Day 7. Power Station

Had a busy day today, delivering paintings, packing up the Christmas decs, organising a painting course, a trip to the Lincolnshire gallery and a bit of shopping so, I left it a bit late to get my painting done.
I drove around looking for inspiration and settled on this view of Spalding's power station.
I loved the long shadows across the cabbage field and the light in the foreground puddles.

Spalding power station  8" x 10" oil on board

Here is a photo of the painting in situ

Spalding Power Station. 10" x 8" oil on board

Day 6. Blakeney

Back home in Lincolnshire, so much to do having been away so long and not not being well before Christmas.
First job was to take down the decorations - so many!!!
I kept putting off the painting today as it was so cold out and to be honest, Lincolnshire isn't any way near as inspiring as Norfolk. Eventually I lit the  fire in the studio and went through a few old sketch books, after several cups of tea and quick tidy ups I settled on a picture of Blakeney.
I tried to put myself back on the spot and limited my time to get a plein air feel to the painting

 

 

 

Blakeney. 10" x 14" oil on board

 

Not sure if I achieved my objective but at least I managed to get my painting done

Day 5. Frosty Morning

OO, brilliant sunshine this morning, only downside was that there was a sharp frost. Donning extra layers I popped into the field to paint the cottage next door.
Really enjoyed painting this but felt a bit rushed as we have to visit neighbours for drinks at 12, pack up the cottage, deliver a painting and head back to Lincolnshire today.

Sheringham Road, 10" x 12" Oil on board

Day 4. Shattered beach huts

Stormy wet morning so I worked this painting from a sketch I started yesterday before getting rained off. The storm had done much damage to the pier and seafront at Cromer. Not surprising then to see a heap of coloured wood at the base of the cliffs. These used to be much valued beach huts.
A few people were out strolling in spite of the threatening rain, I liked the way they reflected in the wet sand.

Approaching storm 10" x 12" oil on board

Day 3 Cromer Beach in the Rain

Very grey this morning with a few showers, wondered if I'd manage to get out. Fortunately by mid morning there were a few blue patches in the sky so quickly nipped to Cromer 5 miles away. The tide was just on its way out so the sand was reflecting the amazing sky and the pier. I set up facing into the wind this meant I had to hang on to the easel with one hand. The sky was changing so quickly it really was a challenge to capture the feel of it. Also very hard to paint straight lines as the wind kept blowing my hand to the side. Reading this back you must be thinking, Why do I bother? Well, there is nothing quite like being there, although I will say the weather could have been kinder

Cromer Pier 10" x 14" oil on board

I did turn round and start another painting after this but 5 minutes in the heavens opened. I carried on for another 5 but, oil and water don't mix!

           10 minute sketch in the rain. Cromer Beach

Day 2. Bitterly Cold

Went to Blakeney today and was shocked by the storm devastion. This boat was left high and dry, at least 50 metres from its mooring. Lots of people were out walking in spite of the bitter cold. I had to give in in the end as I couldn't feel my fingers.

High and Dry 10" x 12" oil on board

Day 1 A Good Start

I've decided that to get the year off to a good start re painting I would once again join Artist Leslie Saeta in doing a painting a day in January. Each day artists post their paintings on Leslie's blog.

I didn't think I'd make it today as we spent the night in Nottinghamshire celebrating the new year with old friends and new. We left at 11am, quick dash to Lincolnshire to collect clothes  and then on to Norfolk. We got here at 3.30, light was fading fast so I had to move pdq.
This picture painted in rapidly fading light is the view from just outside our cottage

10" x 12" oil on board Sheringham Road, West Beckham