Local Exhibition

There's a local exhibition coming up in a few weeks time. If you are in the area you might like to pop in and have a look. The Friends of St Mary's Church, Capel St Mary are holding their Art Exhibition and Sale from 22nd to 24th October inside the church. With over 40 artists taking part there should be more than 250 paintings to look at and buy. On Friday 22nd at 7.30pm there will be a preview evening. Tickets are £6, the cost to include light refreshments and a glass of wine. Saturday times are 10am - 5pm : Sunday times are 1pm - 5pm. Admittance is free and non-alchoholic refreshments will be available. For further information ring Joan Broyden on 01473 310596.

New Class Dates

Today is a catch-up day and I don't mind the rain when I'm stuck in the office all day long. With several supply orders being delivered today I know I'm not going to miss the delivery man too. Catch-up means website work and consequently I've just updated my class timetable page and added a few more dates and a few more painting's. Accounts are the next thing to be brought up to date, then the phone calls for other sundry bits and bobs. I quite like days like this - although I wouldn't want them too often......it reminds me of my full time office days too much.

Don't say I didn't warn you.......

Earlier this week we had a Pop Art class. From that class, 1 lady wants to return soon to paint another of her grand children, another lady has been asked to paint another one for her daughter and wants to paint both her nieces also, another lady posted her pop art portrait on facebook. The comments being left by family and friends tell me she'd easily be able to pick up a few portrait commissions. One thing I tell Pop Art students.........as soon as you start showing people what you have made EVERYONE will want one. And it's true. And that means there's an opportunity for students to undertake commissions of their own. If you fancy having a go at this really fun a popular painting class, I have one this week on Thursday, and I do have a spare seat available. Guaranteed results. Drop me a line or give me a call on 01473 311938 if you'd like to come along. (Hey, not to mention I have cake............)

My 'other' hobby

I'm at it again. It's been a while since I had a bake up and today was the perfect day for it. With the house to myself all day long I switched on the radio LOUD and had a good look in the cupboards. With eggs beginning to pile up again, first on the menu was 3 large farmhouse fruit cakes, followed by 2 dozen rock buns. Next up, a home made white loaf had the kitchen smelling wonderful combined with 8 pints of rich leek and potato soup. We have quite a lot of apples to use, so they went into 2 family sized apple pies, the rest were stewed up and popped in freezer bags. The customary tray of flap jacks were thrown into the oven, as it was on.....and whie I was on a roll with the pastry I thought I'd do a tray of large cheese scones. Although I sit here with an aching back after nearly 5 hours in the kitchen, it's so rewarding to know the freezer, fridge and cake tins are full of goodies. Aren't Alan and Steffi going to have a nice surprise when they get home?

Experiment for yourselves - and save some money

Many of you know already but for those of you who don't. In all my trials and tests on oils paints I have found pretty much most popular brands are suitable for the wet on wet technique. In today's class I quite happily proved this by using a total of not 1, not 2 but 5 different brands of paint. As I'm not tied into using any specific brands I'm free to use exactly what I want. One thing I will not do is compromise on standard and if it doesn't pass the test it finds itself left on a shelf somewhere in the dark and cobwebby recesses of my studio. With all these brands of paint squirted onto the palette side by side they all looked the same in consistency. You'd never know...... It's far better to pay attention to the actual quality of your painting surface, your base medium and the brushes you use. I really hope, as a tutor, I open up the many options available to students who want to set themselves up at home. Can anyone remember the test I done about 5 years ago? I painted 2 versions of the same painting side by side using identical brushes. Painting number 1 was made with student quality paint. Painting number 2 was made with professional artist paint. To give you a paint price comparison a 37ml tube of cad red student quality paint is £1.99, a 37ml tube of cad red professional artist quality paint is £10.39. 7 colours were used for the painting subject. When the painting was completed and dried I used to take them both along to art classes, explain what I had done, and ask the students to pick out which was the 'dear' one. And not many could. In one class I had another art instructor who studied both paintings, laughed and said 'Ha, it's obvious' and picked the wrong one. So, have fun, experiment, if you like a colour but it's not your usual brand - try it, the chances are in your favour it will probably work for you and mix in with your other paints just fine.

Well and truly bitten by the bug

It's not unusual to try a wet on wet style oil painting lesson and get bitten by the bug. After, all it's exactly what happened to me a few years ago and look where I am now! However, I don't think I've ever had someone book as many painting lessons as my new best friend, Cassie. Basically, she came along for one session and booked up every single class, with private sessions in between. Today was one of her private sessions - and she brought some friends with her too. What a lovely way to paint. You know everyone else in the class - and that's where the banter kicks in. All of my ladies are American and it was lovely hearing the sunny accent again - the last young lady who spoke it here a month ago was Joyce Ortner. Cassie's friends are total newbies to oil painting and were a little sceptical that they could achieve a masterpiece with their current skill sets and knowledge. Of course, anyone who has tried this technique already knows different....as long as you are shown how, explained why and demonstrated the whats, whos and the wheres, it's 100% possible.

Hello world

I'm sat here in the middle of some admin tasks wondering what to write for my news entry for today. This may interest you, it may not. It's certainly nothing to do with art. Sometimes I look into my website statistics more deeply than others - some days I don't look at them at all. To be honest, there's so many aspects to the statistics charts and I can't say I understand them all. I just concentrate on the more important figures - like what pages are popular, how people are finding me, what their word searches are. Where my referrals are coming from. It's very rare that I view the actual country locations of my readers but this afternoon I thought I'd check it out. Wanna know ? Going straight to the top of the chart we have the UK, followed by the USA. That I expect. Next we have - in order of sessions - Australia, Germany, Russia, Japan, China (that means I can expect some spam emails), Uruguay, Sweden, Ukraine, France, Mauritius, Spain, Colombia, Austria (Hello Helga), Bulgaria, Canada, Netherlands, Portugal, Indonesia, Israel and finally Kenya. Some visitors' locations fall under the heading 'un resolved' - no idea what that could mean. Some fall under the heading 'EU'. So - a big hello to the world, I'm watching you watching me........or rather, these beautiful blue eyes are watching you. They are the work of my recent portrait student. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Inspiration from a student..........mmmmm

Today's student, Lynne, has given me an amazing idea for a new painting subject and I just hope I get the time to work something out to see if it's viable. Even better if I can get it organsied this side of Christmas (there's that word again!). Today I taught Lynne a seascape using many of Joyces techniques. A more traditional style of painting, but a style where you can really tickle out some lovely details and effects. You do need a light hand for this and Lynn, managed just that with some amazing results, as you can see here. Lynne, always at the end of a painting session will critique her own painting very harshly indeed - always striving to do better and better. After today's lesson all she could fault was that she wished she had put 2 rocks in her painting instead of 3 - so that speaks volumes to me. Well done Lynn and thanks for the marvellous inspiration.

