's 'Normal for Norfolk' fame and yes, he is as mad as he came over on the television. We had the most marvellous lunch there which I had preordered.  the wonderful Wiveton Hall Exhibition at the Mall Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I'd be organising let alone exhibiting at the Mall Galleries in London. (I've had the odd painting accepted and hung in some of the major shows but this is much more) I count myself very fortunate to be part of a wonderful group that we call the British Plein Air Painters. After painting with a group of friends in Portugal in 2017 we decided to have an exhibition together. As there were only 10 of us we decided to invite some of our friends to join us and had our first exhibition was in 2018 at the Menier Gallery.   Following the success of our first exhibition, we booked the North Gallery at the Mall for our second London show. I volunteered to coordinate the show with the help of some of the members. This I can tell you sounds easier than it is but we won't go there. While I was painting with my group in Brancaster I had a surprise phone call from the Mall, they told me that the exhibitors that were going to be in the main gallery had pulled out and they offered us the chance to use that space. I made a quick decision on behalf of the group and said 'yes,  we would take it'. I then realised the enormity of filling such a huge space and all the other problems that go along with it. We are very excited about it and it promises to be an excellent exhibition. I do hope you are able to come along, there will members there each day and we hope to have demonstrations each day too. As part of our promotion for the show I have organised painting days around the country where we can hand out flyers. The next painting day is in Oxford this weekend 14th August followed by one in Kensington Gardens on 23nd.  All the details can be found on our web site British Plein Air Painters These painting days are free and open to any one who cares to come along and paint in the company of like minded artists. Left handed demo                                           10" x 16" Weybourne I was particularly pleased with this studio demonstration. I am offering it, unframed, at the special price of £190 including free P&P Drop me an email if you are interested Thank you for your support, I really do appreciate it. Hopefully by the time I write  next time, things will be back to normal, well, as normal as they'll ever be. I'm looking forward to being able to drive again. One thing is for sure - ambidextrous , I am not. take care and best wishes Mo xx

Sommieres 2018

first evening by the pool on the roof

I was more than delighted this year to make a return visit to the wonderful French town of Sommieres. Even more thrilled to learn that my dear Dutch friend Corry Kooy was going us with husband Ted. Our accommodation Hotel de l'Orange is situated in the town so we had no distance to walk to find a good spot to paint.  We received a warm welcome from our lovely hosts, Elizabeth and Tom. Mary Jackson's daughter Amanda and husband Phil were our chefs for the week and I really don't think I have ever eaten so well, the food was varied and delicious every night.

breakfast served in the garden, (Paul Banning got there first)

Dinner by candle light

One day a week there is a huge market, all the roads are closed as the town is taken over by every stall you can imagine, of course being France there is a large area dedicated to food where you can buy beautiful fresh veg, cheeses, wines and fish. You can buy your food and any of the restaurants will let you sit and eat at their tables for a small fee so you can imagine the atmosphere. The square was heaving with people all having a great time.

I shared the same room as last year with my dear friend Felicity, I'd hardly seen her since the last visit so we had a lot of catching up to do. Oh yes, I was there to paint, here are some of my paintings from the trip.

Sauve, backlite, painted from a dry (ish) river bed 12" x 10"

Fish in reflected light under the bridge in Sommieres 12" x 10"

Through the garden of de l'Orange 8" x 8"

Sunlit bridge in Sommieres 12" x 10

In the vineyard Fontines 6" x 8"

Morning Shadows, Sommieres (Julie Jackson in pic) 12" x 10"

By the fountain in Sauve 12" x 10"

6th C footbridge into Sauve 12" x 10"

These are just a few of the 20 paintings I did that week. We were blessed with the weather although we did get the tail end of a Mistral one day. The company was as always brilliant. it consisted of Tom Coates, Mary Jackson, James & Tanya Burton, Corry & Ted Kooy, Rick Holmes & Paul Banning, Julie Jackson & Steve, and last but definitely not least Felicity House.

a selection of work from the week

Our Hosts Tom & Elizabeth

30 in 30 Day 12

Puddles on the Back Lane 12" x 12" oil on canvas board

There are a lot of little lanes around our village. This one is a favourite with dog walkers as it is little used. Maintenance is not great hence the grass down the middle and the deep potholes. The dykes along side can get pretty full after a heavy rain (very popular with water loving dogs!)
It does make a good subject, especially if you are after painting skies.

