Rocky Bed

Rocky Bed

8 x 10, oil

I never thought I would get into painting boats. I was wrong. I am really enjoying the visual exploration of the shapes and colours. The different reflections that subtly come about on the shiny sides whether they are in shadow or sunlight. The nuances of colour and the distortion of shapes too. 

There is something very romantic about a boat in harbour - especially an empty one. It speak of adventures had and to come; of rest and yet anticipation; of imagination and wonderment. There are people always present having just left the scene or are due to come back into it. They are the living ghosts of the mysterious stories behind the travels of the vessel. 

I am studying with a renowned English painter this weekend. He is in the historic Wapping Group of painters and we will be painting boats in the harbour in a little seaside working harbour called Whitstable. The boat paintings I have been doing from my photo references have been in preparation for the different shapes and conditions that I will be doing from life.

Waiting to Float Again

Waiting to Float Again

9 x 12, oil on panel

SOLD

A last minute long weekend trip took us to North Devon and a little village called Clovelly that was first settled 2500 years ago! The town was amazing - no cars, very cobbly streets that only donkeys can manage along with the fit human. They delivered the goods to the houses and few businesses via a crudely made sled of 2 x 4 rungs nailed to a shallow plastic bin of sorts. The entire village is owned by one man and his family has owned it for 100s of years. EVERYBODY there rents from him - no one else owns property there but him. And as you can see, the base of this village is at the sea with this little harbor and a lovely hotel, where we stayed right on the shore. 

The boats were fascinating. I can't remember ever painting boats before. Great challenge, one that I will be doing again for sure. In fact, this weekend I am taking a workshop at a fisherman's harbour not too far away from home so this painting was great preparation for it.

The Progression of the painting, "Learning from Mama"

I thought I would give a little insight into the process of the last painting. 

Learning from Mama

Learning from Mama

16 x 8, oil on panel

SOLD

I am having more fun with the new elongated format. I also am re-in-love with the gypsy horses and their gorgeous mane and feathers. So instead of the tail end of this Millie, this time I thought I would show her beauty from the front. again, this is a reference photo I took 3 years ago and thank goodness I took so many photos then. 

Newborn's Nap

Newborn's Nap

5 x 10, oil on panel

SOLD

On the farm where we are living it is the time of year for foaling. Seeing these darling newborn horses is such a delight. Some years there are up to 8-10 newborns and when they lay napping it looks like a killing field as they seem to lay dead. And of course they are just being babies needing rest.

This painting is actually from a reference photo I took the first year were here (over 3 years ago already!!). Now this horse (Wobbly is his name) is a beautiful full grown 3 year old who is about to be trained for the saddle. I have yet to do a painting of him all grown up but it will come.

Girl with a Stick

Girl with a Stick

12 x 6, oil on panel

I do love a backlit scene. This one hopefully captures her innocence and mystery as she walks along lost in thought with a found stick to take along as a friend. Simplified background. Just suggestions of the details on the body. I want to do  more of these.

I am also experimenting with the new format of an elongated panel. Lots of different things to consider when working in this shape. 

A Collage of Some of my Animal Paintings

 

There is something pure, innocent and somewhat mysterious about animals as they interact with each other and with people. I love capturing that in a painting. Mom and baby, owner and pet, groups, no matter what, there is a relationship going on that is without words. I hope you enjoy this collage. I may be posting more of them down the road. Some are available, some are not. If you are interested in any of them let me know and I will get back to you on if I still have it.

The Lone Tree - Reposting one of my favourites

Lone Tree

9 x 12

One of the things I love about England is her trees - all of them. But the ones that speak to me the most are the tall and stately lone fir trees that are like silent giants watching over the land. This one was guarding the not-yet-plowed farming field. The irregular overall shape of the tree and the distant haze made for a composition that I thought showed off the scene well.

In June there is a 16 day period that is called "SouthEast Open Studios" where artists in South East England open their homes and/or studios for the public to visit and possibly purchase their work. This is the second year I will be in it. This painting is the one that I chose to be in the book for the show. I really love it.