Portraiture in 3D - the new craze ?

I'm tempted to teach portraiture with a difference. Maybe some 3D effects would be quite cool. I've been experimenting with a couple of ideas - see what you think. Here's the story.......when I teach portraiture I need to have something to work on to use as the demo. One of the demo portraits currently on my easel is of my daughter, Stef. She was quite surprised to come home from work to see the underpainting stage, and I think she's quite chuffed with it so far too. She's already cleared a space on her bedroom wall, so that's a good sign. Now I've told her it will be a basic portrait and I don't intend to paint in her fiddly jangly dangly earrings. She's insisting I do. Jokingly, last night I took the portrait upstairs to her bedroom, found the earrings in question and tried to sell her my new 3D effect. I could simply pierce her ear on the canvas and loop the earring through - voila. In the spirit of artistic licence, I also took one of her longest, fullest, blackest false eyelashes and stuck it to the top of her eye - enhancing the dimensions and giving the portrait a very lifelike, touchy-feely concept. I guess you had to be there - but it was a right giggle. Of course, I'm joking, I'll paint in the eyelashes and a lot of other details too - still not sure about those earrings though.......what do ya reckon?

Popular Pop'in

During yesterday's pop art class, students painted a mixture of subjects - both celebrity and family members. It was a first time for all students and all of them were just a little doubtful as to how well they would do. That's when you just HAVE to trust your teacher....... Relax, put yourself in my hands, leave the worrying to me. It's what you are paying me for. Pop art is such a cool way to make a unique and personalised gift for someone special. Many of those who have learned it have received requests to paint more....and more.....and more. So, bearing this in mind and being well aware of the 'C' word that will be upon us in a few months, I am adding more Pop Art Classes to my class timetable. Your Pop Art session can be spent in several ways. You can start the work on a particularly complex and large portrait, or you can complete a 'normal' one. If you can't finish a Pop Art in the one session it is very, very easy to continure working at home - and several students have done this with 100% success. On the other hand, I have some students who use their class to prep several canvases with the sole purpose of working on many of them at home - enough to keep them ticking over for a few weeks. It's a great way of taking full advantage of my equipment. I only take on a few students at a time in a Pop Art class, which means it's a very intimate and friendly session - probably the next best thing to a private lesson. If you'd like to give it a go - click here to see the details of my next session. And if you can't wait - there's always private.

Back to work.......

The holiday break has been great - and so has the weather, which was a welcome bonus. It's back to business as usual now though. Student Sue and I have kicked off the week by working on her second portrait lesson. All the colours have been added over the underpainting, many facial details have been completed, we've worked the background and started on the clothing. I'm fully confident this can be totally finished off on one more lesson. The portrait lessons are taught in 3 hour blocks and will continue until the painting is complete. Each block is £45 (weekday rate) and the price includes everything you need to make the portrait. It's a great way of working, with classes running (normally) from 10am till 1pm. Other times can be arranged if needed. Next summer I will be running evening classes from 6pm to 9pm to suit those of you who work full time. For more details on portraiture classes CLICK HERE

Learn to paint portraits

People have been asking about Portrait oil painting lessons for some time now. Portrait painting in oils is something I took up back in June 2009. I sat down one day with a photo of Capt. Jack Sparrow, played Valerie Stewart's demo DVD and had a go. I liked her style and technique A LOT. I've painted many portraits since then. Some have featured on my website, some (more private ones) haven't. I've taken on several commissions and I have to say, I totally enjoy every aspect of portraiture. What I want readers to know, basically, is the experience that lays behind the teaching. I have involved Valerie in many of my portrait works over the past 15 months. She's been just an email away every step of the way. Just before she came to the UK, 3 months ago, she announced that I was ready to teach portraits. During her 4 day seminar in June, I gave teaching a go and assisted some of the students. I paid very close attention to Valerie's teaching style, the way she corrected mistakes, picking up as much information as I could. Valerie has given me the benefit of her years of expertise freely. Although I may have been ready to teach a few months ago, I actually haven't had the opportunity to do so, (due to prior committments), until today. I have opened up a new web page showing some photos from today's class and giving you all the details of how portraiture classes work. If you CLICK HERE you'll see how we got on in this exciting new class.

Demonstration / Talks to groups

Last week I had a last minute demo to do for an Art Group. Another demonstrator, due to ill health, was unable to make the appointment. Luckily I was free and enjoyed giving another talk to this lovely lot of ladies. They are becoming very familiar faces to me indeed as I've given them 2 exclusive classes. I've taught some in my own classes, some have come for private tuition and some keep popping up in other local art groups too. Although I pretty much have a demo kit always at the ready I somehow spent an amazing 3 hours getting a wide range of bits and bobs together and loading my car. So...............that was the morning gone. Mind you, it only takes me 15 minutes to un load and put everything back again. Because these ladies have seen me so many times before I really do have to think of new and inventive things to show them each time. Plus, as it's an art group they like me to bring along my mobile art shop so they can perhaps invest in some art supplies.

