Paint Out Norwich 2015

I was lucky to be chosen again this year to take part in PON. In all 40 artists were selected. We painted over two days. A location of our choice in the in the morning and in the afternoon a different spot. Each time we were allowed three hours to paint.
The first day was glorious. I painted in the market place.

The Basket stall, Norwich Market 12" x 10" oil on board

 After handing in my wet painting I got the next canvas stamped and went off to paint in Pottergate. The sun was casting wonderful light across the road.

Pottergate, Norwich 14" x 18" oil on linen canvas

Unfortunately the next day, Wednesday, we had rain, not deterred  we all headed out into the city, I managed to find shelter under the canopy of Jarrolds department store. I looked towards the flower stall that I painted last year, a favourite subject for a lot of artists.

Reflections, Norwich 10" x 10" oil on board

As the rain eased off I went to Elm Hill in the afternoon, the light on the wet cobbles as a challenge.

Elm Hill 18" x 14" oil on linen

On Thursday we had a free morning and were then taken by bus to Mousehold Heath for lunch after which we painted from the heath which has wonderful views over the city. It was a special day as it was open to the public to join us in a mass paint out. Over 100 artists painted on the heath that day - what a sight!

After we framed our wet paintings they were taken to The Hostry at Norwich Cathedral to be hung for the Private view and auction on the Friday night. Each artist chose one painting for the auction with a reserve, I picked my painting of the flower stall in the rain. It's nerve racking seeing your painting going under the hammer but I was pleased with the result and met the lovely buyers afterwards. They asked me to pose with the painting.
After the auction, prize winners were announced, the last thing I was expecting was to win anything as the standard was so high so, I was more than shocked to win overall second prize and delighted I must say.

Second Prize!!!

Paint Out Norwich is one of the most organised and best put together events I ever been to. There is such a fantastic team of people that work so well together - and they are SO nice.
If you are even just a little bit tempted to apply for next years event, I would say - "go for it"

Keep an eye on their web site  Paint Out Norwich

Venice

2nd - 9th October I was in Venice with my dear friend Felicity, unfortunately Haidee that organised the trip had to pull out at the last moment. I was very excited as, although I had been to Venice twice before, I'd never had the opportunity to paint. A fine American artist, Wyllis Heaton, that we met in Morocco was also going to join us..
The first day we headed down to the fish market where we met Lori McNee & Cory Wright from the States. Two very talented artists. We hit it off straight away and from there on dined together in the evenings.

Fish Market, Venice 8" x 8"

The Vegetable Market 8" x 8"

A quiet Corner 8" x 8"

We had a couple of days of rain but were still able to get out. The next three paintings were painted from a sheltered spot

Umbrellas in Venice 8" x 8"

Venetian Doorway 8" x 8"

Green Door, Venice 8" x 8"

One morning we got up really early to paint the sunrise. You had to be very quick to capture it and I kind of missed it but it was really nice to be in St Mark's square without all the tourists.

My favourite squares were right near our apartment

I apologise for the poor quality of the photos. I still haven't got round to taking proper photographs.
In all I completed 18 oil paintings in the week we were there. I can't wait to go back.

30 in 30 completed

I did it, I managed to paint every day bar two this last month. I feel I have made progress as an artist. I have also learnt to discipline myself more. I have enjoyed the challenge in spite of it being a really busy month for me.
I am off to Venice on Friday for - yes , you guessed it - more painting.
here is a collage of some of the paintings I completed this last month.

Day 29 of 30 Dedham

This is a painting revisited. I had done it on the spot whilst at Dedham but it was too sketchy so as I was short of time yesterday I decided to rework it. It's better than it was and had I had more time I'd have started on a new canvas - always the better option.

Rowing Boats at Dedham 10" x 12" oil on board

I was delighted to find out yesterday that my painting of the Beach Cafe at Winterton won the first prize of £1000 at the final exhibition of Brush With the Broads. Quite a surprise as there were some very good paintings done in those four days by some very talented artists

Beach Cafe, Winterton

                                                                     And it sold!!

Days 24 - 28 Brush with the Broads

I have just returned from an amazing four days away, painting on the Norfolk Broads.
This is the second year that Norfolk artist Linda Mathews has organised A Brush With the Broads.
Unfortunately there has been little or no internet so have not been able to post here but trust me - I have been wielding those brushes. Mostly doing three paintings each day.

The first day we went to Winterton on Sea. Lovely stretches of sand and a convenient cafe for coffee.
this is the first one of the day which I was most pleased with

Beach Cafe, Winterton 8" x 8" oil

Second picture I was going to scrape off but just might try to rework it

Winterton beach

Leaving there I drove with my friend Naomi to Horsey, didn't fancy that so went to How Hill, painted by the river Ant, was a bit tired by now and wasn't pleased with results but here it is

River Ant at How Hill 12" x 12" oil

 

Next day I got up early and went out because I wanted to be back in time to hear Adebanji Alade give a talk, I went down to the nearest boat yard.

Acle Boats 8" x 8" oil

I obviously han't had enough coffee, the tree looks like a bad haircut.

Not being too disheartened I went off after an excellent demo and talk by  Adebanji down to St Benets Abbey, This view stopped me in my tracks. It had everything Norfolk could offer, big sky, river, cows, a windmill and boats.

Nr St Benets Abbey, 14" x 18" oil

I then painted this of the Abbey, although it was getting late the sky hadn't quite turned the beautiful colours that I saw on my way home

St Benets Abbey 12" x 12" oil

Next day was Yarmouth day. I started it off by leading a workshop for the public. Here is my completed demo which the participants then had a go at their own version with very good results.

Demo at Yarmouth

At 1pm Linda sounded a claxon which commenced the start of the quick draw. Artists had two hours to create their painting. I was quite pleased with mine and stopped an hour and a half in before I overworked it.

Yarmouth Pier 12" x 12" oil

I then nipped off and did a quick sketch of a fine building on the seafront that had caught my eye earlier.

Sea Front 8" x 8" oil

When I got back to to base (a marquee on the front) the public had already turned out in force to look at the paintings and cast their vote for the favourite. They would have had a hard job to choose as the standard was very high.

We are already talking about booking for next year. We all had so much fun.

Day 23 of 30 Riverside

Have been busy getting ready for 'A Brush With The Broads" today and little time to paint.
 I re worked this one that I painted in January. I felt that the composition was good but didn't like the sky or the colours I'd used, still not sure about it but at least I painted.

Riverside Walk 12" x 12" oil

Paints are now all packed up and in the car ready for four days of painting on the Norfolk Broads.
I shall be holding a free workshop for the public in Great Yarmouth on the Sunday. Come and say hello if you are around

Day 22 of 30 More Sky

I so enjoyed yesterday's sky I thought I'd have another go. It's still not free enough and maybe a bit too yellow, but - hey, I had fun.

Sun Breaking through 12" x 12" oil on board