Saturday 2 January 2010

Hamish - New Flatmate

Not for Sale. 20" x 30". Acrylic

This is Hamish, my new flatmate. He has pride of place over my bath. Yes, that's right. The poor guy. I am very happy with him and he does add a bit of Africa to my flat. I've always loved giraffes because of their inquisitive natures and their long eyelashes of course.

I was supposed to paint him as part of a demonstration but I got so carried away that I ended up finishing the painting well before the allocated evening. I did enhance his expression to suit the location and had great fun with that. I cannot believe that I am enjoying Acrylics again. I have found a comfortable way to work with them. I hope Hamish puts a smile on your face as he does mine.

Adie and Hamish

Still Life with Vase and Onions

Oil Painting for sale. 16" x 22" on linen canvas.

I have finally finished this painting. I can't believe it! It took me quite a while to complete mainly because I had to paint it in blocks due to my teaching business. I really enjoyed the process. It was such a challenge which is exactly what I need from time to time. I learned so much from this painting. Again, the smell of oil paint is intoxicating. Am I sad or what?!

It is so rewarding to finally capture those wonderful textures, from the smooth pottery, to the onions and finally the rough fabric. I really do hope that I can paint in a North facing studio one day... any sponsors out there?

Church of Croagnes in Provence

Watercolour & Gouache 30" x 22". For Sale.

This particular church is situated in quite a special place. It is perched on a hill behind the hamlet where we go on our painting holidays in the south of France. The route to get there has become a familiar walk for us either in the morning or after dinner. One of my students took this photograph during his painting holiday in May when the poppies were out. Irresistible! I love red and orange and poppies for that matter.

This painting was painted whilst I was working with the Jacksons Art Group in Whyteleaf. I then finished it in my studio. I used a heavy cold pressed Saunders Waterford watercolour paper. I armed myself with my size 30 cosmotop-spin da vince brush and went for it. Big washes, big sweeping strokes, water sprayer and the odd dribble = result. I kept the detail to a minimum and used gouache to create those valuable tinted highlights.