If anyone / group / association has had me demo before , rest assured, if you have me back I can always show you something new. From August I will be demo-ing portraiture too, so that may be of interest. And if ever I run out of things to show you with a paint brush, you could always have me over to demonstrate how to play a saxaphone (badly) - or - if you really want to be entertained, I'm known for some of my magic tricks. Do call me on 01473 311938 or drop me a line if you are interested in a live painting demo.

More Class Dates

I've just added some more dates to the painting classes page. There's some special offers on there, there's some shorter and cheaper classes too. Many of you will be interested in another Pop Art class, to be held in the new venue in Stowupland on Tuesday October 12th. Be sure to book in early for that one as I know it will be an opportunity for many of you to produce a very unique portrait in time to give as a Christmas gift. (Ooooops....... did I use that 'C' word a little too early? Only 15 days to go, not that I'm counting.)

Let the sun shine in.....

Recently influenced by the beautiful weather, I was determined to create a new painting class subject and sat browsing through some holiday photos for inspiration. I flung open the double doors of my studio and let the sun and heat stream in - I put my new CD on the player, turned up the volume. I made myself a lovely glass of cold pineapple juice. Out came the paints and off we went. It almost takes me as long to record each stage in my note book as it does to paint it. But - my notes are vital if I want to re-create it as exactly as I can. If any of you are familiar with Joyce Ortner, you'll know that's the way she works too. She even suggests keeping a 'recipe book' for al the colours that you mix, which is a great idea too. Anyways - I leave you with Cor Phew. You can see a larger version of this painting in my class subjects gallery.

My first........

Just to draw your attention to the August 8th painting subject in Capel St Mary - an old 'un but a good 'un. Mangrove Oasis. This painting was the subject of my first ever 'big' class many years ago. Boy, was I nervous that day. It's been painted several times since and each time I introduce little changes to it. I've just updated the class gallery to show a more recent version of the painting, which was made recently in a private lesson - in fact, I made two again, a mini and a maxi version. If you'd like to come along and learn to paint this vivid scene with me in August do drop me a line or give me a call on 01473 311938. If I have your deposit for the class before the end of July I'll give you a complimentary small canvas so you too can paint a mini and maxi version at the same time.

Update on Special Offers

Hi everyone. Are you all making the most of this lovely Summer we've been having so far? It's almost too nice to spend time indoors painting - almost.

Do you know, I've sat here and received about half a dozen emails today from Tescos, M&S, Amazon and various other companies all promoting their various special offers. I tend to send minimal newsletters and updates and rely on folk visitng my Sue's News page for announcements.

Sue's News can be found on this link http://www.ayoubart.co.uk/page_160.html

Not everyone is a reader of Sue's News and as some of my special offers are for a limited period only I thought I'd just update on Blogger so you can have the opportunity to take advantage of some price reductions.

Firstly, I am trying a new venue in Stowupland. I have a shorter 4 hour class booked for Thursday 8th August 10 -2. The introductory price for this venue is just £35 per person. We'll be painting the Northern Lights.

I have a class this Sunday (11th) in Capel Village Hall - Contemplation. 12.30 - 5 There's a couple of spaces left on this class and I am offering a £5 discount to anyone who wants a last minute seat.

I'm currently offering a special on private lessons to the end of September. Private classes are normally £65 per person. If there are 2 or more of you who are interested in a private class between July 12th and 30th September on a weekday, I am offering a massive discount of £20 and can offer the lesson at £45 per person. I can take up to 4 people at a time. The choice of painting subject will be yours.

My August painting subject in Capel is Mangrove Oasis. For anyone who sends me their deposits for this class before 31st July you will receive a complimentary mini canvas so you can make 2 paintings at the same time - returning home with a 'keeper' and a present.

You can find details of all these special offers on my classes page here: http://www.ayoubart.co.uk/17.html

Right, I think that's just about brought you up to date with these savings and I look forward to seeing some of you very soon. Meanwhile take care and enjoy the sun - we just don't know how long it will last.

Exciting news on the horizon

Watch this space for exciting news on my new 'learn to paint portraits' classes.

Closed for business

Just a quick line to let you know AyoubArt will be closed for a few days between 29th June and 4th July inclusive. All internet orders received so far (it's 9.30am) have been despatched already. It will be business as usual from 5th July, which will be my next posting day.

Summer - isn't it just great

If you've been following Sue's News on my main AyoubArt website, you'll know I've really been enjoying some lovely bike rides. (I received a bike for my birthday a few months ago replacing the one that was stolen from my drive). This morning my friend and I clocked up another 10 miles. We're getting quicker at this bike riding lark and are thinking about adding on a few miles to the circuit. We have several horrible hills to tackle on the route and as we emerge from one we are greeted with a lovely view of wide open fields with woods in the background. The soft greens of corn and barley fields are edged with the bright contrast of the delicate poppies. The vista is a nice reward for the uphill struggle. Just as I get to the top of the hill before turning into my cul-de-sac I saw this little fella fast asleep in the full sunshine - which I expect most of you were doing at that time in the morning. I've just received an e-mail from my daughter who wants me to go on the bike ride this evening when she gets home from work - what have I started? All good fun though and the exercise has been an essential part in maintaining my weight loss. Plus I enjoy it, I really do.

Pop Art - anything can be 'Popped' !

I know some of you couldn't make the Pop Art class at Heartlands for various reasons - but do not fear. We will be rescheduling another class for Pop Art there really soon. I have to think of people I want to paint as my demo subject so I can show you all how to do it - the things to avoid and the things that will make your Pop Arts look great. Yesterday I was looking at some paintings of my all time favourite artist ever - Salvador Dali.......so today I decided to paint him in a Che Guevara pose. He was quick for me to do so I also managed to finish off Eden - a golden labrador. Pop Art really applies to anything and everything. You could paint a landmark, a person, an animal .......whatever you want really. If you'd like to have a go at Pop Art sooner rather than later, you can always book in for a private lesson. I can take groups of up to 4 people in a private session - plus you receive a £5 discount each for 2 or more people.

