midsummer

Actually even though it felt like mid-summer today the summer is  winding to a close. Where is the year going? So much to do and not enough time to do it all. This watercolour painting is another view in my garden. I enjoyed toying with a slightly different palette.

New work

I have just sent a collection of these delightful little creatures to Arts in Oxford for their annual exhibition of local artists, along with some other smaller watercolour paintings inspired by my garden. Anyone in the Canterbury area over December-January period are invited to drop in to view this exhibition.
These colourful  visitors frequent the bird feeder in my garden during the winter when food is scarce and provide much enjoyment with their antics.

The end of a busy but very satisfying day! Today was the opening of my first exhibition for my art students work. The studio/classroom has been transformed into a gallery, my students' paintings have been matted, framed and hung. Friends, neighbours and family have lingered and enjoyed food, conversation and paintings, crowding the tiny gallery and spilling out into the garden. All seemed to enjoy themselves and students totally affirmed by the positive response. I have to say I am totally proud of their accomplishments.

and here he is...

....the beautiful Carbon - pastel. I do hope my friend likes him as I've made some adjustments to his colouring to make the picture more interesting. (How far can you take artistic license? What do you think?) Thoroughly enjoyed drawing this one but always some trepidation over whether it will be acceptable to the new owner. Thanks for looking.

New work on the drawing board

Life sometimes crowds out art. That's how its been this year. Family and teaching seem to be gobbling up all my time and I haven't had anything worth posting. Until now. Really enjoying getting back into some detailed work after playing around with loosening up with watercolour. This one is destined as a thankyou gift for a friend who has been amazingly and sacrificially helpful during our time of need.

Its been snowing since 2am and my back yard has been transformed into a picturesque landscape. And still it has not abated. I do believe winter has arrived. 

Ancient Words, Ever True

This year is turning out to be a very busy one, what with one thing or another, but just so you know I am still here and still painting I will share this pastel portrait of a young friend.Thanks looking.