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

Plein Aire is for Everyone

Many people are put off the idea of painting outside because of all the kit they might have to take with them and the handling of wet oil paints. Over the years of painting en plein aire with other artists I have picked up numerous tips and have now reduced the essentials down to one small bag.
Yes, it is possible. The SAA canvas bag is an ideal size. It holds my pallet, brushes, turps pot, pallet knives, rags and up to six wet canvas boards.

Preferring to stand, I use a lightweight camera tripod, which my pochade clips on to.
I have an Open M box which I bought from the US.
If you already have a pochade there is a nifty bit of kit available from the SAA that screws onto the back of your pallet or drawing board. This then screws onto the tripod. For more versatility, I advise investing in a quick release fixing which stays on thus enabling me to set up quickly and to adjust the angle I am working at.

Paints
I use a mixture of artists' quality paints mostly Mussini, Old Holland and Michael Harding
I keep to a fairly limited palett to avoid carrying too much weight around

These are the colours I use:
Cadmium Red
Permanent Rose
Ultramarine Blue
Cobalt
Cadmium Yellow
Lemon Yellow
Yellow Ochre
Burnt Umber
Alkyd Titanium White (it dries fast)

Brushes
A selection of bristle filberts, flats and a rigger. I find the Rosemary & Co Ivory range very good quality and value
The brush washer is essential. It hangs on the side of my box, has a sieve for the sludge to fall through and seals up tightly. Tip: hammer a small Toly hook on the side to hang pot on.

Canvases
I use mainly canvas board and keep to 10” – 12” and under for two reasons. I can complete a picture quicker and they are easier to transport. In the studio I prepare the board firstly by applying a coloured ground, this can be the scrapings off the pallet from the days painting to prevent waste. The next thing is to glue four matchsticks to the back. This is how I transport wet paintings, they stack on top of each other. Top one clean and taped together with masking tape.
The boards I use are Loxley or Jacksons linen oil primed, usually 10" x 12" or 10" x 10"

Travelling abroad,
I buy a roll of linen canvas which I cut into sizes 12" x 14" & 12" x 12"
I take just a few 3mm MDF boards and tape canvas onto them. Still separated by matchsticks.
At the end of the day they are then taped to the wall of my accommodation to dry. And the next day’s canvases prepared.
All I have to take home is a neat pile of canvas, which can be dry mounted on to board at home.
I use Griffin Alkyd fast drying white to ensure the pictures are dry

Now you have your kit sorted the next thing to do is to get out there.
Here are some of my top tips

Stay Warm
My best buy was some skiing trousers. Charity shops have plenty at this time of year. Also fingerless gloves and a hat are essential. Extra socks and try standing on a piece of insulation board. That stops the cold creeping up.

Location & Subject
Decide where you are going beforehand otherwise you’ll waste time driving around looking. When you arrive, spend time looking round, the first subject you saw may not be the best. Learn to be selective and don’t be afraid to leave things out. Remember you are making your picture and not copying a photograph. Try to capture the essence of the scene in front of you.

Work Small and Quickly
Speed will come with experience, working on a smaller scale will enable you to complete a painting in less time. Use larger brushes, don’t put in much detail too soon and rely on your observational skills. I hardly ever spend more than hour and a half on a painting as light and shadows can change so fast

Avoid Onlookers
This can be a major concern for the not so confident but you must remember that they are mostly genuinely interested and will admire what you are doing. Try to position yourself against a wall or object that will prevent people coming up and looking over your shoulder. Earphones whether connected or not will put people off trying to talk to you. Also, avoid eye contact. If all this fails just smile politely and say ”Sorry, I can’t talk right now as I only have a short time to get this done”

Above all, don’t get despondent. I have learnt a lot from my failures, and there have been many. It’s what keeps me painting knowing that the next one is going to be brilliant!  And just think of all that lovely fresh air that you’re getting

Join Mo on a Plein Aire painting holiday at
Dedham Hall July 25^th – 1^st August 2015