Cheeky

Yesterday I caught up with all sorts of bits and bobs, some things arty - some things not. It took up most of my day. I was determined to get some painting time in, if only a few moments. As my WIP work is continually set up now in my new studio, everything is to hand. It makes things so much easier to paint, without disrupting the main house. I knew I only had about an hour, so, I changed the colour of Robbie Williams eyes from blue to green (still loads more to do on him so I won't bore you with a photo just yet). Another project I have on the back burner is a portrait of sorts. I want something very soft and gentle, very feminine. My new lounge doesn't have a single thing hanging on the wall and I want something quite different for an alcove. As you can see, there's loads more to do to this, I've really only laid in the underpainting and just 2 flesh tones. But, it means I did manage to get some painting time in and I'm a few steps further with both paintings' progression.

Portraiture for beginners and improvers

Here's a little News Flash that may interest fellow painters. As from July I will be teaching portraiture. It's something Valerie and I have been discussing for a while and, after the recent Portrait Seminar, the time is right. I must stress, portraiture cannot be completed in a single class and cannot really be compared to the wet on wet landscapes. To begin with, portraiture classes will be taught as private lessons or small groups of up to 4 people. If you'd like details about this sooner rather than wait until July, do feel free to contact me. Meanwhile, I leave you with Harry, my latest one.......I can share him with you now that he's been delivered and given the thumbs up by the family.

A sea of faces

Last week I enjoyed some time in my new painting area. I've been busy working on portraiture. I have hung various portraits in the studio, some complete and some are W.I.P's. It's been quite nice painting while being overseen by various celebrities and other faces. One little fella, Lucas, really makes me smile. Lucas is a baby and I've been painting him in a pose where he is lying on his belly with his head held up. As I look beyond the right of my easel his face looks full of curiosity and wonder. His turn next, he needs some details to his clothes, background and some final details to the face.

Have a look

I've also sized, croped and edited quite a few more photos taken at the Valerie Stewart Portrait Seminar. You can now view quite a large selection of works in progress, finished paintings and some extreme close up shots. I think you'll agree - there's some brilliant work there. CLICK HERE to be taken to the portrait class gallery page.

New product

I've uploaded some more photos of the portrait class - there's still many more to be added. From these images you'll be able to see a selection of what was acheived in the first 2 days only! CLICK HERE

Valerie uses a Kopy Kake projector to allow students to speedily and accurately make a very basic tracing of their photo onto the canvas. As Valerie says, she teaches painting, not drawing. These projectors are now available to purchase direct from my website at a cost of only £185 - CLICK HERE for the full details.

There's a 5 year guarantee too. This price includes delivery to any address in mainland UK. (Normal retail price is £255)

Customers Say......

I would like to share with you some testimonials. I asked students if they would write me a quick note to reflect their thoughts on Valerie's portrait seminar.

Brigid: I got on a plane from Ireland to come to Valerie's classes. What a great instructor. Calm, re-assuring and always praising the efforts you make, giving courage to go on. I will be back next year, if she comes back to the UK

Jim: I have completed two portrait paintings of my grandchildren. It is he closest 'likeness' I have managed in the last two years of trying. I am amazed by the wonderful likeness everyone on the course managed.

Helen: Dear Valerie & Sue. I have enjoyed this course better than any other I have been on. You have both made it so enjoyable and welcoming. I shall be taking not only my pictures with me but wonderful memories and a lot more knowledge. Thankyou again.

Edd: Thanks very much, Val. It was great.

Maxine: Valerie, I have been touched by your magic fingers. That has inspired me to look forward and take my own journey that will last a life time. Thankyou so much. Your new best friend.

Mo: WOW. What an experience. I am so glad my husband brought me this course for my birthday. I was so unsure when I started but the end results speak for themselves. WOW. Thanks again.

Pauline: Val & Sue. What a nervous novice I was on day 1. I booked the course and then fretted for days wondering if I'd done the right thing. Now on day 4 I cannot wait to go home and sing your praises to everyone I meet. Thankyou for your hospitality Sue and thankyou Valerie, you are a great tutor. See y'all next year, LUV U xx

Martin: To Val & Sue. What a great 4 Days I had. The company was brilliant. Your teaching is second to none. Hope to see you again very soon.Grace: Really enjoyed myself and I have learned loads.

Marion: Dear Valerie & Sue, Oh WOW. I have really enjoyed myself so much and truely cannot thank you enough. I am thrilled with my self-portrait and my hubbie's portrait and am amazed at Valerie's skill. A brush stroke here and there transforms the look. I take with me the desire to paint even more portraits and to have the confidence to put on colour (especially dark colours). I hope you come next year as I have already cleared the time off from my family if you do. Lots of love to you both.

Not a dry eye in the hall.....

Well, I can safely say all of the students who have taken part in the portraiture seminar have left the class with amazing paintings. We've had a few guests drop by this afternoon to admire the work and their feedback has given the students good reason to smile. I'll pop some images of the actual portraits on the website over the next few days so you can see for yourselves.

I have to take this opportunity to thank my lovely nephew, Edward. He has been ever vigilant in fetching paints, keeping the refreshments on the go, running errands at the drop of a hat, taking photos - the list goes on.

We were particularly touched after lunch today when Valerie, Edward & I were summoned to the dinner table. The lovely Pauline shushed everyone up, pulled a sheet of paper from her notes, stood up and read this:

Dear Sue
Your unassuming attitude
Your generous nature and servitude
Deserve a special mention in all our books
(And so does Robbie Williams' good looks)
For you - no gift - maybe a cup of tea
And a great big thanks for your Company
A special mention though,
About your cake
That recipe, I would like to take
Back home with me - so -
When I get a minuteI can bake, and not paint,
When my heart's not in it.
Please remember to keep in touch
'Cos we all shall miss you so very much

NOW

Dear Valerie,
A bouquet of flowers -We thought of that,
But you've no time to enjoy them -So that fell flat!
We all agreed that
Whatever we choose
'Twould be a waste
'Cos you're off on a cruise.
We all subscribed for this gift -You've not had
Then decided the dosh
Go to Edward instead!

This dear lad has been so good
Making us drinks & offering food
He deserves recognition for all
He has done
And we must say it now
Before we're all gone.
He's waited on us
Hand and foot -
But you, dear Valerie......U CAN KISS MY BUTT !!!
(I love you tho' xxx)

As Pauline read the Edward paragraph she walked around the table towards him and emptied a jug into his lap. The student's had made a secret collection and presented it to a very surprised and stunned teenager. Pauline's poem touched all our hearts having us laughing one minute and welling up the next.

What a lovely lot you are - and what a lovely job I have when it brings folk like this into my life.
I love you all and hope to paint with you again sometime soon.
From the heart - thankyou
xxxxxx

Day 3 and we're painting with friends

Day 3 of our portraiture lessons was so fulfilling to each and every student. These faces are coming alive before our eyes as some finer details are being added. It's been an amazing process. From the end of day one all the paintings looked finished - in a sepia/monochromatic way. From the end of day 2, once the basic skin tones and the eyes were completed - again we seemed to have finished paintings. Today we have been 'pushing and pulling'. That's Valerie's way of describing the enhancement of highlights and shadows. Eyelashes are going in, freckles are being added, the second stage to the background areas are being adjusted, stripes to shirts (well done Marion). All beautiful - really beautiful. If I had a pound (that's a quid to you, Valerie) every time I heard the words 'she's amazing', I'd be taking a sackfull to the bank. It's been an absolute privilege watching this very talented lady at work with her endless supply of positive energy. Many of us have learned plenty already from Valerie's DVD's but we have learned volumes from the extensive visual and verbal demos that are continually being illustrated throughout the last 3 days. With one more day to go we prepare once again to paint with our new friends. For more class photos CLICK HERE.

Day 2 and all is well

Day 2 of the portrait seminar is now over and the phenominal standard of all the work really has to be seen to be believed. This time I had a fully charged camera battery and Edward, our lovely helper, has been snapping away. For now, I'm showing some class shots. I've a number of photos of the actual portraits but I'm not going to put them on the web without getting permission from the student's just yet. I've started a new web page so you can get an idea of what's been going on. In just 2 days Valerie has won the hearts of every student in the hall. Her energy levels would put a teenager to shame and her customer service is second to none. Do have a look at how we're all doing HERE

Day 1 of the Portrait Classes

During the first part of Valerie's demo I went for my camera to get a group shot of the class and Valerie in action. Flat battery. Darn it. Once re-charged I will be able to get some snaps of everyone's portraits at the end of stage one first thing in the morning. We have the most amazing selection of portraits going on and they are all absolutely brilliant (and it's only stage 1). We're enjoying the process and we're enjoying everyone's progress. The class is such fun, very light hearted and the whole group have become mates. For now I'm going to have to leave you, very reluctantly, with one of mine. Believe me, I would much rather show you some of the student's work that's been going on today. Never mind, tomorrow I can share more. Do you know, I don't think there is a single student who has not left the classroom buzzin' today. All I can say is, Mrs Valerie Stewart is one of the most awesome instructors I think I have ever met. What she can do with just a couple of strokes of a brush has to be seen to be believed - AND, she's very good at multi-tasking.

Another scorcher !

This morning I woke up to another beautiful morning. The house was all still and quiet and I could see the brilliant sunshine through the window, beckoning. So, without thinking, I threw on some clothes, grabbed my sunglasses and set off on my bike. I'd intended a 7 mile route. A 'Road Closed' sign put paid to that......in a good way. I took a diversion, probably adding another 3 or 4 miles to my route. Through the country lanes with rape fields in bloom I pretty much had the roads to myself, apart from a few pheasants, a squirrel and some rabbits. I met a couple of cyclists en route, all geared up in their cycling shorts and streamlined helmets. Me....well I just ambled along with my bottle of water and camera in the shopping basket of my 3 geared bike. Here's a beautiful scene I stumbled upon. I was home by 7.30am and guess what......... The house was all still and quiet - few snores coming from the bedrooms.

Hot Hot Hot

Has it been a hot one where you all are? Yesterday morning at 9.30am Pauline, Alison and I set off headed for Stowupland again. We're organising a ramble for the WI ladies in August. Today we had a second trial run, taking in a different route. Pauline and I decided to cover a walk that we used to enjoy when we were about 10/11 years old. A slightly shorter walk this time led us through a farm, several fields and many country lanes with the occassional little stream. We stumbled upon a farm with an open day event. In we popped and spent a little while looking at the animals and stalls. We sat on a bale in the sun and enjoyed 3 cups of tea and 2 slices of cake for just over £2.50 for the lot ! A familiar face from my past school days served us too. I have to laugh at Pauline as she issued a warning to Alison. 'Be careful what you say and do and watch out when she gets the camera out as it could all end up on Sue's News" she said. Mmmmmm. Would I be so cheeky? I think not. Instead I shall leave you with a photo I took of a couple of cows.

Jimmy Carr Twitter - ed

There I was on Friday night, winding down ...... getting ready to watch a film ...... when I received a text message to say 'Jimmy Carr has just Twitterd about you' !! I couldn't resist quickly re-booting the computer just to see. Sure enough - he had. 2 subsequent text messages have asked me for my autograph. Stop it you lot !!

Jimmy Carr

On Friday I had 2 very important places to visit in town. Firstly I had an appointment with my hairdresser, Jim. His wit and banter is cheeky and it's always a good tonic to pay him a visit. My second appointment was to deliver something to another Jim who is equally well known for his wit & cheeky (!!) banter. Remember a while ago I made this oil portrait ......... ? Well, I need to deliver it to the theatre as my gift to one of the funniest comedians I've ever watched. I really hope he enjoys it as much as I enjoyed creating it.

Pumpkins throought the letter box

I've been known to receive all manner of things through the post from various students and readers. Today's post was interesting. Pumpkin plants !! May I say Liz, your packaging was brilliant and your plants have arrived safe and sound. In fact, they have travelled far better via Royal Mail than the little basil plant I picked up from a neighbour and tried to bring home in the basket of my bike. I think most of the soil got shaken out with each bump I rode over.

Art Demonstration for SODA

It was my pleasure to travel to nearby Needham Market last week. It was a beautiful sunny and hot day so the roof was open and the music was on. My legs were positively burning through my jeans with the heat from the sun. I decided, as I had ample time, to take the scenic route and avoid the A roads. It's such a delight driving throught the narrow country lanes and to see the trees full of green once again. I was booked to do an oil painting demonstration for S.O.D.A, the Society of Disabled Artists. A small, friendly and intimate group and very welcoming. We had some giggles, I had some heckles and it's all in a very pleasant day's work.

Garden work

I'm not enjoying the cold snaps we've been having. Like fellow painter Liz, my runner beans have been ruined by frost and not one has survived. Luckily I've got a few more in pots behind glass and I'll get those planted out maybe in a few weeks. I've a couple of hanging baskets planted up that are in the greenhouse for the time being, and a few outside tomatoes that are still indoors until I'm pretty certain they too won't get taken by the cold nights. Yet, my strawberry planter is looking lovely with a few fruits and plenty of blossoms. Our 3 grape vines are really springing into life now. This year I really must make Warak Aynab - a Lebanese dish of stuffed vine leaves, delicious. My peas are slow to grow but at least they are alive still as are my pots of sweet peas. Whilst on the subject of gardening, I was recently given the most delightful Burgundy Ice rose bush. It's been sat in a pot on my patio for over a week. Today I found the ideal spot for it, slap bang in the middle of my front lawn. The label says it thrives in most soils and needs an open sunny position - well, that's just what it's got. (It also says it will bloom throughout the Summer - so fingers crossed).

Ever had the feeling you're being watched.....?

Our grey tabby, Ziggy, really loves painting lessons. Well, he loves having students around is what I mean. This morning he reached the door before I did when he heard a knock and sat on the doormat waiting for me to open it. He then followed the students to the painting area to make sure they settled in OK. His next move was to curl up on a chair, totally hidden from view by the table covers. He then had a nap and is often heard snoring. He emerged again at lunchtime incase there was any food on offer. Normally at this point he would return to the chair for another nap during the second half of the class. Today he had a surprise. Today he decided to take a more active interest in the painting subject ................................just incase it might flap it's wings and fly off the canvas. Yes, you guessed it, today we painted 'Feathered Friends' . And Ziggy didn't take his eyes off Kate's painting. You can see him here watching Kate's progress. I think we can safely say the painting was realistic enough to fool the cat.

Art Class

How lovely. Last week I opened my emails and received the most touching message from student and friend, Sue Grant. I'm going to have to get this printed out on parchment paper and get it framed. It'll look just right next to my ACI Certificate. Thank you Sue, that's so lovely and I will treasure this. xx

ART CLASS - By Sue Grant

Hurray, Hurray, art class today.
Off I set in my Honda Jazz,
Full of joy, and full of p'zazz,
What will be the subject today?
Will it be blossom in the month of May?
Or perhaps a sunflower and a busy bee,
Or sunbeams glancing off a leafy tree.

Hurray, Hurray, art class today.
I pick up the canvas and paint it white,
Put in a sky, but that's too light,
Add some more blue, says teacher Sue,
And a cheeky cloud, that's what I'd do.
Tap in some bushes and distant trees ,
A few flowers here and some busy bees.

Hurray, Hurray, art class today.
At last the painting's looking good,
But whoops, I wonder how I could
Paint my jumper white and green,
And both my hands a delicate sheen,
Of blue and red and yellow too,
But never mind, along comes Sue.

Hurray, Hurray, art class today.
Sue has grandma's paint remover,
It moves the stains off like a hoover,
So soon my painting's back on track,
The only thing I think it lack's,
Is a touch of white to highlight here,
And a bit of shadow to bring the trees near.

Hurray, Hurray, art class today,
We walk around with Oohs and Aahs,
I love your distant trees afar!
That cloud is great, I love your sky!
And what effect has that water nearby!
We praise each others' works of art,
And leave the class, so sad of heart,

But never mind, it won't be long,
I'll soon be back to sing my song,
'Hurray, Hurray, art class today'
To paint a picture in wonderful hues
And hear my family's aahs and oohs
The thing that I would like to say
Is just how much I enjoy the day.

Beautiful colour scheme

I'd like to show you a really delightful colour combination. Judy purchased my Golden Lake and Bamburgh Castle DVD's and she's been having fun painting them both in a variety of colours. It's great to see what other people make of these compositions and I love to see the results when students put in their own personalities. This beautiful bright blue and mauve, I think, work really well together. Judy writes: 'I have loved and thoroughly enjoyed painting the Golden Lake, but best of all the Bamburgh Castle, I've used other colours as well and they all look good. Had 4 framed and got good comments from the art dealer.' Judy is hoping to make some painting sales to help finance her 15 year old Grandson gain a world title in Tae-Kwondo in Portugal later this year. He already holds the British title. I'm sure you'll join me in wishing Judy all the best with her painting sales, they look beautifiul as they are, they look even more fabulous with their frames.

New venue for painting classes

I'm going to try a new venue - the Church Hall at Stowupland. This lovely light, spacious and airy hall is just perfect for a painting class. Our first class there will be on Thursday 8th July and we will be painting the Northern Lights. You can find details of the class HERE. Our class will start at 10am. The church is located between Stowupland's Post Office and the Primary School. There is parking in the church layby. It's a pretty setting. On a more nostalgic note, I can remember standing outside the church waiting for a wedding to finish. There was one particular person in the entourage that I wanted to meet - none other than football legend (and my West Ham hero) Bobby Moore. His daughter was a bridesmaid at the wedding and very pretty she looked too. I met him again a few years later, can you believe, in the gold souk in Bahrain !! I was shopping for an engagement ring at the time. Anyway...... I'm, getting distracted now......... if you'd like to come along and paint the Northern Lights in July, do drop me a line on info@ayoubart.co.uk or give me a call on 01473 311938

New Classes - New Subject

After today's 'Sunbeams' class I wasn't in too much of a hurry to clear things away. In fact, it was the perfect time to complete a little painting project I started work on a couple of weeks ago. The paints and brushes we used in 'Sunbeams' are exactly the ones I want for this project. Several weeks ago I came across a delightful photograph shown above in sepia tones. I've been wanting to create some quicker painting projects for new classes in the summer. The Green Room in Stowmarket is now available again and I've booked a couple of Saturdays in June and July. These classes will be shorter and cheaper; the paintings will be smaller too. You'll be able to paint in the morning and be done by lunchtime. 'Up', which is my version of the photograph, will be the subject for our June painting - details of times, price and date can be found on my Timetable page HERE.

Oooooo - my back

This morning, feeling energetic, I thought I'd shuffle a few bits around in my studio, making a bit more space than I had before. Too nice to go indoors I followed my shuffle up with a potter. I planted up a couple of hanging baskets with my craft fayre plants. I planted and caned up some sweet peas (I just LOVE the smell of sweet peas). Next, I potted up a very fragrant baby basil plant and found space in the greenhouse for my new hot chilli pepper plant too. At this point I wondered whether to wash my hands and go back indoors and make a start on another version of my 'Feathered Friends' painting (the original sold over the weekend and I no longer have one for display purposes). Looking at my fingers I decided while I had muck under the fingernails I might as well get all my gardening bits done and out the way. So......I do have an achey back from weeding and clearing, but I also have sown my beetroot, parsnips & carrots. My potatoes have been planted up too. I've found a nice spot for my 2 new clematis and camelia. All my forget-me-not plants are now either in pots or in the garden and everything has had a good feed and watering in. Now the potting shed is clear it must be time to get some more bits on the go! i didn't quite have the time to do the bird painting - but I did managed to paint a stack of canvas black which will come in handy for tomorrow's class and future projects.

Bigger.............and better!!

The organiser of the Village Fayre wasn't quite sure what an art demo entailed. But now that she does she's selected an ideal (and bigger) spot in the hall for us to have next year. We'll be able to set up a make and take area too so members of the public can have a little go at some artwork. We'll also be doing a one day Christmas Bazaar there too in November, so I need to get my thinking cap on and make some pretty Christmas designs. I've managed to take some snaps of some of my demo paintings, many of which will make ideal new class painting subjects. All but one demo painting sold in it's wet state which was great as I didn't have to worry about transporting them home. Here's a snap of the last painting I made, sold from the easel as the last brush stroke went on. It was propped up on the floor and took on several different moods as it was hit by bright sunshine and later as the clouds drew in. I had a really interesting chat with the village Vicar. He was asking me about my classes, my students and the subject rapidly turned to faith - faith in your teacher. As he made his way to the next stall you could see the cogs ticking over as he said, 'I feel a sermon coming on'. As I wind down with a glass of wine and think about the lovely people I've met, the neighbours and school friends of over 35 years ago I really have to give a huge, huge thanks to my very dear friend Pauline, who encouraged me to give this fayre a go, who put in loads of effort, remembered to bring sweeteners, and done her best to keep me away from the cake stall. xx

Forgetting the most important thing.....

Is this a sign of old age? I hope not! My car was loaded for today's demo - with the exception of a couple of things which I had left in plain view on the dining room table. Despite this, I managed to tear out the door, forgetting the most vital piece of equipment. Of course, I didn't realise my predicament until I arrived at the hall and started to set up. I mean, how can you begin to do a demo when you didn't bring your paints with you? With the words 'You Plonker, Rodney' ringing in my ear I had no choice but to drive home for them. I was up and running by about 11.30am, so all was not lost. It was great to see some familiar faces, being born and bread in Stowupland. The clock most definately turned back to Primary School years and it was great catching up with some childhood schoolmates - and some old neighbours. But - one of the best results of the day was a delightful lady who had a plant stall. I've stocked up with some more vegetable plants for an absolute song. The lady in the queue in front of me spent £25 on garden plants and I'm thinking there's easily £75 - £100 worth of products there had they been on display at any garden centre.I managed to steer clear of the home made cake stall, but did give in to a slice of cake in the afternoon. The hall ran the most amazing coffee shop, also providing full lunches which was really successful. A very short stroll down the road, in the local Church, the flower festival is on display. Sadly I didn't manage to have a look at that, I must pop and see the arrangements before they are taken down.

I'm your man?

Yet April ends with the basics of another portrait completed. I wanted to get this prep work done so it can dry in time for the weekend. I can work on this at any quiet times I might get during my demonstration day at Stowupland Village Hall. With my car all loaded and ready for an early morning start I hope someone wakes me up before I go-go. I can remember seeing this chap live on stage at Wembley Stadium several years ago with both my daughters in tow. The day's events featured a wide range of superstars from Eurythmics, Bowie, Stereophonics, Robbie Williams to mention just a few. There was someone there for each of us. This chap appeared about three quarters of the way through the chairty concert and his entrance on stage was one of the best I've seen. As he spun round to face the audience, sat in a huge red leather and chrome chair in centre stage his black hair, white, white teeth and gradient sunglasses were sheer class. If you're a fan, I'll leave you with one of my favourite tracks (and a rather clever video) HERE

Please stay nice......

I do hope this brilliant weather stays like this for the Bank Holiday weekend. It's been nice to have the kitchen door wide open. At the moment I spend a lot of my time sitting in my dining room as I have a lovely little portrait working area that's been set up for quite a while. It's non-invasive and doesn't hardly disrupt the dining room at all and it's been brilliant painting with all this fresh air and country sounds around me. For the past few days I've had another little portrait sitting in the side lines and I've been messing around with him for 5 - 10 minutes at a time. Probably not the sort of character anyone would want to mess with, but I thought he might make a good subject. He's not quite finished yet but now his features have been refined he really does look quite sinister in the semi-darkness of the dining room. Right, I'm off for a game of Quid Pro Quo.......with a nice bottle of Chianti and some fava beans

Bank Holiday weekend Art Demo

At Stowupland Village Hall there will be several stalls open over the Bank Holiday weekend. I have a stall there and I will be giving a live demonstration of the wet on wet technique.....and I hope to have a portrait painting project on the side too (space permitting). I shall have art supplies on display for sale and I shall be selling off some of my paintings, unframed, at bargain prices. I need to make room in my studio once again and this week alone I've sorted out several boxes of paintings that need homes. I'm sharing the stall with another artist, Pauline, and her work will also be available to purchase. Pauline will be manning the stall on all 3 days. I will only be demo-ing on the Saturday (1st May). If you 'd like to pop along and give us a look, say hello, we are in Church Road, Stowupland, Nr Stowmarket, IP14 4BQ.

Here's looking at you

Last week I set to work on a portrait commission. I have another avid fan who also wants a painting of Peter Andre. She is set to move home in May and didn't want the painting before the move. I've practically finished the portrait and although it has a huge amount of similarities as the last one, obviously, it also has some difference too. Which is just what you want really. Here's a close up of Mr Andre's eyes and I'm pleased some people have guessed the character from this shot alone.

A new product

Here's a natty little piece of equipment you might like to add to your art supplies. It's the Alexander Brush Cleaning Screen. It measures just over 4 inches wide and is less than an inch high. This means you don't need much thinners in your pot to get coverage - which is great if you use an expensive variety. Available direct from the UK it's only £5.30 delivered to your door. I used mine for the first time yesterday and it does a great job, even cleaned my delicate liner brush and other soft brushes too. Because of it's size I only need a little cleaner pot. CLICK HERE to be taken to the shopping cart if you'd like one. Remember, price includes postage and packing to any European address.

A new painting subject

A little while ago I received a message from a student of mine. Katie wanted to book a class and asked if it were possible to paint something from the Sue's Gallery selection rather than the Class Subject choices. And from that request we now have a rather pretty - and different - painting subject that is suitable to be taught in a class. I'm putting this new painting ' Feathered Friends ' as the Capel class subject for June, it will probably be the painting subject for July at Heartlands once I sort out some new dates. See HERE for details and if you CLICK HERE you'l find a larger image of the new painting subject.

The sun has got his hat on....

Taking maximum advantage of the recent sunny weather, I decided to prep 3 boxes of canvases. All have been given 2 coats of flesh toned gesso and are ready for any of the June students who wish me to supply their portrait canvas for them. My patio had every sunny inch taken up with lines of canvas drying out. I'll be sending out an announcement to the Valerie Stewart students later this week incase you'd like to order your canvases in advance. Valerie also wants to extend an invitation to anyone who is interested in dropping by when we have the portrait seminar. Drop-ins will be on the 5th & 6th June, afternoons only. It'll give you an idea of what we've been doing and how we are getting along. It might even tempt you to sign up for a 2011 portrait seminar. I still have availablity for this 4 day oil painting portraiture workshop, details can be found HERE.If you are unable to attend the seminar but wish to learn Valerie's technique you might be interested in her DVD's. A single portrait demo DVD is a bargain at just £16; the intensive 6 DVD set is just £145. Details of the DVDs can be found HERE. As I was in a portrait frame of mind I decided to finish off this fella (yes, it IS a fella). I might just keep this guy for myself....... Regular readers will know I've learned to create these portraits simply by following Valerie's DVD tuition. This is my 7th ever oil portrait and the second portrait that I have completed without having to refer to the DVD's. You can find a larger version of this painting by clicking HERE.

A gift for a friend

Thanks to a couple of students (who were armed with camera's on Saturday) I can share a snap taken from a recent class. On the left you can see Hazel. On the right, with her back to us, is her friend Pauline. Pauline decided to book the seascape painting workshop as a total surprise for her friend, who was a first time painter. An unusual birthday gift, yet a gift that will last forever in memory and on canvas.

Pauline paints frequently and recently took part in the Needham Market exhibition. She managed to sell over half of her paintings. Fingers crossed she'll have more sales in another exhibition in May. If you'd like to surprise a friend or loved one with a painting class (or a private lesson) AyoubArt Gift Vouchers can be purchased by clicking HERE

What a star.....

Thank heavens for the half-term holidays. Edward is 16 years old, as tall as a house and is more than keen to earn himself a wage. Which is very fortunate for me. I recently hosted a class for a group of Women's Institute ladies. By having Edward along with me he really did save my back and my legs by unloading the car, helping to set up, cleaning brushes, clearing away and re-loading the car. He even managed to snap away and take photos for the website for me. Edward has painted a couple of oils himself so he was also great at giving encouragement and feedback to the ladies. He washed up the tea things, helped adjust some easels to a more workable angle and had his eye scanning the classroom at all times so he was more than aware if anyone was getting low on paint or unsure what brush to use. If I had a pound for every time a student asked to take him home..................... So, a big thanks to my new ladies who all made fabulous paintings - and - a double big thanks to Edward for helping my day along and saving me loads of time before, during and after the workshop. XXX You can just see Edward here, in the blue top, helping a lady turn her painting around on her easel.

Learn to paint by DVD

Let me tell you about Meera. Meera recently came along to a painting class at Heartlands. She drove for approx 3 hours to get to me, sat for 5 hours painting mountains, lakes, pine trees and clouds. She drove home after the class with her first ever oil painting masterpiece. And her painting was beautiful - really beautiful. She was beaming. Meera purchased a Lowell Speers DVD from me, the monochromatic seascape. Recently I received an email from Meera and attached was a photo of her painting which was made just by following the tuitional DVD. I think you'll agree she has made a fabulous version of this tonal seascape. If you'd like to have a go at this painting project you can find the details of the DVD HERE at just £9.50 delivered to your door.